Shannon Hale

Dream On

Genre: Graphic Novel

Audience: Middle Grade

Dream On by Shannon Hale is a heartwarming middle grade graphic novel that follows Cassie, a sensitive and big-hearted girl who longs for more—more attention, more space, and more certainty in her friendships. When she thinks she’s won a sweepstakes, Cassie imagines all the ways the prize could fix her problems, from helping her struggling family to securing her best friend’s loyalty. But as her hopes grow, so do the questions of what truly matters—and whether wishes can replace love, empathy, and connection. With playful illustrations by Marcela Cespedes and Lark Pien, this story blends humor, emotion, and imagination while exploring themes of friendship, sensitivity, and resilience.

The Princess in Black

Genre: Adventure

Audience: Early Reader

The Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and illustrator LeUyen Pham is a delightful, action-packed early chapter book series that flips fairy-tale expectations on their head. Princess Magnolia may look like the perfect, prim-and-proper royal, but when the monster alarm rings, she trades frills for black capes and leaps into action to defend her kingdom. With a mix of humor, adventure, teamwork, and secret identities, these books introduce young readers to a princess who proves that bravery and kindness come in many forms. Perfect for read-alouds or early independent reading, the series combines laugh-out-loud storytelling with colorful illustrations and empowering themes.

Kitty-Corn

Genre: Picture Book

Audience: Children's

The Kitty-Corn series by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a charming set of picture books that explore friendship, self-acceptance, and the ups and downs of big feelings through the adventures of a spunky kitty, a glittery unicorn, and (later) an energetic puppy. From Kitty’s dream of being “perfectly unicorn-y” to the jealous pangs of feeling left out at a party, these heartwarming stories balance humor, whimsy, and emotional depth, making them both fun and reassuring for young readers. With their vibrant illustrations and fuzzy-feeling magic, the Kitty-Corn books are perfect read-alouds that celebrate being yourself and believing in the power of friendship.

Kitty-Corn Club

Genre: Picture Book

Audience: Children's

The Kitty-Corn Club books by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, bring the beloved Kitty and Unicorn into playful, concept-driven board books designed for the youngest readers. Things That Go introduces little ones to the excitement of movement and transportation—everything from skateboards to submarines—with bright, silly fun. Parts of Us celebrates diversity and self-acceptance, showing that every body, whether furry, feathered, or tentacled, is special and just right. With rhythmic, read-aloud-friendly text and whimsical illustrations, these books invite toddlers and preschoolers into the Kitty-Corn Club for joy, laughter, and gentle learning.

Real Friends

Genre: Graphic Novel

Audience: Middle Grade

The Real Friends series by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a heartfelt and humorous graphic memoir trilogy that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up and navigating friendships. From the painful shifting dynamics of best friends in Real Friends, to the complicated social rules and first crushes in Best Friends, to the raw self-discovery and struggles with mental health in Friends Forever, Shannon’s story is both deeply personal and universally relatable. With its mix of honesty, humor, and hope, this bestselling series is perfect for young readers who are figuring out friendships, identity, and what it means to truly belong.

Princess Academy

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Middle Grade

The Princess Academy series by Shannon Hale is a beloved, award-winning middle grade fantasy trilogy about courage, friendship, and self-discovery. It begins with Princess Academy, where Miri and the girls of her mountain village are sent to a strict academy to prepare for the chance to be chosen as the prince’s bride. In Palace of Stone, Miri journeys to the capital, where she must navigate shifting loyalties, political unrest, and her own heart. Finally, in The Forgotten Sisters, Miri is tasked with teaching three wild royal cousins the ways of a princess—only to uncover secrets that could change the kingdom. Filled with adventure, heartfelt themes, and a strong heroine who learns to use both her mind and her voice, the series blends fairy tale charm with thought-provoking depth.

