When Thom's super strength first showed up, it was bad enough. She used to love playing soccer, but now she either barely taps the ball or hits it so hard it injures people. Then her mother moves her across the country and she struggles to fit in. At her old school there were plenty of Asian-American kids, but at her new school it makes her stand out as she gets bullied for her 'strange' ways. Then she accidentally unleashes the Monkey King and her life is changed forever. She's heard the stories about how he's a trickster, but he seems nice enough. And he's the only one who seems able to help her with her powers. Soon she discovers all the stories her mother told her are true and she has no idea who she really is or who she can trust.

This fantasy story based on Vietnamese mythology drew me in from the first page. Thom is a great character and it's easy to relate to her struggle to fit in and confusion over who to trust. The Monkey King is charismatic, but mischievous. Her new neighbor seems nice but is clearly hiding something. And Thom's mother loves her but refuses to tell her anything about her father. It certainly kept me guessing and resulted in a few surprises. A fun adventure story for all. 

Girl Giant and the Monkey King by Van Hoang 
Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
​tags: adventure, animals, fantasy, fast-paced, People of Color, retellings, sports

Everything changes for Maya when the world drains of color one day. At first, she thinks it's just a weird fluke. But soon she discovers the truth her parents have been hiding from her: Orishas and the stories her father tells her are real, he's a guardian of the veil, and dark forces are threatening to invade her world. Not only is Maya a descendant of the gods, but her two best friends are too. And it's a good thing they are because Maya will need their powers as they journey across the veil into the Dark on a quest to save the world.

This story is based on the Yoruba gods from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Much like Percy Jackson, the main characters are children of those gods and mortals. The threat of the darkbringers and the Lord of Shadows is scary, although traveling through their land makes Maya seem them in a new light. I loved learning about Yoruba mythology through this book and the adventure kept me turning the pages. A promising start to a new series.

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron 
Erica's Picks
​4th -6th
tags: adventure, fantasy, friendship, People of Color, retellings

Eleven year old Danny still believes in fairy dust, much to the dismay of his social worker. When Danny injures himself trying to fly, she has to find a new foster family for him. She urges him to forget about the fairy tales his older sister used to tell him before she disappeared. But Danny knows his sister is waiting for him in the world of Rio Luna, if he can only find a way there. No one believes him, until a field trip to the New York Public Library leads him to a copy of the original Rio Luna book that's glowing. There he finds a kid his age and her aunt, who agree to help him on his quest. Along the way they encounter fantastic creatures and sights and many dangers. But nothing can stop Danny on his quest to find his sister.

This will appeal to all book lovers who have ever wanted to escape into the world of their favorite story. There's a great cast of characters from Danny and Glory to Prince Llewelyn the Jackalope. The story is a bit slow to start, but once Danny finds the magical book and his quest begins the plot speeds along with fantastical creatures, magic, and adventure.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Córdova 
3rd - 5th
​tags: adventure, animals, fairy tales, fantasy, People of Color

When Bea's adopted grandfather goes missing, she is determined to find him. He may be a powerful wizard, but he doesn't remember things like he used to and Bea is afraid for his safety. Along the way she meets Cad, the last of the Galudrians who is convinced that her grandfather holds the key to keeping the darkness at bay. Together, along with Bea's pet cat, they set off on a quest through a strange and dangerous world to find Bea's grandfather, the lost Galudrians, and the light.

This is a beautiful fantasy world and the full-color illustrations transport you into it. With lush landscapes and expressive characters, the comic has a cinematic quality. The story is a classic adventure tale with sacrifices, trials, tricks, and battles. Great for fans of Amulet and other fantasy adventures.

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th
​tags: 

​Antonia has devoted herself to the study of magic and fought for her apprenticeship with Master Betrys. She can tell you all about the theory of magic and memorize long strings of spells, but she can still barely make a turnip dance. Which is why she's so upset when the kitchen maid, Moppe can animate a turnip on her first attempt without any training at all. She has so much natural talent, but none of the knowledge Antonia has worked so hard for. When they find out only one can be Master Betrys's apprentice, the rivalry escalates. But when Master Betrys is arrested after an attempted coup, they must put aside their differences to work together to prove her innocence and save their kingdom.

This book is filled with adventure and humor, yet doesn't slack off on the world-building or characterization. I loved all the magical creatures, the trials our protagonists have to face, and the relationship between the two. Neither is the side-kick as both take center stage in this unusual and refreshing fantasy novel. Highly recommended for young fantasy fans. 

