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WAR |
Between Two Ends
(age 8-11) by David Ward authorship ... adventure ... fantasy Publisher comments: When Yeats and his parents visit his grandmother's creepy old house, Yeats reunites a pair of pirate bookends and uncovers the amazing truth: Years ago, Yeats's father traveled into The Arabian Nights with a friend, and the friend, Shari, is still stuck in the tales. Assisted by the not-always-trustworthy pirates, Yeats must navigate the unfamiliar world of the story of Shaharazad--dodging guards and tigers and the dangerous things that lurk in the margins of the stories--in order to save Shari and bring peace to his family. |
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EPS |
The Familiars (age 8-11) by Adam Jay Epstein animals ... adventure ... fantasy ... magic Publisher comments: When Aldwyn, a young alley cat on the run, ducks into a mysterious pet shop, he doesn't expect his life to change. But that's exactly what happens when Jack, a young wizard, picks Aldwyn to be his magical familiar. Finally off the tough streets, Aldwyn thinks he's got it made. He just has to convince the other familiars—the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert—that he's the telekinetic cat he claims to be. But when Jack and two other wizards in training are captured by a terrible evil, it will take all of Aldwyn's street smarts, a few good friends, and a nose for adventure to save the day! title: The Familiars title: Secrets of the Crown |
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LEV |
A Tale of Two Castles
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine fantasy ... mystery ... knights/castles/dragons Publisher comments: Newly arrived in the town of Two Castles, Elodie unexpectedly becomes the assistant to a brilliant dragon named Meenore, and together they solve mysteries. Their most important case concerns the town's shape-shifting ogre, Count Jonty Um: Someone is plotting against him. Elodie must disguise herself to discover the source of the threat amid a cast of characters that includes a greedy king, a giddy princess, and a handsome cat trainer. |
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HOR |
The Trolls
(age 8-11) by Polly Horvath family ... fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Aunt Sally is beyond any of Melissa, Amanda, and Pee Wee's expectations. She has come all the way from Vancouver Island, Canada, to take care of the children while their parents are away, and right from the start Aunt Sally enchants them with tales of her childhood with their father. Odd characters figure largely in the stories, like Maud, a hunter rumored to have killed eighty cougars; Great-uncle Louis, a health nut who insists everyone should gnaw on sticks for extra fiber; and Fat Little Mean Girl, the star of a cautionary tale involving witchcraft and candy. All of Aunt Sally's reminiscences lead up to a crucial story about trolls, sinister creatures who supposedly lurked along the shore at night. The trolls had the power to change Aunt Sally's life forever, and their legacy may change the lives of the three present-day children as well. |
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VER |
Dragonbreath Series (age 8-11) by Ursula Vernon humor ... fantasy ... school Publisher comments: It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians - especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report. title: Dragonbreath title: Attack of the Ninja Frogs title: Curse of the Were-Wiener title: Lair of the Bat Monster title: No Such Thing as Ghosts |
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EDW |
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
(age 8-11) by Julie Andrews Edwards adventure ... humor ... magic ... fantasy Publisher comments: The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals — the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun" — apart from and forgotten by people. But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland. With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire. |
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LIN |
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
(age 8-11) by Grace Lin traditions ... folklore ... fantasy Publisher comments: In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. |
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DIC |
The Magician's Elephant
(age 8-11) by Kate Dicamillo fantasy ... magic Publisher comments: When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe its true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be narrated by Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes hope and belonging, desire and compassion with the lightness of a magicians touch. |
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COL |
Gregor the Overlander Series (age 8-11) by Suzanne Collins action ... adventure ... fantasy Publisher comments: When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it...until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever. title: Gregor the Overlander title: Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods title: Gregor and the Marks of Secret title: Gregor and the Code of Claw title: Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane |
