Fantasy
Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
In Lost Evangeline by Kate DiCamillo, wishes are fulfilled in unexpected ways. Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Candlewick, ...
Read More 
Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
By Betsy Farquhar |
Maisie is excited to get her first phone, but when she starts getting weird messages and hears about Moonleapers, she starts to wonder what is ...
Read More 
*The Song of the Stone Tiger by Glenn McCarty
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magical woods, fairy stories, music, and sacrificial friendship offer Thomas and a stone tiger hope as they walk through the valley of the shadow of ...
Read More 
Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
Toys come to life in Pocket Bear, featuring a tough-talking cat and a World War I mascot. Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles ...
Read More 
*Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
By Hayley Morell |
Nothing will stop Mother Shrew’s quest to fetch wild honey from the moon for her sick son, Hugo. *Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth ...
Read More 
Beyond the Far Horizon (Restorationists #3) by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Restorationists are back, and this time Ravi is constantly seeking what lies beyond the far horizon. Beyond the Far Horizon (Restorationists #3) by Carolyn ...
Read More 
The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror Town by Daniel Nayeri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Abel makes a desperate gamble for love, but when he falls into Mirror Town, he gets more than he bargained on. The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror ...
Read More 
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Forest of a Thousand Eye pictures a decaying community at the mercy of nature, and one girl plunged into a desperate situation. The Forest ...
Read More 
*The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The Winter of the Dollhouse is a cozy story with fantasy elements addressing generational relationship, longing, loss, and reconciliation. *The Winter of the Dollhouse by ...
Read More 
*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers are invited by a narrator into Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon. *Three Tales of My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, illustrated ...
Read More 
The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Library of Curiosities, an orphaned girl discovers her heritage as the latest of a curiosity-collecting dynasty. The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist. ...
Read More 
*Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard
By Janie Cheaney |
Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is an excellent visual presentation of a classic story. *Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted and ...
Read More 
The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Library of Unruly Treasures introduces readers to a race of tiny people with wings, and a human girl who may be their rescuer. The ...
Read More 
*The Heart of Adventure (Mistmantle Chronicles)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Mistmantle Chronicles is an action-packed and beautifully written series of five books that follow the adventures of Urchin, a young and brave red squirrel ...
Read More 
*The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli takes readers on parallel quests through 8th-century China and New York’s Depression-Era Chinatown. *The Nine Moons of ...
Read More 
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
By Hayley Morell |
While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a fun, contained, YA fantasy. The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin. Enclave ...
Read More 
The Magic Bicycle by John Bibee
By Megan Saben |
The Magic Bicycle is a story about a boy and his mysterious bicycle with spiritual parallels. The Magic Bicycle by John Bibee. John Bibee Books, ...
Read More 
The Tower of Geburah by John White
By Megan Saben |
The Tower of Geburah, the third book in the Archives of Anthropos, is a good introduction to a Christian fantasy series that will delight Narnia ...
Read More 
*The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The King of Attolia, Gen must bring all his grit, cleverness, and convictions to bear as he works to earn the right to be ...
Read More 
*Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kamet and Costis, two characters from earlier in the Queen's Thief series, take center stage in Thick as Thieves. *Thick as Thieves (Queen's Thief, #5) ...
Read More 
*The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Queen of Attolia is both diabolical and lovely; Eugenides loves her despite the choices she must make on behalf of her crown. *The Queen ...
Read More 
*A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sophos, newly king of Sounis, takes center stage in A Conspiracy of Kings, the fourth Queen's Thief book. *A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen's Thief, #4) ...
Read More 
The Minor Rescue by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Noah Minor is back in The Minor Rescue, this time on a quest to save twenty-six middle schoolers who were captured by his Uncle Saul. ...
Read More 
Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sky of Seven Colors imagines a world that finds power in color, demands everything from its heroine, and offers a bit of true love. Sky ...
Read More 
The War of the Maps (The Vanished Kingdom #3) by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
The War of Maps is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and wildly fantastic conclusion to the Peter Nimble stories (or, is it?). The War of the Maps ...
Read More 
Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists
By Janie Cheaney |
Eighteen classic tales are retold in panels by established graphic artists in Fairy Tale Comics. Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists, edited ...
Read More 
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, a Graphic Novel Adaptation by Shanower and Young
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic novel adaptation from Marvel brings Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz to life for fans of the series. Dorothy and the Wizard in ...
Read More 
*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle. *Once a Castle by Sarah ...
