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The Gorgon's Gaze
Julia Golding
Synopsis: Connie Lionheart's calculating great-aunt and uncle try to take her away from the tantalizing reach of the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures. What they don't realize (or do they?) is that Connie is the Society's most important member--she is the only universal companion able to bond with all mythical creatures. Connie's great gift also puts her in great danger, as the evil shape-shifter Kullervo needs her power to destroy the Society once and for all. But how can Connie help anyone, even herself, when she hasn't learned how to use her gift yet? In this second book of the Companions Quartet, Connie and her friends team together again to protect the fragile bonds between humans, creatures, and the world we must share.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Will Allen and the Great Monster Detective
Jeffrey Friedman, Jason Edwards
Synopsis: For young and/or reluctant readers who love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Chase Cooper, this frighteningly funny mix of Ghostbusters and Monsters Inc. is the perfect blend of humor, horror, mystery, and suspense.
Will Allen may be one of the smallest boys at Ashford Middle School, but he is also one of the smartest. But cleverness alone isn't enough to help him when monsters infest his room!
Together with his friend Jeannine Fitsimmons, Will searches fruitlessly for help, until a strange business card appears, instructing them how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, the Great Monster Detective. But even with Bigelow's help, along with the use of his very special monster-fighting instruments, the RevealeR and the MonsterScope, can Will learn how to conquer his monsters and reveal the secret of the dreaded HIDDEN BEAST before it's too late?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
The Snog Log
Michael Coleman
Synopsis: .Forget readathons and swimathons, Robbie and his mates have invented a new challenge of their own for the coming term: a snogathon! Robbie's #1 target is Mel Bradshaw, but she's going to be a tough nut to crack. Mel's got a target of her own - new poetry teacher Dave Carmichael.

It proves to be a term in which the characters learn a lot about love and emotions and poetry and snogging - but especially about themselves.

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"A story remarkable for its insights into young teenage behaviour and an understanding of the female as well as the male sense of worth ... Conflicting feelings about school, learning, family relationships, love, real affection, loyalty, crushes and sexual exploitation are portrayed with a sympathetic humour while the outrageous Snogathon is full of funny incidents ... A very entertaining and positive novel - School Librarian, UK

"It made me laugh and mid-way into the book I was totally hooked! You must read until the end as it has a strong conclusion." - Cool-reads

"The best book I have read this year. It has a good beginning, a great middle and an even better end."; "A really enjoyable read, full of laughs and suspense"; "It was great to hear about life, school and girls from a boys' perspective ... I thought it was written by a teenager!" - all from Lancashire Awards Supplement

"The dialogue was golden" - teen reviewer for the US print edition

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The Snog Log was originally published in print form in the UK by Orchard Books and in the US by Marshall Cavendish.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Cheetaka, Queen of Giants
Synopsis: Cheetaka, Queen of Giants, is a fantasy in the Land of Giants. Nine-year old Tara, who finds herself in a strange land after a storm, and accidentally lands on the head of the queen of giants, is taken into the queen’s care. The good queen promises to help her return home but there are evil giants who believe Tara is a magician and are out to capture her for her magic powers. What follows is danger, courage and a fascinating journey home. And yes, fun, because Tara and the boy-giant, Montek, become great friends.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Baymo
Seth C. Kadish
Synopsis: “Baymo” is the story of a young dog who longs for the freedom and excitement of human life without comprehending the responsibility and worries that go along with such a life. Through a bit of magic from Father Moon, Baymo’s wish comes true – he becomes a man – but his subsequent misadventures teach him that being a man has its price.
Excerpt: But he was a man, a man, a man! Baymo was in a state of bliss, filled with joy and radiant. He stood, he fell, he pushed himself back up again. Tottered, veered, spun, teetering, toppling, a spinning top, out of control, overcome with pleasure.

He was so involved in this new game that he did not notice Spike enter the yard. The little pug stared at him with pop eyes, amazed at the sight of a tall, wobbly, naked, golden-haired man, wearing a grin, weird noises bursting out of his mouth. Spike was so startled by the bizarre apparition that he forgot to be scared.