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COR |
The Trick Series (age 8-11) by Scott Corbett humor ... fantasy ... magic A mysterious potion from Kerby's chemistry set yields surprising results for Kerby and his friends. title: The Disappearing Dog Trick |
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ALE |
The Wizard in the Tree
(age 8-11) by Lloyd Alexander fantasy ... magic ... folklore When Mallory notices that there's something funny about an old oak tree, she takes a closer look and breaks a magical spell. Arbican the wizard has been trapped in the oak for thousands of years and his powers are gone. Will he get them back in time to save Mallory's village from greedy Squire Scrupner? |
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BAU |
Touch the Moon
(age 8-11) by Marion Dane Bauer animals ... fantasy ... magic Jennifer is disappointed on her birthday when her father gives her a little china horse and the promise of riding lessons instead of the real horse she's been expecting. |
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BAR |
Tree Girl
(age 8-11) by T. A. Barron survival ... identity ... spooky ... fantasy Nine-year-old Anna lives by the sea with a grumpy old fisherman. She yearns to discover the truth about her past. If only she could get to the far side of the forest where she was found as a baby. However, she's been told the forest is haunted by tree ghouls--the same ghouls that probably killed her mother. |
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BEC |
The Magical Ms. Plum
(age 8-11) by Bonny Becker school ... magic ... fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Ms. Plum is the magical teacher every schoolkid wishes for. Everybody wants to be in Ms. Plum's class. It's not just that she teaches the usual things in unusual ways. There's something more, something about Ms. Plum herself, and her mysterious supply closet. Whenever she asks her students to get her an eraser or a pencil or some paper clips, they come back with something . . . unusual. Who'd have thought a pinky-sized alligator, a big-mouth parrot, or a tiny wolf could teach kids a thing or two about life? Each year, Ms. Plum is certain she's had her best class ever. And it looks like this year . . . she's right. |
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KLI |
The Dragon Keepers Series (age 8-11) by Kate Klimo humor ... adventure ... fantasy Publisher comments: Ten-year-old cousins Jesse and Daisy have always wanted something magical to happen to them. So it's a wish come true when Jesse's newly found thunder egg hatches and a helpless, tiny, but very loud, baby dragon pops out. Soon the two kids are at the dragon's beck and call, trying to figure out what to feed her. An Internet search leads them to the library, which leads them back to the Internet, where they find a very strange Web site called foundadragon.org. Here the cousins discover that the dragon's hatching has designated them "Dragon Keepers." Not only do they have to feed the dragon, whom they named Emmy, but they also have to keep her safe from the villainous Saint George, who has kept himself alive over centuries by drinking dragons' blood! title: The Dragon in the Sock Drawer title: The Dragon in the Driveway title: The Dragon in the Library |
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DIT |
Kenny and the Dragon
(age 8-11) by Tony DiTerlizzi knights/castles/dragons ... fantasy ... friendship Publisher comments: What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination? Just ask Kenny Rabbit. When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history, the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon, without losing a friend in the fray. |
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ROD |
The Rondo Series (age 8-11) by Emily Rodda action ... adventure ... fantasy ... magic There are three rules to the old painted, music box: Wind the box three times only. Never shut the box when the music is playing. Never move the box before the music stops. Leo wouldn't dream of breaking these rules, but does his stubborn cousin Mimi listen? She winds the box four times, and suddenly the paintings on its side come to life and a powerful witch is released. Now its up to Leo and Mimi to stop the witch, if only they can find the key to the music box, and the magical world it controls. title: The Key to Rondo |
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MUR |
The Flight of the Fox
(age 8-11) by Shirley Rousseau Murphy fantasy ... animals With the help of his friends Rory, a wandering kangaroo rat, restores a model of a Fairey Fox airplane to fly on his travels and foils a flock of starlings that has overrun the town. |
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WOO |
The Secret Life of Hilary Thorne
(age 8-11) by Marcia Wood family ... authorship ... fantasy As Hilary's home life deteriorates after her family's move to the country, her adventures with the book characters she reads about increases to the point where she knows she must learn to control her talents and involve herself more in the real world. |
