Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Zelie Adebola remembers a time when magic filled the land of Orisha. But life changed when the magic disappeared. King Saran had the maji killed, and Zelie was left without a mother and forced to live in fear because of her heritage. Then Zelie meets a rebel princess and learns of a chance to bring magic back and move against the monarch, but danger follows every step of the way. Will Zelie and her friends have the strength and bravery to overcome oppression?

Children of Blood and Bone introduces an interesting new fantasy world, but it also highlights real world issues. The plight of the maji and their oppression echoes issues of race and prejudice in the world today. Readers will be captivated by the story as well as social issues as they read.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Rook by Sharon Cameron

In a dystopian Paris, history is repeating itself. All those that oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade--reminiscent of the guillotine of years past. However, prisoners are disappearing from the prison with a red tipped rook feather left in their place. In the meantime, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy is trying to save her family from financial ruin through an arranged marriage to Rene Hasard. As the search for the mysterious Rook continues, Sophia finds herself torn between her double lives. She also finds that her fiance might not be all that he seems.

A delightful adventure that is part dystopia and part homage to the classic Scarlet Pimpernel, Rook will interest a variety of readers. I loved Sophia’s character and all the nods to The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is not necessary to read that classic before this book, but it definitely enhances the reading and makes the creativity of the story more intriguing. It is a great teen escape that remains refreshingly clean and age appropriate.

Recommended readers--13 and up

Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd

Mallie’s family is in what feels like insurmountable trouble. Her father is injured and can’t work in the mine and no matter how hard Mallie works scrubbing houses, she can’t make enough to pay their debt. The only other option is to send her seven-year-old brother Denver into the mine, but Mallie is determined to prevent that. Then she learns of a dangerous, but magical opportunity--flying magic horses to the tops of surrounding mountains to collect gold dust.

Mallie attacks each mission with her customary bravery, but soon learns there is more danger and treachery than she suspected. Over the Moon is an exciting story about bravery, friendship, and the importance of asking questions. It is a great family read and the audiobook is great for road trips.

Recommended ages--9 and up