Books like 'The Elephant's Girl'
Readers who enjoyed The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy mystery action / adventure supernatural magical-realism animals family paranormal friendship
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The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
54 ratingsA magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal season-summer -
Exile by Shannon Messenger
28 ratingsSophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there... -
Rising Storm by Erin Hunter
31 ratingsFireheart's traitorous enemy Tigerclaw has been vanquished and exiled from Thunder Clan -- but Fireheart can't shake the feeling that he's lurking in the forest, waiting for his chance to strike... -
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
71 ratingsThe Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.And strike it does...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal 20th-century -
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Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley
24 ratingsSabrina and Daphne's adventures continue in their hometown of New York City as they bring Puck to Faerie to cure the wounds. With the help of Granny Relda, the girls must figure out who killed Puck's father, King Oberon, while navigating the warring factions of Everafters that make their homes in every neighbourhood of New York City...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic paranormal action-adventure -
The Last Present by Wendy Mass
18 ratingsDon't miss the latest entry in the incredible Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass!Amanda and Leo have a history with birthdays. Now their friend's little sister, Grace, has fallen into a strange frozen state on her birthday, and Amanda and Leo must travel in time in order to fix whatever's wrong. As they journey back to each of Grace's birthdays, they start seeing all sorts of patterns . . -
Between Walls by W.R. Gingell
12 ratingsDon't get too close to humans.That's rule number one. Well, it is if you're an emotionally constipated fae lord. As far as I'm concerned, the vampire could do a better job of keeping his distance, but he's never been that good at following the rules.G'day. I'm Pet. Schrödinger's Pet, these days; depends who's asking...Categorized as:
family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
The Inside Story by Michael Buckley
24 ratingsAfter the shocking ending of The Everafter War, this book picks up with Sabrina, Daphne, and Puck stuck in the Book of Everafter, where all the fairy tales are stored and enchanted characters can change their destinies. The girls (and Puck) must chase the Master through a series of stories, where they’re willing to change what they need in order to save their baby brother...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic paranormal action-adventure -
You Have to Stop This by Pseudonymous Bosch
25 ratingsThe finale to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series! I always feared this day would come. A secret is meant to stay secret, after all. And now we've come to this: the fifth and final (I swear!) book in my saga of secrets...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement magic paranormal realistic action-adventure audiobook -
The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley
27 ratingsOrphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their mysterious grandmother. The girls start school, and Daphne is lucky to get Snow White for a teacher, but Sabrina is stuck with mean Mr Grumpner and a class of mildly psychotic sixth graders. When Mr Grumpner is murdered, the sisters must discover which Everafter is responsible... -
This Book Is Not Good for You by Pseudonymous Bosch
27 ratingsBetween the pages of this book lies the secret to the best-tasting chocolate in all the world. I promise, your taste buds will tingle. Your palette will sing! Oh no, have I accidentally tempted you to read this book? I will warn you, however, the most delicious things are never good for you..Categorized as:
animals children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic magical-realism -
Fluke and the Fantastic Finale by Sam Burns
10 ratingsFor centuries, the Believer cult has preyed on arcane mages from their place in the shadows. Now, for better or worse, Sage has taken arcane magic public, and all eyes are on him. While he’s not comfortable in the spotlight, neither is the cult that wants him dead.But the Believers aren’t quite ready to give up yet... -
The Inquisitor's Mark by Dianne K. Salerni
12 ratingsAfter the all-out Eighth Day war in Mexico, Jax, Riley, and Evangeline have gone into hiding. There are still rogue Transitioners and evil Kin lords who want to use Riley, a descendant of King Arthur, and Evangeline, a powerful wizard with bloodlines to Merlin, to get control over the Eighth Day... -
This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch, Robert Petkoff
25 ratingsThe Secret Series continues in this dangerous and daring fourth adventure. Cass finds herself alone and disoriented, a stranger in a dream-like, medieval world. Where is she? Who is she? With the help of a long-lost relative, she begins to uncover clues and secrets--piecing together her family's history as she fights her way back to the present world...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal realistic -
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Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass
29 ratingsGROUNDHOG DAY meets FLIPPED in this tale of a girl stuck in her birthday.It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited -- after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together... -
A House for Keeping: an urban fantasy by Matteson Wynn
6 ratingsWhat would you give to add some magic to your life? Finn Foster is done with the dismal, dusty desert of the Southwest, and is determined to add a little excitement to her existence...Categorized as:
animals low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure book contemporary -
Juniper Wiles by Charles de Lint
8 ratingsJuniper Wiles once starred as a plucky teen detective in the popular TV show, Nora Constantine. When the series ended seven years ago, Juniper made a decision to leave L.A. and return home to Newford where she joined friends at the artists' collective, Bramleyhaugh, the center of which is her pal, beloved faerie artist Jilly Coppercorn... -