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LEV |
For Biddle's Sake
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine humor ... fantasy ... folklore The young maiden, Parsley, will eat nothing but parsley, which in Snettering-on-Snoakes grows only in the fairy Bombina's garden. All is well, until Bombina is released from the fairy queen's dungeon. Her crime? Failing to get along with humans. And turning them into toads! Meanwhile, twin princes Randolph and Rudolph are causing trouble at Biddle Castle and pinning everything on their younger brother, Tansy. Prince Tansy cares about Biddle. Randolph and Rudolph don't. But one of the twins will be king, unless Prince Tansy accepts help from a green Biddlebum Toad! |
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LEV |
The Fairy's Return
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... humor ... fantasy ... folklore Boy meets princess, and it's love at first sight. Both laugh at the same jokes. Both are named after birds. His name is Robin, hers is Lark. Could there ever have been a more perfect match? But alas! King Harrumphrey won't let Lark marry a baker's son. And Robin is betrothed to someone else. Now toss in Robin's nonsense-talking brothers, Nat and Matt, their versifying father, and Ethelinda, the fairy who wrought havoc in The Fairy's Mistake, and you've got a "nutcrazical" situation! |
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LEV |
The Princess Test
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... humor ... fantasy ... folklore King Humphrey has decided its time for his son, Prince Nicholas, to marry. But he must make sure the bride is a real princess. So he devises a series of princess tests, designed to weed out the phonies and the fakes. Meanwhile, Nicholas has fallen in love with Lorelei, a mere blacksmith's daughter. She's no princess, but he wants to marry her all the same--but how will she ever pass the terrible tests? |
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WAL |
The Barrel in the Basement
(age 8-11) by Barbara Brooks Wallace fantasy ... folklore ... humor This is a story about furkens, descendants of a branch of genus elf, who have lost their elfin powers of being able to vanish and now hide fearfully in human houses. They are sadly often mistaken for mice, although don't smell like mice. They smell like warm apricot jam! |
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STE |
Far-Flung Adventures (age 8-11) by Paul Stewart math/science/technology ... adventure ... fantasy ... humor Fergus Crane has an almost ordinary life, having lessons taught by rather odd teachers on the school ship Betty Jeanne and helping his mother in the bakery. But then a mysterious flying box appears at the window of his waterfront home and Fergus is plunged headlong into an exciting adventure! The box is followed by a winged mechanical horse that whisks him off to meet his long-lost uncle and his penguin helpers, Finn, Bill, and Jackson. Fergus finds out that his teachers are not quite what they seem: they're actually pirates! Can Fergus and his winged horse save his schoolmates on the far-off Fire Island? And who else will he find there? title: Corby Flood title: Hugo Pepper |
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SAN |
Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians
(age 8-11) by Brandon Sanderson adventure ... fantasy ... humor A hero with an incredible talent...for breaking things. A life-or-death mission...to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from a powerful secret network...the evil Librarians. Alcatraz Smedry doesn't seem destined for anything but disaster. On his 13th birthday he receives a bag of sand, which is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians plotting to take over the world. The sand will give the Librarians the edge they need to achieve world domination. Alcatraz must stop them!...by infiltrating the local library, armed with nothing but eyeglasses and a talent for klutziness. sequel: Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones |
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PRI |
The Lily Quench Series (age 8-11) by Natalie Jane Prior knights/castles/dragons ... adventure ... fantasy As a family of dragon slayers, the Quenches of Ashby have always been burning successes... until the evil Black Count invades, and the family's fortunes go into a downward spiral. Then a dragon unexpectedly arrives and Lily, the last of the Quenches, is called upon to fight it. Soon she finds herself on a desperate, magical quest to save Ashby from destruction and restore the lost heir to his throne.... title: Lily Quench and the Dragon of Ashby title: Lily Quench and the Treasure of Mote Ely title: Lily Quench and the Lighthouse of Skellig Mor title: Lily Quench and the Magicians Pyramid title: Lily Quench and the Hand of Manuelo title: Lily Quench and the Search for King Dragon |
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LET |
The Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff (age 8-11) by Jason Lethcoe adventure ... fantasy ... magic On his eleventh birthday, sad, orphaned Benjamin Bartholomew Piff accidentally adheres to all of the wishing rules - and, in placing his limitless wishes, he unknowingly sets into a motion a chain of events that threatens to disrupt the balance between the magical realm of wishes and curses. Before long, Benjamin has been recruited by the Wishworks Factory to fight the evil henchmen of the Curseworks Factory. In the process, Benjamin will reclaim his original wish, giving new credence to the old adage: "Be careful what you wish for... " title: You Wish title: Wishful Thinking |
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LEC |
Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest
(age 8-11) by John Lechner fantasy ... adventure Welcome to Burrwood Forest, where a village of seed pods are busy having adventures There are friends like Sticky Burr and Mossy Burr, who stick together, and bad seeds like Scurvy Burr, who irritates them every chance he gets. Watch out for wild dogs and maze trees, loyal insects, and escapes on the fly in a gently quirky graphic storybook that readers are sure to get stuck on. |
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KES |
The Emily Windsnap Series (age 8-11) by Liz Kessler identity ... friendship ... family ... fantasy This story about a girl who learns she is half mermaid lures readers into a glorious undersea world--an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the power of love. . title: The Tail of Emily Windsnap |
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JON |
Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls
(age 8-11) by Lynne Jonell adventure ... fantasy ... friendship ... humor Publisher comments: Emmy Addison is an ordinary girl...almost. If you don't count the fact that her parents are rich (very), her best friend is a boy (and a soccer star), and she can talk to rodents (and they talk back), she's very ordinary indeed. But she hasn't been that way for long. It was only a few weeks ago that Emmy and her friends Ratty and Joe got rid of the evil Miss Barmy, the nanny who had nearly ruined Emmy's life, and the lives of five other girls who went missing. Miss Barmy is now a rat. How much harm can she do? |
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JON |
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat
(age 8-11) by Lynne Jonell adventure ... fantasy ... friendship ... humor Publisher comments: Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet, some days. She really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all . . . Hilarious, inventive, and irresistably rodent-friendly, this is a fantastic first novel from acclaimed picture book author Lynne Jonell. |
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DRA |
The Dragonsdale Series (age 8-11) by Salamanda Drake knights/castles/dragons ... fantasy ... animals Imagine a stable full of dragons! A place where a group of young girls are busy grooming the beautiful beasts and getting them ready for competition--with all the ups and downs, all the drama that inevitably results! Dragonsdale is such a place. The stable is run by Cara's father, but, after a tragic dragon accident in which her mother lost her life, Cara herself is strictly forbidden to fly. Yet she cannot resist the lure of the magical fire-breathing creatures, and so in secret she trains Skydancer, her rare, wild Goldenbrow dragon, and dreams of the day when she, too, can take flight. title: Dragonsdale |
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CHE |
Witch's Cat
(age 8-11) by Ruth Chew fantasy ... magic A witch's cat takes Matthew and Holly on a magical adventure...to save the witch. |
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CHE |
Witch's Broom
(age 8-11) by Ruth Chew fantasy ... magic A new broom and an unusual blue jay involve Amy and her friend in magical adventures. |
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CHE |
Witch in the House
(age 8-11) by Ruth Chew fantasy ... magic A witch in the house has to bring with it the unexpected. |
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CHE |
What the Witch Left
(age 8-11) by Ruth Chew fantasy ... magic Two little girls have magical adventures with a strange assortment of items they find in a locked drawer. |
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CHE |
The Witch's Buttons
(age 8-11) by Ruth Chew fantasy ... magic A talking button in the shape of a man leads two young girls into a series of magical adventures. |
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CHE |
The Magic Series (age 8-11) by Ruth Chew adventure ... magic ... fantasy A great deal of trouble often accompanies a little bit of magic. title: Summer Magic title: The Trouble with Magic title: Last Chance for Magic title: The Magic Cave |
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CRE |
The Castle Corona
