The Fairy Fashion Show by Bea Jackson - ADVISABLE

The Fairy Fashion Show (Ready to Read, Level One) by Bea Jackson. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2025. $19. 9781665941129

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lilly and her fairy friends love fashion and especially love their summer fashion show. When Lily's human friend, Willow, wishes to dress like a fairy, Lilly and the other fairies work together to create the perfect fairy fashion for Willow.

The illustrations are whimsical. I can see this being a popular book with my students who love fairies. This series would be a great addition to an elementary library. Willow and the fairies are Black.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Faeries Never Lie edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker - OPTIONAL

Faeries Never Lie edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker, 336 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan Publishing Group), 2024. $20.

Language: R (48 swears, 10 “f”); Mature Content: PG (several on-page kisses, one instance of underage drinking, some stories deal with death, body dysmorphia, and a range of LGBTQIA characters); Violence: PG13 (implied sexual assault, child abuse, a couple of on-page violent & bloody attacks)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Within this anthology, fourteen distinct voices weave a tapestry of magic and mystery, exploring the complicated nature of the Fair Folk. From the good, the bad, and the ugly, these tales prove that while faeries may not lie, the truth is often just as dangerous.

I didn’t love this book. The biggest problem for me was the very format of it. Having the different short stories together in compilation was confusing. Some of the stories I liked, but most of them felt disjointed and incomplete. I did appreciate that the short stories featured a variety of protagonists - different genders, sexualities, and ethnicities. I also liked that there were a variety of different settings around the world and in different time periods. So I could see a teacher using a short story or two in class as supplemental material, but I don’t think you’d see them use it from cover-to-cover.

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Exile by Shannon Messenger, adapted by Celina Frenn, illustrated by Valeria Tenaga Romanazzi - ESSENTIAL

Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities 2) by Shannon Messenger, adapted by Celina Frenn, illustrated by Valeria Tenaga Romanazzi, 336 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $28 

Language: G (0 swears), Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (kidnapping, mild violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Sophie is a 12yo elf who has left the human world to study at Foxfire, the premier Elvin academy. She is worried about making the grades to get fully accepted at school, and hopes to be adopted by her guardians. On top of that, she has memories of things she shouldn't be able to understand, which threaten her life. Sophie seems to be caught between warring factions much bigger than herself. 

As the graphic novel version of the popular Lost Cities novels, I hoped it would be on par with the original text. I was not disappointed. I love both versions. The art on this one is stellar and captures the feelings and mood of the characters. It's nice to get a visual on the Elvin universe. This series is worth the investment and the graphic novel may reach readers the novel version does not. Action packed, along with plenty of teenage angst and universal feelings, this book has it all. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Queen's Hidden Legacy (Rise of the Kelpies prequel) by Shonna Slayton - OPTIONAL

The Queen's Hidden Legacy (Rise of the Kelpies prequel) by Shonna Slayton, 154 pages. Amaretto Press, 2025. $23

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G (none); Violence: PG (kidnapping, danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Queen has given the fairy Morag a huge job: save her twin babies from the danger arising from the battle with the kelpies. Some of the kingdom believes that the baby prince and princess should be sacrificed to the kelpies so the battle will cease. The Queen is terrified this or something else will happen to her babies. She’s dying from a lung disease and knows she won’t be alive much longer. She’s relying on Morag to get her babies to safety and out of the kingdom. The Queen also wants this task to be done secretly by Morag alone. Morag has an injured wing and knows she can’t accomplish this without help. She’s relying on her instincts to know who she can trust without putting the babies in danger.

I enjoyed this prequel to Rise of the Kelpies. The main character, Morag, and the queen both show great strength and bravery. Shonna Slayton is an author who writes clean reads, which is appreciated.

