Katherine Harbour's Blog - Posts Tagged "middle-grade-fantasy"

The Secret Horses of Briar Hill
Set during World War II, this story was bound to be heartbreaking, since Emmeline, the young protagonist, has tuberculosis and has been exiled to a house in the English countryside with other children.
Emmeline sees winged horses in mirrors. She's already suffered tragedy. When a friend dies, Emmeline must save a winged horse that has wandered into the world. Thomas, the one-armed gardener, tells her he can also see the winged horses and will help her protect the one she has found.
Emmeline is an endearing and fiery heroine in a dark world. I just wanted her to survive. The winged horses add a touch of magic. It's a classic tale and perfect for anyone who loved The Secret Garden or Anne of Green Gables.

The Girl of Ink and Stars
Isa lives on an island with her father. The island is ruled by a cruel governor, who also happens to be the father of Isa's best friend Lupe. When a girl is brutally killed, Lupe leaves for the forest and the forbidden territories. Isa disguises herself and leaves with the governor and his men to find her. Isa discovers a terrifying myth to be real, and how brave a young girl might be.
This is a surprisingly dark fairy tale for middle grade, with a determined young hero straight out of the classics.

Seven Wild Sisters
A modern fairy tale set in Appalachia, about seven sisters who inadvertently step into a war between two fairy factions--the Ginseng fairies and the court of the Bee Queen. Young Sarah Jane befriends an elderly neighbor named Aunt Lillian, whose knowledge of fairies comes from a childhood adventure. When Sarah Jane's sisters go missing, Aunt Lillian enlists the help of the Apple Tree Man and a cat being that calls himself Li'l Pater.
A lovely adventure about sisters steeped in folktales, with gorgeous illustrations by Charles Vess..

The Thief
Gen is a thief in a world beautifully inspired by ancient Greece and Medieval Europe. He's part of a band of travelers seeking a talisman that will prove the power of whoever owns it. I liked Gen, who is a tough and clever character, and the band of characters was pretty interesting. I'll read the sequels because of the main character and the world building. It's a very simple story, and more for Middle Grade readers maybe? My favorite part is when Gen's agenda is revealed, and in the middle, when he has an eerie encounter with gods and goddesses.
Young readers might want to try this before attempting The Lord of the Rings:)