To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles.
September, 2008 -- More Fantasy
Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolan. A young girl drags home what turns out to be a dragon egg, much to the dismay of her parents. Grades P–2. Cassette RC 47032.
Andrew Lost in the Kitchen by J. C. Greenburg. After shrinking, Alexander, his cousin Judy, and Thudd the robot encounter drain flies, a cockroach, and worse. #3 in the Andrew Lost series. Grades 2-4. Cassette book CBA 7561.
The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi. Having moved into their great-aunt Lucinda's old house, the Grace children find a faerie book that explains the mischief afoot. #1 in the Spiderwick Chronicles. Grades 2-4. Braille BR 14982. Cassette RC 56514. Large Print LP 22286.
Juliet Dove, Queen of Love by Bruce Coville. Juliet must solve a puzzle from Greek mythology to reverse an amulet’s charm that has made her irresistible to boys. #5 in the Magic Shop series. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 58841.
Mermaid Magic by Gwyneth Rees. Mermaid Rani loves her adopted family, but she'd like to discover her real family, too. Perhaps the Sea Witch knows something. #1 in the Mermaids Trilogy. Grades 3-6. Braille book BRW 1239. Cassette (entire trilogy) CBA 7980 (in process).
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry. In this prequel, Peter Pan and his friends are shipwrecked and decide to help Molly, another young survivor, to protect her mysterious trunk from pirates. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 62169.
Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda. In spite of their fear of a local dragon, six villagers plan to climb a mountain to remedy a water delivery problem, but it’s only small Rowan who can read the magic map. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 56291.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo. A small mouse is imprisoned for falling in love with Princess Pea and must try to foil a plot hatched by rats and an ambitious servant girl. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 15300. Cassette RC 57805. Large Print LP 20841.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. A young dragon, a brownie, a rat, a homunculus, and a human boy are uneasy companions on a quest to find the legendary home of magical creatures. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 59464. Large Print book LP 21234.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. After learning that he’s a demigod son of Poseidon, 12-year-old Percy and others at his special summer camp must recover the Sea God’s trident to prevent a war between the gods. #1 in the Percy Jackson Olympian series. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 63443. Large Print book LP 21929.
Summerland by Michael Chabon. Ethan Feld is amazed when he’s chosen to lead the battle to save Summerland from giants, goblins, and a tough baseball team. Grades 4-7. Braille book BR 14395. Cassette book RC 54987. Large Print book LP 19703.
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George. Brave Creel befriends a dragon and pursues her dream of a dress shop in the capitol. A chance encounter with a spoiled foreign princess entangles her in royal intrigue. #1 in the Dragon Slippers series. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 17590 (in process). Large Print book LP 23253.
Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce. A 14-year-old weaving mage is just beginning to train a younger dancing mage when they must join forces to stop assassins. #1 in the Circle Opens series. Grades 5-8. Cassette book RC 62207.
The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. The mountain villagers know only stone mining, but prophecy dictates that the current crop of teenage girls must be trained to be the Prince’s bride. The boarding school is rife with cruelty, and bandits plot a kidnapping. Grades 5-8. Cassette book RC 63020. Large Print book LP 22479.
The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson. When the magic that protects their Valley begins to fail, Tilja and her companions journey into the evil Empire to find the ancient magician, Faheel, to renew the spells. Grade 5 and up. Cassette book RC 54240.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. Fifteen-year-old twins, Sophie and Josh, find themselves caught up in a centuries-old struggle involving rival alchemists and creatures of myth. Grade 6 and up. Cassette book RC 65599 (in process). Large Print book LP 23171.
East by Edith Pattou. An enchanted white bear promises to heal her sister if Rose makes a long visit to his home. By learning his secrets, she unwittingly seals his fate, which begins a long and arduous quest. A much expanded version of the original Norse tale. Grade 6 and up. Cassette book RC 61655.
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. A plot masterminded by her lady-in-waiting sends Princess Ani fleeing for her life. She disguises herself as a goose girl in the foreign land of her betrothed in an attempt to right the wrong and save her own kingdom from attack. #1 in the Bayern Trilogy. Grade 6 and up. Cassette book RC 58713.
The One-Armed Queen by Jane Yolen. The warrior queen's one-armed adoptive daughter is appointed heir, but her brother, manipulated by a foreign ruler, has other plans. Companion to the Jenna series. Grade 6 and up. Cassette book RC 51042.
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. Gen talks his way out of prison with a boast that he can steal anything. He’s forced to search for a legendary stone with challenging companions, but Gen has some tricks of his own. #1 in the Attolia Trilogy. Grade 6 and up. Braille book BR 11285. Cassette book RC 47183.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.