(age 8-11) by Sharon Creech fantasy ... knights/castles/dragons ... family Long ago and far away . . . There was a castle. But not just any castle. This was a castle that glittered and sparkled and rose majestically above the banks of the winding Winono River: the Castle Corona. And in this castle lived a family. But not just any family. This was the family of King Guido: rich and royal and . . . spoiled. And King Guido was so spoiled that neither jewels nor gold nor splendid finery could please him, for what he longed for most was . . . a nap and a gown that didn't itch. Far below this grand, glittering castle lived two peasants. But not just any peasants. These peasants, though poor and pitiful, were plucky and proud. And in possession of a stolen pouch. But not just any pouch. A pouch whose very contents had the power to unlock secrets and transform lives . . . |
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BAK |
The Tales of the Frog Princess (age 8-11) by E. D. Baker princesses ... humor ... folklore ... magic ... fantasy ... action After reluctantly kissing a frog, an awkward, fourteen-year-old princess suddenly finds herself a frog, too, and sets off with the prince to seek the means--and the self-confidence--to become human again. title: The Frog Princess title: Dragon's Breath title: No Place for Magic title: Once Upon a Curse title: The Salamander Spell: A Prequel to the Tales of the Frog Princess title: The Dragon Princess |
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WOO |
Awfully Short for the Fourth Grade
(age 8-11) by Elvira Woodruff magic ... fantasy ... adventure ... school Noah Murphy carries his plastic "little guys" everywhere. One day, while sitting on the school bus with his younger brother, Jess, Noah makes a wish using magic powder from the toy machine. Noah looks at his little guys--Commander Falcon and Sergeant Gordy and three headless green aliens. "Let them all come to life, all my guys. And let me be their size, so I can have an adventure with them." That's when the bus hits a bump and strange things start to happen. Will the fourth grade at Roosevelt School ever be the same again? |
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GRE |
Eating Ice Cream With a Werewolf
(age 8-11) by Phyllis Green humor ... fantasy ... magic A wacky baby sitter and her book of spells keep a twelve-year-old and his little sister guessing while their parents are away. |
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EST |
The Witch Family
(age 8-11) by Eleanor Estes traditions ... humor ... fantasy Old Witch, Little Witch Girl, Weeny Witch, and two real girls in a fantasy that blends the worlds of reality and imagination. A Halloween classic about the power of make-believe. |
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FIE |
Hitty: Her First Hundred Years
(age 8-11) by Rachel Field historical ... fantasy ... adventure When Phoebe Preble brings her special doll, Hitty, with her everywhere she goes, Hitty experiences wonderful adventures and makes a lot of new friends. |
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KEN |
The Gammage Cup
(age 8-11) by Carol Kendall fantasy The Minnipins live lives of isolation and conformity. When their enemies The Hairless Ones threaten them, however, they are saved by a few village 'characters' who show real initiative and daring. |
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LEV |
The Fairy's Mistake
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine fantasy ... humor ... folklore In this humorous retelling of a Perrault tale, the fairy Ethelinda rewards one twin sister for good behavior and punishes the other for bad, only to discover that her punishment is more pleasing than her reward. |
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LEV |
Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... fantasy ... humor ... folklore A spiteful fairy. A beautiful princess. An outstretched finger. A spindle. A hundred-year snooze. A charming prince. A kiss. All the familiar ingredients. But wait! Where did that extra prince come from? And those fairy gifts that were never there before? And what does a flock of balding sheep have to do with anything? Gail Carson Levine has waved her magic wand over the old standby of "Sleeping Beauty" and presto! It reappears, transformed, sparkling and hilarious. |
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LEV |
Cinderellis and the Glass Hill
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... fantasy ... humor ... folklore In this humorous retelling of a Perrault tale, a lonely young farm lad uses his unusual inventive ability to pass a nearly impossible test and win the hand of the neighboring princess. |
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LEV |
Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg
(age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine fantasy ... humor ... voyages/journeys Fairy Haven is abuzz with news about its latest arrival, Prilla. It's bad enough that she has no idea what her special talent is, but some of her behavior is remarkably, well, human. Prilla is heartbroken that she does not seem to fit in. She desperately needs help from Mother Dove, the most important creature in Neverland, who created and cares for the magical egg that prevents all who live in Neverland from growing old and dying. But tragedy strikes as the island is hit by a hurricane, and the Never egg is destroyed. Mother Dove must pick three fairies to set out on a dangerous quest to repair the egg. She chooses Rani, the best water-talent fairy; Vidia, the most selfish, but fastest fast-flying-talent fairy; and, to everyone's surprise ... Prilla. The three embark on a journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and adventure. The fate of Neverland ... and their world as they know it ... rests on their shoulders. sequel: Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand |
