Modern Fantasy
The genre Modern Fantasy consists of stories that encompasses elements that are not real, such as time travel, pixies, etc., yet are believable. Although the elements are not real, many modern fantasy stories have deeper meanings embeded in its plot.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo
Edward is a rabbit who was made almost entirely out of china. He is fragile and is dressed beautifully each day by Abilene Tulane, a ten year old girl who treats him as her best friend. Edward thinks highly of himself and of his appearance, but has no feelings for Abilene, nor anyone else. The Tulanes take a trip on the Queen Mary, where two boys grab him and start fighting over him. He ends up being tossed overboard, which is just the beginning of his Miraculous Journey. Through the remainder of the book Edward ends up at the bottom of the ocean in a fisherman's net, at the top of a garbage heap, traveling with a hobo, and comforting a very sick little girl during her last days. Along the way Edward learns to love each of his human companions, but loses each one. As the story progresses, he becomes more and more damaged, and eventually is taken in by a storeowner who fixes him up and puts Edward up on display. The story ends with Abilene, now a grown woman, entering the store and rediscovering Edward. She purchases him for her daughter Maggie, and Edward finally finds his way home, and has learned to love along the way.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.8
Lexile: 700
Stephanie Karker
Twilght
by Stephenie Meyer
No book list would not be complete with this book! Bella moves to Forks, Washington to live with her estranged father. There she meets a handsome guy named Edward Cullen at her new school and is instantly attracted to him. But why is so mysterious? And why does he act like he can't get away from her fast enough? Until finally, by putting together all the clues, she figures out his true identity. Will she risk everything to be with Edward or will she let the love of her life get away?
Suggested grade level: 6-9
Reading level: 4.4
Lexile: 720
Reviewed by Arlette Leyva
Among the Free
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the seventh and last book in a series about the Shadow Children, the third children living in a society where the laws only allow two children per family. Drought has depleted the food supply, and people are struggling just to survive. The Shadow Children spend their lives hiding from the constant fear of being discovered by the Population Police. The main character, Luke Garner, is the last of his friends to survive. He spends his days running and hiding from the Population Police. He finds himself stuck in the middle of riots of people who blame the Shadow Children for their starvation. He tries to seek help, but never can trust anyone with his true identity. He doesn’t know where to find his family, and if they are even alive. Among the Free will make you think carefully about social, political, and environmental responsibility. What will happen to our world if people continue to ignore some of the global problems of overpopulation, pollution, depletion of natural resources, energy, and global warming? Although this book is a fantasy, you will wonder, could this really happen some day?
Suggested Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.7
Lexile: 810
Stephanie Karker
Ferno the Fire Dragon
by Adam Blade
Beast Quest: Ferno the Fire Dragon is book one in a huge series of Beast Quest books by Adam Blade. The book begins with Caldor not being able to defeat the besast and leaving the kingdom in chaos. A young boy named Tom is chosen by his village to go and talk to the King about the troubles they are having, as they do not know why there are massive fires and droughts. It turns out that someone is making Ferno the Fire Dragon cause havoc. Tom is now sent out on a Beast Quest to stop what is possessing Ferno to destroy the kingdom. The book was OK. But I think the characters and events were underdeveloped. I believe that a young kid getting into fantasy books may enjoy this, but I think other books are written better. For the age level I suppose it is a good book, although there are books written at this level with better development of story.
Suggested grade level: 3-6
Reading level: 4.3
Lexile: 720
Jessica Schmitz
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen is narrating her story of being selected to represent her district, District 12, in the Capitol's Hunger Games. The entire nation of Parem watches these televised games in which 24 girls and boys between the ages of 12 to 18 fight to the death until only one remains. The story reflects how much Katniss loves and wants to protect her family and friends, in particular her younger sister Prim and her hunting friend Gale. As Katniss begins to get ready for her participation in the games she meets many who encourage her to win and she starts to believe that she just might be able to pull it off. Her entrance into the games brings some unexpected twists and turns and this is one Hunger Games that is different than all the rest, thanks in part to Katniss and her fellow District 12 tribute Peeta.
Suggested grade level: 6-9
Reading level: 5.3
Lexile: 810
Jessica Schmitz
Chato Goes Cruisin' Chato and Novio win a cruise! Unbeknown to them, the cruise is full of dogs! To make it worse, the dogs get sick and they need to go find help. When they see the cruise ship that they were supposed to be on, they need to decide whether to get on the that ship or keep their word to the dogs. As in all of the Chato books, Gary Soto has added his incredibly delicious flair of mixing the Spanish and English languages. Suggested grade level: K-3 Reading level: 2.5 Reviewed by Arlette Leyva
by Gary Soto
Lexile: 530