Intermediate (ages 9-14)

Material appropriate for intermediate age groups

Not One Damsel In Distress: World Folktales For Strong Girls

These thirteen folktales have one thing in common: brainy, brawny, brave heroines–and not one damsel in distress! From Bradamante, the fierce female medieval knight, to Li Chi, the Chinese girl who slays a dreaded serpent and saves her town, these heroines use their cunning, wisdom, and strength to succeed.
Drawing from diverse cultures around the world, renowned author Jane Yolen celebrates the smart, strong, and sassy heroines of legend and lore in a collection that will encourage bravery in every girl.

Ancient Egypt

Journey along the world’s longest river, from the Nile delta to Nubia, with the Egyptologist Kent Weeks. Open the panoramic gatefold to discover the magnificence of a pharaoh’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and then turn the transparent pages to reveal the effects of 3,000 years on a human mummy. Along the way readers will peer inside incredible pyramids and take a journey into the Next World as they learn the secrets of the dead. At the end, intrepid explorers witness how today’s scientists are using CAT scans and other cutting-edge technology to uncover the answers to some of ancient Egypt’s most intriguing mysteries.

Magical Tales from Many Lands

Fourteen folktales from around the world, illustrated in folk-art style, include a Zulu tale of a devoted mother and an Inca story about a beautiful and proud magician, along with tales representing the Jewish, Arabic, Amerindian, and other traditions.

Dragons

A wondrous anthology of ancient dragon tales to enchant readers young and old. “Do you believe in dragons? “Just a few hundred years ago, sightings of dragons were common. Ordinary people saw them; so did kings, knights, archbishops, and monks. Learned scholars wrote about them. Today, most naturalists say dragons never existed. So what exactly were the dragons that people claimed to see?” In this richly illustrated anthology, David Passes invites us inside the fantastic world of dragon lore. This superb collection of heroic myths, stories, and folktales from the storytelling traditions of India, Greece, England, Wales, Sweden, and China are brought to life by the fabulous illustrations of renowned fantasy artist, Wayne Andersen.

Earth, Fire, Water, Air

Dramatizes the original elements known to the ancient world–earth, fire, water, and air–recounting tales of how these life-giving elements gave rise to legends, gods, heroes, and mythical beasts.

The Bronze Cauldron Myths and Legends of the World

This bronze cauldron of 27 myths and legends from around the world contains a diverse assortment of tales such as the Indian legend of the young Buddha, the Mayan myth of the monster with emerald teeth, and the German legend of Dr. Faust.

A World Of Fairy Tales

fairy taleGenerations of children have discovered the enchanted world of fairy tales through Andrew Lang’s successful series of Color Fairy Books. Now for the first time the most unusual and intriguing of these international tales have been gathered together in a single volume, accompanied by stunning original full-color paintings and black-and-white illustrations.

Waiting for Normal

Addie is waiting for normal.

But Addie’s mom has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, jubilation or gloom, her way or no way. All or nothing never adds up to normal. All or nothing can’t bring you all to home, which is exactly where Addie longs to be, with her half sisters, every day.

In spite of life’s twists and turns, Addie remains optimistic. Someday, maybe, she’ll find normal.

Leslie Connor has created an inspiring novel about one girl’s giant spirit. waiting for normal is a heartwarming gem.

Featured in Volume II, Issue 1 of WOW Review.

Secret Keeper

When her father loses his job and leaves India to look for work in America, Asha Gupta, her older sister, Reet, and their mother must wait with Baba’s brother and his family, as well as their grandmother, in Calcutta. Uncle is welcoming, but in a country steeped in tradition, the three women must abide by his decisions. Asha knows this is temporary—just until Baba sends for them. But with scant savings and time passing, the tension builds: Ma, prone to spells of sadness, finds it hard to submit to her mother- and sister-in-law; Reet’s beauty attracts unwanted marriage proposals; and Asha’s promise to take care of Ma and Reet leads to impulsive behavior. What follows is a firestorm of rebuke—and secrets revealed! Asha’s only solace is her rooftop hideaway, where she pours her heart out in her diary, and where she begins a clandestine friendship with Jay Sen, the boy next door. Asha can hardly believe that she, and not Reet, is the object of Jay’s attention. Then news arrives about Baba . . . and Asha must make a choice that will change their lives forever.

Featured in Volume II, Issue I of WOW Review.