The Genie Scheme by Kimberly K. Jones

Janna is frustrated by her life and the fact that she and her mother don't have enough money to buy everything that she wants. But everything starts to change when she buys a hat for a homeless woman and her kindness is rewarded. The woman is a genie who will now grant wishes for Janna - and it turns out that the 3-wish rule is just a story; there are no limits! Except, none of Janna's wishes are going the way that she intends. Everything she wishes to have herself gets taken away from someone else, and unlimited wishes still have complex restrictions. Suddenly, having a genie around is less like winning the lottery than Janna had hoped, but she still has to use her wishes somehow...

This was a fairly good book and a quick read. It was definitely an interesting take on the "genie" concept, and well thought-out. I liked the way that the characters develop during the book and and the fact that Janna grows a bit throughout the story. I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages who enjoy stories that take place in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Magical Mischief, Fablehaven, Princess for Hire, or The Wish List

The Fairy Bell Sisters by Margaret McNamara

In the first book, Sylva and the Fairy Ball, Tinker Bell's younger fairy sisters are getting ready for the annual Fairy Ball on Sheepskerry Island. Clara, Rosy, and Goldie have been planning their outfits; baby Squeak is still too young, but Sylva Bell is excited that she will finally be old enough to attend her very first ball. When the invitations come, the ball will be held one day before Sylva's birthday, which means she'll have to wait an entire year to go to the ball! But despite her disappointment, Sylva decides that she can still make a contribution.

The second book, Rosy and the Secret Friend, tells about how Rosy makes friends with one of the Summer Children visiting Sheepskerry Island. Even though the fairies are not supposed to reveal themselves to the Summer People, Rosy feels bad for Louisa and soon they are helping one another. But Rosy feels guilty about keeping the secret from her sisters and she'll have to figure out what to do when they find out about it...

These books are short, quick reads and they're cute stories. They're definitely written for younger readers, so they're a little bit predictable, but still a good choice for fantasy fans who want something light. There are also "fairy secrets" at the end of each book; the first has a recipe for Sylva's Blueberry Birthday Cake and the second has instructions to build a fairy house.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Fairy's Return, Once Upon a Marigold, The Dragon Princess, or Me, My Elf, and I

Water Steps by A. LaFaye

When Kyna was three years old, she nearly died in the storm that killed the rest of her family when it capsized their boat. Since then, she has been terrified of water, even drinking water and baths. Her adoptive parents, an Irish couple that saved her from the ocean, force her to take "water steps" and learn how to handle small amounts of water a little bit at a time. They tell her stories about fairies in Ireland that steal babies, shape-shifting silkies, and other sorts of magic. But when they tell Kyna that they're all going on summer vacation and living at a house on Lake Champlain, she will be forced to reconsider everything that she knows and face her biggest fears.

This book is fairly short, but it's written with beautiful, lyrical language that makes it difficult to put down once you start it. Even though parts of the story are a bit predictable, the characters are believable and it was interesting to see how all of the pieces would come together. Although there isn't as much "magic" in this story as in many other fantasy books, I would absolutely recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy a little bit of Irish myth.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Time series, Half-Human, Me, My Elf, and I, or Wings

Janitors by Tyler Whitesides

Spencer Zumbro wants his life to be clean and well-ordered, which is difficult in his large, disordered family and at a new elementary school. But things get even worse when he starts to see strange creatures around the school and no one believes him. When Spencer sees a janitor attack one of the creatures with a vacuum, he realizes that he isn't the only one who can see them. He and his new friend, Daisy, set out to find the truth, but the situation is far more complicated than they realize...

Honestly, this isn't the sort of book that I usually pick up, but I did enjoy it. The story is a little bit fluffy, but there is enough characterization to really get to know Spencer and Daisy, and several serious topics are broached as well. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans of all ages, particularly those who enjoy stories about fighting monsters and magical creatures in the real world.

Note: This book is also the first in a series, continued by Janitors: Secrets of New Forest Academy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Lightning Thief, Now You See It..., The Prophecy, or fablehaven

Unfamiliar Magic by R. C. Alexander

Desdemona (Desi) and her mother, Callida, move a lot; they are witches, constantly on the run from discovery though Desi isn't sure that's the whole story. Desi is frustrated because her mother won't teach her any real magic or let her use her powers. When Callida has to leave unexpectedly, she turns their feline Familiar into a human girl to watch out for Desi. No one is happy with this arrangement. But while Callida is away, "Cat" learns about being human and Desi learns more about what it means to be a witch - and to grow up.

This was a really cute book that made me laugh, particularly the complications of "Cat," who looks human but still acts like a cat. Parts of the plot were fairly predictable, but it was a quick read that was fairly light and still had some good characterization and amusing scenarios. I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages who are looking for something a little lighter, particularly those who enjoy stories about using magic set in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Marigold, Magic Can Be Murder, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or How to Ditch Your Fairy

Magical Mischief by Anna Dale

Mr. Hardbattle is quite happy living alone in his little bookshop in Plumford; but then magic moves in to the dusty corners between his shelves. Although Mr. Hardbattle is willing to coexist with the magic - and the horrible smells, mischievous practical jokes, and animated objects - it scares customers away, leaving Mr. Hardbattle no choice but to try and find it a new home. When he shares his predicament with Arthur, a young boy, and Miss Quint, they agree to watch his store while Mr. Hardbattle searches for an appropriate place for the magic to live. But no one can guess how much trouble the magic can get into, especially while Mr. Hardbattle is away.