Books of Bayern

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

Tags: Fairytale Retelling

The Books of Bayern series by Shannon Hale is a richly imagined young adult fantasy quartet that explores magic, identity, and courage through interwoven stories of friendship and power. Beginning with The Goose Girl, where Princess Ani must reclaim her voice and destiny, the series expands with Enna Burning, River Secrets, and Forest Born, each spotlighting new heroes who grapple with elemental powers—fire, water, and the deep-rooted connection to the forest. Together, these books form a sweeping saga of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and magical conflict.

Diana: Princess of the Amazons

Genre: Graphic Novel

Audience: Middle Grade

Diana: Princess of the Amazons by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Victoria Ying is a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that reimagines Wonder Woman’s childhood on Themyscira. Eleven-year-old Diana feels like the odd one out as the only child among mighty Amazon warriors, struggling with clumsiness, self-doubt, and the pressure of living up to her heritage. When her longing for a friend leads to unexpected consequences, Diana must learn the meaning of courage, responsibility, and becoming the hero she is destined to be. Warm, funny, and empowering, this story blends myth, heart, and humor for young readers discovering their own strength. Princesses of the Amazons by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Victoria Ying continues the heartfelt Wonder Woman origin stories for middle grade readers, this time introducing Diana’s new “sister,” Nubia. Life on Themyscira is paradise, but being the only child on an island of Amazons can be lonely—until one magical wish changes everything. Suddenly, Diana and Nubia are forced to navigate the joys and challenges of sisterhood: sharing space, clashing personalities, and learning to trust one another when the unexpected arises. Filled with humor, magic, and heart, this graphic novel celebrates family, identity, and finding your place in the world.

Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld

Genre: Graphic Novel

Audience: Middle Grade

Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld by Shannon Hale reimagines the DC Comics heroine in a sparkling middle grade fantasy adventure full of magic, mischief, and self-discovery. Amaya, a young princess of Gemworld, once loved using her powers for pranks—until a trick gone too far landed her banished to Earth. Living as “Amy,” she grows up in middle school, forgetting her magical past—until a prince restores her memory and whisks her back to the fantastical realm she left behind. Now Amy must balance her ordinary Earth upbringing with her extraordinary royal destiny, all while learning that true power comes from responsibility, empathy, and courage.

Austenland

Genre: Romance

Audience: Adult

Tags: Jane Austen Retelling, Romantic Comedy

The Austenland series by Shannon Hale is a witty, romantic, and delightfully meta duology that blends Jane Austen nostalgia with modern rom-com charm. In Austenland, New Yorker Jane Hayes receives a trip to a Regency-era fantasy resort where costumed actors and Austen-inspired romances abound—but finds herself torn between scripted playacting and the possibility of real love. Its companion novel, Midnight in Austenland, follows Charlotte Kinder, a recent divorcée who seeks escape at the same immersive resort only to stumble into a mystery that blurs the line between fiction and reality. With clever humor, swoony romance, and a touch of intrigue, these novels celebrate fandom, self-discovery, and the timeless allure of Austen’s world.

Squirrel Girl

Genre: Adventure

Audience: Middle Grade

The Squirrel Girl series by Shannon Hale (with Dean Hale) is a hilarious, action-packed, and heart-filled take on Marvel’s most underrated superhero. Following fourteen-year-old Doreen Green, a teenager with the powers (and tail!) of a squirrel, the series blends middle school drama with laugh-out-loud superhero antics. In Squirrel Meets World, Doreen learns to balance fitting in at her new school with saving the neighborhood from a rising villain, while in 2 Fuzzy, 2 Furious she faces a mysterious threat turning a mall mascot election into all-out chaos. With Avengers cameos, squirrel sidekicks, and plenty of nutty humor, these novels prove that even the quirkiest hero can save the day—and make a lot of friends along the way.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Genre: Adventure

Audience: Middle Grade

Tags: Fairytale Retelling

The Rapunzel’s Revenge series by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and illustrator Nathan Hale takes classic fairy tales and gives them a bold, action-packed Wild West twist. In Rapunzel’s Revenge, Rapunzel frees herself from her tower and, armed with her magical braids, sets out on a daring quest across a western frontier to rescue her true mother and take down the villain who imprisoned her. The sequel, Calamity Jack, flips the spotlight to Jack of beanstalk fame, whose schemes and misadventures—alongside Rapunzel and a quirky crew—pit them against cunning giants and citywide corruption. With humor, heart, and swashbuckling adventure, these graphic novels deliver fairy tale fun with a whip-smart, empowered heroine.

