
Furthermore
by Tahereh Mafi1 of 2
Furthermore is a breathtakingly imaginative middle-grade fantasy that transports readers to a world where color and magic are one and the same. Alice Alexis Queensmeadow is a young girl born with no color in a land that prizes it above all else. When she sets out on a perilous journey to find her missing father, she must navigate the unpredictable and often dangerous land of Furthermore, where the rules of reality are constantly shifting. This book is a perfect choice for children who love whimsical world-building and stories about finding beauty in being different.
Tahereh Mafi’s prose is lyrical and enchanting, making it an ideal read for fans of Alice in Wonderland or The Phantom Tollbooth. Readers will be captivated by the vibrant imagery and the emotional depth of Alice’s quest for self-acceptance and belonging. It is a great choice for young readers interested in magical adventures that challenge their imagination and touch their hearts.
Highlights:
- A unique and vivid magic system based on color and talent.
- A strong, determined protagonist who learns to embrace her uniqueness.
- Whimsical and surreal world-building that sparks the imagination.
- Themes of friendship, family loyalty, and the importance of self-worth.

Whichwood
by Tahereh Mafi2 of 2
Whichwood is a hauntingly beautiful and darkly whimsical tale from the bestselling author Tahereh Mafi. Set in the same world as Furthermore, this story follows thirteen-year-old Laylee, the only remaining morduan in the village of Whichwood. Her task is grim and lonely: she must wash the bodies of the dead and prepare them for the afterlife. As the weight of her responsibilities and the coldness of her magic begin to consume her, Laylee starts to lose herself, turning gray and brittle under the strain of her isolation.
This book is a perfect choice for children who love atmospheric storytelling and are interested in themes of grief, resilience, and the power of friendship. When two strangers from a distant land arrive to help, Laylee must learn to open her heart and accept support before her magic destroys her. It is an ideal read for fans of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book or those who enjoy stories that blend the macabre with the magical. With its lush prose and unique Persian-inspired folklore, Whichwood offers a deeply emotional journey that resonates with readers looking for something more substantial than a typical adventure.
Highlights:
- A unique and atmospheric setting inspired by Persian folklore and culture.
- A poignant exploration of grief, loneliness, and the importance of community.
- Stunning, lyrical prose that brings the magical world of Whichwood to life.
- A strong, complex female protagonist navigating difficult emotional terrain.
