Valiant by Sarah McGuire

As the daughter of a famous tailor, Saville hates the fabric that claims all her father's attention. But when her father becomes ill, Saville must sew to support her family. She disguises herself as a boy and begs to sew for the king. Her sewing skills capture the king's attention, but when an army of giants threatens the kingdom Saville is caught up in court politics and the threat of war. It will take quick thinking and great bravery to protect the people she loves.

In Valiant, Sarah McGuire reinvents the lesser known tale of "The Brave Little Tailor." She adds plot twists and depth to a simple story but retains the traditional message that everything is not always as it appears. Saville is a complex character and her adventures will entertain tween and teen readers who love a good fairy tale.

Recommended ages--11 and up

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

In the Land of Quill, the strong and intelligent Wanteds are sent to the university, but the creative Unwanteds are purged. Aaron Stowe goes on to a life of promise as a Wanted while his identical twin Alex is sent to the Eliminators. But instead of death, Alex meets a magician named Mr. Today who introduces him to life in the hidden world of Artimé. Alex learns that art and creativity can be a power and even a weapon. Unfortunately, Artimé can’t stay hidden forever and the two opposing worlds collide.

The Unwanteds is a fast-paced fantasy for readers who enjoy magic and adventure with a little dystopia on the side. Readers will relate to the young characters and their inner struggles while being transported to a new world where creative thinking makes anything possible. McMann’s world building will captivate a wide variety of readers.

Recommended ages--10 and up

Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick

Zane Dupree’s father died before he was born. He didn’t know he had a great-grandmother in New Orleans, but now he and his dog Bandit are going to visit for a week. Miss Trissy is better company than Zane expected, but then Hurricane Katrina threatens to hit New Orleans. As Zane and Miss Trissy are trying to evacuate, Bandit gets loose and Zane goes after him. Soon Zane is struggling to stay alive in the midst of a frightening natural disaster.

Told from the point of view of scrappy Zane Dupree, this story brings to life the horrors and destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Zane’s narrative provides near misses and fast-paced adventure while giving insight into that historic tragedy. Zane and the Hurricane is exciting enough for adventure lovers while still providing historical education.

Recommended ages--9 and up