When you’re eight inches tall like the Roden people, your world is gigantic. Then danger threatens the Roden’s hidden valley from giants outside and treachery within, and their faith must rise like a hawk. One deaf princess puts her trust in her Creator, while one secretive rascal is pulled deeper into his people’s future, challenged to yield his selfishness and answer a greater call. Nicole Sager’s The Retrievers: Valley of the Roden introduces a fun cast of tiny characters and soaring hawks, sharing faith-filled themes of holding onto hope when all seems lost.

Best for: Middle-grade readers and families, fans of tiny-people stories.

Discern: Characters steal and form thief rings, rats threaten heroes, people are imprisoned, and families are divided.