This is a cute story with an interesting premise. Miss Quint is a little annoying, but the characters are all realistic and the plot certainly kept me wondering what would happen next. I would definitely recommend this to younger fantasy fans and readers who are looking for something light and a bit out of the ordinary.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Now You See It..., Fablehaven, Flora Segunda, or The Frog Princess

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Ten-year-old Winnie Foster is tired of feeling fenced in by rules and the ever-watchful eye of her family. One morning Winnie sneaks into the wood that borders their yard. Even though it is owned by the Fosters, it has always been off-limits. But when Winnie stumbles upon Jesse Tuck and their family secret - the Tuck family drank from a spring in the Foster's wood and it has rendered them immortal. Suddenly, Winnie has to face serious questions about whether eternal life is worthwhile, and how much one should risk for friendship.

This book is fairly short and quick to read, but it is also very descriptive with a serious tone. I did like the fact that there were some thought-provoking questions that were raised throughout the book, but if you want something really light, this may be one to put off for another time. Overall, I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages, particularly those who prefer real-world/realistic, stories or who are looking for something a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, Ever, or Bound

The Dragon Princess by E. D. Baker

Millie is not an ordinary princess - whenever she gets angry, she turns into a dragon. It was merely annoying as a child, but now that she's fifteen, it's causing all sorts of problems when she tries to find a suitor. No matter the magics and potions, Millie can's seem to control her temper. Then a friend suggests that Millie seek out the Blue Witch who lives in the Icy North to help her learn to deal with her emotions. Along with her best friend, Zoe, and her cousin, Frances, Millie sets out to find answers, but discovers that they might find themselves along the way.


This book works very well as a stand-alone, but is also the sixth book in the series that starts with The Frog Princess (Millie is the daughter of the main character in the first books). This book is light-hearted and a fairly quick read, but it also has interesting characters and good plot development. I would recommend this to younger fantasy fans and those who are looking for a quick read with a bit of adventure.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, Dragon Slippers, Of Two Minds, or Spirit Fox

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Stories by Gail Carson Levine & Half-Human edited by Bruce Coville


The Fairy's Return and other Princess Stories is actually a collection of novellas which are all published separately as The Princess Tales: The Fairy's Mistake, The Princess Test, Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep, Cinderellis and the Glass Hill, For Biddle's Sake, and The Fairy's Return. All of these stories are retellings or reminiscent of fairy tales set in a fictional kingdom. I enjoyed this book; the stories are short enough to read quickly and then put down, but longer than most 'short stories.' The plots are definitely creative and interesting takes on fairytale elements although the stories do seem to be geared toward younger readers and are not very sophisticated or complex. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who enjoy fairy tales or who are looking for short, quick reads.


Half-Human is a collection of short stories about 'half-humans' including gorgons, mermaids, selkies, and even a tree that becomes a man by authors including Bruce Coville, Tamora Pierce, Gregory Maguire and Jane Yolen. I really love this book; the stories are all short enough to read in a few minutes, but they are interesting and well-written. I would absolutely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly if you're short on time and need something that you can read in snippets of time. Almost all of them are about half-human children living in the 'real world' so readers who enjoy books about fantasy in the midst of today's world should definitely pick this one up.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Immortals series, Once Upon a Marigold, or The Frog Princess

Once Upon a Marigold and The Frog Princess

My own, personal philosophy is that when things get stressful, there's nothing like a good kid's book to help refocus the mind. Books classified as 'junior' fiction are quick reads (so they don't take up too much of the time that you don't have) and they're usually a little fluffier and take less energy. In this spirit, here are a couple pretty good books written for young teens.

The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker tells the story of Princess Emeralda who finds a talking frog in the swamp near the castle. He claims to be Prince Eadric from a nearby kingdom and says he's been turned into a frog for questioning the fashion sense of a witch. When she finally decides that it can't hurt to kiss him and see what happens, she discovers just how much it can hurt because he stays a frog, but she turns into one, too! Emma must learn to live as a frog as the two of them embark on an adventure to become human again.

This was a cute little story - some of the elements of plot were a bit predictable, especially regarding the characters, although the story as a whole was interesting. I liked the characters for the most part, especially the different sorts of animals that they encounter. There was quite a bit of variety, and the author did a good job of dealing with a human character who suddenly had to adapt to life as a frog. I have just discovered that it's a series (with at least four books) and I don't think I liked it enough to read all of them - a younger reader would probably enjoy them - but it was definitely worth a quick read for a change of pace.

In Once Upon a Marigold, Jean Ferris introduces Christian, a young boy who runs away from home to live in the forest with Ed, a troll. As Christian grows up, he watches the royal family of the kingdom where they live and notices that one of the princesses is a little different than the others - thus begins his interest in Princess Marigold. He begins writing her letters and conversing through pigeon-mail (p-mail) and finally decides to get a job at her castle so that he can be close to her. Once he gets there, however, he discovers that not all is well in the royal family - the Queen has decided that family interferes with her own plans. Suddenly, it's up to Chris to find a way to save his princess and the kingdom.

This really is a great story. Written in Ferris's off-kilter style, it's a fantasy story that doesn't feel quite like any other. I really love the characters in this story - they seem believable in part because each one has entirely unique thoughts and personality traits. The storyline is also fun and, although bits of it are a little predictable, there are enough twists in the story, I think, to keep it interesting. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book - it isn't deep, but it's definitely fun.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Heroics for Beginners, Princess Academy, The Last Apprentice, or Princess Nevermore