The Chronicles of Prydain

Personal Opinion: I genuinely feel like I am a better person for having read these books. They are older and don't have super cool covers, so Michael had to prod me to open up the first book... and I am so glad I did! This is a book series that really grows along with you. Lloyd Alexander did a masterful job of creating so many layers and messages that you glean more each time you read them, no matter what age you are. In complete honesty, Taran kind of annoyed me at first... but he's supposed to. He isn't perfect, but the process of him transforming from boy into man is simply heartwarming. This series has a hint of a Lord of the Rings/Chronicles of Narnia feel to it. The Chronicles of Prydain are books I will treasure in my library for many, many years to come. 

Overview: Here's how goodreads summarizes the first book, The Book of Three: 

Taran wanted to be a hero, and looking after a pig wasn't exactly heroic, even though Hen Wen was an oracular pig. But the day that Hen Wen vanished, Taran was led into an enchanting and perilous world. With his band of followers, he confronted the Horned King and his terrible Cauldron-Born. These were the forces of evil, and only Hen Wen knew the secret of keeping the kingdom of Prydain safe from them. But who would find her first?

Age Group: The publisher recommends these books for ages 8 and older. Because these are older stories with some unfamiliar words, I wonder if age 8 might be a little young to be reading these books on your own. However, if read aloud, I definitely agree that you will enjoy this story whether you are 8 or 80.  

Caution Content: These kids get caught in some sticky, and scary situations at times. There are some tricky witches and evil creatures involved. The language however is very clean and the romance is completely age appropriate. 

Dragon Slippers Trilogy

Personal Opinion: This heroine ROCKS. She might not be the strongest in battle, but she is intelligent, spunky, and very brave. Jessica Day George takes a remarkable twist on how you might think of dragons and pairs them with a brilliant heroine to create a truly remarkable tale. While I loved the first book dearly, I think Jessica did a great job of making each book better than the last! 

Overview: 
Here's how the publisher describes the first book:

Many stories tell of damsels in distress, who are rescued from the clutches of fire-breathing dragons by knights in shining armor, and swept off to live happily ever after.

This is not one of those stories.

True, when Creel’s aunt suggests sacrificing her to the local dragon, it is with the hope that the knight will marry Creel and that everyone (aunt and family included) will benefit handsomely. Yet it’s Creel who talks her way out of the dragon’s clutches. And it’s Creel who walks for days on end to seek her fortune in the king’s city with only a bit of embroidery thread and a strange pair of slippers in her possession.

But even Creel could not have guessed the outcome of this tale. For in a country on the verge of war, Creel unknowingly possesses not just any pair of shoes, but a tool that could be used to save her kingdom…or destroy it.

Age Group: The publisher recommends this book for grades 6-8. Once again, I think this book in particular is more flexible than that. I know I would have easily enjoyed this by the time I was in 4th grade. 

Caution Content: Very family-friendly. Clean language. Age appropriate and innocent romance. 

Keeper Series

Personal Opinion: Once again, I was originally sucked in to this series by the fantastic covers and splendidly surprised at the hilarious and original story packed inside. This is one of my personal favorites. It takes place in modern day with a pinch of fantasy that makes it both believable and exciting. This series is great for any girl who enjoys reading about a strong female lead who makes mistakes but is learning to find herself and where she belongs. The importance of family is a strong and endearing theme throughout the novels. It has a Harry-Potter feel to it, but not as dark or complex. Shannon Messenger is an incredibly talented and funny author and I can't wait to see how she finishes this fantastic tale.

Overview: Despite the trilogy-trend, this is an ongoing book series. Book four will be coming out in 2015. Here's how the author describes the first book: 

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She's skipped multiple grades and doesn't really connect with the older kids at school, but she's not comfortable with her family, either. And Sophie has a secret--she's a Telepath, someone who can read minds.

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she's not alone. He's a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well ... she isn't. Fitz opens Sophie's eyes to a shocking truth, and almost instantly she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

But Sophie still has secrets, and they're buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death--and time is running out.

Age Group: The main characters range from ages 12-15. The publisher recommends this series for ages 8-12. I think the reading level is a bit more flexible than that, and could absolutely be enjoyed at a much older age as well as possibly a bit younger. 

Caution Content: This series is very family-kid friendly and completely clean. The only sensitive issue I can think of is that Sophie does in essence become an orphan and has to relearn to live life with an adoptive family. Once again the romance (or hint of it) is age appropriate and very innocent. 

 

The Ascendance Trilogy

Personal Opinion: This isn't fantasy, and sometimes feels very real. However, the author does a magnificent job of balancing real issues with incredible adventure and delightful humor. This is truly an unforgettable series. Both Michael and I fell in love with them. Sage proves himself to be a lovable rascal, and just when you think you have him figured out, he will surprise you.

Overview: Set in a medieval time period, Sage has learned to fight for himself during a time of serious political unrest. Here's how another reader describes the first book: 

As an orphan running the streets of Carchar, Sage has learned to depend on his quick wits and quicker mouth to survive. When he finds himself one of four boys bought by a wealthy nobleman with a dastardly plan to gain control of the throne, Sage must use every trick at his disposal to outmaneuver the other boys and convince the kingdom that he is fit to rule.

Age Group: The publisher recommends this trilogy for grades 5-9. The main character is about 12 or 13 at the beginning of the story. 

Caution Content: While the characters are fairly young, they are dealing with serious, real, and dangerous issues. The language is clean, and the subtle romance very innocent. However, some of the conflicts such as war, betrayal, and death are sensitive. 

 

Half Upon a Time Trilogy

Personal Opinion: I was hooked at the covers, they are simply amazing! However the inside certainly didn't disappoint. My husband and I both loved this series so much, and I highly recommend... no, beg you to read it! I was laughing out loud one moment and biting my nails the next. Jack can't ever seem to get things right no matter how hard he tries, and yet he stubbornly doesn't want to give up trying to be good.

Overview: This is not your stereotypical princess story! It is so much better. Here's how the publisher describes the first book: 

Jack lives in a fantasy world. Really. He's the son of the infamous Jack who stole the magic beans from the giant, and he's working hard to restore his family's reputation. He finds the perfect opportunity when a "princess" lands in front of him, apparently from the land of Punk, as her Punk Princess sweatshirt implies. 

May is from our world, and she's utterly confused to find herself in the midst of the fairy tale characters she has read about. But Jack and May have more in common than they realize--and together, they embark on a hilarious and wild adventure in this modern middle grade fantasy novel.

Age Group: Main characters range from age 12-16. However, this is a series that can be enjoyed at both younger and older ages. The publisher ranks this book in reading ages of 8-15. 

Caution Content: The only thing I can think might be an issue is that the witches can be a little scary at times. No swearing, very clean. There is a hint of romance but absolutely nothing inappropriate about it.