
Attack of the Ninja Frogs
by Ursula Vernon
Attack of the Ninja Frogs is a hilarious and action-packed adventure that blends traditional storytelling with comic-style illustrations. When Suki, a new salamander exchange student, finds herself being stalked by mysterious ninja frogs, Danny Dragonbreath and his best friend Wendell the iguana step in to help. Their journey takes them all the way to mythical Japan to visit Danny's Great-grandfather Dragonbreath, where they must face off against martial arts masters and ancient legends.
This book is perfect for children who love funny stories, mythical creatures, and fast-paced action. Ursula Vernon’s unique hybrid format makes it an ideal choice for reluctant readers who enjoy series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid but want a touch of fantasy and adventure. It is a great choice for readers interested in martial arts, Japanese folklore, and the bond of friendship between quirky animal characters.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format with comic-style illustrations throughout.
- Humorous take on traditional Japanese mythology and ninja culture.
- Relatable themes of standing up for friends and bravery.
- Fast-paced plot that keeps young readers turning the pages.

Christmas in Camelot
by Mary Pope Osborne
Christmas in Camelot is a magical entry in the beloved Magic Tree House series, specifically designed for readers ready for slightly longer and more complex adventures. In this story, Jack and Annie are invited to spend Christmas Eve in the legendary kingdom of Camelot. However, they soon discover that the kingdom is under a dark spell and its greatest knights have failed to save it. It is up to the two siblings to embark on a high-stakes quest to restore joy and magic to the land.
This book is perfect for children who love Arthurian legends, mythical creatures, and stories of bravery. As the first of the 'Merlin Missions,' it offers a richer vocabulary and a more intricate plot than the earlier books in the series, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in fantasy who are transitioning into middle-grade fiction. Parents will appreciate the way it weaves classic folklore with themes of perseverance and teamwork.
Highlights:
- An enchanting introduction to the world of King Arthur and Camelot.
- A thrilling quest that emphasizes courage over physical strength.
- Perfect for holiday reading or as a gateway to more advanced fantasy series.
- Engaging illustrations that help bring the magical setting to life.

Many Waters
by Madeleine L'Engle
In Many Waters, the fourth installment of Madeleine L'Engle's legendary A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, the focus shifts to Sandy and Dennys Murry. Unlike their siblings Meg and Charles Wallace, the twins are known for being practical and down-to-earth. However, their skepticism is put to the ultimate test when they accidentally mess with their parents' experiment and find themselves transported across time and space to a desert oasis in the biblical era of Noah.
Stranded in a world of giants, seraphim, and strange mythical creatures, the brothers must navigate a society on the brink of a world-changing flood. This spellbinding tale blends science fiction with ancient mythology, offering a unique perspective on faith, family, and the power of belief. It is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy high-stakes adventure mixed with deep philosophical questions and historical reimagining.
Highlights:
- A unique time-travel adventure set in the pre-flood biblical era.
- Focuses on the grounded Murry twins, Sandy and Dennys, as they find their own strength.
- Rich world-building featuring seraphim, nephilim, and mythical beasts.
- Perfect for fans of A Wrinkle in Time looking for a more mature, atmospheric journey.

Over Sea, Under Stone
by Susan Cooper
Set against the rugged, mystical backdrop of the Cornish coast, Over Sea, Under Stone follows the three Drew siblings—Simon, Jane, and Barney—as they embark on a summer holiday that quickly turns into a high-stakes adventure. While exploring the dusty attic of their Great-Uncle Merry’s ancient house, they discover a weathered map that hints at a legendary treasure: the Holy Grail itself. This is no ordinary treasure hunt, however, as the children soon realize they are caught in the middle of an age-old struggle between the Light and the Dark.
This classic novel is the perfect introduction to epic fantasy for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories rooted in folklore and Arthurian legend. Susan Cooper masterfully blends a realistic mystery with atmospheric magic, making it an ideal choice for children who love The Chronicles of Narnia or The Hobbit. Readers will be captivated by the sense of history and the growing tension as the children race against sinister forces to protect the world from ancient evil.
Highlights:
- A thrilling quest based on Arthurian legends and ancient British mythology.
- Atmospheric setting in the coastal village of Trewissick, Cornwall.
- Strong themes of teamwork and bravery among three relatable siblings.
- The foundational first book in the acclaimed The Dark Is Rising Sequence.