Book of a Thousand Days

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

Tags: Fairytale Retelling, Fantasy Romance

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale is a lyrical, diary-style fairy tale retelling inspired by a Brothers Grimm story. When Lady Saren refuses a forced marriage, she and her maid, Dashti, are sealed away in a tower with dwindling supplies and no escape. But when suitors begin to call at the tower’s tiny window, Dashti must risk everything by impersonating her mistress—an act of loyalty that could cost her life. As she navigates danger, deception, and the harsh world beyond the tower walls, Dashti discovers her own strength, resilience, and the possibility of love. Both suspenseful and tender, this story blends romance, survival, and the timeless power of hope.

This Book Is Not for You!

Genre: Picture Book

Audience: Children's

This Book Is Not for You! by Shannon Hale, with illustrations by Tracy Subisak, is a playful and empowering picture book that tackles the idea of “boy books” versus “girl books” with humor and heart. When Stanley is told he can’t check out the adventure story he wants because it’s a “girl book,” he begins to question those silly rules—especially after a dinosaur checks out a pony book with no problem. With courage and determination, Stanley shows that stories belong to everyone, inspiring readers of all kinds (including cats, robots, and goats!) to embrace books that spark joy, no matter the label.

Kind of a Big Deal

Genre: Contemporary

Audience: Young Adult

Kind of a Big Deal by Shannon Hale is a witty, genre-blending novel about Josie Pie, a former “big deal” theater star whose dreams of Broadway stardom have crumbled. When her life feels like it’s falling apart, she discovers an extraordinary escape—literally stepping into the pages of any book she reads. One moment she’s a post-apocalyptic warrior, the next a rom-com lead, or even a 17th-century wench. Each story gives her the chance to live out wild fantasies, but the deeper she dives, the harder it is to return to her own reality. Both hilarious and heartfelt, this meta adventure explores self-discovery, the power of stories, and the courage to rewrite your own narrative.

Ever After High

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Middle Grade

Tags: Fairytale Retelling

In the Ever After High series, Shannon Hale brings readers into a whimsical boarding school where the children of famous fairytale characters must decide whether to embrace their predetermined destinies or rewrite their own stories. Apple White, Raven Queen, Madeline Hatter, and their classmates face magical rivalries, fractured friendships, and legendary adventures as Royals and Rebels clash over the meaning of “happily ever after.” With humor, heart, and plenty of enchantment, Hale delivers a dazzling reimagining of fairy tales where choice, courage, and friendship matter most.

The Actor and the Housewife

Genre: Contemporary

Audience: Adult

Tags: Romantic Comedy

In The Actor and the Housewife, bestselling author Shannon Hale delivers a witty, heartfelt exploration of friendship, temptation, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. When Becky, a devoted mother of three and pregnant with her fourth, meets world-famous actor Felix Callahan, an unlikely bond forms—one that is platonic yet intimate, tender yet complicated. As their friendship grows, Becky must navigate the skepticism of friends and family, the pressures of her everyday suburban life, and the surreal joy and pain of having her celebrity crush become her best friend. By turns hilarious, poignant, and deeply human, this novel asks what it really means to love, and whether some friendships are too good—or too complicated—to last.

Spirit Animals

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Middle Grade

In Fire and Ice, the fourth installment of the Spirit Animals series, Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan journey to the frozen North, where danger hides beneath the beauty of ice and snow. With their legendary spirit animals at their side, the young heroes must uncover the truth behind a deceptively peaceful village while staying one step ahead of the relentless Conquerors. Time is running out, and the fate of Erdas rests on their ability to face treachery, unravel secrets, and harness the true power of their bond. Shannon Hale delivers a thrilling continuation filled with teamwork, courage, and heart-pounding adventure.