The ethnicity cues white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Mirror of Beasts by Alexandra Bracken - OPTIONAL

The Mirror of Beasts (Silver in the Bone #2) by Alexandra Bracken, 427 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2024. $19

Language: R (68 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (undescribed sex); Violence: R (bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

17yo Tamsin and Cabell continue on their mission but they seek different paths. Tamsin is with a group of like-minded and strong individuals searching for the Mirror of Beasts while Cabell is following Lord Death in the deadly and violent Wild Hunt. The Mirror of Beasts is not what they expected; it’s more remarkable than they ever imagined. Cabell faces the decision of leaving all he knows behind, including his sister Tamsin, to follow Lord Death. Tamsin discovers secrets about Emrys, Nash and herself that are shocking and completely change everything.

I enjoyed the alternating narrative between Tamsin and Cabell. Beautiful prose. The mystery of Nash is fun to see unravel. This story is full of great characters! Ethnicities are fair skinned, blue-gray and leaf-green skin, brown skin, and tan skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan - OPTIONAL

Beneath These Cursed Stars (These Hollow Vows #2) by Lexi Ryan. 432 pages. HarperTeen, 2024. $18

Language: R (29 swears, 1 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (fondling); Violence: PG-13 (bloody stabbing)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

17yo Jasalyn is scarred inside and out by the torture and imprisonment she endured from Mordeus. 19yo Felicity is an Echo who has been prophesied as the killer of her birth father, Erith. Jasalyn needs to heal but also move forward with her princess duties so she’s sent to the Wild Fae King Misha to learn to protect herself. Felicity needs to find a portal to defeat Erith before he kills her. Jasalyn trades places with Felicity. Jasalyn will stay with Hale Kendrick, Felicity’s adopted brother while Felicity stays with King Misha and looks for the portal and pretending to be Jasalyn the entire time with her Echo abilities. Lives become even more complicated when romantic feelings arise.

I enjoyed the fact that this book is the beginning of a new series but set a few years later in the same realm as These Hollow Vows duology by Lexi Ryan. The complexity of the two characters of Jasalyn and Felicity taking each other’s places is written well. The ending made me want the next book immediately. Ethnicity includes fair, olive, brown, ebony, pale, dark, golden, ivory, and light brown skin tones.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam - ADVISABLE

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam. 300 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf (Random House). 2023. $22 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Meesh is not great at being a demon. She doesn't blow fire, and she likes watching a show about a fairy princess named Nouna. Meesh lives alone with her grandma. Life for Meesh changes when she discovers that demon-kind and her way of life is threatened. Turning to the fairy world for help, she discovers some unlikely allies. 

The art was beautifully done and helped the storyline. Meesh has to discover who she is before she can really be of help, so themes of friendship, inclusion, and self-discovery are relatable. Meesh and her friends will be going on a new adventure in a subsequent book since the ending suggests an evil mastermind. The author is Chinese American and all the different worlds have a variety of skin tones. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Curses by Lish McBride - HIGH

Curses by Lish McBride, 442 pages. Penguin Random House/G.P. Putnam's Sons. 2021. $13. 

Language: PG (7 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content PG (brief passionate kissing) Violence: PG-13 (bloody death of an animal).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Merit is cursed to be a beast until she agrees to marry someone who her mother approves of. She meets 19yo Tevin, a professional con man, and they strike a bargain. Merit’s mother has set her up with three worthy candidates and Tevin is going to help Merit navigate their intentions because she doesn’t trust her instincts after being jilted by her boyfriend Jasper. Jasper left Merit after her mother offered him money to leave. Merit feels trapped by her mother and she doesn’t feel anything for the three candidates. As she confides in Tevin, the two of them become friends and more. As they work together, they unknowingly walk into danger and discover deception and they’re going to have to rely on each other more than they realize.

I enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of the setting. The humor is cute and funny. I grew to love the charming characters. Merit is white, and other characters are of mixed ethnicity, including fairy. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken - OPTIONAL

Silver in the Bone (Silver in the Bone #1) by Alexandra Bracken, 480 pages. Random House (Alfred A. Knopf), 2023. $20.

