Annotated Bibliography (Ages are Those Noted on Publishers' Websites)
- Barron , T. A. 1996 . The Lost Years of Merlin , New York : Ace Books . Ages 8–12. This is the first book in a trilogy that imagines the boyhood and coming of age of the young boy who was to become the most famous Arthurian wizard. It combines magic and adventure as it relates how Emrys becomes Merlin
- Byng , C. 2002 . Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism , New York : HarperCollins . Ages 8–12. Readers will connect with the appealing character of Molly Moon—an orphan facing a dismal future until she discovers a life-changing book within the stacks of the local library. Molly's life is turned upside down as she unleashes the magic of hypnotism on her orphanage, its administrators, and the people of New York City
- Colfer , E. 2001 . Artemis Fowl , New York : Hyperion Books for Children . Ages 10–14. This funny but edgy teen tale juxtaposes action with Celtic lore as 12-year-old human Artemis Fowl plots to steal fairy gold from the LEPrecons
- Dahl , R. 1993 . The BFG , New York : Puffin Books . Ages 5–8. Dahl's kid-friendly absurdity draws in young readers as he tells the story of Sophie and the BFG (the Big Friendly Giant), who join together to battle man-eating giants
- Dahl , R. 1997 . The Magic Finger , New York : Puffin Books . Ages 2–5. An enraged 8-year-old seeks to avenge the deer and other creatures hunted by her neighbors in this humor-filled tale. She chooses not to turn a blind eye to this activity but instead turns a magic finger to it
- Dahl , R. 2004 . Matilda , New York : Puffin Books . Ages 5–8. Matilda is a humorous story about a unique young girl born into a family of unsupportive dim-wits. Matilda's supreme talents endear her to her elementary teacher while she thwarts her antagonistic family and school headmistress
- Dahl , R. 1998 . The Witches , New York : Puffin Books . Ages 5–8. A 7-year-old boy meets a stunningly evil witch and her devout child-hating followers, who are plotting to dispose of the nation's children. With the help of a knowledgeable grandmother and two friendly rats, can he foil the witches' plans?
- Farmer , N. 2004 . The Sea of Trolls , New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers . Ages 10–14. This fantasy evokes Norse and Irish mythology in an adventure that involves best friends, beserkers, and bards. Jack's attempt to rescue the kidnapped Lucy leads to encounters with Ivar the Boneless, Thorgill, and the half-troll Queen Frith. Farmer, N. (2002). The House of the Scorpion. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Ages 11+. This adolescent science fantasy challenges notions of humanity, ownership, and the ethics of scientific experimentation. Matt struggles with his identity in this futuristic world of drugs, power, and cloning
- Funke , C. 2004 . Dragon Rider , New York : Scholastic . Ages 9–12. Another fantasy saga with dragons, brownies, and young heroes on a quest. Funke writes beautifully and allows readers to visually connect with her characters through charming black-and-white illustrations
- Funke , C. 2002 . The Thief Lord , New York : Scholastic . Ages 9–12. Prosper and his younger brother, Bo, flee to Venice after their mother dies and an evil aunt plans to adopt only Bo. There, they meet the young Thief Lord and join a band of juvenile thieves. Funke brings the Venetian setting alive with her descriptive writing while spinning an adventure story laced with suspense and humor
- Hiaasen , C. 2002 . Hoot , New York : Random House Children's Books . Ages 10+. Mullet Fingers knows that the homes of endangered burrowing owls are threatened by the impending construction of a restaurant, so he, Roy Eberhardt, and Beatrice (Mullet Fingers' step-sister) team up to help save the owls. Hiaasen's Newbery Honor book is written with tongue-in-cheek humor and will appeal to readers young and old
- Hunter , E. 2003 . Warriors #1: Into the Wild , New York : HarperCollins . Ages 10+. This animal fantasy series focuses on Rusty's transition from domestication to the wild. Joining a gang of feral cats, Rusty (christened Firepaw) begins training to become a warrior. He soon learns that he needs more than the ability to hunt and defend
- Juster , N. 1996 . The Phantom Tollbooth , New York : Random House . Ages 10–13. Juster's clever wit guides readers through Milo's lively and hilarious exploration of the lands of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis. This classic text dances as it plays upon words
- Nimmo , J. 2003 . Midnight for Charlie Bone , New York : Scholastic . Ages 9+. In this intriguing fantasy, 10-year-old Charlie discovers that he has the magical power to hear the thoughts and conversations of subjects in photographs. When Charlie is challenged to find someone who has been missing for years, he must first unlock the secrets of an ominous case left in his possession
- Pierce , T. 1997 . Circle of Magic: Sundry's Book , New York : Scholastic . Ages 11–14. Four children come together at Winding Circle in this magical adventure story (first of four). Uniting in the face of crisis, Sandry, Briar, Daja, and Tris evolve into a unit while each realizes the strength of their individual powers
- Rodda , E. 2001 . Rowan of Rin , New York : HarperCollins . Ages 8+. This first in the series by Australian author Rodda introduces an unlikely hero, Rowan of the bukshah, who must travel with the six bravest people in his village to defeat a dragon. But courage is more than an outward show of strength. This book chronicles how the quiet Rowan of Rin learns that he, too, has strength
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