Books Like...

'The Last Fallen Star' by Graci Kim is a captivating blend of magic and Korean mythology that follows the story of Riley, an adopted Korean American girl navigating her place in a world where magic and mythical creatures exist alongside everyday life in contemporary LA. The book expertly weaves themes of family, friendship, belonging, and self-discovery through a fast-paced adventure that keeps readers engaged from the very beginning. The writing style is praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and relatability, particularly in portraying the inner struggles and complexities of the characters, such as Riley's journey of self-acceptance and curiosity about her mysterious origins.

The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, engaging readers with its intricate world-building, diverse characters, and rich mythology. Readers are drawn into a story filled with action, heartfelt moments, and humor, making it a delightful and immersive read that resonates with both young readers and adults alike. The book's exploration of Korean mythology, family dynamics, and the importance of staying true to oneself adds layers of depth and meaning to the narrative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda follows thirteen-year-old Sikander Aziz, known as Sik, who finds himself in the midst of a war with the Sumerian god of war and plague, Nergal, as he tries to save Manhattan from a deadly plague. Teaming up with unexpected allies like the goddess Ishtar and her daughter Belet, Sik embarks on a quest full of ancient Mesopotamian mythology, adventure, and humor. The book weaves together themes of grief, friendship, and the consequences of immortality in a captivating and atmospheric narrative that challenges stereotypes and addresses serious issues like Islamophobia.

'The Storm Runner' by J.C. Cervantes is a fast-paced fantasy story that delves into Mayan mythology, following the journey of Zane as he discovers his powers as a godborn. The book is filled with twists and turns, humor, and cleverness, making it an engaging read for fans of Rick Riordan and mythology-based adventure novels. The plot revolves around Zane's quest to save the world alongside his friends, incorporating elements of Mayan culture and mythology in a modern and relatable way.

The writing style of 'The Storm Runner' is described as action-packed, funny, and engaging, with likeable characters that readers can root for until the end. The book offers a fresh voice in the genre, capturing the essence of Maya mythology while keeping the readers entertained with its lighthearted tone and intriguing plot twists.

Tristan Strong, a seventh grader mourning the death of his best friend Eddie, is sent to his grandparents in Alabama for the summer. When a creature steals Eddie's magical journal and Tristan chases it into the woods, he accidentally punches a hole into another realm where African and African American myths come to life. Tristan finds himself in a world of gods, monsters, and legends, realizing he is a storyteller and must use his skills to repair the damage he's made, with the help of new allies like the Gum Baby and imposing gods. The book is a fast-paced, adventure-filled story incorporating elements of African and African American folklore, with a focus on confronting painful pasts and embracing storytelling.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a middle-grade novel that explores themes of grief, friendship, heroism, and the importance of storytelling. The book combines elements of fantasy, superhero stories, and folklore, introducing readers to characters like John Henry, Brer Fox, and Brer Rabbit. The plot follows Tristan's journey to come to terms with his grief while embarking on a quest to repair the damage he caused by punching a hole in the sky, leading to a world in turmoil. The book is praised for its incorporation of serious themes within a fun and adventurous story, appealing to readers of various ages.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor follows the story of Zachary, a Chinese American boy who just wants to live a normal life but is thrust into an extraordinary adventure when spirits attack him and steal his mother's spirit. To save her, Zach must travel to China, team up with kids possessed by former emperors, and face the first emperor of China through virtual reality. The book expertly weaves Chinese history, mythology, and culture into the narrative, introducing readers to unfamiliar figures in an engaging and accessible way. The writing style is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with intriguing twists, making it a captivating read for both young and adult audiences.

Aru Shah and the End of Time is a middle grade fantasy novel that delves into Indian mythology through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl named Aru Shah. The story follows Aru as she accidentally releases an ancient demon known as the Sleeper by lighting a cursed lamp, leading to a quest to save the world. Alongside her spirit sister Mini and a pigeon sidekick named Subala, Aru must navigate through Hindu mythos and folklore, facing challenges and discovering her true identity as a Pandava sibling. The book is a blend of adventure, humor, and mythology, appealing to readers who enjoy fast-paced storylines and diverse cultural themes.

In "The Fairy-Tale Detectives" by Michael Buckley, two orphaned sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, are reunited with their grandmother, Relda Grimm, who reveals to them that they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm. The girls discover that fairy tales are not just myths but actual events that their ancestors documented. Joining their grandmother in Fairyport Landing, the girls become part of a long line of fairy tale detectives tasked with maintaining peace between humans and Everafters, magical beings from fairy tales. As they navigate this new world, they encounter familiar fairy tale characters and embark on adventures to solve mysteries and rescue their family members.

The book blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and adventure as the sisters delve into their family history and unravel the secrets of their past. With a mix of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments, the story introduces readers to a unique world where classic fairy tale characters come to life and the descendants of the Brothers Grimm continue their legacy of protecting both humans and Everafters.

Amari is a young girl living in a poor neighborhood, struggling at school and dealing with the mysterious disappearance of her older brother, Quinton. When she receives a briefcase from Quinton containing a message and a recommendation letter for a summer school program at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her brother. As Amari enters the Bureau, she discovers a world of magic, supernatural beings, and a chance to prove herself while searching for Quinton. The book takes readers on an adventure filled with friendship, mystery, and self-discovery as Amari navigates through challenges and uncovers hidden secrets.

Every year in Quill, thirteen year olds are sorted into categories - the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. Thirteen year old Alex finds himself labeled as Unwanted, while his twin brother Aaron is Wanted. The separation of twins between Wanted and Unwanted leads to a threat for the survival of Artime, a magical place where the Unwanteds are trained to use their artistic abilities as weapons. The book is a middle-grade dystopian fantasy with a mix of magic, creativity, and a unique world-building style that engages readers of all ages.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein is a middle-grade book that follows the story of Kyle Keeley and eleven other classmates who win the opportunity to spend the night in the town's new public library, created by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The lock-in turns into a game where the students must solve puzzles and clues to escape the library, all while learning about teamwork, friendship, and the value of libraries. The book is filled with references to books and the Dewey Decimal System, making it an engaging and interactive read for young readers.

The writing style of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is described as whimsical, lighthearted, and fast-paced. The book incorporates elements of mystery and adventure, with a focus on puzzles and riddles that engage readers in solving clues alongside the characters. The story is a modern homage to classic tales like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with a unique twist that captures the imagination of readers of all ages.