Language: R (52 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Seven years have passed since Nash abandoned Tamsin and Cabell. Living in the space between the reality humans know and the magic of the Cunningfolk, 17yo Tamsin is desperate to take care of her brother and break his curse—even when it means making uneasy alliances and finding a way to Avalon.

Bracken has pieced together a story using elements of modern-day life, tales of King Arthur, magic, and zombie fae creatures. The strange combination fits oddly well together, though it didn’t keep my attention the way I wanted it to. I struggled to add each new piece to the story, especially with the incorporation of tropes I am not fond of, like dead characters not staying dead. The imagination of the story is incredible; I’m just not invested enough to care about when the sequel comes out.

Tamsin (or at least her hand) is depicted as white on the cover, and most of the characters are implied white. Neve is described as having “dark brown” skin, along with a couple other characters. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol and innuendo. The violence rating is for mentions of murder, blood and gore, and fantasy battle scenes.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad - OPTIONAL

Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad, 336 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2022. $14 

Language: PG-13 (20 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Kissing, innuendos and joking about "giving him everything") Violence: PG (Magic and some sword fights) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

All of 17yo Croi's life, she has believed that she is an insignificant brownie- invisible to the human eye and also invisible to the world. But when her guardian gives her a book describing worlds she's never experienced before, suddenly she feels a connection to the strange places written with the magical books. When she feels a pull to these places, she is forced into a journey of self discovery and discovery of her magic. Although all Croi's life she has been taught that she is worthless, she is suddenly thrust into a world of endless possibilities for both her and her powers. 

Road of the Lost is a whimsical novel, with lots of immersive language and colorful creations. I often thought it was a little bit too slow, as the plot was just following Croi and her inner journey, I would've loved a more plot driven book. But it definitely was a good character driven story. Croi is described as having "copper" skin along with her guardian. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer 

Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli - MANY

Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli, 392 pages. Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Publishing Group, 2022. $14 

Language: R (14 swears 3 'f's); Mature Content: R (Vaguely described sex,; non-detailed oral sex); 

Violence: PG (stabbing, peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY:  HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

19yo Emeline Lark lives in Montreal where she’s trying to leave her forest hometown of Edgewood in the past. She’s on the verge of becoming a singer with a recording company but as she performs she sees signs of the Edgewood Forest creeping onto the stage. Emeline sees a mysterious hooded stranger in the audience who becomes the key to her past and future, unbeknownst to her at the time. Pa, her grandfather, has dementia and when she goes home to take care of him, she’s pulled into the Edgewood Forest and her life is thrown into upheaval and danger. To free herself from the evil and corrupted Wood King, Emeline will have to dig deep and get to the bottom of the forest curse. 

The writing pulled me into the story with incredible world building and mysterious surroundings and characters. Hawthorne is a fascinating character. The story has action, tenderness and a roller coaster of emotions. Characters are predominantly white in Montreal and Edgewood but mixed colors of skin in the otherworldly forest of the Wood King. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black - HIGH

The Queen of Nothing (Folk of Air #3) by Holly Black, 305 pages. Little Brown, 2019. $13

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (brief, undescriptive sex); Violence: R (High body count, murder and attempts of murder, a cannibal)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jude has lost. The exiled High Queen of Elfhame, Jude has lost her husband, her power, and her world. She spends her days missing the magic, the scheming, and, as much as she hates it, Cardan. So when her twin sister Taryn arrives needing a favor and baring an opportunity to go back into Faerieland, Jude cannot refuse, and she soon learns that Elfhame is not how she left it. War is coming, prophecies are fulfilling, and curses are awakening.

The Queen of Nothing is a stunning conclusion to this brilliantly constructed trilogy. If anything, this series gets better as it progresses and the first two novels can almost be viewed as prequals that introduce and familiarize the reader with the world and characters so that one may fully appreciate the climax. This series is LGBTQIA+ friendly and violence heavy, including many undescriptive murders but it talks about death and blood quite a lot. 

