The Blue Sword (Robin McKinley)

Author Biography

Robin McKinley has won multiple awards for her young adult fantasy novels, including the 1985 Newbery Medal award for The Hero and the Crown. She lives in Hampshire, England.

Published By: Greenwillow Books

Year: 1982

ISBN: 987-0-688-00938-0

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Stolen from her colony home by the Hill-king Corlath, Harry Crewe is trained as a warrior and discovers great fighting prowess and magic within herself. Can she use them to defend both the Hillfolk and her own people from a demon army?

Roses (G.R. Mannering)

Author Biography

G.R. Mannering (aka Rose Mannering) signed with the literary agency Creative Authors at age eighteen and secured her first publishing deal a year later. She lives in Kent, England.

Published By: Sky Pony Press

Year: 2013

ISBN: 978-1-62087-988-7

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

With silver skin, white hair, purple eyes and magic in her veins, Beauty grows up as a despised outcast. But in fleeing from persecution, she finds a new life in a mysterious castle… a castle that belongs to a Beast.

Bound (Donna Jo Napoli)

Author Biography

Donna Jo Napoli is head of the linguistics department at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She has written dozens of books for children, tweens and young adults alike.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 2004

ISBN: 0-689-86175-3

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

In this Chinese-flavored “Cinderella” retelling, Xing Xing is an unwanted stepdaughter in a society where girls are worthless. But will she be bound by oppression forever?

Guinevere's Gift (Nancy McKenzie)

Author Biography

Nancy McKenzie has written multiple novels inspired by Arthurian legend, primarily centered on the figure of Guinevere. She lives in Connecticut.

Published By: Alfred A. Knopff

Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-375-84345-7

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Plain, unassuming young Guinevere hardly seems suited to the prophecy that foretold a glorious future for her. But when an evil nobleman plots against everyone she cares for, Guinevere’s efforts to stop him might prove her true worth.

The Seven Songs of Merlin/Merlin, Book 2: The Seven Songs (T.A. Barron)

Author Biography

T.A. Barron is a prolific author of books for children and young adults, particularly in the fantasy genre, as well as an active founder and supporter of conservation causes. He lives in Colorado.

Published By: Penguin Group USA

Year: 1997

ISBN: 978-0-399-25021-7

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

When young Merlin’s reckless use of magic puts his mother in danger, he sets out on a quest to save her. On this quest, he must master the Seven Songs of Wizardry, and learn what it means to be a great wizard and a wise man.

The Book of Three (Lloyd Alexander)

Author Biography
Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the widely renowned author of numerous fantasy novels, most famously The Chronicles of Prydain. His honors include a 1966 Newbery Honor for The Black Cauldron and the 1969 Newbery Medal for The High King.

Published By: Holt, Rinehart and Winston

Year: 1964

ISBN: 0-8050-0874-8

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Tired of pig-keeping and longing for adventure, Taran is suddenly thrust into a quest to defend his homeland from evil. This journey brings him new friends and teaches him the true nature of war and heroism.

The Lost Years of Merlin/Merlin, Book I: The Lost Years (T.A. Barron)

Author Biography

T.A. Barron is a prolific author of books for children and young adults, particularly in the fantasy genre, as well as an active founder and supporter of conservation causes. He lives in Colorado.

Published By: Penguin Group USA

Year: 1996

ISBN: 399-23018-1

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

With no memory of his past, Emrys sets out on a quest to learn who he truly is. A quest that will eventually transform him into the greatest wizard the world has ever known: Merlin.