Books like 'The Crystal Ribbon'
Readers who enjoyed The Crystal Ribbon by Celeste Lim also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy action / adventure historical-fiction children myths poc-mc magical-realism asian-mc retellings
-
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book, this memorable retelling of Cinderella is perfect for introducing children to the fairy tale as well as the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe.Inspired by a traditional African folktale, this is the story of Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters... -
El Cavaller que no volia Lluitar by Helen Docherty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEven dragons can’t resist a good story…Even though Leo would rather sit at home and read, his parents send him out into the world in the hopes that Leo will become a famous knight... -
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsIn the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli's mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense...Categorized as:
animals asian-mc children family female-mc friendship historical-fiction low-fantasy -
The Forgotten Kingdom: A Novel by Signe Pike
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom the author of The Lost Queen , hailed as “ Outlander meets Camelot ” (Kirsty Logan, the author of The Gloaming) and “ The Mists of Avalon for a new generation” (Linnea Hartsuyker, the author of The Golden Wolf), a “rich, immersive” ( Kirkus Reviews ) new novel in which a forgotten queen of 6th-century Scotland claims her throne as war looms and her family is scattered to the winds.AD 573...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction medieval myths retellings action-adventure adult arthurian -
-
Duel at Araluen by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsInternational bestselling author John Flanagan returns to world of Ranger's Apprentice in this new installment of the Royal Ranger series starring Maddie, Will Treaty's fearless young apprentice. King Duncan and Princess Cassandra are trapped in the south tower of Castle Araluen and under near-constant attack from the Red Fox Clan... -
The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages by Carl Ashmore
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings'The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages' is the fourth book in the bestselling Time Hunters saga. After a terrifying encounter with Emerson Drake, Becky and Joe Mellor return to Bowen Hall for the Easter Holidays. All seems quite normal until they meet Shamus Cusack, a young Irishman with a shocking story to tell, and are pitched into a quest for the fourth Eden Relic, the Sword of Ages...Categorized as:
children historical-fiction medieval myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat If... A long time ago, in order to avoid extinction, the ancient Sasquatch interbred with the humans. What if... The community repopulated, and lived in peace and harmony with all creation for generation after generation — until the compassionate act of their Healer set it all on end...Categorized as:
animals female-mc historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure adult alternate-history -
The Caldera by John Flanagan, John Keating
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Herons take to the high seas to fend off pirates and rescue the heir to an empire in the newest adventure from John Flanagan, author of the worldwide bestselling Ranger's Apprentice! Includes BONUS content--a brand-new Ranger's Apprentice short story featuring fan-favorites Will and Maddie!In Hallasholm, Stig is contesting the annual Maktig competition to decide Skandia's greatest warrior... -
Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOld Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka's lovingly crafted eggs... -
Magic Tree House: #1-28 [Magic Tree House Library] by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOffers Jack and Annie's first twenty-eight time-traveling adventures... -
The Lioness and Her Knight by Gerald Morris
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLuneta is tired of living in dull Orkney with her mother and father (who happens to be the most boring knight of King Arthur’s Round Table). She prides herself on always getting what she wants, so when the opportunity presents itself, she jumps at the chance to stay at a family friend’s castle near Camelot... -
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, Julie Morstad
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA New York Times bestseller!“Kate DiCamillo's dazzling first title in the Norendy Tales trilogy is brimming with wit, whimsy, and heart as it follows five puppets fulfilling their thrilling shared destiny.” – Shelf AwarenessShut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark...Categorized as:
children friendship family magical-realism historical-fiction animals myths retellings -
Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFor Creel, all is right with the world. The dragon king, Shardas, and his queen, Velika, have made a comfy home on the Far Isles, and humans and dragons seem to be at peace. It's the perfect time for Creel to plan her wedding to Prince Luka. Well, it was perfect -- until Velika gets kidnapped, and Creel and Luka set off to save her... -
