66 books like The Girl Who Speaks Bear

By Sophie Anderson,

Here are 66 books that The Girl Who Speaks Bear fans have personally recommended if you like The Girl Who Speaks Bear. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Whale Rider

Giulietta M. Spudich Author Of The Lost Goddess

From my list on girl-power and magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was an avid reader from the age of six. Books inspired me and, as a shy girl, stories helped me find the confidence to be myself. I felt amazed and inspired by reading – finding out about parts of the world I had never been to. Especially as an adult, I’ve been blessed with wonderful, female friends. These are the themes I explore now in my books. I hope to inspire young readers to be themselves and celebrate friendship. I love travelling and nature. I've lived in various parts of the US and England. Through my writing, I hope to share the wonder of different cultures and natural settings.

Giulietta's book list on girl-power and magic

Giulietta M. Spudich Why did Giulietta love this book?

I love the ocean, and love stories about strong, ground-breaking young women. This tale is beautifully set in a coastal town in New Zealand. Kahu, a young girl from a lineage of Maori leaders, can communicate with whales. Her grandfather does not expect this and rejects her because of her gender. Kahu proves without a doubt that she is a competent and natural leader. I love how Kahu prevails. She is strong in herself, and she never shies away from the truth – that she is the natural leader and a whale rider like her ancestor.

By Witi Ihimaera,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Whale Rider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. But he is focused on his duties as chief of a Maori tribe in Whangara, on the East Coast of New Zealand - a tribe that claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'. In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir - there's only Kahu. She should be the next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle…


Book cover of His Dark Materials

William Long Author Of Timecrack

From my list on time travel and sci-fi/fantasy adventures.

Why am I passionate about this?

During my childhood years, my wonderful aunt in Canada would regularly send me the latest American comics featuring superheroes and their incredible adventures. Later, I would come across old copies of King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard, The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, and soon I was captured by other writers’ worlds of sci-fi and fantasy. My own historical interest in ancient cultures, exploring the Yucatan in Mexico, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Spain, Italy, and Newgrange in Ireland, was added to my other interests. This included aviation, the cosmos, and space exploration. With the possibility of other dimensions and new worlds, the idea for the Timecrack Adventures was born.

William's book list on time travel and sci-fi/fantasy adventures

William Long Why did William love this book?

Pullman’s trilogy about parallel worlds gripped me after reading the first novel in the series The Northern Lights. As he has said, that like myself, he is not a scientist, but since childhood he has been an avid reader of popular science and the many good books linked to the subject.

When I discovered that his trilogy, like my own and many others, dealt with the mystery of a parallel universe and another world. I was hooked to find out more. He has two young people, a boy and a girl, and a host of other exciting characters throughout his story. Somewhat like my own stories, except there are two boys and a girl, and each book is a separate adventure.

I’m sure readers of the genre will be delighted with His Dark Materials and the mysterious new world Pullman describes.

By Philip Pullman,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked His Dark Materials as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Now a major critically acclaimed BBC series

This special collection features all three titles in the award-winning trilogy: Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass.

Northern Lights
Lyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle - a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armoured bears.

The Subtle Knife
Lyra finds herself in a shimmering, haunted otherworld - Cittagazze, where soul-eating Spectres stalk the streets…


Book cover of Sky Song

Giulietta M. Spudich Author Of The Lost Goddess

From my list on girl-power and magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was an avid reader from the age of six. Books inspired me and, as a shy girl, stories helped me find the confidence to be myself. I felt amazed and inspired by reading – finding out about parts of the world I had never been to. Especially as an adult, I’ve been blessed with wonderful, female friends. These are the themes I explore now in my books. I hope to inspire young readers to be themselves and celebrate friendship. I love travelling and nature. I've lived in various parts of the US and England. Through my writing, I hope to share the wonder of different cultures and natural settings.

Giulietta's book list on girl-power and magic

Giulietta M. Spudich Why did Giulietta love this book?

