The Underwild: River of Spirits by Shana Targosz

 

The Underwild: River of Spirits

432 Pages | 2025

Summary:

A stunning debut middle grade fantasy about a girl caught between the realms of the living and the dead who gets lost in the Underworld—perfect for fans of Greenwild and Rick Riordan.

Senka lives between the realm of the Living and the realm of the Dead. As ward to Charon, the Ferryer of the Underworld, Senka assists in ferrying recently departed souls across the river and into their afterlife. Although Charon has taught her many Rules about life in the Underworld, there is much he avoids telling her. Though she doesn’t understand why the Rules are so important, she listens—she must heed them in order to become an official Ferryer, just like Charon.

Then a Living girl, Poppy, enters the Underworld to plead for help in finding the ghost of her brother. Poppy’s grief tugs at Senka’s heart—but helping Poppy goes against the very Rules Senka is so desperate to follow. When Poppy is yanked away by the river’s current, Senka leaps to save her, and she and Poppy are swept downriver, far from everything Senka has ever known.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 

The Little Prince

96 Pages | 2000

Summary:

The beloved classic story about a young prince's travels through space―a profound philosophical tale about loneliness and loss, and love and friendship.

A pilot crashes in the Sahara Desert and encounters a strange young boy who calls himself the Little Prince. The Little Prince has traveled there from his home on a lonely, distant asteroid with a single rose. The story that follows is a beautiful and at times heartbreaking meditation on human nature and the wisdom of the heart.

The Little Prince is one of the best-selling and most translated books of all time, a classic fable universally cherished by children and adults alike, and Richard Howard's translation of the beloved classic beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry's unique and gifted style, bringing the English text as close as possible to the French in language, style, and spirit.

Witchycakes: Sweet Magic by Kara LaReau

 

Witchycakes: Sweet Magic

74 Pages | 2025

Summary: 

Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their town, and helps their neighbors with a touch of magic. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresisitible full-color art on every page!

In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! They ride their bike all over town with their basket filled with magical scones, tartes, and pies to deliver. There's always something going on in Shelville and Blue loves to help their neighbors -- especially if helping them means they get to use a little bit of magic.

Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the best helper they can be in their whimsical little town. And there's a special magical recipe at the end of the book!

The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale

 

The Princess in Black

96 Pages | 2015

Summary: 

Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!

Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? From award-winning writing team of Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, here is the first in a humorous and action-packed chapter book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect, but also dressed in black.

Princess Evie: The Forest Fairy Pony by Sarah Kilbride

 Princess Evie: The Forest Fairy Pony

112 Pages |  2021

Summary: 

Princess Evie and her pony go on a magical journey in this first book in an enchanting new chapter book series about a princess, her stable full of ponies, and the amazing adventures they share.

Princess Evie is worried about making friends as she joins a new class at school. But her mind is soon put to rest with the help of her magic pony, Willow. Evie and Willow go exploring and find an enchanted forest where they meet a group of forest fairies. Evie makes friends with Arwen, who needs her help rescuing a baby hedgehog. Could their act of kindness lead them to discover a secret fairy treasure?

Princess Pulverizer: Grilled Cheese and Dragons by Nancy Krulik

 Princess Pulverizer: Grilled Cheese and Dragons

146 Pages | 2018

Summary:

Meet the princess who'd rather wear a suit of armor than a crown!

Princess Serena (or as she prefers, Princess Pulverizer) doesn't want to be a princess--she wants to be knight! But her father, King Alexander of Empiria, thinks she still has a lot to learn when it comes to exhibiting valiant behavior. So he presents a challenge: the princess must first go on a Quest of Kindness and perform good deeds to prove that she truly deserves to go to knight school. With help from a friendly dragon named Dribble and a perpetually terrified knight-in-training named Lucas, can she complete her quest and discover what it really takes to be a hero?

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

224 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Snap’s town had a witch.

At least, that’s how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a Crocs-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online. It’s creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too.

Snap needs a favor from this old woman, though, so she begins helping Jacks with her strange work. Snap gets to know her and realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic—and an unlikely connection to Snap’s family’s past.

The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #5)

The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene 

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #5, 160 pages

⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Nancy Drew is in Arizona. She's been invited to spend a short vacation at Shadow Ranch which is outside Phoenix. She soon discovers that it's having problems. A phantom horse has been seen racing through the nearby meadows, and there's been malicious damage to the buildings and fences. Could it all relate to a treasure hidden somewhere on the ranch by that 19th century outlaw, Dirk Valentine?

The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #4)

The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #4, 200 pages

⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from StoryGraph)

Nancy and her friend Helen visit their friend Emily Willouby at the Lilac Inn, which Emily now owns, to help her plan her wedding. Emily plans on selling inherited diamonds in order to help fix up the Lilac Inn. However, Nancy soon learns that someone has been impersonating her and making expensive purchases under her name. Soon after, Emily's diamonds are stolen! Can Nancy find the thieves and recover the missing diamonds?

ALL BOOKED UP by MELODY CARLSON

 ALL BOOKED UP by MELODY CARLSON (Pgs 272)

Goodreads Review: Empty nester and widow Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave years of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who have been forced to make lifestyle changes and need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

I don't normally read Christian fiction or romance, but I like this author and the story was enjoyable.

A WEEK IN WINTER by MAEVE BINCHY

 A WEEK IN WINTER by MAEVE BINCHY (Pgs 336)

Goodreads Review: Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone House’s big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms. John, the American movie star, thinks he has arrived incognito; Winnie and Lillian are forced into taking a holiday together; Nicola and Henry, husband and wife, have been shaken by seeing too much death practicing medicine; Anders hates his father’s business, but has a real talent for music; Miss Nell Howe, a retired schoolteacher, criticizes everything and leaves a day early, much to everyone’s relief; the Walls are disappointed to have won this second-prize holiday in a contest where first prize was Paris; and Freda, the librarian, is afraid of her own psychic visions.