Rival Magic by Deva Fagan

Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: 

Elatsoe can raise the spirits of the dead. When her faithful dog died, she called him back and his ghost has been by her side ever since. The knowledge and talent for this ritual has been passed down by her Lipan Apache ancestors from her grandmother who has a ghost mammoth companion to her famous six-great grandmother who battled supernatural creatures. But one important imperative has been passed down as well: never raise the spirits of dead humans. So when her cousin dies in mysterious circumstances, she can't bring him back. But she can make sure that he gets justice. With her powers and the help of her friends and family she discovers the secret of a powerful cabal that has been exploiting people for centuries. Her cousin is the most recent of their victims, and she is determined to make sure he's their last.

I loved the world that Little Badger created in this novel. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly with elements of the author's own heritage to create an engaging story. The main character is asexual so there's no romance slowing down the pacing. Just one intrepid teen with laser focus. All the characters are layered and well-developed and what's not to love about a spirit dog that can be by your side forever? Highly recommended. 

Elatsoe ​by Darcie Little Badger

Erica's Picks
5th - 8th grade
​tags: adventure, animals, family life, friendship, LGBTQ, mystery, People of Color, supernatural

Ever since their parents' death, Ryn and her siblings have been in charge of the graveyard. Gravedigging is an important job in a town where the dead don't always stay dead if improperly handled. These risen corpses, called bone houses, are appearing with more frequency and the whole town is endangered. Legend says that they are the result of a curse and the only way to break it is to travel to the abandoned Castell Sidi and find the black cauldron. But between Ryn and the castle is a dark forest filled with monsters.

This story, based in the same world as Lloyd Alexander's Black Cauldron, is a great fantasy adventure set in a classic world complete with ancient curses, puzzles, and trials along the way. The horror elements are truly frightening and the world is completely immersive. Both Ryn and her companion, the traveling map-maker, are great characters and I loved following their story and cheering them on.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th
​tags: adventure, fantasy, horror

On an island off the coast of Ireland, a dark magic is waiting to resurface. Fionn's father grew up on the island, but he died when Fionn was just a child and Fionn's lived on the mainland ever since. When he and his sister are sent back to the island to live with their grandfather, they discover a hidden legacy of magic and a family feud that goes back generations. Fionn's grandfather is imbued with magical powers as the Storm Keeper and it's time for him to pass that mantle onto someone new. Not everyone is happy that Fionn is the heir apparent, and a dark magician that was banished centuries ago takes advantage of the upheaval to return.

This is a classic fantasy adventure where the young protagonist discovers a hidden world of magic and his own destiny to save it from evil forces. This is a promising start to the series with a beautiful Irish setting and a strong cast of characters. Perfect for young readers looking for a magical escape.

The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle 
Erica's Picks
4th - 7th grade
​tags: adventure, fantasy, global perspectives

Kazi used to be known as "the Ghost" pulling off daring thefts and surviving the streets on her own ever since her mother was taken by slavers. Now she's a member of the Queen's elite guard where the hard lessons she learned as a child have been put to different use. Jase is the new patriarch of the famous outlaw clan the Ballengers after his father's sudden passing. He's willing to do anything to protect his family, and sometimes that means getting his hands dirty. Jase and Kazi work for opposite sides and don't trust each other, but when they're both kidnapped, they have to learn to work together to survive.

I loved everything about this book. There's a large cast of characters, but each are well-developed and have a complex range of motivations that often put them at odds. The details of the word and its history provide a great backdrop without ever becoming cumbersome. The shifting perspectives between the two main characters allows for plenty of dramatic tension as the reader has access to information that the protagonists don't. The way it comes all together in the end is masterful and satisfying while still leaving room for the sequel.

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
8th grade
​tags: adventure, fantasy, romance

Alex lives in a kingdom where people mistrust magic. The king has created creatures to hunt down all enchanters and their children and people are encouraged to rat out anyone they suspect of having powers. Alex has never been treated well by her foster mother and sisters, but she is still surprised when one turns on her and she is forced to flee with her little brother. It's the first time she's left the safety of her walled village and she'll encounter wonders, terrors, new friends, and old enemies. Her only weapon is the magical cards she uses for predictions. But will they be enough to discover the secrets of her past and save her future?

This is a fascinating world populated with a large cast of characters. I loved the unique animals and Alex is a great protagonist. She is fiercely protective of her younger brother and brave in the face of truly daunting challenges. Good for those looking for a new fantasy series to get lost in. 

Twilight Hauntings by Angie Sage
Erica's Picks
4th -7th grade
tags: adventure, animals, fantasy, fast-paced