That is, until the naked man took a step towards Spike and smiled. Spike gave a nervous bark. What to do? And where was Baymo to tell him what to do? Where was his best friend, the golden dog?

Baymo teetered and tottered toward Spike, croaking with pleasure at his newfound manhood. To his amazement, the little dog raced back to the safety and sanity of his house, an escapee from the clutches of the horrible stranger.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Blue Sky
Brian Kindall
Synopsis: Blue Sky can climb like an ibex. She was raised in the highest peaks of the Alps by the herd and named for the color of her eyes. They say her father was a fallen alpinist and her mother his beautiful dying dream… and so, as you may guess, she’s somewhat magical – strong and sure-footed on the peaks, and natural as an ibex in this harsh environment of wind, rock, and ice. Until one day when she rescues a young alpinist from a stormy peak. The boy looks like her, and he tells her of the world of mysteries beyond the crags. Sky longs to follow him. Can a girl raised by ibex in the mountains ever join the world of humans? Blue Sky must first fulfill her promise to the ibex and find the courage to leave everything she’s ever known.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Firefly Hollow
Christopher Denise, Alison McGhee
Synopsis: Firefly. Cricket. Vole. Peter. Can four creatures from four very different Nations help one another find their ways in a world that can feel oh-so-big? Delve into this “wise and lovely reading adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web and The Rats of NIMH, from the author of the New York Times bestselling Someday.

“Firefly Hollow will set your heart aglow” (ALA Booklist, starred review).

Firefly doesn’t merely want to fly, she wants to touch the moon. Cricket doesn’t merely want to sing about baseball, he wants to catch. When these two little creatures with big dreams wander out of Firefly Hollow, refusing to listen to their elders, they find themselves face-to-face with the one creature they were always told to stay away from…a giant.

But Peter is a Miniature Giant. They’ve always been told that a Miniature Giant is nothing but a Future Giant, but this one just isn’t quite as big or as scary as the other Giants. Peter has a dream of his own, as well as memories to escape. He is overwhelmed with sadness, and a summer with his new unlikely friends Firefly and Cricket might be just what he needs. Can these friends’ dreams help them overcome the past?

Firefly Hollow is nothing short of enchanting, reminding us all that the very best friend is the one who encourages you to achieve your dreams. Full-color tip-in illustrations and dozens of black-and-white drawings provide added glow.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
The Whisperer
Fiona McIntosh
Synopsis:

In this adventurous retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, the lives of a runaway royal and a carnival worker become intertwined as each is compelled to fight for his life and family. Fans of The Sixty-Eight Rooms and Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy won’t want to miss this.
 
Lute is a prince, next in line to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker who does the heavy lifting while the malevolent ringmaster orders him about. But there’s something special about Griff: he can hear the thoughts of everyone around him. And one day, he begins to connect with Lute’s mind, even though they’ve never met and are miles apart.

When Lute must run for his very life, Griff may be the only one who can help him. In a journey over land and sea, these heroes battle deadly foes and make unlikely allies, including a host of magical creatures and their caretaker, a bitter old dwarf, and a mysterious lady pirate. When the boys finally come together, they will learn they are connected in ways they could never have imagined, ways that may save them—or cost them both their lives.




From the Hardcover edition.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
The Wind
Matthew Janeski
Synopsis: Kieran Quinn’s cousin is dead. They found him out in the woods, not a scratch on him. Then things got really weird. A creepy FBI agent is following Kieran around town in a minivan. He’s stumbled upon an odd, not-so-abandoned house in the forest. And his new friends, a quartet of octogenarians who live in the basement of a tiny house on Church Street, are telling stories unlike any he’s heard before.

The sudden death of 12-year-old Kieran’s cousin Michael is the first in a string of perplexing events that forces Kieran to remap his inner and outer worlds. Soon after Michael’s funeral, Kieran befriends the residents of a pair of extraordinary houses who begin to weave an unbelievable story about the true nature of the universe. Spurred on by his desire to find answers about Michael’s death, Kieran ranges over the humid suburban landscape, all the while evading an unfriendly FBI agent whose work may involve a lot more than he lets on. As the line between what is real and what is not becomes a blur, Kieran is propelled ever closer to the scene of Michael’s death. Too close, in fact.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
A Nearer Moon
Melanie Crowder
Synopsis: In a small river village where the water is cursed, a girl’s bravery could mean the difference between life and death in this magical story of “perseverance and hope” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from the author of Parched and Audacity.

