A Tale Dark and Grimm

by Adam Gidwitz
Lexile:  690
Genre:  Traditional Literature

Do you know the story of Hansel and Gretel?  The real version?  Or just the one where two little children get lost in the woods and almost eaten by a witch?  If that's all you know, then reading this book will teach you a lot.  The true story of Hansel and Gretel - from start to finish.  This book is NOT for little kids!

Shadow Dance

by Tololwa M. Mollel
Lexile:  420
Genre:  Traditional Literature

Salome is on her way home when she hears the crocodile cry for help.  She is kind enough to stop and help the poor creature only to be repaid by becoming the crocodile's lunch.  Salome is only going to survive if she can figure out a way to outwit the evil beast.

Song Bird

by Tololwa M. Mollel
Lexile:  570
Genre:  Traditional Literature

Song bird is an adaptation of a traditional southern African story about a magical bird and a monster. Mariamu's family is in trouble.  The cattle have disappeared and they must clear a field to grow food if they are to survive. A magical song bird arrives and makes a bargain with Mariamu - if she helps protect the bird's eggs, the bird will help her find the missing cattle.

Fiesta Femenina: Celebrating Women in Mexican Folklore

retold by Mary-Joan Gerson
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This is a collection of eight Mexican folktales that reflect the faces of eight of Mexico's heroines.  Read these folktales to learn the extraordinary stories behind 8 women of Mexico.

Snail Girl Brings Water

retold by Geri Keams
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This story is a retelling of the Navajo creation myth.  The People have discovered that there is no fresh water in their new world and someone must go back to retrieve it.  First, beaver and otter return.  Then, Frog and Turtle.  Finally, Snail Girl is able to find success on the journey.  In this story we learn why beavers and otters are surrounded by trees and vines, why turtles have shells and frogs have bulgy eyes, and why snails carry shells on their back.

The Crystal Heart

retold by Aaron Shepard
Lexile:  400
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This Vietnamese legend tells the story of Mi Nuong.  One day she hears a lovely song that floats up form a boat on the Red River.  She wonders who the singer is and waits day after day for the song to come again.  When someone comes to the door to confess that he has been singing to her, she sees that he is nothing but a poor fisherman and she laughs in his face.  He leaves broken hearted.  Will either one ever be happy again?

The Faithful Friend

by Robert D. San Souci
Lexile:  850
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This story of friendship is based on a story from the island of Martinique.  Clement and Hippolyte have been friends since birth and have now grown into young men.  Clement has fallen in love with a beautiful woman named Pauline and Hippolyte has agreed to go on a journey with him to find her.  The two meet and fall in love, but Pauline's uncle casts a spell on them.  It will be up to Hippolyte to save them if he can.

How the Guinea Fowl Got Her Spots

retold by Barbara Knutson
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

In this Swahili tale of friendship, Nganga and Cow are best friends and have to be on the look out for Lion who would like to eat one or both for his dinner.  Nganga saves Cow's life and is return Cow gives Nganga her spots which turns out to be a life saving gesture as well.

Skeleton Man

by Joseph Bruchac
Lexile:  730
Genre:  Traditional Literature

One Sunday morning, Molly wakes up and finds her parents missing.  Certain that they will return any moment, she waits and waits.  By Tuesday, people are getting suspicious and child protection is contacted.  An old man Molly has never seen before comes forward claiming that he is her uncle and that he would be willing to care for her.  When she moves into his house, Molly quickly realizes that something isn't right.  She is reminded of a story -  the legend of the skeleton man -  she heard from her parents.  Will Molly be able to save herself and her parents?

Sundiata: A Legend of Africa

Retold by Will Eisner
Lexile: ???
Genre: Traditional Literature/Graphic Novel

This is the story of Sundiata, a young Mali prince, who led an army to defeat the evil King Sumanguru who had for many years reigned over the country of Mali.

Strega Nona

by Tomie de Paola
Lexile: 800
Genre: Traditional Literature

Strega Nona is known for her magic touch. People in the village come to her with all sorts of problems. Strega Nona is getting older so she hires Big Anthony to help her keep up with the house and garden work. There is just one rule that Big Anthony must follow: "Don't touch the pasta pot."

The Persian Cinderella

by Shirley Climo
Lexile: 760
Genre: Traditional Literature

Settareh is a beautiful young maiden who is neglected by her aunts, cousins, and stepsisters. She is not planning to attend the New Year's celebration at the palace until she gains possession of a strange blue jug that grants her wishes. Will the wicked stepsisters ruin Settareh's chances for a happily ever after?

The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy

A Korean Folktale
by Yangsook Choi
Lexile: 540
Genre: Traditional Literature

"A long time ago in Korea, there was not enough light. It was before the sun and the moon had been created. People lit their homes with oil lamps and warned their children not to open the door to strangers." But in this story, two small children forgot their mother's warning. They opened their door and changed the course of their lives forever.

Rapunzel's Revenge

by Shannon and Dean Hale
Lexile: ???
Genre: Traditional Literature (Graphic Novel)

Rapunzel's Revenge is based on the fairy tale character of Rapunzel. But in this version, Rapunzel does not let her hair down and wait for the prince to rescue her. Instead, she sets off to seek revenge on the cruel woman, Mother Gothel, who stole her form her real mother and has kept her as a prisoner for so many years. Rapunzel has but one goal: rescue her mother from her terrible live in the mines and return happiness to all who have lived in the shadow of evil for so long.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

by Jessica Day George
Lexile: 810
Genre: Traditional Literature

"The lass" is the youngest of nine children. Her mother's disappointment in having yet another girl causes her to grow up without a name. Until "the lass" meets the mysterious white reindeer who gives her a gift - a name and the ability to communicate with animals. One day a bear appears at the cottage door and asks "the lass" to go with him to his enchanted palace where she must live with him for one year and a day. If she complies, her family will have wealth and happiness the rest of their lives. "The lass" goes, much to the horror of her older brother, who knows secrets about the palace that he cannot tell her.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

by Tomie DePaola
Lexile: 740
Genre: Traditional Literature

The Legend of the Bluebonnet tells the story of a young girl named She-Who-Is-Alone; left alone after a terrible famine. She sacrifices her most prized possession and is rewarded with a sea of bluebonnet flowers that still bloom each spring in the land that is now known as Texas.

Zarafa, The Giraffe Who Walked to the King

by Judith St. George
Lexile: 670
Genre: Traditional Literature

Zarafa is a beautiful giraffe who is going to be a magnificent gift to the king of France. But how will she get from Africa to Paris? Her journey begins with a trek down the Nile followed by a 500 mile walk across France. Along the way, Zarafa charms many and becomes one of the king's most prized possessions.