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

An evil tsar, a misunderstood witch, a plucky orphan, and a wolf in disguise: get ready for a classic fantasy adventure that will transport you to a fairy tale Russia. Zima has never trusted humans, especially Baba Yaga, but when her pack is threatened she makes a deal with the witch and they trade bodies for a spell. Nadya also braves the woods to seek Baba Yaga's help, but doesn't realize it's really a wolf in Baba Yaga's body. Nevertheless they team up to fight the evil Tsar, save Nadya's friend, Zima's pack, and the magical woods they call home.

I love a good Baba Yaga story and this one certainly fits the bill. It has plenty of adventure but nothing too scary for younger students and a lot of heart. It would make a great read-aloud. The illustrations throughout capture the fairy-tale feel of the book. All the characters are great but my favorite was the wolf, Zima. I love how the author captured the world through her eyes and fellow animal lovers will appreciate her too.

A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton
Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th
​tags: animals, fairy tales, fantasy, retellings

Nannerl Mozart loves to lose herself in music. Her father allows her to perform at the piano, at least until she reaches a marriageable age, but he doesn't allow her to compose. It's not proper for a lady. Meanwhile her younger brother Wolfgang Amadeus is given free reign to compose and quickly begins to outshine his older sister. Nannerl and Wolfgang have always been close, playing together and making up elaborate fantasy worlds to pass the time. But the injustice of how they are treated differently due to their sex begins to grate on Nannerl. When an elven prince from one of their stories appears to Nannerl in real life, he offers her the fame she deserves; a guarantee her name will live on forever. But what seems like a fairy tale happy ending is twisted when Nannerl discovers the price she'll have to pay.

I loved this combination of fantasy and historical fiction. I had never heard of Wolfgang Mozart's older sister before and was intrigued by her story. I was equally enthralled by the fantasy world coming to life and the twists and turns of figuring out the truth of it. Most of all I was moved by the relationship between the siblings Highly recommended.

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu 
Erica's Picks
6th - 8th
tags: fairy tales, family life, fantasy, historical fiction

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: 

Zoey discovers an amazing secret one day, just before her mother goes on a business trip. Her mother can see magical creatures, and so can Zoey. Over the years, these special creatures have come to count on her mom when they're injured and need help. With her mom away, it's Zoey's responsibility. At first Zoey is excited, but when a baby dragon appears she worries she won't know how to care for it. What should she feed it? Where did it come from? And when will her mom come home? Zoey and her faithful cat Sassafras are on the case. It's up to them to save the dragon.

What is not to love in a story about a baby dragon and a cat named Sassafras? Pitch perfect for beginning readers with short chapters and ample pictures, this could make a great read-aloud as well. I particularly enjoyed how Zoey uses the scientific method to learn more about the dragon. Highly recommended for readers just ready for chapter books.

Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras #1) by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay 
Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
​tags: animals, fantasy, People of Color

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

Shapeshifters, ghosts, androids, gods, MMORPGs, goblins, and more. This collection of short stories has it all. Each story is based on a traditional tale from the author's East or South Asian culture. Some stories stick closer to their traditional roots while some are set far in the future. But every one has a fantastical element that will transport you to another time and place. My favorite was Olivia's Table by Alyssa Wong but they're all great. After each story is a brief note from the author explaining their inspiration and giving you a peek behind the scenes. A must-read for fans of speculative fiction looking for a global perspective.

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th
​tags: fantasy, fairy tales, global perspectives, People of Color, retellings, science fiction, supernatural