Meera longs to learn how to read and write, but when her father sees her spying on the boys' lessons, she is punished. Meera's life has been focused on learning how to be a good wife. Her thirteenth birthday is approaching, and when it arrives she will move out of her parents' house and into her husband's. She dreads the day, but when it finally comes something even worse happens, and she is forced to flee for her life. She finds work in the house of a British officer. She is safe, but his contempt for her people is clear. When she gets a chance to join the revolution will she risk that safety to fight for her people, or will her husband's family find her before she even gets the chance?

Meera is a strong and resourceful heroine fighting her way out of impossible situations. A lot of fascinating historical detail is included but it's revealed naturally. The plot is both fast-paced and thought-provoking as Meera is faced with difficult decisions. Highly recommended. 

Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supriya Kelkar 

Erica's Picks
5th - 8th
​tags: ​fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, issues fiction, People of Color, social justice

Bree's life comes crashing down when her mother dies in a car accident. Her sense of reality is shattered when she goes to a party and witnesses a demon feeding off human energy fought off by a boy who calls himself a Merlin. When she realizes the two might be connected, she decides to infiltrate the secret society dedicated to keeping magic and demons secret from the outside world. Not only do they have magic practitioners called Merlins, they claim to have descendants of King Arthur and all the knights of the roundtable. Bree discovers a magic of her own, but will it be enough to keep her safe in this elite and hostile new world?

I absolutely love the way this novel takes the Arthurian legend and infuses it with modern themes. This critique of our legends as well as our history examines the stories we tell ourselves and who is left out of the narrative. Powerful, engrossing, flawless. 

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
8th +
​tags: adventure, fantasy, fast-paced, issues fiction, LGBTQ, People of Color, social justice, supernatural

One year ago Nora's family went out for dinner to celebrate her birthday. One year ago, Nora's mother was killed when a shooter opened fire in the restaurant. Ever since, her father has kept her close and withdrawn from everyone else, even pulling Nora out of school. This year for Nora's birthday her father has chosen a remote celebration, miles from the nearest person. They get out their gear to explore a slot canyon. But when the worst happens, their remote location means no one can hear their cries for help. So it's up to Nora to survive, find her father, and save them both.

This novel starts and ends in prose but when Nora is fighting for survival in the canyon it switches to powerful verse. The story moves quickly as her situation goes from bad to worse and death seems inevitable. Watching Nora fight is thrilling and inspiring as she combats the real environment around her and the memories that have haunted her ever since her mother's death. A quick, impactful read.

The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling

Erica's Picks
4th - 6th grade
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, fast-paced, mental illness, novels in verse, survival

Charlie had a lot of friends in London, but now that they've moved back to the small town where her father grew up, she only has Dizzy. They're both outcasts: Charlie because she doesn't act the way a girl "should", and Dizzy because Polio left him with a permanent limp. Johnny takes a particular delight in tormenting them, but one day he takes it too far. He lures them into the woods with a plan to scare them, but soon all three are lost. As night descends they become trapped in a nightmare where the normal rules don't apply. If they want to survive to dawn, they'll have to rely on each other and keep their wits about them. The woods have more than one trick in store for them, and the morning seems like it will never come.

This is a short and fast-paced adventure that plays with time and history as well as secret codes and science. Great for anyone looking for a spooky mystery to crack.

The Longest Night of Charlie Noon
by Christopher Edge

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th
​tags: adventure, fast-paced, historical, mystery, science fiction

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

After living a life terrified of being turned in by a neighbor for not being patriotic enough, Twelve year old Sora and her family make the dangerous decision to try and escape to South Korea as the front line of the war moves closer to their village. Fleeing into a war zone with limited resources is dangerous enough without having to worry about being caught by their own country men and punished for trying to defect. In the chaos of a bombing Sora is separated from her parents and left with her eight year old brother to protect. As they struggle through the hunger, cold, and war happening around them they wonder if they will ever see their family again, or if they are even alive.

This harrowing journey is incredibly moving. The resilience of Sora to push on and care for her brother despite everything is astonishing. While appropriate for a middle grade audience, the realities of life at the time are not sugarcoated and you should be prepared for a tear-jerker. The ultimate message though is one of hope and empathy.

Brother's Keeper by Julie Lee 
Erica's Picks
4th - 7th
tags: family life, fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, people of color, survival, tear-jerker

​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: 

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

As a baby, April was left at a fire station with a key and a note: "This is my baby, April. Keep her safe. I'll be back soon." Years have passed and April has acquired many talents that help her sneak around and investigate, but she still hasn't solved the mystery of the key. Then one day, she attends an exhibit on the famous Winterbornes. The wealthy family tragically died except for a young son who was raised alone before mysteriously disappearing. After an accident that turns out to be a lucky break, April is living with other orphans in the Winterborne Mansion. Sure, living in a mansion has its perks and it's far better than the previous group home she was in, but the best part is that the design on her key turns out to be the Winterborne family crest. That means she's closer than ever to unraveling the mystery of her past and no figure lurking in the shadows is going to stop her.

This is a fun mystery and adventure with a full cast of unique characters from the always tinkering Sadie to the fiercely protective Tim. The setting of a mansion filled with secret passages on a creepy windswept cliff and the promise of a hidden treasure only add to the fun.

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter

Erica's Picks
4th - 7th
​Tags: adventure, crime caper, fast-paced, mystery

Mia's comfortable life in the forest is changed forever when one of her siblings gets rabies, forcing her to flee for her life. Along the way she will encounter dangers from traps to badgers to humans. But she will also encounter a new friend. Uly has never had a comfortable life. Born with a twisted paw, he has always had to fight to survive among his cruel older sisters. But his life takes a turn for the worse when the fabled Old Scratch turns out to be real. Will two fox kits be able to survive the woods together? Or will they fall prey to one of the hundreds of dangers lurking in the dark?

This is a deliciously creepy story that is also beautifully narrated and has the potential to become a classic. The fact that the main characters are foxes and the framing device that it's all a story prevents it from being too scary but it's still pretty intense at times. The black and white illustrations only add to the atmosphere. After reading this you will never look at foxes or Beatrix Potter the same way again.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker 
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
tags: animals, disability, fast paced, friendship, horror