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IBB |
Not Just a Witch
(age 8-11) by Eva Ibbotson fantasy ... humor ... magic Heckie, a graduate of one of the best witch schools, settles in the town of Wellbridge, determined to find evildoers and turn them into animals. But Heckie's do-gooding lands her in big trouble. |
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YOL |
The Young Merlin Trilogy (age 8-11) by Jane Yolen magic ... growing up ... fantasy ... folklore A boy is abandoned in the woods of medieval England. A year passes--a year of terror and hunger, of sleeping in trees and foraging for food, of outrunning packs of wild dogs--until one day a falconer captures and tames the boy as he would any passager, a young bird caught in the wild and trained. The falconer adopts the boy and teaches him all of the things he's forgotten, including the boy's true name--and the legacy of magic that will be his when he comes of age. title: Passager: the Young Merlin Trilogy, Book One title: Hobby: the Young Merlin Trilogy title: Merlin: the Young Merlin Trilogy, Book Three |
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TRA |
Mary Poppins Series (age 8-11) by P. L. Travers growing up ... magic ... humor ... fantasy An extraordinary English nanny blows in on the East Wind with her parrot-headed umbrella and magic carpetbag and introduces her charges, Jane and Michael, to some delightful people and experiences. title: Mary Poppins |
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CAR |
Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
(age 8-11) by Lewis Carroll math/science/technology ... brilliant protagonist ... poetry ... fantasy The Mad Hatter, the Ugly Duchess, the Mock Turtle, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat-characters each more eccentric than the last. In these two brilliant novels Lewis Carroll created the most famous and fantastic novels of all time, that not only stirred our imagination but revolutionized literature. |
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CAR |
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
(age 8-11) by Lewis Carroll math/science/technology ... brilliant protagonist ... poetry ... fantasy The Mad Hatter, the Ugly Duchess, the Mock Turtle, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat-characters each more eccentric than the last. In these two brilliant novels Lewis Carroll created the most famous and fantastic novels of all time, that not only stirred our imagination but revolutionized literature. |
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NAP |
The Prince of the Pond: Otherwise Known as De Fawg Pin
(age 8-11) by Donna Jo Napoli fantasy ... humor Having been turned into a frog by a hag, a frog-prince makes the best of his new life as he mates, raises a family, and instills a new kind of thinking into his frog family. |
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JOH |
The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall
(age 8-11) by Tony Johnston humor ... family ... fantasy ... magic ... school Living in the Bloggins School boiler room isn't glamorous, but that's life for Martha Snapdragon, daughter of the beleaguered janitor. Life only gets weirder when Martha realizes bizarre events are afoot at the school. There's the dastardly dealings of evil principal Dr. Klunk and school bully Rufus. There's the dozen dancing eggs and the misbehaving dragons, property of the mysterious science teacher. And then there's the strangest thing of all: a giant golden spoon that simply appears one day, stuck in the wall of the school bathroom. Although everyone tries, only Martha is able to extract the spoon from the wall--an act that leads her to a destiny far beyond her meager life in the boiler room. |
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DIC |
The Tale of Despereaux
(age 8-11) by Kate Dicamillo princesses ... adventure ... fantasy ... voyages/journeys Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out. |
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AVI |
Perloo the Bold
(age 8-11) by Avi voyages/journeys ... fantasy ... adventure A scholarly, shy member of the rabbit-like Montmers, Perloo is content sipping myrtle tea and reading his history books in his warm burrow. Until the day Perloo's quiet life is interrupted by a mysterious summons from the Montmer leader. What follows is an incredible journey that will take Perloo over snowy mountains, through underground tunnels, and into enemy territory - and will alter history forever. |
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ROD |
