​The streets of 1926 Shanghai are dangerous, but Juliette walks them with confidence. As the heir of the Scarlet Gang she's untouchable, and if anyone were foolish enough to try and hurt her, she's more than capable of defending herself. The only one who came close is Roma, heir to the White Flower gang. Sure, his betrayal years ago stung, but it only served as a lesson in the dangers of allowing others, especially enemy others, to get too close. When rumors of a mysterious monster rise and people across the city start clawing their own throats out, Juliette knows she can't stem the rising tide of blood alone. Against her better judgement, she must put old grudges aside and work with Roma to get to the bottom of this mystery. Will the city be able to survive this gruesome threat? Will her heart be able to survive working with Roma?

This vivid and gory take on Romeo and Juliet is completely enthralling, but not for the light of heart. The gang violence is intense enough before adding in the supernatural horror. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy the references hidden throughout, but will still be kept on their toes as the plot varies dramatically. The setting is practically a character in itself and is beautifully portrayed. Between the action scenes is strong characterization and a slow burn romance providing something for a wide range of readers.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Erica's Picks
8th +
tags: character driven, fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, horror, mystery, People of Color, retellings, romance, supernatural

Fanciful Wendy and practical Lily are best friends as well as step sisters. At least they used to be. Now their parents are fighting and Wendy is going to spend the summer in New York with her father while Lily stays behind with her mother and baby brother Michael. The night before Wendy leaves, adventure flies through the window. Lily warns Wendy not to follow him, but soon she's flown off with Peter and Michael. Lily teams up with Peter's shadow to follow them. Wendy and Michael soon discover the lost boys aren't what they were expecting while Lily teams up with other native children who have been stolen by Peter over the years so that he can play "Indian" with them. Will the sisters be able to unite and save their baby brother, or will they be stuck in Never Never Land forever?

This thoughtful retelling of the Peter Pan story by an author who is a citizen of the Muscogee nation takes the familiar story and reframes it through a modern lens. The beats and feeling of adventure remain, but the new protagonists provide a different perspective. Both Lily and Wendy turn out to be capable heroines and even characters who make mistakes have the possibility of redemption. A wonderful adventure for a new generation of readers.

Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th
​tags: adventure, family life, fantasy, People of Color, retellings

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

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

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

A cruel stepmother entranced by a magic mirror, a girl with a heart cut out by a huntsman, and seven dwarves who find and save her. You may think you know the story of Snow White, but this twist on the tale will leave you with a new perspective on what a heart can do and how poison can destroy us all.

Sophie is a much more resilient and inspiring figure than the usual depiction of Snow White. She has much more agency in her fight to survive to save not only herself, but her people. The step-mother is as wicked as ever, but how she became that way is painted with more understanding. Great for fans of fairy tales retold.

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly
Erica's Picks
8th grade
tags: fairy tales, retellings, romance

First impressions can be deceiving. When Zuri first met the wealthy family that moved into the new mini-mansion across the street in her gentrifying neighborhood, she instantly hated the stuck-up Darius. Her sisters and mother fell all over themselves swooning over the handsome boys, but she knew they were nothing but trouble that her family and her neighborhood did not need. But when fate throws them together Zuri starts to question if she judged Darius fairly.

Even if you've never heard of Pride and Prejudice, you can enjoy this modern romance that tackles issues of identity, authenticity, and gentrification. But if you are an Austen fan, there's even more to delight in. The parallels Zoboi creates makes me appreciate both even more and she adds such rich details to this new setting while deftly weaving in more modern issues alongside the timeless themes. Strongly recommended.

Pride  by Ibi Zoboi
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th grade
​Tags: 

I absolutely loved the update on this classic story. Whether or not you've read the original, there's much to enjoy about Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

The March sisters love each other, although at first glance it may not seem like it. Each sister has her own unique passions and personality and sometimes that leads to conflict. The oldest, Meg is obsessed with fashion and how the other, richer half lives. Jo couldn't care less about fashion but dreams of becoming a famous author someday. Beth is known for being quiet until she gets a guitar and learns how to make her noise. Amy is an artist and a chaotic rainbow of a girl, but sometimes her exuberance can get on her sisters' nerves. With their father stationed overseas and their mother working long hours as a nurse the March girls have to stick together. They've weathered many storms, but the coming years will try them more than anything they've faced. 

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo

Erica's Picks
Grade 4 -8
Tags: comics, retellings, people of color