Myths & Fairytales, 8 books for ages 9-14
The following books contain well-known tales from mythology and legendary fairy tales as well as a handful of more modern tellings taking elements from mythology and fairy tales and weaving their own story. I’ve read quite a few of these and I hope you will, too.
The Dark is Rising (series) -Susan Cooper Five novels steeped in British and Welsh mythology follow the story of 11-year old Will Stanton, seventh son of a seventh son and last of the Old Ones, in his quest to vanquish the powers of the Dark.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths -Ingri & Edgar D’Aulaire Married couple Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire wrote and illustrated this luminous guide to the Greek gods, from cold, beautiful Artemis — goddess of the hunt — to the mighty father Zeus who lives on Olympus, "a mountain so high and so steep that no man could climb it and see them in their shining palace."
The Little Prince -Antoine de Saint-Exupery An aviator whose plane is forced down in the Sahara encounters a little prince who has fallen to Earth from a tiny planet and relates his adventures in seeking the secret of what is important in life. The poetic French novella was translated by Richard Howard.
Ella Enchanted -Gail Carson Levine At birth, Ella is given the "gift" of obedience by a meddling fairy — with the result that she's forced to obey any command anyone gives her. When she finds herself falling in love with Prince Char, she knows she can't marry him because anyone who discovers her secret could force her to destroy the kingdom — so Ella must choose between her own happiness and the safety of her country.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon -Grace Lin Inspired by Chinese folk tales, Grace Lin's novel tells the story of Minli, who lives in the shade of Fruitless Mountain. The bitter Jade Dragon keeps the mountain barren and empty, but Minli (whose name means "quick thinking") sets out to find a solution from the Old Man of the Moon.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (series) -Rick Riordan This thrilling fantasy quintet follows the life of Percy Jackson, a demigod and the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. Though heavily inspired by classical mythology, the series feels thoroughly modern thanks to Percy's funny, smart-aleck narration.
The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales -Maria Tatar Maria Tatar collects 26 classic fairy tales, pairs them with exquisite illustrations and supplements them with literary, cultural and historical commentary. From "Little Red Riding Hood" to "The Princess and the Pea," these stories are enchanting for kids of all ages.
The Sword in the Stone -T.H. White This 1938 children's classic chronicles the boyhood of Wart, the future King Arthur, as he comes under the tutelage of the great wizard Merlin. In this charmingly quirky tale, Merlin teaches Wart about the world by transforming him into various kinds of animals.