Books Like...

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke and Kerstin Meyer is a heartwarming fairy tale about Princess Violetta, who defies gender norms by training to become a skilled knight like her brothers. Raised by her father after her mother's death, Violetta is determined to prove herself in a jousting tournament where the winner gets to marry her. Through themes of determination, independence, and self-discovery, the story follows Violetta's journey as she challenges societal expectations and embraces her own path, ultimately inspiring young readers to believe in themselves and their abilities.

In "The Castle in the Attic," a young boy named William receives a toy castle as a gift from his nanny, Mrs. Phillips. When he touches the lead knight that comes with the castle, the knight, Sir Simon, comes to life and reveals a magical world where an evil wizard has taken over. William embarks on a quest with Sir Simon to defeat the wizard and save the knight's kingdom. The story combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, as William learns about courage, chivalry, and doing the right thing.

The book explores the bond between William and Mrs. Phillips, showcasing William's struggle to deal with her departure and his desperate attempts to keep her from leaving. Through magical elements and imaginative storytelling, the author introduces readers to a world of knights, sorcerers, and medieval adventures, providing a mix of excitement and life lessons for young readers.

In "One Good Knight" by Mercedes Lackey, Princess Andromeda of Acadia finds herself in a world where magic exists and fairy tales come true. When her kingdom is threatened by a real dragon, Andromeda must navigate the forces of Tradition that dictate tales must have happy endings or tragedies. Alongside her Champion, Andromeda must find a way to save her people, challenge the norms, and discover unexpected truths about herself and those around her. The book offers a unique twist on traditional fairy tales, blending humor, fantasy, and elements of Greek mythology to create a light and entertaining fantasy read.

The story unfolds in the peaceful kingdom of Acadia, ruled by Queen Cassiopeia and her daughter, the bookish and underestimated Princess Andromeda. As Andromeda faces being sacrificed to a dragon, she defies expectations and traditional roles, showcasing her intelligence and bravery. Through clever storytelling and imaginative world-building, Mercedes Lackey weaves a tale of adventure, romance, and the power of challenging preconceived notions, all set within the enchanting backdrop of the Five Hundred Kingdoms.

In "The Paper Bag Princess," Princess Elizabeth's castle is burned down by a dragon who also kidnaps her betrothed, Prince Ronald. Left with nothing but a paper bag to wear, Elizabeth sets out on a daring mission to rescue the prince. Using her wit and cunning, she outsmarts the dragon and saves Ronald, only to be met with his ungratefulness and superficial criticism. The story teaches young readers about empowerment, independence, and the importance of inner strength over outward appearances.

The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye is a whimsical fairy tale about Princess Amethyst, the seventh daughter of a king and queen, who is gifted with the curse of being ordinary by a fairy at her christening. The story follows Princess Amy's journey as she embraces her ordinariness, runs away from an arranged marriage, and finds her own path in the world. The book is known for its charming and playful tone, with names based on qualities or stations in life, and a strong theme of self-acceptance and independence running through the narrative.

The writing style of M.M. Kaye in The Ordinary Princess is described as simple, beautiful, and lyrical by readers. Kaye's prose is praised for its ability to transport readers back to their childhood, with enchanting storytelling that inspires creativity and a love for writing. The book is also noted for its delightful illustrations by the author, adding an extra layer of magic to the enchanting tale of Princess Amy.

"Furthermore" by Tahereh Mafi is a whimsical fantasy tale that follows the journey of Alice Alexis Queensmeadow, a girl who feels like she doesn't fit in the vibrant community of Ferenwood due to her lack of color and seemingly insignificant magic talent. When Oliver Newbanks, a boy she dislikes, asks for her help in finding her missing father in the dangerous land of Furthermore, Alice reluctantly embarks on an adventure filled with mystery, self-discovery, and unexpected revelations. The story is engaging, colorful, and heartwarming, reminiscent of classic tales like "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Phantom Tollbooth", with themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and embracing individuality woven throughout.

The narrative style of the book is unique, akin to authors like Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, with a conversational tone that draws readers in and keeps them engaged. The plot unfolds with a series of mini-mysteries, questions, and surprises that gradually build up, leading to an adventurous journey where Alice and Oliver must navigate through a world where nothing is as it seems. However, some readers found that the story's quality dipped once the adventure began, as it focused on the dynamic between two stubborn characters rather than the initial intrigue and charm.

Magic Steps follows Sandry, a young mage with a unique ability to weave spells like threads, as she discovers a boy named Pasco who unknowingly possesses the magical talent of dance. As Sandry takes on the role of teaching Pasco, they find themselves entangled in a series of mysterious murders in their city. The book delves into themes of coming of age, teaching, and the complexities of magic, all set in a detailed and engaging world crafted by author Tamora Pierce. The writing style is described as perfect for young adults, with a detailed and multi-layered plot that captivates readers into falling in love with the magical world Pierce has created.

When adventurous detectives, Cass, an ever vigilant survivalist, and Max Ernest, a boy driven by logic, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box filled with smelly vials of colorful ingredients, they accidentally stumble upon a mystery surrounding a dead magician's diary and the hunt for immortality. The tale of mystery, magic, and adventure has a narrator who is determined not to give away The Secret, hilariously inserting himself into the narrative when he thinks the reader needs protecting. The story revolves around two surprisingly talented kids, Cass and Max Ernest, who are about to have the adventure of their life, filled with over-the-top secrecy and clues from a missing magician that lead them into dangerous situations.

The book presents a cool concept, a mystery novel for middle-grade readers, where characters' real names and many other details about their lives are protected, and the author himself hides his identity while interacting with the reader. The writing style is reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, with the author toying with the reader by offering teasers and new vocabulary, making it an enjoyable and fun read, especially for younger readers who enjoy magical adventure stories.

The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren is a heartwarming tale of brotherly love, bravery, and self-sacrifice. The story follows two brothers, Kalle and Jonathan, as they navigate life and afterlife adventures. Kalle, a sickly child, finds solace in Jonathan's stories of Nangijala, an afterlife world filled with both joy and treachery. When tragedy strikes and Jonathan dies trying to save Kalle, the brothers reunite in Nangijala, where they embark on a courageous journey to stand against evil and uphold the values of love and loyalty. Lindgren's writing style is captivating, blending fantasy elements with real-life themes of death, grief, and the power of sibling bonds.

"Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry follows the story of two siblings, Paul and Maureen Beebe, living on Chincoteague Island, who are determined to capture and own a wild horse named Phantom. The siblings work hard to earn enough money to buy Phantom, but on Pony Penning Day, they are surprised to find that Phantom has a foal named Misty. narrates their adventures with Phantom and Misty, highlighting their dedication and love for the wild ponies of Assateague Island. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on the relationship between the children and the horses, creating a sense of adventure and excitement throughout the plot.