Along a lively river, in a village raised on stilts, lives a girl named Luna. All her life she has heard tales of the time before the dam appeared, when sprites danced in the currents and no one got the mysterious wasting illness from a mouthful of river water. These are just stories, though—no sensible person would believe in such things.

Beneath the waves is someone who might disagree. Perdita is a young water sprite, delighting in the wet splash and sparkle, and sad about the day her people will finally finish building their door to another world, in search of a place that humans have not yet discovered.

But when Luna’s little sister falls ill with the river sickness, everyone knows she has only three weeks to live. Luna is determined to find a cure for her beloved sister, no matter what it takes. Even if that means believing in magic…
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Fairy Godmothers of The Four Directions
Synopsis: Honorable Mention Writer's Digest 2016 Inspirational eBooks

A sophisticated story of empowerment and mysticism balanced with science and wrapped in the rich symbolic language of the fairy tale. Cinderella journeys around the cardinal points of the compass studying with a Fairy Godmother for each direction. She must awaken to the Four Directions on her quest to wholeness and the totality required to become Queen.

FROM THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS senior editor Diane Donavan

"A powerful examination of vulnerability and change that takes the trappings of a well-worn fairytale and injects it with new life. Readers of psychology, fantasy retellings, and self-help books will find Fairy Godmothers of The Four Directions a satisfyingly different approach that succeeds in packing much food for thought into what initially appears to be a simple retelling."

If fairy tales are like life, filled with insurmountable obstacles and heart breaking tragedies, how do we find happiness? Be honest, we are all looking for our happily-ever-after. To find her happiness Cinderella is required to transform from a girl into a Princess. Only a Princess can marry the Prince. This is fairytale speak for becoming a whole person. And the journey to wholeness is through the Four Directions, for her and for you, too.

The Prince explains, "Each direction is a paradigm for inward knowledge and worldly knowledge. A Fairy Godmother will introduce you to the qualities of their specific direction. Resolve the challenges and awaken... Together the Four Directions form the beginning of wisdom. Find the center of the Four Directions to claim your throne."

Like you and me, Cinderella is confused. "Four Directions? Fairy Godmothers? A Throne?"

Prince said, “There are many Fairy Godmothers. I studied with a different Fairy Godmother for each cardinal direction.” He added, “The dangers inherent in running a Kingdom are immense. People have agenda's, they cover deceit with distractions, and some are just plain dangerous when they don't get what they want. The Kingdom (life) requires you know your strengths, see past manipulation and deceit. The Four Directions will teach you..." Experience the adventures with Cinderella as she studies with The Fairy Godmothers of the Four Directions.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
The Silver Strand - Book 1 in the Mastermind Academy series
Kathy Lapyere, Denis Martynets, L J Clarkson
Synopsis: 'This was one of the best middle grades book I have read in a while! It was intelligent, fun, engaging, unpredictable, and beautiful!' 5 Stars, Amazon Reviewer

‘A fun story, full of magic and adventure.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards

'With charm, wit and laugh-out-loud dialogue and prose, Clarkson has created a story that is destined to become a favorite for middle grade and pre-teen readers!' 5 stars Reader's Favorite

'The Silver Strand is a pick for young adult readers who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy.' Midwest Book Review

'This was one of those “I-got-in-trouble-because-my-parents-caught-me-reading-this-book-under-my-covers-with-a-flashlight-at-ten-o’clock-at-night-on-a-school-night” books.' 5 bookworms This Kid Reviews Books

Science whiz Isabelle Treason has five days to save her magical, silver strand of hair. Succeed and she'll get into Mastermind Academy, a secret school of magic in the underground world of Agartha. Fail and she's as good as dead. No time like the present to embrace her mission.

