Prince Caspian
Recommended. Age: 9+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Four children are pulled back into Narnia, where a wicked king named Miraz has taken the throne. They help young Prince Caspian and the talking animals fight for their land. Aslan the lion leads them, but at first only Lucy can see him. Lewis wrote it about restoring true faith after it has been forgotten, and the lesson of trusting Aslan when others doubt is a gift to children. Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ (Bookroo says 8-12, and Lumen's own read-alone age is also 9).
For parents
Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ rating; Bookroo lists 8-12 and Lumen's read-alone age is 9. Read it aloud from 7. There are sword battles and two killings, one a stab in the back and one by Peter in battle. A dwarf, a hag and a werewolf try to raise the White Witch by black magic; the book treats this as plain evil and they are destroyed. Bacchus and Silenus, gods from Greek myth, serve Aslan and wake the trees, and Common Sense Media notes Bacchus comes with his Maenads. Explain that these are story creatures under Aslan, not real gods, and that only God is to be worshiped. Best talk: Lucy sees Aslan and the others do not believe her. Ask how it feels to follow God when friends do not, and what Edmund did right.