Percy Jackson - Der Zorn der Dreifaltigen Göttin
by Rick Riordan
In seinem neuesten Abenteuer steht Percy Jackson vor einer ganz besonderen Herausforderung: Er braucht Empfehlungsschreiben der Götter, um am College in Neu-Rom angenommen zu werden. Diesmal führt ihn sein Weg zur mächtigen Hekate, der Göttin der Magie. Die Aufgabe klingt zunächst simpel – eine Woche lang auf ihre Haustiere aufpassen, während sie verreist ist. Doch in der Welt der Halbgötter ist nichts einfach, besonders wenn es sich bei den Haustieren um einen riesigen Höllenhund und eine verfluchte Iltisdame handelt. Als die Tiere in Manhattan entwischen, beginnt ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit, der Percy und seine Freunde Annabeth und Grover an ihre Grenzen bringt.
Rick Riordan liefert erneut die perfekte Mischung aus rasanter Action, trockenem Humor und faszinierender griechischer Mythologie in der modernen Welt. Dieses Buch ist die ideale Wahl für Leser, die spannende Fantasy-Abenteuer mit sympathischen Helden und einer ordentlichen Portion Chaos lieben. Es ist ein Muss für alle Fans der Serie und eine großartige Wahl für junge Leser, die sich für Mythologie und Heldenreisen begeistern. Die Geschichte zeigt eindrucksvoll, dass wahre Stärke oft in Teamarbeit und Durchhaltevermögen liegt.
Highlights:
- Spannende Fortsetzung der legendären Percy-Jackson-Saga
- Einzigartiger Mix aus griechischer Mythologie und modernem New York
- Viel Witz und Humor trotz epischer Gefahren
- Themen wie Freundschaft, Verantwortung und das Erwachsenwerden
- Ideal für Leser, die actionreiche Fantasy-Reihen lieben

Summer of the Sea Serpent
by Mary Pope Osborne
Join Jack and Annie on a breathtaking underwater journey in Summer of the Sea Serpent, a standout entry in the beloved Magic Tree House Merlin Mission series. In this quest, the siblings are sent by Merlin the magician to a mythical land of the far North. Accompanied by the young sorcerer Teddy, they must navigate treacherous waters, encounter mystical selkies, and face the formidable Spider Queen to find a legendary sword. This story is perfect for children who love blending history with mythology and are ready for slightly more complex narratives than the original series.
Ideal for readers interested in folklore and magical creatures, this book captures the imagination with its vivid descriptions of underwater caves and ancient legends. Parents will appreciate how Mary Pope Osborne weaves educational elements of mythology into a fast-paced adventure that keeps kids turning pages. It is a great choice for building reading stamina and fostering a love for fantasy literature in elementary-aged students.
Highlights:
- Features a thrilling quest involving mythical creatures like selkies and sea serpents.
- Introduces young readers to elements of folklore and legendary storytelling.
- Part of the Merlin Missions, offering a more challenging reading experience for growing fans.
- Promotes themes of bravery, cooperation, and problem-solving.

The Dark Is Rising
by Susan Cooper
On the eve of his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a world he never knew existed. He is not just an ordinary boy; he is the last of the Old Ones, immortal guardians of the Light. As the Dark begins to rise in a terrifying midwinter surge, Will must embark on a perilous quest to find six magical Signs that will help drive back the encroaching shadows. Set against a snowy English landscape steeped in ancient Celtic and Arthurian legend, this Newbery Honor-winning classic is a masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling.
This book is perfect for children who love epic battles between good and evil and stories where ordinary children discover extraordinary destinies. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in mythology, folklore, and high-stakes adventure. Parents will appreciate the lyrical prose and the deep moral themes that challenge young readers to think about courage and the weight of responsibility. It is a great choice for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter who are looking for a more grounded, mythic fantasy experience.
Highlights:
- A rich blend of modern setting and ancient British mythology.
- An immersive, atmospheric winter setting that builds tension and wonder.
- A compelling coming-of-age journey centered on destiny and duty.
- The second book in a celebrated series that can also be read as a standalone.

The Grey King
by Susan Cooper
The Grey King, the Newbery Medal-winning fourth installment in Susan Cooper's acclaimed The Dark Is Rising Sequence, transports readers to the misty, atmospheric mountains of Wales. Following a severe illness, young Will Stanton—the last of the Old Ones—is sent to stay with relatives to recover. However, his rest is short-lived as he is drawn into a high-stakes quest to find the golden harp that will wake the Sleepers. Alongside a mysterious boy named Bran and his loyal dog, Will must face the malevolent power of the Grey King, one of the most formidable Lords of the Dark.
This classic work of high fantasy is perfect for children who love immersive world-building and stories rooted in Arthurian legend and Welsh mythology. Ideal for readers interested in epic battles between good and evil, it offers a sophisticated narrative that challenges and inspires. Parents looking for a timeless adventure with deep thematic resonance will find this a great choice for middle-grade readers ready for more complex storytelling.
Highlights:
- Winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal for excellence in children's literature.
- Richly atmospheric setting that brings Welsh folklore and landscapes to life.
- A compelling coming-of-age journey centered on destiny, bravery, and the weight of responsibility.
- Perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
