Modern fantasy for children and young adults

Buckley, Michael. 2005. The Sisters Grimm, book one: the fairy tale detectives. New York: Amulet Books.

recommended for: grade 5 though middle school

Recently orphaned and tossed about in foster homes that failed, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm need a secure, loving port in this storm. But when they are finally joined with their never-before seen "grandmother," Sabrina is increasingly sure that the old lady's tales can NOT be true -- and in fact, the two girls must be staying in the house of a crazy person! But as events transpire that can only be explained by Granny Relda's stories, Daphne, and slowly Sabrina as well, come under her spell and come to realize their true place in the Grimm family: they are to carry on the family tradition as maintainers of order in the world where humans and the magical creatures of traditional fairy tales try to live together. In this first book in the series, we're left cheering for the two girls and their new family as they seek the parents who have been captured by the dark side of magic. Volume 2 is ready for reading!

True to the characteristics of good modern fantasy, Michael Buckley writes a well-crafted story that blends reality with fantastical beings that capture the reader's attention. The two girls' emotions are realistic and engaging, and the details in the developing story readily allow the reader to suspend belief and accept the new situation the girls find themselves in. Library Media Connection (February 2006) comments "Buckley does a good job of twisting the fairy tales and placing the Everafters in the modern world. ... Sabrina and Daphne seem much more like real children than Lemony Snicket's orphans. Sabrina's prickly skepticism and Daphne's desire for a home make the reader want everything to work out." There are times when the plot bogs down or the "sometimes stilted prose" (Book List November 2005) moves slowly, but overall this will appeal to young readers of fantasy who appreciate a contemporary --and at the same time, not so-- setting.

This is not a resource my school library has owned before, and I think that it will be a reasonably popular title for the older students. The winning mix of "now and real" with a very credible "magic at the same time" environment will have kids wanting more, I believe. It will be interesting to see how well the series fits with our student population.

Key words: magic, fairy tales, family relations, orphans, Prince Charming.

Traditional fantasy for children and young adults

McDermott, Gerald. 1974. Arrow to the sun. New York: Viking Press.


recommended for: Kindergarten through 2nd grade



"Long ago the Lord of the Sun sent the spark of life to earth." In this Caldecott Award (1975) book, the recounting of a Pueblo Indian tale tells how the spark became a boy, and how the boy endured scorn and hardship to find his father. The Wise Arrow Maker perceives that the boy is from the Sun and assists him to return there and confront his father. Through even more trials, the boy perseveres and earns his father's acceptance, and is again sent to earth, to take the Sun's spirit to the world of men. There he is received with celebration.

From first glance, it is the illustrations in this book that catch and hold our attention. Using geometric shapes and earth colors associated with the Southwest Indians, McDermott manages to create an amazing vitality and depth of image that bring the spare, terse text to life. To those who take the time to examine the artwork, the story does indeed become an amazing re-telling of this Indian folklore.

This is another of the treasures in my school library that I haven't been aware of. I look forward to sharing the Indian folktale, but even more, the incredible art and detailed illustrations, with my students as we enjoy this outstanding example of traditional fantasy in a picture book.

Key words: Pueblo Indians, myths, Caldecott Award winners, art and illustration

Traditional fantasy for children and young adults

Martin, Rafe. 1992. Rough-face girl. Ill. By David Shannon. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

recommended for: grades 1, 2 and 3

"Once, long ago, there was a village by the shore of Lake Ontario." Thus begins this native American version of the Cinderella tale. True to the genre of traditional fantasy (based in oral tradition), this tale presents the beautiful-hearted but humble sister who, after the older, evil sisters are defeated, wins the day with her courage and clear vision.

Based on a tale from Algonquin Indian folklore, Martin shapes a very satisfying read, perhaps one of the better Cinderella stories, and Shannon's illustrations enhance and extend the story. The touch of mystery and transcendence of the hero, The Invisible One, helps build the spell under which the reader falls. Horn Book (September 1992) comments "The text contains the cadences and rhythms of oral language, and the illustrations, dark and vivid, use earth tones and shadows to convey the drama." The native American culture colors Martin's tale, and we see through Shannon's eyes the visual aspects of a people of long ago.

I have enjoyed using this book with my students when we have studied the Cinderella tales, but I think I need to do it greater service now, both in teaching about the genre and in appreciating the illustrations that Shannon has given us. A great read!

Key words: Cinderella, truth, courage, native American tales, nature