O’Haver, Tommy. (Director). (2004). Ella Enchanted [Motion picture]. United States: Miramax. Ages 9-14.

When Ella was born, she was given the gift of obedience by her fairy godmother. Now as a young girl, she finds that the gift has become more of a curse. For when her mean-spirited stepsister finds out about Ella’s “gift,” she tortures her for the fun of it. But even that is tolerable when she falls in love with Prince Char. Unfortunately, Char’s evil uncle has different plans for the two, and decides to use Ella’s unfortunate gift to secure his role as King once and for all. This modern retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale is based on the Newbery Honor book by Gail Carson Levine.

Reynolds, Peter H., & Emerson, Sharon. Zebrafish. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN 978-1416995258. Ages 10-14.

After getting her very own guitar, Vita Escolar is determined to start a band. Too bad none of the people who try out—Walt, Tanya, Plinko and Jay—can play any kind of instrument. But what they lack in musical talent they make up for in virtual artistry. Together they decide to create the best virtual music video ever, and when Vita learns about Tanya’s secret, she knows just the cause to help benefit a friend in need.

Clugston, Chynna. Queen Bee. Scholastic Graphix, 2005. ISBN 0439715725. Ages 10-14.

Haley Madison wishes she could just be a normal teenager, but her psychokinetic powers always seem to ruin her chances. So when her mom gets a new job and they have to move, Haley can’t wait to start classes at her new middle school where she intends to completely reinvent herself. She soon catches the attention of numerous people at school, including “The Hive,” only the most popular group of girls in school. But it is not long before a new queen bee dethrones her, and Haley must decide if popularity is worth all the trouble.

Stephens, Sarah Hines, & Mann, Bethany. Show Off. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763645991. Ages 10-14.

AMAZE others by faking a fall or twirling a drumstick! INVESTIGATE the use of morse code or invisible ink! CREATE a catapult or silhouette portraits! EXPLORE the outdoors by predicting a rainstorm or building a dam! COOK up some homemade fortune cookies or a Jell-O city! MOVE by freezing your own ice rink or rigging a zipline! Learn how to do all 224 of these awesome tricks and activities with Show Off's simple step-by-step instructions.