Any page dealing with Fantasy Literature for Young Adults ought to begin with C. S. Lewis' immortal Chronicals of Narnia. His other books, whether fiction or philosophy, are more than heartily recommended. Top

Lloyd Alexander

The author of many young adult fantasy novels, Lloyd Alexander is best known for (and rightly so) his Prydain Chronicals. His more recent books tend to fall significantly short of these originals, both in story-telling and in morality.

The Prydain Chronicals
The Book of Three
The Black Cauldron
The Castly of Llyr
Taran Wanderer
The High King

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Excellent/Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

In these series of books, we follow Taran from his humble beginnings as assistant pig-keeper to noble hero, from awkward adolescent to a holy man, encountering adventure, love, and just plain fun along the way! The characterizations are exquisite, the action surprising, and the morals wonderful. This series is an especially good answer to the recent Harry Potter craze, since it follows a young boy's journey to heroic manhood, but with the moral bent and just as much fun (and better literary quality)! Although it calls upon early Celtic myth, there's no fear of "paganising" your children.

Brian Jaques

And for those who prefer animals as main characters, check out the delightful Redwall series by Brian Jaques!

Redwall Series
Redwall
Mossflower
Mattimeo
Mariel of Redwall
Salamandastron
Martin the Warrior
The Bellmaker
Outcast of Redwall
The Pearls of Lutra
The Long Patrol
Marlfox
The Legend of Luke

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Excellent/Good
Age Appropriateness: Pre-Teen

"I've read all of the Redwall Books - there's about 12. I found them half-Catholic, half-Protestant. The stories take place in or around the Abbey, and the set-up of the Abbey seems Catholic, but sometimes they have a mother Abbess over men and women, brothers and sisters. These brothers and sisters ARE chaste. And if anyone is there who's not a brother or sister, they generally end up a brother or sister, or get married. There's never any cross-species relationships, homosexuality, or immorality!

"The bad guys are bad guys, but they don't carouse or practice sexual immorality. They're shown as being bad, not misunderstood.

"These books are mainly for middle-schoolers. But they're fun to read at any age. There's lots of adventure. There's always some mystery with clues that you have to solve - riddles, etc. Christian parents can definitely let their kids read these books without supervision. However, it would be a really fun read-aloud.

"The literary quality is the best for middleschoolers (not ness. adults). Some of the books are better in plot quality than others (i.e., how obvious it is). Definitely my most favourite is the first one, "Redwall."

"It's a good idea to read them in the order they were published, rather than chronologically. Otherwise, you may not know all the references in the book and may get lost in the storyline."

~Julie Snyder
(c) 20 July, 2000

And another review!

"I think the Redwall books are great. I've only read a couple, but my favorite is "Pearls of Lutra". I think the best part of the Redwall books is the puzzles and riddles. The are fun to solve and really make you rack your brain. I wouldn't exactly rate it Christian or Catholic, because the Abbey isn't really about religion. It's more about keeping peace among the animals in Mossflower woods. The Abbots and Abbesses are really only there to make desicions and keep everyone in line. But I really think these books are great for everyone, though they might be a little long for some people."

~Julianna
(c) 15 February, 2001
You can also check out her website.

Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll (aka Charles Dawson) was a great admirer of George MacDonald, and the author of quite a few literary works, is still best known for his Alice books - two delightful romps through the wild and fantastic upsidedown Victorian world.

Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Harmless
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

This particular edition of the book boasts not only both Alice books, but also all the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel. Classics themself, the Alice books, chronicalling the title character's journey through a topsy-turvey world are delightful romps for both children and parents alike. An excellent choice for those who like the wackiness of Harry Potter. Chess enthusiasts will especially enjoy the second book - since the characters actually play out a chess game!

J. M. Barrie

Yet another Victorian author of the fantastic, J. M. Barrie is best known for having introduced to us the boy who would not grow up: Peter Pan. But perhaps less well known, he also introduced the name "Wendy"!

Peter Pan
Peter Pan - Audio Tape (abridged); Read by Samuel West

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Excellent/Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

With timeless truths about the necessity of growing-up, fair play, and childhood games, Peter Pan contains ever so much more than just a whimsical green-tighted boy. Chock-full of tongue in cheek humour, and biting criticism of Victorian life (as well as the curious propigation of the Cult of the Child), this much-beloved book offers delight to both the child and the adult. Full of optimism and and bittersweet sorrow - a wonderful read for yourself and your child.

P. L. Travers

The Victorians truly had an insight into children's fantasy! Join P. L Travers in her Mary Poppins books!

Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins Comes Back
Mary Poppins in the Park
Mary Poppins Opens the Door
Mary Poppins in the Cherry Tree/Mary Poppins and the House Next Door
Mary Poppins (Disney Movie)

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

Come join the continuing adventures of Mary Poppins, the nanny everyone wishes were his! From Lizzy, "They are for kids but the reading is a little harder than most. [However] Mary Poppins is...irritatingly smug."

M. M. Kaye

Disgustingly priced (see link below) M. M. Kaye's classic novel is priceless...for anyone who can afford it!

The Ordinary Princess

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

"You shall be ordinary," the fairy cursed the youngest princess - and ordinary she became. This charming tale teaches us that there's more to being a princess than merely good looks. A beautiful book!

Norton Juster

Not only is it a great movie, it's a book too! Norton's classic manages to combine philosophy, language arts and math skills all into one delightful package!

The Phantom Tollbooth

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

What happens when Rhyme and Reason are kept out of the world? That's the question of this complex, yet highly amusing punnish allegory. Suitable for all ages, and chock-full of great morals!

J. K. Rowling

For a review of Harry Potter, please see the page devoted to various views on these controvertial books at Talking Potter. Also, take a second to look at Steven Greydanus' excellent comparison of C. S. Lewis's Narnia, Tolkein's Lord of the Rings and Rowling's Harry Potter at Magic, Middle-earth, Merlin, Muggles, and Meaning.