The Realms of the Gods (Tamora Pierce)

Author Biography

Tamora Pierce has written numerous renowned fantasy novels, set in either the “Tortall” universe or the “Circle” universe. In 2013 she received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her body of work.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 1996

ISBN: 0-689-86209-I

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Transported to the Divine Realms to save their lives, Daine and Numair must find their way back to Tortall, where their friends need them. But can two mortals survive all the dangers that litter the realms of the gods, or the dangers awaiting them back home?

Sacrifice (Cindy Pon)

Author Biography

Cindy Pon is the author of four YA fantasy novels and a member of the We Need Diverse Books advisory board. In 2011, she co-founded the Diversity in YA blog with Malinda Lo.

Published By: Month9Books

Year: 2016

ISBN-10: 978-1-944816-92-6

ISBN-13: 978-1-944816-52-0

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Following the events of Serpentine, Skybright begins her new demonic existence with no hope of seeing her loved ones again. But fate will soon reunite them as terrifying supernatural forces threaten them all.

First Test (Tamora Pierce)

Author Biography

Tamora Pierce has written numerous renowned fantasy novels, set in either the “Tortall” universe or the “Circle” universe. In  2013 she received the Margaret A. Edwards award for her body of work.

Published By: Random House Inc.

Year: 1999

ISBN: 0-679-88914-0

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

As the first openly female page in Tortall, Kel is an outcast among the boys and disdained by conservative adults. But she stands firm in her goal of becoming a knight to protect those in need.

Spindle's End (Robin McKinley)

Author Biography

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

Published By: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-0-698-11950-5

Reading Level: Grades 10 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

In this imaginative retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” a cursed princess is raised as a peasant by fairies to protect her. But the fate decreed at her birth can’t be altered… or can it?

River Secrets (Shannon Hale)

Author Biography

Shannon Hale is the Newbery Honor-winning author of Princess Academy, as well as the four Books of Bayern. She lives in South Jordan, Utah.

Published By: Bloomsbury U.S.A.

Year: 2006

ISBN-13: 978-1-58234-901-5

ISBN-10: 1-58234-901-0

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Awkward, unassuming Razo hardly seems to belong among the soldiers sent on a peacekeeping mission to Tira. But when mysterious deaths occur and threaten to cause a new war, it just might be Razo’s sharp wits and deductive skills that save the day.

The Great Tree of Avalon: Child of the Dark Prophecy/Merlin, Book 9: The Great Tree of Avalon (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: 2004

ISBN: 0-399-23763-1

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

According to the Lady of the Lake’s Dark Prophecy, a child born seventeen years ago will threaten to destroy Avalon, and only Merlin's true heir can save it. But when will these prophesized figures appear – and who could they be?

Emperor Mage (Tamora Pierce)

Author Biography

Tamora Pierce has written numerous renowned fantasy novels, set in either the “Tortall” universe or the “Circle” universe. In 2013 she received the Margaret A. Edwards award for her body of work.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 1995

ISBN: 0-689-85613-X

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

When a peace delegation travels from Tortall to the empire of Carthak, Daine is invited to join them. Little does she know that the gods are angry with the ruthless Emperor Ozorne… and willing to use her magic as a tool to punish him.