Do You Believe in Magic?

Fantasy novels are some of the most popular books for teens.  This week, I'm highlighting some great fantasy stories involving magic . . .

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
Sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabil, an unusually talented weaver, must master her mysterious power and join a young wizard in stopping an imminent war in her land.

White Cat by Holly Black
When Cassel Sharpe discovers that his older brothers have used him to carry out their criminal schemes and then stolen his memories, he figures out a way to turn their evil machinations against them.

An Exchange of Gifts by Anne McCaffrey
A runaway princess and a poor young boy try to make a new life for themselves without revealing their pasts or the magical powers they possess.

Impossible: A Novel by Nancy Werlin
When seventeen-year-old Lucy discovers her family is under an ancient curse by an evil Elfin Knight, she realizes to break the curse she must perform three impossible tasks before her daughter is born in order to save them both.

Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Jacob and Will Reckless have looked out for each other ever since their father disappeared, but when Jacob discovers a magical mirror that transports him to a warring world populated by witches, giants, and ogres, he keeps it to himself until Will follows him one day, with dire consequences.


More Magical Books --
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
The Alchemyst by Michael Scotgt
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar
The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick
Breath by Donna Jo Napoli
Firebug by Lish McBride
Garden Princess by Kristin Kladstrup
Girl of Fire and Thorn by Rae Carson
Magic Can Be Murder by Vivian Van Velde
Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
Shadows by Robin McKinley
Wishing Moon by Michael O. Tunnell
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin


Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through August 7, 2015.

And the Winner Is . . . The Newbery Award

The Newbery Award is given annually for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.  This year's winner, Kate DiCamillo, won previoiusly for her book The Tale of Despereaux.  Also, Newbery Honor winner Kevin Henkes also won a Geisel Honor for his book Penny and Her Marble.

 2014 Newbery Award Winner

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
Comic book fan and natural-born cynic Flora Belle Buckman and Ulysses, a flying, superhero, poetry-writing squirrel, join forces to overcome Ulysses’ arch-nemesis, Flora’s mother and encounter a quirky cast of characters. Through poignant, laugh-out-loud episodes, this homage to comic books is a testament to the power of love.

Newbery Honor Books
Doll Bones by Holly Black
In this distinctive coming-of-age tale, best friends Zach, Poppy and Alice set out on a life-altering quest driven by the presence of a sinister bone china doll who haunts their dreams and waking hours. Black explores complex questions of sto-rytelling, imagination and changing friendships in this superbly haunting narrative.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
Seven-year-old Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but during the year he develops better relationships with his teacher, his little sister, and his parents, and celebrates a quiet triumph of his own.

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake
In 1871 Wisconsin, love, betrayal, grief and violence spur 13-year-old Georgie on a gripping adventure full of hardship, heartbreak and terror. As she tries to solve the mystery of her sister’s disappearance, Georgie and her brash, humorous voice pull readers along on her journey of self-discovery.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter
Little Man, a sensitive and resilient 11-year-old boy who stutters, ventures beyond the familiar and finds his voice while taking over his best friend’s paper route. Set in the summer heat of 1959 Memphis, “Paperboy” is a moving coming-of-age novel.