Teen Shelf Help

A guide to help teens and their guardians find the books that are right for them.

A world of pure imagination: archetypal characters, magical artifacts, arduous quests, climactic battles, and light vanquishing the darkness. Guardians are always encouraged to review the books to help teens find out if they're the right fit!

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
ISBN: 9780385736008
The truth: Nicholas Flamel's tomb is empty. The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. Nicholas Flamel is the greatest Alchemyst to ever live. The records show that he died in 1418, but what if he's actually been making the elixir of life for centuries? The secrets to eternal life are hidden within the book he protects--the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed, and in the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. And that's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. There is one hope. If the prophecy is true, Sophie and Josh Newman have the power to save everyone. Now they just have to learn to use it. "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel has everything you loved about Harry Potter, including magic, mystery, and a constant battle of good versus evil."--Bustle Read the whole series!

Is this book right for me?

An action-packed fantasy that is descriptive, compelling, and suspenseful. Characters embark on a thrilling quest for a magical item. Great for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson & the Olympians!

Many mythologies come together for this story, and some historical figures are made immortal so their lives and impact are discussed. Despite the almost nonstop action and fantasy violence, there is very little real violence, gore, or anything realistic.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 890L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 6-9 (School Library Journal)
Ages 11-15 (Kirkus Review)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 10+ (Common Sense Media)

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull; Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781416947202
Brandon Mull's New York Times bestselling series about siblings Seth and Kendra who discover their grandparents are the caretakers of a sanctuary for magical creatures! For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken--Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good--powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

Is this book right for me?

An attention-grabbing, suspenseful fantasy with world-building, witty writing, and well-crafted dialogue. Great for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and The Unwanteds!

This action-packed novel features a world teeming with fairytale creatures, both good and evil. It emphasizes learning from mistakes and distinguishing between good and bad choices, while depicting fantasy violence, including battles and death.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 700L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Ages 11-13 (Kirkus Review)
Ages 9+ (Common Sense Media)
Ages 9+ (Compass Book Ratings)
Ages 9-12 (Plugged In)

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies
ISBN: 9780142408735
David Clement-Davies's first novel was published to great acclaim, including a rave review from Watership Down author richard Adams: "it is a riveting story and deserves to be widely read. it is one of the best anthropomorphic fantasies known to me."

Is this book right for me?

An epic fantasy with animal characters that takes place in Scotland. The hero is the "chosen one" and destined for greatness. Great for fans of The Warriors and Wings of Fire!

This book features good versus evil through animals, specifically deer. The world-building is a bit slow, but it is all worth it when the action begins. There is some violence and death.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Grades, 9-12 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 840 (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 7-12 (Booklist)
Grades 6+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Kirkus Reviews)
Ages 10+ (P ublishers Weekly)

Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus
ISBN: 9780142413074
Thirteen-year-old New Yorker Rory Hennessy can see things no one else can. When a magician's trick opens his eyes to Mannahatta, Rory finds an amazing spirit city coexisting alongside modern-day Manhattan. A place where Indian sachems, warrior cockroaches, and papier-mfch, children live, ruled by the immortal Gods of Manhattan - including Babe Ruth, Alexander Hamilton, and Peter Stuyvesant. But Rory's power to see Mannahatta brings danger, and he is pursued by enemies, chasing history and trying to free those who have been enslaved. And when he is given the chance to right Mannahatta's greatest wrong, seeing Mannahatta may not be a gift after all. . . .

Is this book right for me?

A historical fantasy full of action and adventure. The hero is the "chosen one" and destined for greatness. Great for fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus!

This fast-paced read uses real historical figures and events in its story. It has new take on mythology where spirits of the past live on and sometimes become gods. There are some instances of violence and themes related to death and loss.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 670 (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (Booklist)
Grades 5-8 (School Library Journal)
Ages 11-13 (Kirkus Reviews)

The Novice by Taran Matharu
ISBN: 9781250067128
He can summon demons. But can he win a war? Fletcher is working as a blacksmith's apprentice when he discovers he has the rare ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy for adepts, where the gifted are taught the art of summoning. Along with nobles and commoners, Fletcher endures grueling lessons that will prepare him to serve as a Battlemage in the Empire's war against the savage Orcs. But sinister forces infect new friendships and rivalries grow. With no one but Ignatius by his side, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of the Empire is in his hands.

Is this book right for me?

A fast-paced, high fantasy featuring a magic academy. Great for those who don't normally like to read as well as fans of Harry Potter and Keeper of the Lost Cities!

It features a world of demons, humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves. There is a lot of tension between these races that is shown in its complexity, but there is also hope about how friendship and trust can help bridge the divide. There is violence because of this conflict as well as mild profanity.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middles Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 890L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 7+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12-18 (Kirkus Reviews)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Common Sense Media)

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson; Ben McSweeney (Illustrator, Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780765320322
More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity's only defense against the Wild Chalklings--merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles. As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing--kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery--one that will change Rithmatics--and their world--forever.

Is this book right for me?

A compelling, suspenseful fantasy featuring a magic academy. This plot-driven title has world-building, and the characters must defend the realm. Great for fans of Harry Potter and Keeper of the Lost Cities!

This magic-filled novel emphasizes education and scholarship. Readers may find the intricate magic system very intriguing. There is some violence, but most teens don't find it scary.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 680L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 6-10 (School Library Journal)
Ages 10-13 (Kirkus Reviews)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Common Sense Media)

Sabriel by Garth Nix
ISBN: 9780063040496
Enter the Old Kingdom, a world of dark secrets and dangerous magic. As a child, Sabriel was sent across the Wall to Ancelstierre to safety. Now eighteen years old, she receives a cryptic and desperate message from her father, the Abhorsen--the magical protector whose task it is to bind and send back to Death those who won't stay Dead. Fiercely determined to help her father, who is perilously trapped in Death, and save him from the sinister Free Magic entity that has somehow ensnared him, Sabriel must prepare to enter Death herself--and find her destiny. To preserve life, the Abhorsen must enter death.

Is this book right for me?

A dark, epic fantasy that is bleak yet fast-paced, full of action and world-building. It explores the concept of the afterlife, longing for familial connection, and confronting fears to save someone. Great for fans of the Ranger's Apprentice series!

This compelling novel has a strong and determined main character. Because of the premise, there is gruesome fantasy violence. There is also some sexual content and wine drinking.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 1000L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 6+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Common Sense Media)

Slathbog's Gold by M. L. Forman
ISBN: 9781606416815
Do you have the courage, the wits, and the skill to claim a dragon's hoard? If so, apply within . . . The sign is small, tucked into the corner of Mr. Clutter's bookshop window: "Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within." No one but fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor even seems to notice it is there. And for Alex, who has wished for a change in his life, it is an irresistible invitation. Upon entering Mr. Clutter's shop, Alex is swept away on an incredible adventure to a faraway land filled with heroic warriors, mysterious elves, and hard-working dwarves. Alex becomes the eighth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red -- and evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the Oracle in her White Tower. Alex's adventure takes him to distant and exotic lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship.

Is this book right for me?

An epic fantasy novel filled with elves, dwarves, and magic. It offers a dragon slaying quest, showcasing courage and determination against formidable challenges. Great for fans of the Beyonders series!

This story offers imaginative world-building, engaging characters, and plenty of action, creating an exciting and immersive reading experience. It includes fantasy violence that some may find gory, along with mild instances of peril and suspense.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 820L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (Booklist)
Ages 10-14 (Kirkus Review)