The Silver Strand is the second book in the Mastermind Academy Series, a children's fantasy adventure, about magical silver hairs, dragons, powerful crystal skulls, advanced crystal technology. Perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Candy Shop Wars and In the Land of Stories.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
I Heart Superhero Kid
Ryan McFate, Jason Tanamor
Synopsis: From critically acclaimed author Jason Tanamor comes "I Heart Superhero Kid."

The legacy of Superhero Kid is tested when his family's arch enemy, the Evil Man, plots out major sadness during the city's largest public event - the best pizza pie contest. A city filled with happiness - largely due to the protection of Superhero Kid - the Evil Man challenges the area's beloved hero to a hand-to-hand battle.

Lizzy and Carrie, two preteen school girls, obsess over the thought that Superhero Kid may actually be a student at their school. Armed with past yearbooks and determination, the two friends narrow down all the boys in a selfish attempt to reveal the identity of Superhero Kid.

On the day of the best pizza pie contest - the event seeing big named celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, politicians like President Obama and Bernie Sanders, and musicians including The 1975 - the Evil Man makes his move. Taking Lizzy hostage, Superhero Kid arrives to save the day. But not before an epic battle between happiness and sadness. With moves such as snake bite arm twists and Wet Willies, Superhero Kid handles the Evil Man's threat in stride, forcing evil to disappear for good.

The city is once again safe, and Superhero Kid is hailed a hero. However, Lizzy is left unfulfilled. That is until she develops a plan.

"I Heart Superhero Kid" is an epic superhero story told in rhyming verse involving a hero, his arch enemy, and a girl with a crazy mad crush.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate (series, Book Two)
Synopsis: On the morning of her eleventh birthday, nothing feels particularly celebratory to Liberty Frye. As if being a witch in training isn’t confusing enough, her mother’s mysterious illness has grown worse overnight and her best-friend-turned-foster-sister Ginny is driving her crazy.

Then there’s the matter of the new invention that Uncle Frank has brought to her surprise party. When her freaky powers accidentally activate it, Libby and her unsuspecting party guests are transported into an ocean of darkness. Literally. Soon, they’re running – or rather, sailing – for their lives, chasing after clues while dodging angry islanders and makeshift spells gone awry.

If they have any hope of finding their way home, Libby knows she must confront the dark forces bent on deciding their future. But what she doesn’t know is … how?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
A Fairly Fairy Tale
Sunshine Somerville, Sunshine Somerville
Synopsis: Here's a little secret:  Sometimes the dragon saves the princess from the princes...

In the kingdom of Marshwood, everybody lives happily ever after - orphans, stepmothers, everybody. King Wesick and Queen Mattea are wise and beloved rulers, even if the queen is a terrible cook. The adventurous Prince Nolan is such a good stepbrother that he doesn't mind Princess Littagale inheriting the kingdom. As for Littagale, all she wants is to build things and have adventures of her own. But, alas, it's time for her to marry.
That's when the horrible dragon, Tor the Intolerant, flies down from Mount Shadow, kidnaps the princess, and flies her to his dark lair! 
"Oh, no! The horror! Who will save her?" cry the townspeople.
With great fanfare and the cologne of testosterone, princes arrive in Marshwood and vow to rescue the princess - in exchange for the honor of becoming her husband. The townspeople rejoice, place bets, and everyone waits to see who will defeat Tor and save Princess Littagale.
But what secret is Queen Mattea hiding? And can Prince Nolan and his bashful friend Casper solve the biggest question of them all:  Why does Tor have a spa in his lair?

Swoop in and get a copy of this "imaginative comedic treasure readers will fall in laugh with!"
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess
Synopsis: Best Juvenile Book 2018 from the Oklahoma Writers' Federation!
Fire-breathing dragon headed her way!
Princess Bianca had never set foot outside the castle walls. Not once in her over-protected, pink, fluffy life. But when a dragon was spotted in the land and fear spread that the monster had conquered the king and his brave knights, Bianca realized that it was her duty to protect her kingdom. She will have to prove that she can be braver and stronger than anyone believed because the threat outside the protection of her castle tower was more dangerous and magical than she ever imagined possible.
Perfect book for fairy-tale fans and dragon-lovers alike!
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy

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