A fun book playing with fantasy tropes and making them new--iffy elements are scary circumstances and the banishing of a ghost. The spiritual aspect of this world so far seems to not contradict Biblical tenets.

The main characters have to leave their comforts to stand against what no one else believes will happen--and learn to be more themselves in spite of the pressures to conform in their village. Very fun, if not very deep.

I love this book--it retells a very important fairy tale in a way that's beautiful and fresh. Affirms reading and studiousness but also the satisfaction in working with your own hands. The heroine is a proud tomboy, but appreciates feminine clothes and has a strong bond with her sisters. I cannot recommend any of this author's other books as unreservedly for children's reading.

A Wrinkle in Time melds fantasy, science-fiction, and theology in a way much like C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy, with the advantage of being written less densely. It is no less profound. The whole series, and most of L'Engle's work, have Christian thinking and interesting speculation. Though you may not agree with her perspective, her questions are excellent ones to think through.

Food, missional orders, and battle cries! The rather colorfully portrayed war threading through these books is detailed as much as the feasts and characters' personalities. Fighting for the right, a belief in justice, and a very low key spiritual element make these popular. One of very few well-written (especially in terms of vocabulary) books boys can get into easily.