Oceanology: The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus by Dugald A. Steer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFollow the fascinating journey of Captain Nemo and explore the ocean’s wonders, both real and imagined ... or are they?What if a sixteen-year-old assistant traveled aboard the storied Nautilus, the narwhal-shaped submarine of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? And what if he were the sole survivor of the ill-fated voyage and went on to relay his adventures to a certain . .Categorized as:
animals children exploration historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure book -
-
O'Sullivan Stew by Hudson Talbott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSomeone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven's horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So bold, brassy Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story...Categorized as:
animals children exploration historical-fiction myths poc-mc retellings 20th-century -
The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe companion to a New York Times Editors' Choice and Kids' Indie Next List Pick--a heart-pounding adventure starring a strong heroine who is battling the challenges of being a legend--perfect for reading aloud with the whole family In this Scottish medieval adventure, after attempting a daring rescue of her war-band family, Drest learns that Lord Faintree's traitorous uncle has claimed the...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction medieval poc-mc action-adventure audiobook -
A Girl Called Rumi by Ari Honarvar
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Girl Called Rumi, Ari Honarvar's debut novel, weaves a captivating tale of survival, redemption, and the power of storytelling.Kimia, a successful spiritual advisor whose Iranian childhood continues to haunt her, collides with a mysterious giant bird in her mother's California garage...Categorized as:
magical-realism historical-fiction myths family low-fantasy retellings fiction fantasy -
Christopher Robin: The Novelization by Elizabeth Rudnick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCapturing the heartwarming magic of Walt Disney Studios' upcoming Christopher Robin film, this novelization pulls fans back into the world of Pooh through a book that enables them to relive the story and revisit their old pals whenever they please...Categorized as:
animals children family historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure audiobook -
Apex Magazine Issue 80 by Jason Sizemore, Ursula Vernon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsApex Magazine is a monthly science fiction, fantasy, and horror magazine featuring original, mind-bending short fiction from many of the top pros of the field. New issues are released on the first Tuesday of every month...Categorized as:
animals female-mc low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings action-adventure adult -
The Black Blossom by C.J. Anaya
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsForced into a dream-like state, Hope is reliving her life as Mikomi, Princess of the Kagami Empire and The Healer of the world. Life as an Imperial Princess is rife with danger, betrayal and intrigue as Mikomi joins forces with a rebel group of samurai warriors in order to usurp the throne from her tyrannical father...Categorized as:
alpha-mc female-mc historical-fiction magical-realism medieval myths retellings abuse -
A Dance with Fate by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA young woman who is both a bard--and a warrior--seeks to repay her debts and settle scores in this thrilling historical fantasy series.The young warrior and bard Liobhan has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training...Categorized as:
alpha-mc family female-mc friendship historical-fiction magical-realism medieval myths -
Bubba, the Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Fale by Helen Ketteman
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBubba is bossed around the family ranch by his wicked step-daddy and his nasty stepbrothers, Dwayne and Milton. Bubba never complains, though. He's a real cowboy - tough as leather (and cute as a cow's ear).When Miz Lurleen, the purtiest rancher in Texas, decides to throw a ball to find herself a real feller, Bubba has to stay at home... -
The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsay Eagar
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA beautifully crafted middle-grade novel spiced with magic—and gargoyles!—from the acclaimed author of Hour of the Bees and Race to the Bottom of the Sea.Fished from the river as an infant and raised by a roving band of street urchins who call themselves the Crowns, eight-year-old Duck keeps her head down and her mouth shut...Categorized as:
historical-fiction family magical-realism children friendship medieval low-fantasy middle-grade -
The Squire's Quest by Gerald Morris
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhy is it, Terence wondered, that the things you know most surely are always the things you can’t demonstrate to any one else? And why is it, after all of these years, that Terence is still just a squire, offering advice on how best to scrub the rust spots from armor? But Squire Terence has more to worry about than his place on the social scale...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction medieval myths retellings action-adventure -
-
