You may think you know the stories of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel but don't believe everything a bard tells you. And what about those nameless Princes Charming? Read this book to get the low-down: the pampered, sheltered life was not enough for Cinderella. Rapunzel saved herself and her prince never lived it down. Sleeping Beauty is a spoiled brat. Snow White's prince can't be left unsupervised. Somehow this unlikely band finds themselves thrown together on a quest to save each other, defeat an evil witch, and show the world that they're more than their stories.

This book is a hilarious take on classic fairy tales. Having the various Princes Charming meet and lament over their plight at being looked over for their princesses adds a fun twist. Each have very distinct personalities and watching them interact and learn to get along is both entertaining and touching. It contains a lot of great lessons ranging from how to be a good friend to how to be true to your self. I particularly appreciate that there's male characters who are hopeless with swords and fierce female fighters and vice versa. The illustrations throughout only add to the already ample humor.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Erica's Picks
​Tags: Adventure, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Friendship, Humor, People of Color, Retellings

“Their deaths might leave a hole in our hearts as deep as the ocean, but it is only because we are as deep as the ocean, and our capacity to love is as high as the sky. The earthquake took much from us. But there is much we can take from it as well” This novel set in 1906 San Francisco follows the story of Mercy Wong, a girl living in Chinatown who is determined to get an education and improve her life. She plots, lies, and bribes her way into the prestigious St. Clare's school only to find that it's not what she expected. All their problems need to be put aside however when disaster strikes and the St. Clare's girls need to work together just to survive. 



Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Erica's Picks
6th & up
Tags: Character Driven, Friendship, Historical Fiction, People of Color

Harper Scott doesn't have a life; she has the ballet. She doesn't go to parties, she doesn't date. Every spare minute is spent either practicing ballet or earning money for lessons and pointe shoes. But it's all okay because she has a plan: graduate high school early and audition for the SF Ballet. The moment she earns a spot in the company, all her sacrifices will be worth while.
Unless, of course, it isn't. Unless she discovers that while she loves the ballet, it doesn't love her back. Unless it turns out it was all for nothing. Unless she has to go as far away as she can just to find out who she is. Which is how Harper Scott: ballet dancer ends up being Harper Scott: totally unprepared Antarctic Explorer.




Up to This Pointe by Jennifer Longo
Erica's Picks
8th & up
​Tags: Character Driven, Contemporary Fiction, Family Life, Romance

This book, while non-fiction, reads like an adventure novel. The story of Minamoto Yoshitsune is larger than life and the bravery, betrayals, and brutal ending felt like the best kind of Hollywood epic. When Yoshitsune was just a baby, his father was killed by a rival clan. Raised in a monastery, Yoshitsune was determined to escape and learn the way of the Samurai. Despite a late start in training, he became one of the most famous samurai of all time known for his fearless leadership in battle and the fierce loyalty he inspired among his men. But not everyone loved Yoshitsune, and when he was finally betrayed his death by seppuku would solidify the practice in Samurai tradition. Don't miss this thrilling tale!



Samurai Rising by Pamela S. Turner, Illustrated by Gareth Hinds

Erica's Picks
6th & up
​Tags: Adventure, Biography, Fast-Paced, History, Nonfiction, People of Color