Ginnette Cameron-Garnder – Primary Teacher/Librarian

Looking for something exciting to read with elements of magic and fantasy? (Possibly for fans of Harry Potter). In answer to the many requests I am receiving for advice on books to read I have made some suggestions:

The Spiderwick Chronicles, by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. Located at JF DIT.

More fairies, hurrah! The Spiderwick Chronicles is another Primary School favourite, following the adventures of the Grace children after they move into the crumbling, mysterious Spiderwick Estate. They soon find a “field guide” to the magical world around them, full of details about all sorts of spectacular fairy creatures. But this book was never meant to fall into mortal hands — which means the Grace children must learn to use it wisely, or else face terrible consequences.

House of Secrets, by C Columbus. Book 1 is in JF COL.

When Brendan, Cordelia and Nell move to Kristoff House they have no idea that they are about to unleash the dark magic locked within. Now the Walker kids must battle against deadly pirates, bloodthirsty warriors and a bone-crunching giant. If they fail they will never see their parents again and a crazed witch will take over the world. If you enjoy Fantasy fiction about magic and adventure, this may be the series you are looking for. Try book one!

 The Lost Stone of Sky City, by H. Waugh. Located at JF WAU

Summary: Sunaya doesn’t believe in Ice-People. Not until they display their powers, kidnap her friend Danam and steal her father’s precious gotal herd… Then Sunaya discovers she has powers of her own. Perhaps it was actually her the Ice-People were searching for? The deadly Dragon Tests will reveal all and see if she and Danam can survive. It seems not all is as it seems.

Sunaya’s peaceful village life is turned upside down when a simple mountain mission turns into a death-defying quest for survival.

Winter treks to summer pastures, mythical Ice-People that are scarily real, avalanches, ice falls, power plays, mysterious magic and surprising friendships – it seems not everything in life is set in stone …

This book has received excellent press reviews:

‘With its smart and likeable protagonist and rich world-building, The Lost Stone of Sky City is perfect for fantasy lovers looking for a sophisticated bridge between middle-grade and YA. It is HM Waugh’s first novel, and I eagerly await her next.’ 

Junior Books and Publishing

‘I totally adored this story … I highly recommend this book and I hope you can convince a middle primary reader to explore the amazing lands, palace and tests of the Ice People.’ 

Momo, celebrating time to read

‘An ice filled fantasy adventure, The Lost Stone of SkyCity is packed with power plays, magical twists and a death-defying quest for survival … A wonderful fantasy perfect to be read aloud to a middle-grade class or savoured alone with a nice hot cup of tea.’ 

Magpies

‘HM Waugh, an environmental scientist, has presented the reader with not only beautiful descriptions of the mountains and surrounds, but a lovely magical novel with tonnes of whimsy woven through the story.’ 

Good Reading, Nation

Ella Enchanged, by Gail Carson Levine. JF LEV (A stand alone book, not part of a series).

If you’ve seen the movie but never read the book, do yourself a huge favour and buy it right now. In this young adult fantasy novel, Levine skillfully weaves the tale of Cinderella into a decidedly darker, less Disney-esque tapestry. Our heroine Ella has been cursed to obey every order she receives, even when it endangers her life. She sets off on a quest to reverse the “gift,” but has to contend with everything from hungry ogres to wicked stepsisters along the way — not to mention the constant threat of strangers discovering the curse and using it against her.

Gloriously imaginative and compulsively readable, Ella Enchanted has become just as much of classic as the fairytale it emulates.

Please do not hesitate to ask for more suggestions: you can reach me in person or by email. New books are currently on order and there is a large selection on the rotating stand inside the Primary Library Foyer.