Books Like...
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale about Princess Ani who is betrayed by her lady in waiting and ends up living as a goose girl in another kingdom. The story follows Ani's journey of self-discovery, as she learns to communicate with animals and navigate the challenges of her new life while trying to reclaim her true identity. The writing style is described as enchanting, evocative, and almost poetic, with a focus on character growth, friendship, and the themes of truth and magic.
If you liked The Goose Girl, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is a heartwarming tale about Miri, a young girl from Mount Eskel who is chosen to attend the Princess Academy, where she learns about reading, commerce, and quarry speech alongside other eligible mountain girls. As the girls prepare to potentially become the prince's wife, they discover the value of their skills and knowledge, realizing that what they are is worthy.
Miri's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and courage unfolds as she navigates the challenges of the academy, her feelings for a village boy, and the threat of bandits. The book weaves themes of empowerment, family love, and recognizing one's own importance into a feel-good narrative that combines adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age elements.
Miri woke to the sleepy bleating of a goat. The world was as dark as eyes closed, but perhaps the goats could smell dawn seeping through the cracks in the house's stone walls. Though still half-asleep... - #2
Save:Ella Enchanted is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, with a twist - Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience at birth by a fairy godmother. Despite this curse, Ella is a strong-willed and independent character who embarks on a journey to break the curse and find her own happiness. The book is filled with magical elements, fairy tale creatures, and a charming love story between Ella and the prince, set in a fantasy world full of ogres, elves, fairies, and giants.
That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me. She meant to bestow a gift. When I cried inconsolably through my first hour of life, my tears were her inspiration. Shaking her head s... - #3
Save:'Book of a Thousand Days' by Shannon Hale is a retelling of the lesser-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale, focusing on the maid Dashti who is locked in a tower with her lady, Saren, for seven years. The story is narrated through Dashti's journal entries, detailing their escape from the tower and the challenges they face in a world destroyed by a malevolent lord who desires to marry Lady Saren. The writing style is described as a mixture of fairy tale and diary format, with elements of Mongolia infused into the narrative, making the story feel real and compelling.
And here's the bit that makes me tremble with delight — in our cellar there is a mountain of food! Barrels and bags and crates of it. And we have a fine well dug right in the cellar floor. My lady is ... - #4
Save:Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.
MANY YEARS LATER SHE REMEMBERED HOW HER PARENTS HAD looked to her when she was a small child: her father as tall as a tree, and merry and bright and golden, with her beautiful black-haired mother at h... - #5
Save:'Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast' by Robin McKinley is a classic fairy tale retelling that adds depth and complexity to the beloved story of Beauty and the Beast. The book follows the journey of Beauty, a strong and pragmatic heroine, who sacrifices her own freedom to save her father and ends up living in an enchanted castle with the mysterious Beast. The writing style is described as quiet, gentle, and straightforward, focusing on the interior journey of Beauty and the growing relationship between her and the Beast.
I was the youngest of three daughters. Our literal-minded mother named us Grace, Hope, and Honour, but few people except perhaps the minister who had baptized all three of us remembered my given name.... - #6
Save:In "Spindle's End" by Robin McKinley, readers are treated to a unique retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Rosie, a princess raised in obscurity by fairies to protect her from a curse. McKinley's writing style is praised for its beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, creating a world filled with magic, talking animals, and unconventional characters. The plot unfolds slowly, focusing on Rosie's growth as a strong and independent young woman who takes control of her own destiny.
The magic in that country was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk-dust and over floors and shelves like slightly sticky plaster-dust. (Housecleaners in that country earned ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Folktales ) - #7
Save:The Blue Sword is a fantasy novel set in the magical world of Damar, following the story of Harry Crewe, a young woman who is kidnapped and taken to the desert kingdom by the Hill folk. As Harry learns to adapt to her new surroundings, she discovers her own magical powers and her destiny to save the land of Damar. The book is praised for its vivid imagery, intricate world-building, and strong character development, with elements of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age themes woven throughout the plot. The writing style is dense yet captivating, drawing readers into the richly described world of Damar with detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling.
SHE SCOWLED AT HER GLASS of orange juice. To think that she had been delighted when she first arrived here—was it only three months ago?—with the prospect of fresh orange juice every day. But she had ... - #8
Save:'Cinder' in the series 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer is a futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a unique twist. The protagonist, Cinder, is a cyborg mechanic living in New Beijing where she is treated as an outcast. As she navigates her life repairing androids and hiding her true identity, she gets entangled in intergalactic politics involving a deadly plague, an evil queen, and a charming prince. The story combines elements of science fiction, political intrigue, and romance, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from the very beginning.
'Cinder' stands out for its originality and creativity in blending the traditional Cinderella tale with futuristic technology, cyborgs, and extraterrestrial threats. The writing style is praised for its immersive world-building, strong character development, and a compelling storyline that offers unexpected twists and turns. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly Cinder, who is portrayed as a strong and resourceful heroine with a mysterious past, making the book a refreshing take on a familiar fairy tale.
THE SCREW THROUGH CINDER’S ANKLE HAD RUSTED, THE engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the joint as she struggled to loosen the screw one ... - #9
Save:"Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede follows the story of Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess roles and runs away to live with dragons. The book showcases Cimorene's unconventional approach to princess life, her involvement in dragon society, and her adventures with other princesses, witches, and wizards. The plot involves Cimorene foiling the plans of conniving wizards and saving the dragons from a wicked plot, all while maintaining a practical and independent attitude. The writing style is humorous, full of fairy tale references, and offers a fresh perspective on traditional princess narratives.
Cimorene's character is highlighted as strong, independent, and empowering, breaking away from gender norms and fairy tale conventions. The book features elements of magic, adventure, humor, and female empowerment, making it an engaging and fun read for readers of all ages. The story not only entertains but also delivers messages of individuality, courage, and the ability to accomplish great things by being different.
Linderwall was a large kingdom, just east of the Mountains of Morning, where philosophers were highly respected and the number five was fashionable. The climate was unremarkable. The knights kept thei... - #10
Save:'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill is a beautifully written tale that weaves together elements of good and evil, featuring characters like a swamp monster, a tiny dragon, a good witch, a bad witch, and babies left in the forest who drank starlight. The story follows Luna, a girl who was accidentally fed moonlight instead of starlight, and her coming of age journey through fairy tales. The plot unfolds in a magical world where Luna is raised by an adoptive family consisting of a kind witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon, while facing challenges from the oppressive village of the Protectorate.
Normally, the Day of Sacrifice came and went with all the pomp and gravity that it ought. The children were given over without protest. Their numb families mourned in silence, with pots of stew and no...
