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Jan 31, 2011 
Yay! It’s time for my second post here at The Mixed-Up Files—I guess that means I haven’t scared everyone away with my shenanigans! (yet…)
And when I realized they’d assigned me a Monday post I was SUPER excited. (if you can’t tell by the all caps). I run a regular feature on my blog called “Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday” (*coughs* shameless self promotion *coughs*) where I feature a favorite middle-grade book or author and host a giveaway. So I thought…why not do something similar here?
But since this is the Mixed-Up Files—a whole other level of awesome—I realized I needed to go a little bigger than that. So I’m not just featuring a book or author. I’m featuring an ENTIRE GENRE. And yes—there will be a giveaway!!!! Make sure you keep reading so you don’t miss out.
It was really hard to pick a genre (I love them all so much) but I settled on middle-grade fantasy because it’s not only what I read and write, but because it’s a category thats SO dominated by two HUMONGOUS series (Harry Potter and Percy Jackson) that a lot of people may not realize how many other amazing books there are to choose from. So I’m shining the spotlight on a few of my favorites, like:
For the traditional fantasy fan: FABLEHAVEN, by Brandon Mull
Basic Concept: A brother and sister stay with their grandparents for the summer, and discover the house is part of a secret preserve for magical creatures–both good and bad. Ages: 8-12
Why it’s awesome: Kendra and Seth are hilarious characters. The plot is action packed and keeps you on your toes. And while it has everything you could want from a fantasy book (fairies and monsters and magic–oh my!), Mull puts his own twist on everything to keep it fresh and original. You’ll find yourself wishing you could take a long swig of magical milk like the characters, and have your eyes opened to a whole new world too.
For those craving something different: THE BRIMSTONE KEY, by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
Basic Concept: The four friends known as “the Grey Griffins” discover that starting a new school is harder than they thought. Especially when the Clockwork King returns with an evil plot to steal the souls of changelings. Ages 8-12.
Why it’s awesome: Take everything you love about fantasy, then add Steampunk. The end result is 100% cool. Technically this is a continuation of the Grey Griffins trilogy (which is also awesome, btw), but it’s written so that new readers will easily be able to understand what’s going on. And with four very unique, very hilarious characters, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
For the younger, or reluctant reader: THE FIELD GUIDE (Spiderwick Chronicles, vol. 1), by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Basic Concept: With the help of Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You, the Grace siblings discover their great-aunt’s run down old house is actually surrounded by magical creatures. And seeing them is only the beginning of the adventure. Ages 6-10.
Why it’s awesome: How they crammed so much story into so few pages still amazes me. They definitely bring new meaning to ‘making every word count.’ Older kids will read it faster, but everyone will love it. It’s hilarious, suspenseful, and full of adventures. Not to mention the GORGEOUS illustrations throughout the book. Tony’s art is in a category all its own.
For the fairy tale lover: THE FAIRY TALE DETECTIVES (Sisters Grimm, book 1), by Michael Buckley
Basic Concept: When Daphne and Sabrina Grimm move to Fairyport Landing to stay with their Granny Relda, they discover that not only are all fairy tales real, but that as Grimms, it’s their family’s responsibility to investigate and solve any magical crimes in the town. Ages 9-11.
Why it’s awesome: A town where Prince Charming has to live with all 3 of his Exes (Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty)? I was sold right there. The concept is hilariously original, and the fast paced mystery will keep you guessing.
For those craving another boy wizard in their life: MAGYK (Septimus Heap, book 1), by Angie Sage
Basic Concept: Septimus Heap–the seventh son of a seventh son–is stolen from his parent’s home the night he’s born. That same night, his father finds a baby girl abandoned in the snow and decides to raise her as their own. So what happened to Septimus? And where did this mysterious girl come from? Ages 9-12.
Why it’s awesome: It may be about a boy wizard, but Septimus is definitely not Harry Potter. Filled with quirky, hilarious characters and set in an imaginative, high-fantasy world, this book keeps you racing through those pages till the very end.
For girls: THE TAIL OF EMILY WINDSNAP, by Liz Kessler
Basic Concept: Emily Windsnap never understood why her mother tried to keep her away from the water. Until she jumps in the pool and discovers she’s a mermaid. Then she finds out there’s a whole other world she belongs to. New friends to make. And a father she’s never met before. Ages 8-12.
Why it’s awesome: Okay, it’s really NOT just for girls. But I’m listing it that way because so often in this genre it seems like the books are written a little more for boy readers. And this book is chock full of girlie goodness. Mermaids. Best Friends. Words like “swishy.” Girls will gobble this up. But there’s plenty of plot to keep everyone happy. Even boys.
For those who like bad boys: ARTEMIS FOWL, by Eoin Colfer
Basic Concept: Twelve-year-old evil genius, Artemis Fowl kidnaps a fairy as part of an plan to increase the Fowl Family fortune. But when dealing with magic and fairies, things never go according to plan. Especially since he’s not as evil as he thinks he is. Ages 9-12
Why it’s awesome: I love anti-heroes, when they’re done right. And Artemis is definitely done right. He’s not a good guy. But he’s not a bad guy either. Leaving you wondering who to root for as the story unfolds. Bonus: the hilarious way Colfer has reinvented magical creatures is GENIUS. The perfect blend of magic, technology, and pure imagination.
For fans of the classics: PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Basic Concept: Ever wonder how Peter Pan ended up in Never Land, or why he can fly and why he doesn’t grow up? Well, after reading this you’ll have some ridiculously cool answers to those questions. Ages 9-12
Why it’s awesome: I never realized how much story there was to Peter’s life until I found this book. The writing is smart and funny, and the plot is high stakes and full of twists and turns. Plus the back story the writers came up with for all the famous characters and Never Land is so amazingly cool. Love what they did with it.
I could keep going–seriously, I’ve barely tipped the iceberg here–but I don’t want this post to stretch on endlessly. That should be enough to give you a good sample of some of the wonderful choices out there.
Not sure how many of you have heard of these books–they’re all pretty popular so most likely you have–but I chose them because, well, they’re some of my favorites. But also because–as I tried to convey with my titles–I think these books, as a group, kind of represent “a little something for everyone.” Bonus: they’re all book one in a series. So if you (or your child) get hooked on the story, there are more books to turn to. I love when that happens.
Which brings me to the giveaway. I know books are expensive to buy, and as the economy makes everyone tighten their budgets, sometimes there just isn’t enough money for all the books we want. So in that vein, I’m giving three books away today!!! That’s right–THREE lucky winners will win one of these books I’ve just featured. Even better–you get to choose which book you win!!
*tosses confetti*
To enter, leave a comment on this post between now and Monday, February 7th. Make sure you include your name, and the name of the book you’d like to win. I’ll draw three random winners and post their names on Tuesday, February 8th. Easy peasy, right?
So what are you waiting for? Put in your entry–you have THREE CHANCES TO WIN!
Ready? Set? Go!
***
Shannon Messenger is a middle-grade fantasy writer repped by Laura Rennert with Andrea Brown Literary. She may get older every day, but she refuses to grow up, and probably owns more toys than most of the children she knows. But that’s okay–it’s research for her writing. Or so she likes to claim. 
73 Comments 
book lists, Giveaways
And I think, if I win, I would like to start reading the Sisters’ Grimm series, because the very idea of Prince Charming dealing with all his exes is too much for me *not* to read. 
It’s kinda hard to choose, but, uuh, okay… I’m gonna say Sisters Grimm, because it reminds me of Fables (… you know, not regarding the fact that Fables is for an adult audience, haha).
