Tall tales and brave souls

Once a Queen

Sarah Arthur
(WaterBrook 2024)

When Eva Joyce spends the summer in England at her grandmother’s countryside manor, Carrick Hall, she marvels at the beautiful estate. It is a place with secret compartments and strangely elaborate topiaries, and she wonders why she was never allowed to visit before. Strange happenings leave her with many more questions, and it seems as though everyone is in on the secrets of Carrick Hall—except Eva. Even though she doesn’t believe in fairy tales anymore, she soon discovers there’s more to them than she realized. This enchanting and entertaining story is full of wisdom, and author Sarah Arthur includes nods to Scripture. The result is a book that many readers will enjoy, but one that Christian families will appreciate best. Ages 12+

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall

Ali Standish
(HarperCollins 2023)

Arthur Doyle is thrilled to receive an acceptance letter to Baskerville Hall, a ­special school where children can explore anything from boxing to coleopterology (the study of beetles). At the school, Arthur and his new friends Irene and Jimmie receive an invitation to join a secret society called the Clover. While proving his loyalty to the Clover, Arthur uncovers an even greater secret, one that threatens the existence of Baskerville itself. This clever book will appeal to fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, and since there’s no magic, it could serve as an alternative to Harry Potter. However, some of the children talk about communicating with the dead, and one character uses a mild swear word. Ages 8-12

Lost in the Caverns

Kathryn Butler
(Crossway 2023)

In the third Dream Keeper Saga installment, Lily McKinley finds herself back in the Realm, hoping to use her creative gifts to rebuild the blight-­tarnished kingdom. The newly returned Pax has other plans, though, and Lily is saddened by her new mission. Things get worse when Prince Rowan disappears. With a culinary-minded rabbit and an animated fireball, Lily follows Rowan into the foggy wasteland of cruel King Magnus. When Lily’s imagination fails, she must rely on Pax’s words to survive in the Desert of the Forgotten and save her friends. The lengthy book is somewhat overloaded with description, and Butler’s constant allusions to the gospel feel heavy-handed at times, but it’s a gripping tale that fans of the series will enjoy. Ages 10-14

The Night Raven

Johan Rundberg
(Amazon Publishing 2023)

In the late 1800s, 12-year-old Mika lives at a Stockholm, Sweden, orphanage where food and heat are scarce. Mika looks after the other orphans and works at a tavern, but she’s painfully aware of her insignificance. Then Mika hears rumors of a killer called the Dark Angel. A policeman notices Mika’s observation skills and enlists her help in a murder case, giving her a sense of purpose at last. This fast-paced mystery portrays some gruesome murders, and sensitive readers may be saddened by how some grown-ups treat orphans. Yet, it’s a tale of endurance and determination, and teens may be inspired by Mika’s hopeful and selfless outlook despite dire circumstances. Note: a few mild swear words. Ages 13-16