Graceling, Kristin Cashore

Graceling

Fantasy, Ages 15+

Two different colored eyes means you have a grace. Some can swim long distances, others can calculate large sums, to dancing. Katsa's grace? Killing. Her uncle the King Randa, uses her as a thug, everyone in the realms knows that when Randa is upset, he sends his killing niece to do the dirty work. 

An adventure of self-discovery and mastery. Especially when Katsa realizes she may have feelings for the prince of another realm.

The first in a series of three, but can be considered a stand-alone novel. 

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Peter and the Starcatchers, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Peter and the Starcatchers

Adventure, Ages 10+

Peter is an orphan on his way to serve the king of Rundoon. The ship he is on The Never Land is carrying a secret treasure and a girl. The girl, Molly, knows about the treasure, but thinks it is on her Father's ship. The dreaded pirate Black Stache takes their ship captive, and what is one to do when taken by pirates, but fight back. 

An epically wild adventure that includes shipwrecks and friendships. A treasure from the stars and magic far beyond what you would expect. After all Peter Pan's story can't be like any others!

The first in a series of five.

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Among the Hidden, Margaret Peterson Haddix

Among the Hidden, Shadow Children series

Dystopian, Ages 12+

Overpopulation has become a problem, the population police only allow two children per family. Luke doesn't exist, not on any records, doesn't have any friends. No one but his family even knows he is alive. He is a shadow child, a third child that isn't allowed to be born. One day he sees a girl in the other house. Jen is a third child as well. 

Jen wants to see the world and Luke has to decide if he wants to experience it too. 

The first in a series of seven. 

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Redwall, Brian Jacques

Redwall

Fantasy, Ages 9+

Redwall Abbey is home to so many woodland creatures. Moles, mice, and squirrels alike. Their peaceful world is challenged when Clony the Rat warlord and his horde of evil creatures. The people of Redwall need a hero, a mouse willing to put aside the peaceful ways and fight. 

An adventure to protect what is loved most, home. 

This series includes 22 books, most can be read alone with rudimentary knowledge of the world. 

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Children of the Lamp, P.B. Kerr

Children of the Lamp, the Akhenaten Adventure

 Adventure, Ages 10+

Philippa and John Gaunt are ordinary twelve year olds. Well that's what they think until their uncle stops by and reveals to the twins that they are descended from a long line of Djinn. With the full powers to grant wishes and travel to far off places.

Of course with good Djinn comes evil Djinn and John and Philippa have to save the Djinn and the world.

The first in a series of five.

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Girl in a Cage, Jane Yolan

Girl in a Cage, Stuart Quartet

Historical Fiction, Ages 14+

Marjorie is a princess her father is Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland. Edward Longshanks, King of England decides to expand his empire, Marjorie is left in a public square unprotected by the elements by nothing but a simple cage. She stays strong knowing she is a princess, whether she is in a cage or a castle. 

A girl's struggle to decide if life is still worth it, and realizing that how you view yourself can't be changed by those around you. 

The second in a series of four, but can be read alone. 

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Uglies, Scott Westerfeld

Uglies

Dystopian, Ages 12+

Tally is about to turn sixteen, then she can have her surgery and be pretty. Being pretty means you get to be in New Pretty Town, and get to have fun all the time. As an ugly all you do is work. Until she meets Shay, Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. When Shay runs off the government comes to Tally. They tell her she can't be pretty unless she brings Shay back. Tally has to make a choice. 

An adventure of self-acceptance, learning, and renewal. 

The first in a series of four. 

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