Deltora Quest Series (age 8-11) by Emily Rodda action ... adventure ... fantasy ... magic In the first book of this series, Forest of Silence, the evil Shadow Lord is plotting to invade the land of Deltora and enslave its people. All that stands against him is the magic Belt of Deltora with its seven stones of great and mysterious power. In secrecy, with only a hand-drawn map to guide them, two unlikely companions set out on a dangerous quest. Determined to find the lost stones and rid their land of the Shadow Lord, they struggle toward their first goal--the sinister Forests of Silence. title: The Forests of Silence title: The Lake of Tears title: City of the Rats title: The Shifting Sands title: Dread Mountain title: The Maze of the Beast title: The Valley of the Lost title: Return to Del |
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NIX |
The Seventh Tower Series (age 8-11) by Garth Nix knights/castles/dragons ... fantasy In the first of this series, The Fall, Tal lives in the Dark World, high in a mountaintop castle, isolated in darkness. He does not think to question the status quo. And then one day he tries to steal a precious sunstone, the only way of assuring his family's position among the Chosen people of The Seventh Tower. After his attempt fails, he falls from the castle straight into the unknown. title: The Fall title: Castle title: Aenir title: Above the Veil title: Into Battle title: The Violet Keystone |
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COV |
Magic Shop Series (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville fantasy ... friendship ... magic ... humor Problems of the real world are nothing compared to the problems stirred up in Mr. Elives' Magic Shop, where young customers leave with more than they bargained for. title: Juliet Dove, Queen of Love title: Jennifer Murdley's Toad title: The Skull of Truth title: Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher title: The Monster's Ring |
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MAR |
The Doll People (age 8-11) by Ann Matthews Martin friendship ... adventure ... fantasy Annabelle Doll is eight years old; she has been for more than a hundred years. Not a lot has happened to her, cooped up in the dollhouse, with the same doll people, day after day, year after year...until one day the Funcrafts move in. title: The Doll People title: The Meanest Doll in the World title: The Runaway Dolls |
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STA |
The Unicorns of Balinor Series (age 8-11) by Mary Stanton princesses ... magic ... fantasy In the first book, The Road to Balinor, the magical world of Balinor has been threatened by darkness, and the Princess Arianna and her unicorn, Sunchaser, are the only ones who can save the world. title: Road to Balinor title: Sunchaser's Quest title: Valley of Fear title: By Fire, By Moonlight title: Search for the Star title: Secrets of the Scepter title: Shadows Over Balinor |
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SCI |
The Time Warp Trio Series (age 8-11) by Jon Scieszka knights/castles/dragons ... fantasy ... humor In the first installment, Knights of the Kitchen Table, Joe, Fred, and Sam are sent back in time by a magic book, they find themselves face-to-face with giants, dragons, wizards, and the Knights of the Round Table. Each book finds our trio in another wacky time travel adventure. title: Knights of the Kitchen Table title: The Not-So-Jolly Roger title: The Good, the Bad, and the Goofy title: Your Mother Was a Neanderthal title: 2095 title: Tut, Tut! title: Summer Reading is Killing Me! title: It's All Greek to Me title: See You Later, Gladiator title: Sam Samurai title: Da Wild, Da Crazy, Da Vinci title: Hey Kid, Want to Buy a Bridge? title: Marco? polo! title: Me Oh Maya title: Oh Say, I Can't See title: Viking It and Liking It |
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RYL |
The Van Gogh Cafe
(age 8-11) by Cynthia Rylant fantasy ... magic The Van Gogh Cafe, located in Flowers, Kansas, has magic in its walls, causing strange and mysterious events to occur. |
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ROD |
The Rowan Series (age 8-11) by Emily Rodda magic ... fantasy ... adventure ... knights/castles/dragons Because only he can read the magical map, young, weak and timid Rowan joins six other villagers to climb a mountain and try to restore their water supply, as fears of a dragon and other horrors threaten to drive them back. title: Rowan of Rin title: Rowan and the Ice Creepers title: Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal title: Rowan and the Travelers title: Rowan and the Zebak |
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FLE |
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
(age 8-11) by Ian Fleming fantasy ... enterprise Two children persuade their father, an inventor, to purchase and restore an old car which turns out to have magical powers. |
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EAG |
Knight's Castle
(age 8-11) by Edgar Eager magic ... fantasy ... adventure Four cousins, Roger, Ann, Eliza, and Jack, have an extraordinary summer when, after an old toy soldier comes to life, they find themselves transported back to the days of Robin and Ivanhoe. sequel: The Time Garden |
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EAG |
Magic or Not?