Eska is a girl with a lot of inner fire. She escapes from a magical spell and instead of finding her way home and keeping a low profile, she goes after the evil Ice Queen. Eska is courageous and wants to do what’s right. She has a lovely friendship with a boy named Flint, and together they achieve what they could not do alone. I also love the snowy, icy landscape inspired by the Scottish wilderness.  

By Abi Elphinstone,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sky Song as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A magical wintry story filled with adventure, wonder and edge-of-your-seat excitement, this is the perfect read for fans of Michelle Harrison, Piers Torday and Emma Carroll.

'Once an adventure digs its claws in, there is not an awful lot you can do about it. Especially when magic is involved . . .'

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren't so easy to find - because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden…


Book cover of Asha and the Spirit Bird

Giulietta M. Spudich Author Of The Lost Goddess

From my list on girl-power and magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was an avid reader from the age of six. Books inspired me and, as a shy girl, stories helped me find the confidence to be myself. I felt amazed and inspired by reading – finding out about parts of the world I had never been to. Especially as an adult, I’ve been blessed with wonderful, female friends. These are the themes I explore now in my books. I hope to inspire young readers to be themselves and celebrate friendship. I love travelling and nature. I've lived in various parts of the US and England. Through my writing, I hope to share the wonder of different cultures and natural settings.

Giulietta's book list on girl-power and magic

Giulietta M. Spudich Why did Giulietta love this book?

Asha is a wonderfully brave character who sets out on a dangerous adventure to find her father. She connects with a lamagaia bird, which she believes is the spirit of her grandmother. This bird leads her from her village at the foothills of the Himalayas through India. I loved the exotic setting and the realistic challenges Asha faces. She rises to each challenge with bravery and continues on with loyalty for her friends and family. A beautiful, inspiring book.

By Jasbinder Bilan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Asha and the Spirit Bird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2019
Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition
2017
Shortlisted for the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize 2020
Longlisted
for the Jhalak Prize 2019
Chosen as one of
the Guardian's Best Books of 2019

'This book is such a light-filled, huge-hearted delight of
an adventure.' KATHERINE RUNDELL

'An evocative debut novel ... satisfyingly classic in feel'
GUARDIAN

'A heartfelt and mystical children's adventure story.'
TELEGRAPH

Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas. Money is tight and
she misses her papa who works in the city. When he suddenly stops
sending his wages,…


Book cover of Little Fox in the Forest

Renee Kurilla Author Of The Flower Garden

From my list on children's books that celebrate the joys of friendship, exploration, and imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi there! I am a children’s author, illustrator, and designer living in MA. I spend a lot of time thinking about how important friendship is to me; both the good and bad times, and how I could have handled certain scenarios differently. Books give us the opportunity to act out scenarios without having to live them. Books can teach us mannerisms and coping skills, making us more prepared for life. They also give us an opportunity to take a break from reality and sneak off into other worlds from time to time. Every book on my list highlights the importance of friendship and the thrill of adventure, I hope you enjoy them!  

Renee's book list on children's books that celebrate the joys of friendship, exploration, and imagination

Renee Kurilla Why did Renee love this book?

Stephanie Graegin’s art is warm and welcoming. I was already familiar with the adorable anthropomorphic characters in her other books when I discovered Little Fox in the Forest. She seems to have created an entire world all her own that translates so well from book to book. You can always expect caring, kindness, and friendship in Stephanie’s world. 

The wordless story introduces two friends, a girl and a boy. When a cute little, sweatered fox snatches the girl’s favorite stuffed animal from the playground, her friend helps her try to find it. They run into the woods together and happen upon the most amazing alternate universe.

The girl and boy locate the stuffed animal only to discover that the little fox who found it seems to need it so much more. Through a happy ending, we learn that sharing can feel rewarding too.

By Stephanie Graegin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Fox in the Forest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Fans of Aaron Becker’s Caldecott Honor winner Journey will love this utterly enchanting wordless picture book in which two friends follow a young fox deep into the woods and discover a wondrous and magical world.
 
When a young girl brings her beloved stuffed fox to the playground, much to her astonishment, a real fox takes off with it! The girl chases the fox into the woods with her friend, the boy, following close behind, but soon the two children lose track of the fox. Wandering deeper and deeper into the forest, they come across a tall hedge with an archway.…


Book cover of The Forest: A Tale of Old Magic

Elena Carter Author Of Follow the Hummingbird

From my list on with a perfect escape into a different reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a crazy theory. I believe that the worlds and characters created by writers are much more than just a product of someone’s imagination. We all possess unlimited creative power (something that most of us take for granted). So what if I told you that all the characters, worlds, realities, and dimensions, ever created in writing or other forms of art, came to life somewhere in this endless Universe? That’s what I write about. Fascinating worlds and realms that exist out there. Lucky travelers that were granted a chance to visit those worlds. It’s what I’m most drawn to as a reader. Because it makes me one of those lucky travelers.

Elena's book list on with a perfect escape into a different reality

Elena Carter Why did Elena love this book?

Set in a small English village by an ancient forest, this book is unlike any story I have ever read. 

And after reading it, you’ll probably never look at forests the same way again. 

Masterfully written, filled with intricate immersive descriptions, The Forest takes you on a wild ride, dark and rather spooky at times. The ancient forests reveals its old tales and legends to the main characters, and we get to watch the story of an old curse unfold along with them. The curse that affected generations. The story that is full of secrets, betrayal, countless, heartbreaking moments; yet at the same time, the light of hope and faith shines through, all the way to the beautiful tear-jerking ending.

By Julia Blake,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Forest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"I met a man made of leaves with roots for hair, who looked at me with eyes that burnt like fire."

An impenetrable forest that denies entry to all but a select few. A strange and isolated village whose residents never leave. A curse that reappears every generation, leaving death and despair in its wake.

What is lurking at the heart of the Forest? When the White Hind of legend is seen, the villagers know three of its young people will be left dead, victims of a triangle of love, murder and suicide.

This time Sally, Jack and Reuben have…


Book cover of The Crimson Queen

J.D.L. Rosell Author Of A King's Bargain

From my list on fantasy that makes you want to go on an adventure.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like many people, The Lord of the Rings captivated me as a child. I read those books as well as The Hobbit half a dozen times before I was twelve, and a couple of times more since. What’s more, I was lucky enough to be nine when the first movie came out, which only furthered my childhood obsession. Though I’m less enthralled by the series now, the classic quest it represents still has a place in my heart. I’ve tried to reproduce the grandeur and adventure of that story in my writing, and I’ve found a good portion of it in the books I recommend below. May they take you on captivating new journeys!

J.D.L.'s book list on fantasy that makes you want to go on an adventure

J.D.L. Rosell Why did J.D.L. love this book?

There's a lot to love in Hutson's debut. The setup of our main character is fairly familiar – a nobody from a small fishing village, yet possesses great potential magic – but the rest of the world is fresh and intriguing. From the immortal sorcerers manipulating the course of the world, to the order of self-righteous paladins, and finally to the great creatures slumbering in the Deep, there's a lot to love in The Crimson Queen.

By Alec Hutson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Crimson Queen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

2016 Ink and Insights Competition – Judges’ Favorite
2017 Readers' Favorite Award for Epic Fantasy
2nd in the 2017 SPFBO
#1 Amazon Best Seller in Epic Fantasy

Long ago the world fell into twilight, when the great empires of old consumed each other in sorcerous cataclysms. In the south the Star Towers fell, swallowed by the sea, while the black glaciers descended upon the northern holdfasts, entombing the cities of Min-Ceruth in ice and sorcery. Then from the ancient empire of Menekar the paladins of Ama came, putting every surviving sorcerer to the sword and cleansing their taint from the…


Book cover of Soul of the Witch

Nathan Lowell Author Of Ravenwood: A Tanyth Fairport Adventure

From my list on magical stories about second chances.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always looked for stories that aren’t stamped out of the same mold. Having broken that mold in my own writing years before with Tanyth Fairport and Ravenwood, I dove into this new blend of second chances, paranormal romances, and characters that might be fighting for their lives against supernatural forces but always kept the human spark burning.

Nathan's book list on magical stories about second chances

Nathan Lowell Why did Nathan love this book?

I’m a heavy reader so I’m always looking for a good author who has a large catalog to feed my need. Reading Deana Chase’s Keating Hollow books was like coming home. Her ability to string the series together with a revolving cast makes every visit like a new ride on a familiar carousel. 

By Deanna Chase,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Soul of the Witch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Welcome to Keating Hollow, the village full of love, magic, and cupcakes, and where nothing is more important than family. At age eighteen, after a spell tragically backfired, Abby Townsend left Keating Hollow and her magic behind to find redemption. Ten years later, after being summoned by her family, she’s back. As soon as she drives into town, she’s already plotting her inevitable exit, but she can’t quite escape the pull of the tightly knit magical community or the soulful gaze of the one man she’s never forgotten. And when an eight-year old witch not only leads her back to…


Book cover of First Comes Marriage

Victoria Chatham Author Of His Unexpected Muse

From my list on endings with happy everafters for any era.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was born in Clifton, in the city of Bristol, England. Clifton is known for its elegant Georgian and Regency architecture. Growing up in these surroundings gave me an impression of what life might have been like for the people who lived there, the families upstairs and servants belowstairs. In front of a few houses on some streets, there are still stone blocks at the curb, worn smooth from countless feet entering and exiting their carriages. I have used Clifton as a setting in some of the books I have written, hoping to make those scenes more realistic and bring history alive for my readers. 

Victoria's book list on endings with happy everafters for any era

Victoria Chatham Why did Victoria love this book?

This is the first book in The Huxtables family series. The author blends wit, charm, and family foibles just as easily as does Georgette Heyer. The banter between the siblings is a joy to read. Even when fortune comes their way in the unexpected elevation of one family member who inherits an earldom, the characters stay true to themselves. 

By Mary Balogh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked First Comes Marriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the sleepy village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. It soon becomes clear that Elliot seeks a convenient marriage to a suitable bride, and desperate to rescue her eldest sister Margaret from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable - a proud and daring, a young widow - offers herself up instead.

In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But then a strange thing happens: as the wedding night approaches they become inexplicably drawn…


Book cover of Pastures Nouveaux

Nancy Barone Author Of Storm in a D Cup

From my list on iffy marriages and other adventures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I can’t remember how many times I thought someone was The One, but I know I’ve had to kiss a lot of frogs before I found my own Prince Charming. The path was riddled with self-doubt, interfering wicked witches, and wondering whether it was all worth the heartache. As it turns out, none of them were until I finally did find my HEA. I’d become an expert on navigating all the Single Lady tropes: moving to another country in search of the elusive happy ending, getting a better job, enduring the gossip about why I was single. I’d recommend all of these if you are having relationship trouble or doubts about yourself. You're not alone!

Nancy's book list on iffy marriages and other adventures

Nancy Barone Why did Nancy love this book?

Much like my own themes, Pastures Nouveaux is not only about starting over in the country, but having the courage to look at your relationship in the eye.

Rosie is engaged to a horrible columnist, Mark. And she keeps making excuses for him; he’s stressed, he’s unhappy, he’s on a deadline, etc. But he never shows her any great amount of genuine affection. It’s like he’s given up on them. And, perhaps, so has Rosie, who has chosen to ‘live with it’.

And when they move to the country village, Eight Mile Bottom, things take a turn for the worst, as nothing could be further from what they had expected from this move. Or is this the best thing that’s ever happened to Rosie?

By Wendy Holden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pastures Nouveaux as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The witty new novel from number one bestselling author of "Simply Divine" and "Bad Heir Day". Artist Rosie has always dreamed of a peaceful country cottage - but once she gets what she wants she finds out that village life is not the way she predicted it. A cast of hilarious characters conspire to ensure that life is not the same.


Book cover of The Whale Rider
Book cover of His Dark Materials
Book cover of Sky Song

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