Rise of the Earth Dragon (Dragons Masters series) by Tracey West; illustrated by Graham Howells
(Ages 6 and up)
Brimming with adventure, this exciting series stars a diverse group of kids tasked with training powerful dragons with unique talents. With short chapters, bold black-and-white illustrations, and nonstop action, it’s a hit with independent readers and makes a fantastic read-aloud especially if you want to read to older and younger siblings at the same time. As a school librarian, I could never keep this series on my shelf and my own son and daughter were equally captivated by it.
With over 30 books in the series, there are plenty of adventures to keep readers engaged.
If your kids or students can’t get enough of the Dragon Masters series, they’ll love these action-packed stories filled with magic and adventure. Aimed at newly independent readers, these books have fast-paced plots that blend humor with action and include occasional illustrations that support comprehension and keep engagement high.
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Stealing the Sword (Time Jumpers series) by Wendy Mass
(Ages 6 and up)
When siblings Chase and Ava discover an old suitcase filled with mysterious objects, they soon learn each item can transport them to a different time and place. In the first book of this thrilling series, they are whisked away to King Arthur’s castle, where they meet the legendary Merlin. When a dangerous plot against the king is revealed, the siblings must work together to stop it and find their way back home. Each installment sends Chase and Ava on a new time-traveling adventure, making this an action-packed series readers will eagerly return to.
The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly series) by Jordan Quinn, illustrated by Robert McPhillips
(Ages 6 and up)
Fantasy lovers will enjoy getting lost in the magical realm of Wrenly. When the queen loses a beloved necklace, eight-year-old Prince Lucas joins his friend Clara on a quest to visit various territories filled with mythical creatures including dragons, fairies, trolls, mermaids, and witches to find the special jewel.
Rise of the Green Flame (Magic Quest series) by Bernard Mensah, illustrated by Natasha Nayo
Eight-year-old Kwame is thrilled to finally start Nkonyaa School to learn magic. Unfortunately, the year does not go as he planned. He can’t access his magic powers, and it seems like an evil force has crept into the school. A cliffhanger ending will have readers eager to check out the next book in this spellbinding new series.
The Magic Mirror (Once Upon a Fairy Tale series) by Anna Staniszkewski; illustrated by Macky Pamintuan
Kara and Zed reside in an enchanted kingdom and when they learn that their land is threatened by an eternal summer due to a shattered mirror, they set out upon an epic quest to find the culprit who broke the mirror and learn how to mend the spell. Children who enjoy fairy tales will be drawn to this fantastical mystery.
School for Magical Monsters: Rise of Pegasus by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, illustrated by Toby Allen
(Ages 6 and up)
Pegasus is both nervous and excited to start Monster School but soon finds friends among creatures, beasts, and gods alike. My daughter loved discovering the many mythical beings in this book, and we especially appreciated the guide with descriptions and pronunciation tips.
The Ember Stone (The Last Firehawk series) by Katrina Charman
(Ages 6 and up)
Tag is a young owl training to become a protector of his magical forest. When his land is threatened by the evil vulture, Thorn, Tag and his friend Skyla embark on an important mission to retrieve a magical stone whose power can save or destroy them. Children who love fantasy and adventure will be drawn to this suspenseful chapter book series.
Heroes in Training: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
(Ages 6 and up)
This fun dive into Greek mythology stars ten-year-old Zeus as he goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Kidnapped by half-giants, chased by lightning bolts, Zeus doesn’t know why danger seems to follow him, but he’s in for a big surprise when he becomes an unsuspecting hero destined to save the other young gods from the evil Cronus.
Unicorn Academy: Sophia and Rainbow by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman
(Ages 6 and up)
While this story leans more toward friendship than thrilling adventure, it shares key elements with Dragon Masters, most notably the special bond between a child and a mythical creature. Sophia is thrilled to attend Unicorn Academy, where she forms a connection with a unicorn named Rainbow. When the source of the unicorns’ magic is threatened, Sophia and Rainbow ride to the rescue in their very first adventure. Fans will be excited to know the series is also available as a Netflix show.
Wildfire Rescue (Disaster Squad series) by Rekha S. Rajan, illustrated by Courntey Lovett
(Ages 6 and up)
The Jackson family travels the country in their RV, using their unique skills to help people and animals affected by natural disasters. For readers who prefer realistic fiction over fantasy, this action-packed series offers exciting, high-stakes adventures grounded in real-world challenges.
Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon (Dragon Girls series) by Maddy Mara
(Ages 7 and up)
Azmina has just moved to her new house when she feels a sudden pull into the forest where she is transported to a magical land and transformed into a dragon. There, she meets two other girls who band together to save the enchanted land from an evil force. This fantastical friendship story is sure to find an audience with many!
Dragon Storm: Tom and Ironskin by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Eric Deschamps
(Ages 7 and up)
Dragons haven’t been seen in Rivven for centuries, so Tom is shocked to discover they not only still exist, but that he’s been chosen to be a dragonseer. He and his bonded dragon, Ironskin, train together to unlock their powers and save their kingdom. Each book in the series follows a new dragonseer in the secret Guild.
Beast Keeper (Beasts of Olympus series) by Lucy Coats, illustrated by Brett Bean
(Ages 7 and up)
Eleven-year-old Pandemonius, nicknamed Demon, is whisked from his quiet village to Mount Olympus to become the new Beast Keeper, who cares for the gods’ mythical creatures. Readers follow Demon through a series of humorous, fast-paced adventures as he wrangles unruly beasts and hatches a heroic plan to stop Hercules, who takes on the role of villain rather than hero in this enchanting and imaginative series.
Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs; illustrated by Stacy Curtis
(Ages 8 and up)
Tim is a peasant who jumps at the opportunity to become a knight. As he sets out with his friend, Belinda, to rescue a princess, he unwittingly walks into a trap. With silly illustrations, this funny story is sure to engage many.
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