The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan (2006); Grades 6-9; Series: Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Greek mythology for the 21st century! 12 year-old Percy Jackson, who struggles with learning disabilities and has been kicked out of multiple schools, unwittingly discovers he is none other than the god Poseidon’s son. As Percy grapples with his heritage, he is accused of stealing Zeus’s thunderbolt and, unless he returns it, well, it’ll be the end of the world as we know it . . .
The Sea of Trolls, by Nancy Farmer (2004); Grades 6 & Up; Sequel: The Land of Silver Apples (2007)
Despair, Hope, Life, Death, Magic & Norse Mythology! Jack, a common farm boy, becomes a Bard’s apprentice just before he and his sister, Lucy, are captured by Viking Beserkers. When Lucy is handed over to the half-troll queen Frith, Jack casts a spell that makes the Queen’s hair fall out. Now Jack must embark on a dangerous quest (battling trolls, man-eating spiders, dragons, and more) to reverse the spell before Lucy is sacrificed to the Queen’s patron goddess.
The Dark Hills Divide, by Patrick Carmen (2005); Grades 4-6; Series: The Land of Elyon
12 year-old Alexa yearns to know what lies outside of the walled city she has grown up in. When the town’s keeper dies he provides Alexa with the means to escape. Once outside, Alexa discovers an enchanted land and creates allies who will help save her city from the evil that lurks inside it’s walls.
Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collin (2003); Grades 4-8; Series: The Underland Chronicles
Giant bats, rats and cockroaches, oh my! 11 year-old Gregor encounters all three when he and his sister, Boots, fall down a laundry room air vent and into the Underland. The pale, violet-eyed humans, who also inhabit the Underland believe Gregor is the prophetic warrior sent from above to defeat their arch enemies, the rats. Gregor just wants to go home, however, until he discovers the prophecy also suggests he might find his long lost father in the Underland.
The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau (2003); Grades 4-7; Series: Books of Ember
Ember, a large 241 year-old underground city designed to be a shelter for humans during a catastrophe, is failing. The lights are growing dim and supplies are running out. The residents need to evacuate, but all the instructions left by their ancestors have been lost. Worst of all, the current citizens of Ember do not realize there is a way out, believing “there is nowhere but here.” Then, 12-year-old Lina and Doon stumble on a mysterious message entitled “Instructions for Egress” . . .
Bella at Midnight, by Diane Stanley (2006); Grades 5-8
Glass slippers, a beautiful gown, and a magic ring! Bella, a child of noble birth, is abandoned as an infant, by her arrogant father Unaware of her heritage, Bella is raised by a loving foster family until her father returns to collect her after 13 years. Unhappy in her new home, Bella also discovers there is a devious plot afoot that involves her childhood friend, Prince Julian. The courageous Bella risks her life to warn the prince and stop a war.
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