The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat happens when a sheepish knight and a not-so-fierce dragon fight for the very first time? Well, it?s no ordinary battle since the knight has to go to the castle library to learn about dragon-fighting and the dragon must dig through his ancestor?s things to find out how to fight a knight!?Spontaneity of line and feeling are backed by zesty colors and a jovial, tongue-in-cheek tone to which...Categorized as:
animals children friendship historical-fiction medieval myths retellings action-adventure -
Moonlight on the Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJack and Annie head to 18th-century Austria, where they must find and help a musician by the name of Mozart. Decked out in the craziest outfits they've ever worn--including a wig for Jack and a giant hoopskirt for Annie!--the two siblings search an entire palace to no avail. Their hunt is further hampered by the appearance of a mischievous little boy who is determined to follow them everywhere...Categorized as:
animals children family historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure audiobook -
Eve of the Emperor Penguin by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJACK AND ANNIE continue their quest for the secrets of happiness--secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure . .Categorized as:
animals children exploration family historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure -
Athena the Brain by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsAthena has always been above average. She has never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact.When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life...Categorized as:
children family female-mc friendship historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure -
Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe moon is missing from the remote Village of Clear Sky, but only a young boy named Rendi seems to notice! Rendi has run away from home and is now working as a chore boy at the village inn...Categorized as:
animals asian-mc children family friendship historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism -
Dragon Moon by Carole Wilkinson
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, a young orphan prepares for a difficult journey. Ping has grown to become a skilled Dragon Keeper, but her greatest challenge is yet to come. After rescuing the baby dragon, Kai, from the evil Emperor, she brings him to a safe haven near the border of the Empire. Now, as Kai grows into a restless young dragon, Ping faces a tough decision...Categorized as:
animals children female-mc historical-fiction low-fantasy myths retellings action-adventure -
The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWinner -- N.N.Light Award for Best Romance 2016.Bronze Medal Winner -- Circle Of Books Rings Of Honor Awards 2016Finalist -- The Golden Box Book Publishing Golden Book Award 2017“It is dangerous to become attached to a du Lac. He will break your heart, and you will not recover.” So prophesies a wizened healer to Annis, daughter of King Cerdic of Wessex... -
Journey through Ash and Smoke by Kate Messner
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRanger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, goes to Viking age Iceland!Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training. In this adventure, he goes to Viking age Iceland, which proves to be tough terrain for Ranger to navigate...Categorized as:
animals children exploration family friendship historical-fiction medieval action-adventure -
Storm Boy by Paul Owen Lewis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter a violent seastorm, a Haida prince washes ashore in the supernatural realm of the strange and colossal killer whale people. There his spiritual journey begins. Powerful illustrations make stunning use of northwest coast Native American motifs to create a compelling atmosphere of mystery and displacement... -
Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe adventure continues in this exciting sequel to Anya and the Dragon in which a dangerous monster lurks beneath the city and only Anya can keep him from taking her friends’ magic—and their lives. Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon... -
-
Stories from Around the World by Heather Amery
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe stories in this book, one from each major country or area of the world, are written in a way that young listeners and young readers will find easy to understand and...Categorized as:
children exploration family historical-fiction myths poc-mc action-adventure anthologies -
The Unicorn’s Tale by R.L. LaFevers, Kelly Murphy
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs there no rest for the travel worn and weary? Not if you're Nathaniel Fludd, the world's youngest beastologist-in-training! All Nate really wants is to track down his missing parents, but when a unicorn falls mysteriously ill, Nate's Aunt Phil makes it clear where a beastologist's duty lies: to the beasts...Categorized as:
animals children exploration family historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure -
The Stone Girl's Story by Sarah Beth Durst
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsExploring the power of stories and storytelling, Sarah Beth Durst presents the mesmerizing adventure of a girl made of living stone who braves unforeseen dangers and magical consequences on a crucial quest to save her family. Mayka and her stone family were brought to life by the stories etched into their bodies... -
Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet, Elspeth Graham