Sierra Finlinson 

The Wicked King by Holly Black - ESSENTIAL

The Wicked King (Folk of Air #2) by Holly Black, 322 pages. Little Brown, 2019. $13 

Language: PG (3 swears,0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (nongraphic make out, unsexual nudity and partial sexual nudity); Violence: PG-13 (infrequent, vague murders) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Jude has made progress. She has established her place in court. She has made sure Oak is safe in the human world with Vivi and Vivi's new girlfriend, Heather. And she has power over her own puppet High King, the former cruel prince. However, as Jude learns that someone close to her has betrayed her, she will not only fight for her honor, but for this wicked world that has become her home, a task that becomes increasingly difficult as she also battles her growing feelings for Cardan.

Black writes a book full of political scheming, clever plots, and intelligent characters. One of my favorite things about this trilogy is the way the Black has managed to not only create an inhuman race, but develop and portray them as believable and brilliant people. This is not a light-hearted book about fairies and romance, but rather a political exploration of playing one's cards, of bargaining, and of trust.

Sierra Finlinson 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - MANY

The Cruel Prince (#1) by Holly Black, 370 pages. Little Brown, 2018. $13

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (suicide); Violence: R (violent deaths, blood, abuse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

17yo Jude is a human girl living in a world of faeries. When she was young, her parents were murdered and she and her sisters brought to a world of danger, treachery, and deception. Now, she wants nothing more to belong in this place where she is scorned for her differences, for her weakness, especially by the youngest and most terrible of the High King's sons: Prince Cardan. To earn her place Jude must play her cards, sharpen her skills, and defy the prince. 

Initially I had mixed emotions about this book. While the writing, worldbuilding, vocabulary, and characters are brilliantly built and used, this novel was off to a slow start. Honestly, while I read it in a single sitting, I didn't care much for it until I finished it and could not get my hands on the next one soon enough! Despite what one may see through TikTok recommendations, this book is much more focused on politics than romance (although the romance is quite spectacular as it is one of the most genuine enemies-to-lovers I have ever had the pleasure of reading). This novel does contain quite a bit of violence. It's "R" rating regarding violence was not due to the acts themselves or the gore (although there is definitely some of that) but rather why they are committed or other circumstances surrounding them.

Sierra Finlinson 

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman - OPTIONAL

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman, 432 pages. Inkyard Press, 2023. $19.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Today is Isolde’s seventeenth birthday, and, as her changeling twin sister, Iselia claims it as her birthday, too. As a birthday present to themselves, they’re planning on stealing some things from Wildline Manor. They didn’t know what they would find, but the compass they end up leaving with is more trouble than they wanted – mostly because of the people chasing the sisters down to get it back.

Despite the magic and the thieving and the living-on-the-run stuff, Iselia felt relatable and real. Some of the fae lore, magic, and portal details were confusing, but not in a way that distracted from the story; I was able to move on and still enjoy the adventuring. Maybe more of the magic details will be made clear in the sequel, but, if not, I’m still interested to know what happens with the characters moving forward.

Isolde and Iselia have “olive” skin, Raze has “rosy” skin, and Olani has “dark brown” skin. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, and a passing mention of escorts. The violence rating is for mention of murder, weapon use, blood and gore, and fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Rise of the Kelpies by Shonna Slayton - ADVISABLE

Rise of the Kelpies by Shonna Slayton, 335 pages. Amaretto Press, 2022. $17 (paperback)

Language: G (0 swears,0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (kelpie attack)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Set in a fantasy world full of Scottish folklore, the kingdom of Glenmoor is searching for the lost prince and princess. Farrah is part of a group that has safely hidden and helped Tavish so that he can soon take his place as the rightful king but he never makes it; his body is found and rumors abound that a kelpie may have taken his life. Prince Tavish has been hidden for his entire life after he and his sister, the princess, went missing when they were very young. Now, a person claiming to be the lost prince has arrived at the castle and is calling for his sister to also return. Every village sends princess hopefuls to the castle to go through testing. Farrah accompanies a group traveling to the castle to protect those she’s with; her job is to pretend to be the princess and take the danger upon herself therefore protecting the other young women. The trip to the castle is just the beginning of the danger and deceptions are uncovered the further Farrah investigates.