Deep and Dark and Dangerous (A Ghost Story) by Mary Downing Hahn
24 ratingsJust before summer begins, 13-year-old Ali finds an odd photograph in the attic. She knows the two children in it are her mother, Claire, and her aunt Dulcie...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts law-enforcement paranormal realistic season-summer -
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
27 ratingsBeware!Dangerous secrets lie between the pages of this book.OK, I warned you. But if you think I'll give anything away, or tell you that this is the sequel to my first literary endeavor, The Name of This Book is Secret, you're wrong...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal -
Me (Moth) by Amber McBride
14 ratingsMoth has lost her family in an accident. Though she lives with her aunt, she feels alone and uprooted.Until she meets Sani, a boy who is also searching for his roots. If he knows more about where he comes from, maybe he’ll be able to understand his ongoing depression. And if Moth can help him feel grounded, then perhaps she too will discover the history she carries in her bones... -
Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman
16 ratingsThe chilling second book in the innovative series from bestselling author Patrick Carman. Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek...and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts law-enforcement paranormal realistic action-adventure book -
Charlie Bone and the Red Knight by Jenny Nimmo
22 ratingsDark forces are gathering at Bloor's Academy as the Bloors search for a lost box containing a hidden will- a will that reveals the true destiny of the Red King's heirs. And the Bloors are determined to keep Charlie Bone from finding it first. But Charlie is also facing the lord of the sea, who is trying to drown his parents, and a deadly expert swordsman from another century... -
The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare
28 ratingsCallum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to the magical world of the Magisterium in the fall. It’s not easy for Call . . -
The Glass Gauntlet by Carter Roy
8 ratingsRonan Truelove barely survived his first encounter with his father and the Bend Sinister. Now, he’s determined to become one of the Blood Guard, a sword-wielding secret society sworn to protect thirty-six pure souls crucial to the world’s survival... -
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One Wish by Michelle Harrison
10 ratingsHaving the ability to see fairies means that Tanya Fairchild's life has never been easy. After all, real fairies are nothing like the ones in books; ones that grant wishes or leave money for teeth. Real fairies don't like to be talked about, and they cast spells if Tanya steps out of line. The most she's ever received in exchange for one of her teeth is a chewed up toffee...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari
10 ratingsCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother. Liam, his eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure -
The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst
14 ratingsSophie loves the hidden shop below her parents' bookstore, where dreams are secretly bought and sold. When the dream shop is robbed and her parents go missing, Sophie must unravel the truth to save them. Together with her best friend—a wisecracking and fanatically loyal monster named Monster—she must decide whom to trust with her family’s carefully guarded secrets...Categorized as:
animals children friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
14 ratingsA surprising, stunningly beautiful, and funny novel about a girl who turns invisible and, in the process, discovers who she really is, from the author of TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER Twelve-year-old Ethel Leatherhead only meant to cure her acne, not turn herself invisible. But that's exactly what happens when she combines herbs bought on the Internet with time spent in a secondhand tanning bed...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic by Jason Segel
14 ratingsNightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic is the sequel to the hilariously scary New York Times bestselling novel Nightmares! by multitalented actor Jason Segel and bestselling author Kirsten Miller. You thought the nightmares were over? You better keep the lights on! Charlie Laird has a dream life. 1) He has a weirdo stepmom who runs an herbarium... -
The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty
14 ratingsAward-winning Astonishingly originalArtistic and magicalTime slides around the world so strangely ...It's not easy being Princess Ko.Her family is missing, taken to the World through cracks in the Kingdom, which were then sealed tightly behind them.Now Princess Ko is running the Kingdom, and war is looming...Categorized as:
family friendship law-enforcement magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
Long Lost by Jacqueline West
14 ratingsEleven-year-old Fiona has just read a book that doesn’t exist. When Fiona’s family moves to be closer to her older sister’s figure skating club—and far from Fiona’s close-knit group of friends—nobody seems to notice Fiona’s unhappiness. Alone and out of place, Fiona ventures to the town’s library, a rambling mansion donated to the town by the long-dead heiress...Categorized as:
paranormal ghosts magical-realism children family realistic law-enforcement low-fantasy -
The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle
16 ratingsCatherine Doyle's stunning middle-grade debut, an evocative tale of ancient magic, bravery, and family bonds.“Fans of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson can add Fionn Boyle as a generous and brave hero from the Emerald Isle.” – School Library ConnectionWhen Fionn Boyle sets foot on Arranmore Island, it begins to stir beneath his feet...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal season-summer action-adventure -
Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars
16 ratingsWelcome back to the irresistible world of Greenglass House where thirteen-year-old Milo is, once again, spending the winter holidays stuck in a house full of strange guests who are not what they seem. There are fresh clues to uncover as friends old and new join in his search for a mysterious map and a famous smuggler’s lost haul... -
Dark Fire by Chris d'Lacey
