Looking for a fantastical escape? These books will whisk you away!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as a sacrifice for the forest witch, Xan, who shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. But she accidentally feeds one of the babies with moonlight, giving the girl extraordinary powers that have dangerous consequences when she turns thirteen. This is a beautiful fairy tale that feels like a modern classic!
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Meet 12-year-old September from Omaha, NE. She leads a very ordinary life until a Green Wind sweeps her out the kitchen window and ferries her to Fairyland, where her help is needed to defeat the Marquess, the new and unpredictable ruler of Fairyland. This book feels like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan all rolled up together for a fantastic adventure. Plus it’s the first in a five-book series.
Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
When young Sophie Hatter is turned into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste, she seeks the help of the fearsome Wizard Howl and his fire demon Calcifer to break the spell. But Howl is not so fearsome as he’s led the land of Ingary to believe, and he needs Sophie’s help in turn to discover what’s happened to the prince who’s recently gone missing. Whimsical, fantastic, and with a touch of romance, you won’t be able to put this one down!
The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
Have you ever met a dragon? Have you ever met a dragon who loves chocolate? Well, you’re about to! Aventurine is a brave young dragon who longs to explore the world outside of her family’s cave. But the world is a dangerous place for a dragon, and when she’s tricked into drinking an enchanted hot chocolate she’s turned into the most fearsome creature of all: a human. Now Aventurine has to figure out how to get back to her true form, as well as where she can get her hands on more delicious chocolate. This book is a fun journey that just might make you hungry!
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
This is a twisty page-turner of a book that takes place on the mysterious island of Vane. When Faith Sunderly’s scientist father is murdered, she discovers a tree that only bears fruit if you whisper a lie to it. When eaten, the fruit delivers a hidden truth. The tree just might be the key to unlocking the truth of Faith’s father’s murder—or may lure the murderer directly to Faith herself.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa