Alice was plucked as a child from London streets and raised to become a shining jewel of high society. When she is pushed down the rabbit hole, she gains a chance to find her true self. Will she grow into her adoptive mother’s perfect young lady, or her adopted older sister’s view of an independent woman? Meanwhile in Wonderland, future king Xander and his mischievous friend Chess find trouble with the Red Queen. If they can’t cleverly escape, they will draw Alice even deeper into their mess. In Jabberwock’s Curse, R. V. Bowman blends different elements from Lewis Carroll’s classic into a quick-paced coming-of age story whose three heroes must learn who they were created to be.

Best for: Fans of Alice in Wonderland and young-adult portal fantasy tales.

Discern: Light fantasy violence and violence against animals, oppressive government.