By Aika Adamson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Adaptations of classic stories breathe new life into familiar literature. Bringing in a global focus allows readers to revisit the themes of these stories with a fresh perspective that can help them connect with the narrative on a deeper level. Beloved works such as Peter Pan, The Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland are reimagined with new contexts to invite readers into a world that is both familiar and brand new. Adaptations of longer, more complicated works such as Les Misérables and Frankenstein, or even the works of Shakespeare, introduce modern middle and high school readers to these influential works of literature in a more engaging setting.

This list of books is just a starting point for the growing number of titles that reimagine, retell or remix classics. From middle grade to young adult and even into graphic novels, authors and illustrators are publishing global adaptations and introducing new generations to the literature that has been celebrated for decades.

WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older “must have” books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen. Use the printer icon in the upper left corner of this post to print or save this list as a PDF.​

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• Themes: Aika Adamson, Bethany Morrow, Bit of Earth, C.B. Lee, Cherie Dimaline, Christina Soontornvat, Clash of Steel, Claudia Aguirre, Dan in Green Gables, David Bowles, Elizabeth LaPensee, Hailey Alcaraz, Into the Bright Open, K.C. Oster, Karuna Riazi, Legendborn, Midsummer's Mayhem, Rabbit Chase, Rajani LaRocca, Raul the Third, Rey Terciero, Rosa by Any Other Name, So Many Beginnings, Tiger Lily and the Secret Treasure of Neverland, Tracy Deonn, Wish in the Dark, Witch Owl Parliament
• Descriptors: WOW Dozen