18 ratingsWith the Earth on the brink of recolonisation by dragons, David Rain is sent on an important mission: to seek out and destroy a trace of dark fire, the deadliest force in the universe. But with success could come a terrible price, the sacrifice of a beloved clay dragon... -
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The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd
18 ratingsEveryone in Emma's family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous musicians--every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream. For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough... -
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage, Lauren Fortgang
18 ratingsThe eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times LuckySmall towns have rules. One is, you got to stay who you are -- no matter how many murders you solve.When Miss Lana makes an Accidental Bid at the Tupelo auction and winds up the mortified owner of an old inn, she doesn't realize there's a ghost in the fine print...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal -
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
24 ratingsIntroducing an extraordinary new voice---a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten . . .and your heart sing.Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away... -
Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier
28 ratingsMysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv's dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially the one where she's in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream...Categorized as:
family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
33 ratingsWarning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal -
Just South of Home by Karen Strong
6 ratingsCousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern town’s history in this witty middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You.Twelve-year-old Sarah is finally in charge...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal -
Ghost in the Attic by Dori Hillestad Butler
6 ratingsA brand-new young chapter book series from Edgar Award winner Dori Hillestad Butler! After successfully solving the mystery of the ghost in the library, Kaz and Claire land the first case for their detective agency--a haunted attic in a neighbor's home! With a little help from Grannie, Kaz and Claire discover that what appeared to be something spooky has a much simpler explanation...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts law-enforcement paranormal action-adventure book children-books -
Aftermath by Jim Butcher
6 ratingsIncluded on Side JobsTakes place immediately after "Changes"Spoilers...Categorized as:
paranormal law-enforcement magical-realism low-fantasy fantasy urban-fantasy supernatural fiction -
The Raconteur's Commonplace Book by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars
8 ratingsNothing is what it seems and there's always more than one side to the story as a group of strangers trapped in an inn slowly reveal their secrets...The rain hasn't stopped for a week, and the twelve guests of the Blue Vein Tavern are trapped by flooded roads and the rising Skidwrack River. Among them are a ship’s captain, tattooed twins, a musician, and a young girl traveling on her own...Categorized as:
children law-enforcement low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis
10 ratingsFor fans of Us and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comes a witchy story full of black girl magic as one girl’s dark ability to summon the dead offers her a chance at a new life, while revealing to her an even darker future.Katrell doesn’t mind talking to the dead; she just wishes it made more money... -
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Legend of the Ghost Dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
10 ratingsA thrilling mystery set against a stark landscape and the inspiration of Nome's real-life dog hero, Balto.Twelve-year-old Tee didn't think she believed in ghosts . . . until a walk in the woods around her new rural Alaskan home changes her mind. She and her beagle, Henry, are stalked by a wolfish, decidedly spooky shadow. There's something out there - and it's not of this world... -
The In-Between by Rebecca Ansari
10 ratingsCooper is lost. Ever since his father left their family three years ago, he has become distant from his friends, constantly annoyed by his little sister, Jess, and completely fed up with the pale, creepy rich girl who moved in next door, who won’t stop staring at him.So when Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery his sister has discovered online, he welcomes the distraction... -
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
12 ratingsNina is a Lipan girl in our world. She's always felt there was something more out there. She still believes in the old stories.Oli is a cottonmouth kid, from the land of spirits and monsters. Like all cottonmouths, he's been cast from home. He's found a new one on the banks of the bottomless lake.Nina and Oli have no idea the other exists... -
Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake by Jennifer Allison
14 ratingsZany Gilda Joyce brings all of her psychic and investigative skills with her as she sets out to investigate a mysterious death at a Catholic girls' school...Categorized as:
children ghosts law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal realistic action-adventure -
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August
14 ratingsArlo Finch thought becoming a Ranger meant learning wilderness skills, like camping and knots. But upon arriving in the tiny town of Pine Mountain, Colorado, Arlo soon learns there's so much more. His new friends Indra and Wu teach him how to harness the wild magi seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods - a parallel realm of wonder and danger...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison
14 ratingsWhen her best friend, Wendy Choy, qualifies to compete in an international piano competition in Oxford, England, irrepressible Gilda Joyce finds a way to get an invitation herself—as a page-turner. Wendy settles into an exhausting practice schedule, made worse by strange nightmares, while Gilda finds herself falling in love with a British boy...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal realistic
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