(age 8-11) by Edgar Eager magic ... fantasy ... adventure When the family moves to Connecticut, twins James and Laura make new friends and begin a series of unusual adventures after discovering an old well that seems to be magic in their backyard. |
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EAG |
The Well-Wishers
(age 8-11) by Edgar Eager magic ... fantasy ... adventure Six children relate their experiences with an unpredictable old wishing well that involves them in some magical adventures during an eventful autumn. |
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EAG |
Seven-day Magic
(age 8-11) by Edgar Eager magic ... fantasy ... adventure A seven-day book of magic proves to be fractious for five children, who must learn the book's rules and tame its magic. |
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EAG |
Half Magic
(age 8-11) by Edgar Eager knights/castles/dragons ... magic ... fantasy ... adventure Four children looking forward to an ordinary summer enjoy a series of fantastic adventures by double-wishing on an ancient coin. sequel: Magic by the Lake |
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DOY |
The Giggler Treatment
(age 8-11) by Roddy Doyle fantasy ... humor Catalog: A talking dog, the Mack children and the small elf-like Gigglers themselves must try to stop the prank that the Gigglers have mistakenly set in motion to punish Mr. Mack for being mean to his children. |
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BLA |
The Spiderwick Chronicles (age 8-11) by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi adventure ... family ... fantasy Publisher comments: The Grace kids (twins Jared and Simon and their older sister, Mallory) move into their great-aunt's creepy old mansion with their mother. Strange goings-on lead them to an old book filled with pictures of fanstastic creatures. It holds clues to recent odd events, and the key to an even bigger mystery: the disappearance of the children's great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick generations before... title: The Field Guide title: The Seeing Stone title: Lucinda's Secret title: The Ironwood Tree title: The Wrath of Mulgarath |
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DIT |
The Spiderwick Chronicles (age 8-11) by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black adventure ... family ... fantasy Publisher comments: The Grace kids (twins Jared and Simon and their older sister, Mallory) move into their great-aunt's creepy old mansion with their mother. Strange goings-on lead them to an old book filled with pictures of fanstastic creatures. It holds clues to recent odd events, and the key to an even bigger mystery: the disappearance of the children's great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick generations before... title: The Field Guide title: The Seeing Stone title: Lucinda's Secret title: The Ironwood Tree title: The Wrath of Mulgarath title: The Nixies Song title: Care and Feeding of Sprites title: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You |
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DAH |
The Witches
(age 8-11) by Roald Dahl fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Would you know a real witch if you saw one? They don't ride on broomsticks. They don't wear black capes or pointy hats. In fact, they don't look like witches at all. But one thing is certain: A real witch is the most dangerous of all living creatures. So you'd better learn to know one when you see one! |
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DAH |
James and the Giant Peach
(age 8-11) by Roald Dahl fantasy ... adventure Publisher comments: When James Henry Trotter accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house. Then James discovers a secret entranceway into the fruit, and when he crawls inside, he meets a bunch of marvelous oversized friends. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the exciting adventure begins! |
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DAH |
The BFG
(age 8-11) by Roald Dahl humor ... fantasy ... friendship Publisher comments: When orphan Sophie is snatched from her bed by a Giant, she fears that he is going to eat her. But as he explains in his unique way of talking, "I is the only nice and jumbly Giant in Giant Country! I is THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT! I is the BFG." The BFG tells Sophie how he mixes up dreams to blow through a trumpet into the ears of children. |
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COV |
My Teacher is an Alien
(age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... fantasy ... school ... science fiction Publisher comments: Susan Simmons can tell that her new substitute teacher is really weird. But she doesn't know how weird until she catches him peeling off his face ... and she realizes that "Mr. Smith" is really an alien! sequel: My Teacher Flunked the Planet sequel: My Teacher Fried My Brains sequel: My Teacher Glows in the Dark |
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COV |
Bruce Coville's Alien Adventures (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... fantasy ... science fiction They're out of this world! title: The Search for Snout title: Aliens Ate My Homework title: I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X |
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AMA |
The Word Eater
(age 8-11) by Mary Amato fantasy ... magic ... school Catalog: Lerner Chanse, a new student at Cleveland Park Middle School, finds a worm that magically makes things disappear, and she hopes it will help her fit in, or get revenge, at her hated school. |