Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

Land of Stories is about a twin brother and sister who find out that the fairy tale world is real when they get transported into it via their grandmother's book of traditional tales. There they find out that one of the most feared villains of the world -the Evil Queen- has escaped from prison. They also find that there is only one spell that can take them home. They discover a journal written by the only other person that has succeeded in using the wishing spell. The unknown journal has tips on how to obtain the items that are needed to use the wishing spell. Along the way they discover that the wishing spell can only be used once more and someone else is trying to use it! On this trip they learn who their father and grandmother really are. I like this book because Colfer really explains what is happening in rich detail. He really paints a picture of the setting into your mind, as well as tells the story in a way that you feel  like you're inside it.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆

Age of enjoyment: 8+

Reading level: 9+

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Princess Addie's sister Meryl has always dreamed of finding a cure to the Gray death, a disease that has been plaguing the Bamarrians since the legendary hero Drault left Bamarre. But when Meryl catches the Gray Death it is up to shy Addie to find a cure. Along the way Addie must find enough courage to face many magical creatures, including scepters, dragons, and a magical spirit that seems to push her along in her quest to save Meryl. I really like how Levine puts a verse from the book of poems about Drault's heroic deeds in front of each chapter. It makes the story seem alive and spreading.

Stars out of five: ☆☆☆☆

Age of enjoyment: 7+

Reading level 7+

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Ella was cursed with obedience by the fairy Lucinda when she was a baby. Lucinda didn't mean to curse her, only to bestow a gift. Now Ella sets off on a quest to be free of having to obey every order that comes her way. On the way she faces many dangers such as ogres, almost being turned into a squirrel, and her evil stepsisters. Can Ella break the curse to save her kingdom? Find out in this twist on the traditional Cinderella story: a wonderfully crafted blend of romance, resource, and rare talents.
I really liked how Levine explains how each of the characters are feeling in precise detail, especially Ella. She really makes you sympathize with Ella and you feel what she's feeling.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆☆

Age of enjoyment: 8+
Reading level: 10+

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Goose Girl is a story about a crown princess who speaks to birds. One day Ani's mother says that Ani will not be crown princess anymore! She must take a long journey to marry the prince of an unknown kingdom, but along the way, her lady in waiting, Selia, betrays her! Ani must take refuge by hiding as a goose girl, trying to get up the courage to tell her fellow animal workers that she is the princess and ask them to stand beside her in her confrontation with Selia. I loved how Hale describes each and every one of the characters so well and how the story just seems to flow. Hale separates the story into sections so you know what position Ani holds in the story.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆

Age of enjoyment: 9+

Reading level: 9+

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

Percy is a boy who seems to always be around trouble. What (or who) could be the source of these dilemmas? Percy finds out that the cause of all these strange commotions is monsters, (monsters!) when he goes to Camp Half-blood not only for training, but also for safety. When he is sent on a quest to retrieve the head god, Zeus's prized lightning bolt that Percy is thought to have stolen, he meets several new enemies and wins several battles. If Percy doesn't find and return the stolen lightning bolt before the summer solstice, it will mean death for him and all of his friends. Will he survive? In this amazing adventure series Riordan shows you into the world of Greek mythology, including Olympic history. I really love how Riordan gives you a vague clue about what is going to happen in the title of each chapter. It draws you in without actually spoiling anything.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆

Age of enjoyment: 7+

Reading level: 8+

This is good for ages 7+.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is an adventure series of seven books about a boy who was left on the doorstep of his mean-spirited aunt, uncle, and cousin who are unkind to him until age eleven when mysterious letters addressed to Harry appear in the mail slot. The letters invite Harry to a wondrous school where he will learn that he has been famous from the time an evil sorcerer killed Harry's parents. In seven books Rowling describes how, along with his sidekicks Ron and Hermione, Harry must save the world. Set in magical England J.K Rowling melts you into the book of magic, mayhem, and
merriment. I love how Rowling makes you really feel how the characters are feeling.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆☆

This is great for ages 8+.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven is an adventure series of five books about a brother and sister who use their special talents to try to save the world from a cohort of demons and the people who are trying to free them. When many so-called allies turn to the side of evil, Kendra and Seth must save the world. Brandon Mull is an amazing adventure author. While reading this book you will feel like you are in the book itself.
I really liked how Mull describes the settings so well that you can see the scenario in your mind. This book is really funny in places but it can be serious.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆

This is perfect for ages 6+.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Auggie Pullman is an ordinary boy, on the inside. His facial differences have kept him from going to a real school, until now. He struggles through many hardships and challenges when his parents decide to put him into a real school environment for the first year of middle school.  In this amazing story of overcoming challenges R.J. Palacio brings tears to your eyes but she also will make you laugh till your ribs crack. Note: my parents have read this to my younger siblings so it may appeal to younger ages as well.

I really love how Palacio gives all the major characters a section in the book to express their feelings and responses to what is happening around them. This story made me cry in many places, but after finishing the book I wanted to read it again and again.

stars out of five:☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

This is perfect for ages 10+.