The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan are a group of short stories written by the author of the popular Percy Jackson books. The short stories are fun for anyone who is a fan of fantasy and adventure, but may be more especially appreciated by fans of Riordan's work. I am only familiar with Percy Jackson through the movies, and this is my first experience with Riordan's writing. It was well done and exciting, and I appreciated his ability to put tension and excitement into his stories. These 4 stories shed a bit more light on a few of the characters readers get to know in his other books. People who know the stories of these characters more than I do, might have their heartstrings yanked on just a bit more. Being only slightly familiar with the stories, I felt the tug as I read Luke's story, having some idea of what is coming later after the diary entries of his that I read. All around, the stories are entertaining, and I recommend them to readers young and old who enjoy Greek mythology, fantasy, and fast-paced action. The Demigod Diaries was published in 2012.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink is a delightful story about a girl growing up in the 19th century in Wisconsin. Caddie gets into lots of adventures and scrapes with her brothers since her parents let her be an outdoorsy tomboy. Her mother isn't too happy about it, but Caddie loves her life. She is able to go on all sorts of adventures with her brothers, and makes friends with Native Americans, especially John and John's Dog, and when her neighbors fear that the Natives will turn on them and talk about attacking them, it's Caddie who is able to ride to the Indians' camp and warn them. Caddie finds herself in all sorts of trouble sometimes though because of her wild ways, and when the teasing of her cousin Annabelle goes too far, what will happen?

Readers who enjoy books like Anne of Green Gables would enjoy reading Caddie Woodlawn. Caddie Woodlawn was first published in 1935.

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis may be my personal favorite of The Chronicles of Narnia. Mostly because when I first experienced the story as a young person, I was found myself relating to Jill Pole. She and Eustace Scrubb, after running away from some bullies, find their way into Narnia. A place where Eustace has been before, but not Jill. After a panic attack on the edge of a very high cliff, and accidentally tossing Eustace off (he doesn't die!) Jill meet Aslan who gives her some instructions which she has to take to Eustace in order to have his help in right a wrong that has come to the kingdom of Narnia, and the family of an old friend of Eustace's. With the help of a marshwiggle, the two teenagers set off on an adventure to save the king's lost son. But as they run into one problem after another, the group starts to get discouraged. If you want to find out what happens next, read this exciting book! The Silver Chair was first published in 1953.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Perhaps the most popular of the books in The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is an exciting adventure following four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Lucy first stumbled into a strange world when hiding in a wardrobe, and soon, after some misunderstand, and some rather unkind behavior on Edmund's part, the others find their way there, as well. This magical realm is not at all a safe place for them, since there is an evil queen who wants to kill any sons of Adam and daughters of Eve (humans) she finds. And the four siblings are exactly that. But with Edmund having been tricked by the evil queen, the other three find themselves in danger! Read the book to find out what happens next in this fun fantasy adventure! The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was first published in 1949.

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis is the first, chronologically, anyway, in the Chronicles of Narnia. Friends Diggory and Polly are trying to do some exploring in the attic of the townhouse in which they live when they accidentally stumble upon Diggory's weird uncle in his attic study. Some funny yellow and green rings on a tray catch Polly's attention, and when she touches one, she suddenly disappears, much to Diggory's horror, and his uncle's amusement! What Diggory does to rescue her leads into the rest of the story involving a dying world, an evil queen, and the birth of a wonderful series! If you enjoy middle grade fantasy with strong Christian metaphors, you will enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia, in particular, The Magician's Nephew!

The Magician's Nephew was first published in 1955.