Read More 
*A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
By Hayley Morell |
Beauty and the Beast, with echoes of other fairytales, is spun together with Chinese folklore in an an excellent YA fantasy: A Forgery of Fate. ...
Read More 
A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin and Fred Fordham
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wizard of Earthsea recasts a classic fantasy novel in graphic-novel format. A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted ...
Read More 
The Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Island of Stars is an interesting story for readers who want a new spin on old-fashioned adventure tales. The Island of Stars by Carrie ...
Read More 
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Will finding, and wielding, the Despicable Wonders help Amari save her world? Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3) by B. B. Alston. Balzer ...
Read More 
Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Amari is back and playing the most dangerous game she's played in her eventful young life! Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2) by ...
Read More 
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a thoughtful, touching, and gently humorous speculation about the afterlife. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey ...
Read More 
Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lola is a sensitive exploration of loss with striking visual imagery and an unusual plot. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf Books for Young Readers, ...
Read More 
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon blends folklore, contemporary fantasy, and painting into a lovely work of art. The Gate, the Girl, and the ...
Read More 
*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More 
The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper series #5) by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The 5-volume Dream Keeper series comes to a rousing finish with The Last Keeper. The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper Saga, book 5) by Kathryn Butler. ...
Read More 
*Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beyond Mulberry Glen is a deeply satisfying, enjoyable fantasy that would make a great family read aloud. *Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence. Waxwing Books, ...
Read More 
The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Legend of Greyhallow is a fun, inventive fantasy, perfect for an entertaining, recreational read. The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short. Simon & ...
Read More 
Newbery Buzz #1: Olivetti
By Janie Cheaney |
Here we go again: when ALA Award season approaches, we can’t help speculating about which high-profile children’s books will snatch the coveted Newbery medal. Sometimes ...
Read More 
Three 2024 YA Romantic Fantasy Novels
By Hayley Morell |
Dragonfruit, What Monstrous Gods, and The Hedgewitch of Foxhall: three 2024 YA romantic fantasy novels by authors we have enjoyed in the past. Dragonfruit by ...
Read More 
Back Porch Book Chat with Tasha Kazanjian (YA author)
By Megan Saben |
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books and writing. Today we're visiting with Tasha Kazanjian, author of A Trick of Spades. A lover ...
Read More 
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Creatures takes readers on an unforgettable quest to re-enchant an imaginary world—that may not be as imaginary as it seems. Impossible Creatures by Katherine ...
Read More 
Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Janie Cheaney |
Between Flowers and Bones continues The Restorationists adventure series, in which members of a family are gifted with the ability to travel through works of ...
Read More 
Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
Rosa by Starlight is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats. Rosa by ...
Read More 
*The Mythmakers by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Mythmakers, John Hendrix explores an extraordinarily fruitful friendship and its roots in myth and legend. *The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. ...
Read More 
Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings is an exhilarating installment in the Jack Zulu series, but it will leave you wanting more! ...
Read More 
The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends. The Minor Miracle: The ...
Read More 
Wormwood Abbey: A Guest Post by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
Today we are happy to share a guest post from Gina Dalfonzo, author and fellow book reviewer. Gina has been a guest at Redeemed Reader ...
Read More 
*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in the Wilderking Trilogy, a ...
Read More 
Majestica by Sarah Tolcser
By Janie Cheaney |
Majestica takes readers on a thrill ride through a wildlife park filled with magical creatures. Majestica by Sarah Tolcser. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (PRH), 2024, 307 ...
Read More 
Wander Lost by Laura Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
Read More 
Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae. Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson. Candlewick, ...
Read More 
*Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've updated our review of this gem: a lovely story about gratitude and Chinese mythology for middle grades. Note: this is one of our featured ...
Read More 
The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Looking-Glass Illusion brings the story from The Wonderland Trials to a clever and satisfying conclusion in this fantasy series for teens. The Looking-Glass Illusion ...
Read More 
Olivetti by Allie Millington
By Janie Cheaney |
Olivetti features an uncommon protagonist—a manual typewriter—with the keys to unravel a mystery. Olivetti by Allie Millington. Feiwel and Friends, 2024, 246 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More 
Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Max in the House of Spies begins the story of an 11-year-old German boy who believes he has what it takes to be a secret ...
Read More 
*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida
By Janie Cheaney |
Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...
Read More 
Reading K. M. Shea’s Clean Urban Fantasy
By Hayley Morell |
Snarky heroines, quick banter, action, adventure, and a dash of romance are all components to K. M. Shea’s urban fantasy novels, but are they suitable ...
