Discover books similar to "Pay the Piper"
Jane Yolen
Pay the Piper
3.33
Part of "A Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tale" series
"Pay the Piper" by Jane Yolen is a captivating and suspenseful young adult novel that retells the classic Pied Piper story with a fresh and intriguing twist. Yolen, a renowned author in the genre, masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction to create a world that is both familiar and entirely new. The story is set in the small town of Hamelin, where the people are struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the Black Plague. The town is plagued by a rat infestation, and the citizens are at their wits' end. In desperation, they turn to the enigmatic Pied Piper, who promises to rid the town of the vermin in exchange for a hefty sum of money. However, when the Pied Piper returns to collect his payment, the townspeople renege on their agreement, leading to dire consequences. The Pied Piper takes matters into his own hands and leads the children of the town on a perilous journey, leaving the adults behind to face the consequences of their actions. Yolen's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making the story a joy to read. She brings the town of Hamelin to life with vivid descriptions and intriguing characters, including the resourceful protagonist, Anni, who is determined to reunite with her younger brother, who was among the children led away by the Pied Piper. One of the most compelling aspects of "Pay the Piper" is the way Yolen explores themes of responsibility, consequences, and the power of storytelling. The story is not only a retelling of a classic tale but also a meditation on the importance of keeping promises and the dangers of greed and selfishness. Overall, "Pay the Piper" is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to both young adults and adults. Yolen's masterful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this a standout addition to any library...
List of books similar to "Pay the Piper":
Robert Browning
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
This is a classic poem by Robert Browning that retells the story of the Pied Piper, much like Jane Yolen's 'Pay the Piper'. However, Browning's version offers a different perspective and style, making it a great comparison and contrast read.
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Marguerite de Angeli
The Door in the Wall
Like 'Pay the Piper', this Newbery Medal-winning book also features a strong-willed protagonist who must overcome adversity. The Door in the Wall is a historical novel set in medieval England, offering a different time period and setting for readers to explore.
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Susan Cooper
The Dark Is Rising
Fans of 'Pay the Piper' will enjoy this fantasy series, which features a similar blend of folklore and mythology. The Dark Is Rising series follows a young boy named Will Stanton as he discovers his destiny as an Old One, tasked with fighting the forces of darkness.
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Kate DiCamillo
The Tale of Despereaux
This Newbery Medal-winning book shares the same whimsical, fairy-tale style as 'Pay the Piper'. The Tale of Despereaux tells the story of a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, who sets out to rescue a human princess from the clutches of a villainous rat.
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Lloyd Alexander
The Book of Three
Fans of 'Pay the Piper' will enjoy this classic fantasy series, which features a young protagonist who embarks on a quest to save his kingdom. The Book of Three is the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain, a series that blends Welsh mythology with epic adventure.
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George Selden
The Cricket in Times Square
Like 'Pay the Piper', this Newbery Honor book features a cast of animal characters who come to life in a human world. The Cricket in Times Square tells the story of a cricket who befriends a streetwise cat and mouse, and together they learn the true meaning of friendship and home.
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Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows
Fans of 'Pay the Piper' will enjoy this classic children's book, which features a cast of animal characters who live in the English countryside. The Wind in the Willows explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the beauty of nature, much like 'Pay the Piper'.
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George MacDonald
The Princess and the Goblin
This classic children's book shares the same sense of wonder and magic as 'Pay the Piper'. The Princess and the Goblin tells the story of a young princess who befriends a curious creature named Curdie, and together they set out to save the kingdom from an army of goblins.
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Robert C. O'Brien
The Rats of NIMH
Fans of 'Pay the Piper' will enjoy this classic children's book, which features a cast of animal characters who must use their intelligence and cunning to survive. The Rats of NIMH tells the story of a group of laboratory rats who escape and form their own society, complete with a council and a constitution.
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