Queen Anne Books

I can hardly think of how to describe this book because the world it introduces is so complicated and different from anything I’ve read. Imagine San Francisco in the 1940s, then add in countries all over the world that are similar to what you know, but altered (Hawaii is its own Kingdom, for example, and dragons have their own world beneath the ocean). Lastly, populate this place with both recognizable humans and all the sprites, trolls, spirits, shape-shifters, and gods you can think of (and probably more). That’s as close as I can get you without reading you the book.

The story is a classic adventure, a group of friends out for revenge, with all the necessary bad guys and self-discovery and thrills you’d expect. I really enjoyed City of Fire, both for its unique universe and for the great adventure in the story. There is something about it that reminds me of the movie “Spirited Away,” which is one of my all-time favorites. Good for boys and girls, ages 9 to 12. ~Lillian

It’s hard to find an effective eco-allegory. Especially hard is finding one more than seventy two pages long, and as engaging as The Lorax. But if you’re looking for something that dutifully explores environmental themes and serves well as an endearing adventure story, you have a winning option in Toby Alone, the debut novel by French author Timothée de Fombelle.

Toby Lolness is one and a half millimeters tall (around the size of the tip of a pencil). He lives in a marvelous world known as the Tree, a magnificent old Oak that houses a great community of Toby’s kind. Some folks live well in the upper branches, where development thrives and where they have a clear view of the sun, while others reside in the lower parts, operating grub farms and working in sap refineries. But when Toby’s father presents proof that the Tree is a living organism and urges sustainable action, Toby is forced to become a fugitive, on the run from powerful men with business interests, and on a desperate search for a way to save himself, his family, and the Tree.

With Toby Alone, the first book in a new series, de Fombelle explores most of our environmental concerns, and he provides a highly-entertaining and rich story of adventure in a world we might all like to visit. Some scenes in this book may be intense for some nine-year olds, but it’s a book worth keeping on the shelf for when they’re ready. Ages 9 and up. ~Jared

Ignatius (nicknamed Brother) is a mere 11 years old when his father is called to service in Iraq. Though he is the youngest of five children, Brother is called upon to manage the family farm. His older brothers are away at boarding school, and his mother is in Italy pursuing her interest in art. Together with his grandparents, Brother embraces the challenge, determined to run the farm just as his father would.

Rosanne Parry’s debut novel is a beautiful coming-of-age novel set in the cattle country of eastern Oregon in which Brother tells his personal story month by month, depicting the passing of the seasons on the farm and his personal growth. Though not cut out for farm life, the young boy eventually finds his true vocation thanks to a series of hardships that he and his Grandpa endure.

Heart of a Shepherd is the winner of the 2009 Publishers Weekly “Flying Start” award for a debut novel. I recommend this book to young readers looking for a compelling story that is neither sappy nor fantasy-based. ~Wendee

Mike Stellar’s parents are way high-up scientists working on a mission to go to Mars and turn it into a livable planet. The Project hasn’t always gone so well, and Mike hates school and his teachers because of it (well, for other reasons too, but that’s the main one). At the last minute, he and his parents have to go on the mission to Mars, and that’s when the adventure really begins. There are spaceships, cool gadgets, conspiracies, missing friends, evil henchmen, and some other things I can’t tell you about.

The unique and exciting future world in this book is what made it all work for me. This is a fun read mostly for boys ages 9 to 12. It’s a great ride (literally, there’s a crazy trip through a wormhole). ~Lillian

There is a good reason why this is our most popular series. It is very well written, with two strong, likable characters: siblings, Jack and Annie. One day Jack and Annie come upon a magical tree house which is able to transport them in time and place. Fun! ~Patti

There has been some mild controversy about this series because it is told from the perspective of young Junie B. and the grammar is often ‘creative’. Also, occasionally, she is a little more willful than I am comfortable with. However… the point of view feels very authentic to me and Junie B.’s concerns seem like the concerns of a real little girl. I ended up liking Junie B. and the book. ~Patti

This is another mystery series for budding detectives. In The Absent Author Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose try to solve the possible kidnapping of their favorite author. ~Patti