The slow start kept me from getting into the book quickly but it soon picked up and became interesting. I like the author’s writing style and the character development. I enjoyed the mystery.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan - HIGH

These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) by Lexi Ryan, 481pages. Clarion Books, 2022. $20

Language: R (15 swears, 2 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (vaguely described sex, female parts described); Violence: PG-13(blood, guts)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Now 18yo, Brie is trying to get Sebastian and Finn to form an alliance to stop the queen who wants to imprison and enslave Unseelie Fae. Brie tries to learn to trust those around her and when she discovers her lineage, she finds her place. Brie and Finn learn they’re tethered, meaning they draw power from each other and give each other strength. The long sleep, where children sleep and never wake up, is affecting the Unseelie children because their kingdom is dying. Finn is willing to sacrifice everything for his kingdom and Brie is willing to do the same. If the two of them can get Sebastian to help then they just might save everything. Romance, adventure and fantasy all wrapped up in one!

I love the main character, Brie and how much she cares for her sister. Brie has tremendous integrity, strenght and compassion for others. Finn's backstory is interesting and I enjoyed reading about his past struggles and finding out why he is in his current situation. The ending is completely satisfying and perfect for the duology to end. The characters are a mixed of mortal ethnicities and fae.

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian 

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan - HIGH

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan, 442 pages. Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), 2021. $25

 Language: R (9 swears, 2 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (one slightly descriptive pleasuring scene); Violence: PG-13(bloody stabbing) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When 17yo Brie's younger sister Jas is sold to the Fae King, she travels through a portal pretending to be a human interested in marrying the Fae Prince Ronan. To free Jas, the Fae King wants Brie to steal artifacts from Prince Ronan's palace. Brie soon discovers that Prince Ronan is her friend from the mortal realm, Sebastian. She's surprised and angry but once she comes to terms with who Sebastian really is, Brie realizes that she can use it to her advantage in finding the relics and getting Jas back. Brie feels guilty for using Sebastian but will do anything to get her sister back. 

I loved the main character, Brie. She has tremendous strength and resilience and will do anything to save her sister. I also enjoyed the conflict between the two male main characters, vying for Brie. Brie wasn't sure if she could trust either one and this lack of trust created suspense and intrigue.

 LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag - OPTIONAL

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $13

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Morgan is 15 years old and though she has friends, she has a secret she’s wants to keep until after she graduates from high school. However, her secret might be spilled earlier when she begins to fall in love with a mysterious girl named Keltie who has secrets of her own. 

Even though the protagonist is in high school, the plot puts this in the middle school range. It’s pretty simplistic and the characters aren’t very developed. Morgan’s coming out doesn’t carry much angst and she’s so accepted that one wonders why she felt like she had to move away and wait till after she graduates from high school. The fact that Morgan’s girlfriend is a selkie has “The Little Mermaid” overtones. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Book of Stolen TIme (Feylawn Chronicles #2) by Dashka Slater - ESSENTIAL

The Book of Stolen Time (Feylawn Chronicles #2) by Dashka Slater, 416 pages. Farrar Straus Giroux (MacMillan), February 2022. $18.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Because the fairies were successfully sent home, Rufus and Abigail have an impossible task - maintaining Feylawn - per Iris' checklist - with only Nettle to help, and Nettle is more trouble than he's worth. And - someone is trying to buy Grandfather's property, it's a couple of Goblins, and Rufus is certain Mr. Diggs is behind this somehow. Rufus and Abigail are going to need to save Feylawn again! 

Dashka Slater's fairy world is fantastic - The Book of Stolen Time is imaginative, exciting and dangerous. Picking up almost immediately after "The Book of Fatal Errors" the page count (over 400) isn't daunting, as there's very little world building, just full of action and magic. I loved Iris' malapropisms as they are hilarious - and make sense how she is using them. Oh I hope this doesn't end the series - keep going, it's incredible!

Reviewer: Lisa Morey