Sharing a week with this unlikely cast of characters is pure joy, full of Maeve’s trademark warmth and humor. Once again, she embraces us with her grand storytelling.

I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read. Afterwards I discovered that this was the last book she wrote before she unexpectedly passed away. 

The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate

 

The One and Only Family

272 | 2024

For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classic The One and Only Ivan , a Newbery Award winner and a #1 New York Times bestseller, and by its bestselling sequels, The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby . Powerhouse author Katherine Applegate invites readers back into Ivan’s world for one last adventure—his most exciting yet. Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family! Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin. In the tradition of timeless classics like Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little , the one and only Katherine Applegate has crafted a poignant, delightful, heartbreaking, unforgettable final foray into the world of Ivan, the world’s favorite silverback.

LITTLE WOMEN (LITTLE WOMEN #1) by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

 LITTLE WOMEN (LITTLE WOMEN #1) by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT (Pgs 449) 

Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?

I have loved this book since I was a child, and re-read it every few years.

THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. HINTON

 THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. HINTON (Pgs 214)

No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends - true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. And when it comes to the beating up on "greasers" like him and his friends - he knows that he can count on them for trouble. But one night someone takes things too far, and Ponyboy's world is turned upside down...

I haven't read this book since it was required in High School, I definitely see things from a different perspective as an adult than I did as a teenager.

Black Clover Volume 8 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 8

192 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

As Asta and the Black Bulls continue their search for the magic stone in the Underwater temple, they are blindsided by Vetto of the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Can the rowdy Black Bulls work together to take down this fearsome foe?

Review: Outside of the main high stakes fight, which honestly is a very good one overall in the grand scheme of the manga's fights in general. Finral gets some awesome character development and a courage boost, plus we even get more of his background! His and his brother's backstory are some of my favorite written backstories throughout the manga. Vanessa also gets a chance to shine. Without the teamwork Asta, Finral, and Vanessa show, I truly believe they would have no chance. But see for yourself just how tough a foe they face this time. 

Black Clover Volume 7 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 7

200 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

After the battle with the Eye of the Midnight Sun, the Wizard King suspects that there might be a traitor among the Magic Knights. But who is it, and how can Asta help expose the crooked knight?

Review: The summary makes me not want to spoil anything, but I will say the "quest" to uncover this crooked knight is a very entertaining one to read, especially the very end. There may be more than just a crooked knight alone to uncover. Furthermore, in the aftermath, the story lightens up for some time and Noelle gets some much needed assistance in learning to control her magic from a girl she meets at the beach. With the faith of her friends and the help of a new friend, does she have what it takes? I guess you'll have to see for yourself! I enjoy this volume a lot as well for its character development and because of Page 50 very specifically. 

Black Clover Volume 6 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 6

200 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Asta’s vacation is anything but rest and relaxation when children start disappearing all around him. But in order to take down the kidnappers, Asta will have to team up with Gauche, a mage who hates his guts!

Review: This is probably my favorite early on volume. The eye of the midnight sun returns, and we get to see Captain Yami fight for real. Not to mention, my favorite antagonists from the eye of the midnight sun appear for the first time and we get to see them in action as well. And at the very end we get to meet one of my favorite "side characters." This volume is a 10/10.

Black Clover Volume 5 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 5

192 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

The mysterious terrorist group calling itself the Eye of the Midnight Sun has been repelled from the Clover Kingdom, but the damage done is great. One of the Magic Knight captains has been gravely injured and Asta's been kidnapped. How will the Wizard King respond...?

Review: We really get to see the Wizard King in action for the first time here, and it goes to show just how strong he is. It's an important moment for the reader to see because the title has been raised to a very high podium up to this point. We can really start to see why thanks to this volume. I would continue, but in order to keep the experience fresh for a first reader, I'll stop at that! Asta may have some main character protections, but I wouldn't want to spoil if anything does or doesn't happen to him by moving right along in the story. 

Black Clover Volume 4 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 4

184 Pages | 2016

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Complete chaos has broken out as the Clover Kingdom capital comes under attack by a group of mysterious terrorists. Asta and the other Magic Knights join the fight in order to protect the innocent civilians, but what exactly are the terrorists after?

Review: This whole volume is high stakes to the very end and Yuki Tabata makes sure you are aware of it. This volume is action-packed and ends at a point where I imagine most people would want to immediately pick up the next volume. 

Black Clover Volume 3 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 3

192 Pages | 2016

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Asta and his teammates were ready for trouble when they were sent into a magical dungeon full of traps, but going up against the Diamond Kingdom may be too much for them to handle. Even Yuno couldn’t stand up to Mars and his mineral magic—does Asta have a chance...?!

Review: This volume finishes up the major battle between Asta and Yuno vs Mars (a Diamond Kingdom Mage), and afterwards we get to meet the one and only current Wizard King for the very first time! We get to see just what kind of person is able to hold that weighty title. In the last half of this volume we get a very clear look at the outlook nobles and royals have on commoners, even ones that have made it into the magic knights. There is a very clear divide of perspective and treatment. I would almost call this volume a transitional volume. Between wrapping up the conflict introduced in Volume 2 and introducing the major high stakes situation that will take up Volume 4, I would say this volume's biggest focus was further world building. Having the reader experience through Asta how nobles speak about and treat those of lesser standing, Yuki Tabata can better layout the current classist mindset the Clover Kingdom overall currently has. Another hurdle for both Asta and Yuno to overcome.