by Michael Ende
First published 2006
Bastian, a shy, bookish boy, stumbles upon a mystical tome that transports him to the fantastical world of Fantastica. There, he learns he is the Savior destined to rescue the realm from the encroaching Nothingness. Guided by the brave warrior Atreyu, Bastian embarks on a perilous quest, facing fearsome creatures and his own self-doubt. As Fantastica's fate hangs in the balance, Bastian discovers that to save the kingdom, he must first confront the limitations he's placed on himself.
Genres: classic-literature, adventure, coming-of-age, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: chosen-one, fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Fantastica, Phantásia, Spook City
448 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Puffin Books