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCarnegie Medalist Mal Peet and his wife, Elspeth Graham, team up for a captivating, lushly illustrated tale evoking a Chinese legend.A Junior Library Guild SelectionTashi lives in a tiny village at the foot of the mountains, below the tea plantations where her mother works. When her mother falls ill, Tashi goes alone to the plantation, hoping to earn money for the doctor... -
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this historical fantasy novel from Sydney Taylor Honor winner and National Jewish Book Award finalist Sofiya Pasternack, Ziva will do anything to save her twin brother Pesah from his illness--even facing the Angel of Death himself.Pesah has lived with leprosy for years, and the twins have spent most of that time working on a cure...Categorized as:
historical-fiction family friendship myths children magical-realism poc-mc retellings -
The Cat Who Walked a Thousand Miles by Kij Johnson
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe heroic quest of a single cat. When a fire destroys her home and scatters her colony, Small Cat sets out to find the home of her ancestor, the Cat From the North, and to make her own name along the way... -
A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Girl Who Drank the Moon meets Pax in this fantastical tale of a wolf who forms an unlikely alliance with Baba Yaga to save the forest from a wicked tsar.Since she was a pup, Zima has been taught to fear humans—especially witches—but when her family is threatened, she has no choice but to seek help from the witch Baba Yaga...Categorized as:
animals children friendship historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings -
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Tania Zamorsky, Howard Pyle
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the sword in the stone and the founding of Camelot to the famed Round Table and the Lake of Enchantment, the legend of King Arthur will never lose its magic. Though simpler, this version includes all the wonderful stories—such as King Arthur’s winning of Guenievere and Merlin’s tragic downfall at the hands of the evil Vivien...Categorized as:
children historical-fiction medieval myths retellings action-adventure book children-books -
The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Scottish medieval adventure about the youngest in a war-band who must free her family from a castle prison after knights attack her home.One dark night, Drest’s sheltered life on a remote Scottish headland is shattered when invading knights capture her family, but leave Drest behind...Categorized as:
children family female-mc friendship historical-fiction magical-realism medieval poc-mc -
The Prairie Thief by Melissa Wiley
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn this “delightful mash-up of Little House on the Prairie and The Spiderwick Chronicles” (SLJ), experience life on the prairie—with one fantastical twist!Louisa Brody’s life on the Colorado prairie is not at all what she expected. Her dear Pa, accused of thievery, is locked thirty miles away in jail...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings action-adventure -
-
Paul Bunyan, a Tall Tale by Steven Kellogg
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWho was the largest baby ever born in the state of Maine? Who dug the Great Lakes? Who gouged out the Grand Canyon? Why, Paul Bunyan, of course, America's finest, fastest, funniest lumberman and favorite tall-tale hero...Categorized as:
animals children exploration historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure book -
Garden of the Purple Dragon by Carole Wilkinson
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBook jacket: In the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, a young orphan struggles to fulfill her destiny. Ping has survived her days as a slave at Huangling Palace, but new challenges await her in the desolate mountains of Tai Shan. The wise dragon, Danzi, is no longer around to guide her, and now it is up to Ping to take care of the baby dragon, Kai... -
Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire... -
Vacation Under the Volcano by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House! Who wants to vacation next to a volcano?Jack and Annie are about to find out when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of the Roman Empire. They arrive in Pompeii and soon discover that it is the very day the city will be destroyed...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings action-adventure -
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi: A Math Adventure by Cindy Neuschwander
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsSir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and Radius are back in their second Math Adventure! This time, a potion has changed Sir Cumference into a fire-breathing dragon. Can Radius change him back? Join Radius on his quest through the castle to solve a riddle that will reveal the cure. It lies in discovering the magic number that is the same for all circles... -
Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsMerlin's Missions are more detailed than regular Magic Tree House, fast-paced, detailed, easy to read. Jack and Annie quest to save Camelot. Beleaguered King Arthur learns that children and imagination really can make a difference...Categorized as:
animals children family historical-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.