We are in a golden age of juvenile literature. This is plainly evident when we look at a genre we call, “New Fantasy”.
Today’s fantasy writers take cues from classic fairy tales to forge new stories and characters that are a feast for the imagination. Blending traditional stories with modern characters has been the key to helping thousands of reluctant readers dive into books that capture imagination and build reading skills.
The list below is a deep dive into New Fantasy. Absent are the best-selling books that already receive plenty of mention. Each book, or series is, however, well-worth mentioning and having in a school or library collection.
We have a long list of new fantasy here. Below are some excellent highlights.
The best in New Fantasy:
- Dragon Masters by Tracey West is excellent for lower grade readers. Fast-paced plots and illustration on every page, these books will build confidence and stamina in reading. Eight year-old Drake is chosen to be trained as a Dragon Master along with other kids with a similar gift. This series contains eleven books, with more are in the works.
- Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe by Noah Jones. By the same publisher as Dragon Masters, this is a mash-up of fairy tale stories with unexpected plot twists plots and vocabulary. Newly-independent readers will sink their teeth into this four-book series with more on the way.
- Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke. Zita is a humble earth girl who is thrust into an unimaginable life in space in search of her best friend. Zita becomes an unlikely hero through adventures and scenarios that make superb reading for independent readers.
- Princess in Black by Shannon Hale. For new readers who are ready for more of a challenge. The main character is a strong princess who does her best, but occasionally makes mistakes that make her wonderfully accessible to a young audience.
- Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland. Excellent for For 9 to 11 year-old readers. Currently an 11 book series with everything from dramatic battle scenes and double crossing characters to treasure, royalty and a prophecy that will end a generation-long war. These books captivate reluctant readers into a multi-layered story.
- School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCullough is another example of good fantasy for middle grade readers. The young protagonist, Evan Quick, dreams of having super powers. He does save his class during a field trip and is whisked away to the School for Sidekicks.
- Hamster Princess by Ursula Vernon follows the adventures of Princess Harriet Hamsterbone. She’s a thoroughly modern princess who takes matters into her own hands. Very fun reading for lower grade students.
- Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull tells the story of a brother and sister who live with their grandparents on a reserve for fairy tale characters. The adventures within the series have become a staple for middle school readers.
- The Fox ate my Homework along the lines of Ralph S. Mouse, this engaging story follows the story of a boy who moves to a new school to discover a talking Fox who helps, nags and gets him into trouble. This has become a popular read-aloud in many classrooms.
- The Girl with Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts is a beautifully-crafted story about Katie Welker. A girl with silver eyes who can make things happen just by thinking about them. Katie struggles to find friends and understanding. She searches for others who will understand her. An excellent story about friendship and struggle.
- Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. Perfect for a middle grade reader. Crenshaw is a large, outspoken imaginary cat who helps Jackson, a boy struggling with homelessness and family issues. Lessons on friendship and resilience are woven into the fantastic relationship of Jackson and Crenshaw.
- Impyrium by Henry N. Neff. Hazel has the gift of magic and is expected to employ it to protect the kingdom. Hazel finds the kingdom unjust and is torn about preserving it with it’s faults. A boy in her service named Hob wants to make life better for all, but is committed to his duty as a spy. An enthralling book with layers of story that will keep any reader engaged to the last page.