Read More 
*Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Sarah Arthur's YA fantasy novel Once a Queen imagines a world like ours where stories come to life, but individuals have to return to reality. ...
Read More 
The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old works through grief in The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale. The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by ...
Read More 
Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel
By Janie Cheaney |
Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...
Read More 
YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...
Read More 
Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte
By Janie Cheaney |
Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
Read More 
*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with ...
Read More 
*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
Read More 
*Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet
By Hayley Morell |
Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
Read More 
Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. ...
Read More 
*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...
Read More 
Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...
Read More 
*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and ...
Read More 
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...
Read More 
What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by ...
Read More 
YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...
Read More 
Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
By Hayley Morell |
In the tradition of Susan Cooper, a lyrical, dark fantasy for mature middle grade readers. Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef. Simon & Schuster Books ...
Read More 
Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Megan Saben |
Vincent and his cousin Georgia travel through the Corridor and art masterpieces to rescue Vincent's little sister while trying to undo the villainous efforts of ...
Read More 
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
Gumluck the Wizard is a charming chapter-book character with some humorous misapprehensions. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book One) by Adam Rex. Chronicle Books, ...
Read More 
Starboard by Nicola Skinner
By Janie Cheaney |
Starboard takes a young reality-TV star on an involuntary voyage of self-discovery. Starboard by Nicola Skinner. Harper 2023 (US edition), 398 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More 
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Magician's Elephant is a delicately written (and illustrated) fairy tale of one boy's longing for family, one girl's longing for home, and an elephant ...
Read More 
Big Tree by Brian Selznick
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Tree, by best-selling author-illustrator Brian Selznick, attempts to capture the wonder of creation without a Creator. Big Tree by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2023, 525 ...
Read More 
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legends of Lotus Island series follows a child of destiny as she seeks to pass “The Guardian Test.” The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus ...
Read More 
Princess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore
By Janie Cheaney |
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking. Princess of the ...
Read More 
2023 Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...
Read More 
Love and Laughter Book List
By Janie Cheaney |
A Valentine's Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance. It’s the season of hearts and flowers and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is ...
Read More 
Windswept by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
Windswept is a lovely fantasy/fairy tale of children learning to take on the responsibility of stewardship through story, service, and sacrifice. Windswept by Margi Preus. ...
Read More 
2023 Newbery Buzz #4: Jack Zulu
By Betsy Farquhar |
Does an independently published novel like Jack Zulu have what it takes to win the Newbery? We're back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #4 for 2023. ...
Read More 
*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate
By Hayley Morell |
In a whimsical tale within a tale, two royal children discover that their castle (and their own mother!) have a very interesting past. A Dragon ...
Read More 
The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
Though not for every reader, The Rat Queen effectively exposes the harm caused to individual souls by hiding or excusing their own sins. The Rat ...
Read More 
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
By Betsy Farquhar |
Alice wants to be a Wonder and compete in the Wonderland Trials, but she's just an ordinary Normal girl in this inventive take on Alice ...
Read More
*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the ...
Read More 
Fantasy Books for Teen Girls: Keeper of the Lost Cities Read-Alikes
By Betsy Farquhar |
We have several fantasy book lists here on Redeemed Reader, but this list is especially for those who enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost ...
Read More 
Keeper of the Lost Cities: Is it Safe? Is it Good?
By Betsy Farquhar |
Keeper of the Lost Cities is a wildly popular series for teens; what do we think about it? Note: this was written about the first ...
Read More 
*The Song that Moves the Sun by Anna Bright
By Janie Cheaney |
The Song that Moves the Sun takes four teens through the cosmos of Dante, with revelations on harmony, love, and friendship. *The Song that Moves ...
Read More 
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman
By Janie Cheaney |
The much-hyped fantasy series opener Skandar and the Unicorn Thief breaks new ground in unicorn lore. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman. ...
Read More 
Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex. Viking, 2022, ...
Read More 
*Watership Down by Richard Adams
By Janie Cheaney |
Richard Adams' classic tale employs noble themes of vision, courage, and sacrifice among some of the most humble and ordinary of animals in their quest ...
Read More 
The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga #1) by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Dreamkeeper Saga weaves Christian themes, Arthurian legend, and reliable fantasy tropes into a promising series for middle-graders. The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga ...
Read More 
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Last Mapmaker, a low-born but spirited girl, an aged craftsman, and high stakes at sea make for a satisfying adventure. The Last Mapmaker ...
Read More 
The Elk King by Jenn Discher
By Betsy Farquhar |
Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The ...
Read More