Whether you know a child who can’t get enough of Harry Potter or one who’d rather skip the series entirely, this list of fantasy read alikes is sure to captivate.
Filled with rich world-building, courageous characters on journeys of friendship and self-discovery, and thrilling plots that build to epic battles of good versus evil, the books below are truly enchanting and unforgettable.
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Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, 2012
Sophie has never felt like she fit in and for good reason. Sophie is a Telepath and has the ability to read minds. When she meets Fitz and discovers that she is actually an elf, her whole world is turned upside down and she sets off to uncover the secrets to her true identity and her past. My son was initially intimidated by the length of this book, but after giving it a try, he immediately devoured the entire series.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman, 2022
Prepare to be thrust into a riveting world where unicorns exist, but they are fierce bloodthirsty creatures that bond with humans to unlock immense power. Skandar has always dreamed of being a Unicorn Rider, but when his opportunity finally comes, everything goes horribly wrong.
Forced to hide a dangerous secret, he must now uncover the truth behind an evil villain building a deadly unicorn army. Packed with action, mystery, and magic, this thrilling adventure will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B Alston, 2021
When Amari Peters receives a mysterious invitation to try out for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s sure it holds the key to finding her missing brother. Suddenly, she’s thrust into a hidden world where magic is real, mythical creatures exist, and she must compete against kids who’ve grown up around it. With a forbidden power she can’t control and an evil magician threatening everything, Amari’s courage and determination make her a heroine readers will cheer for.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, Ashley Mackenzie, 2024
When Christopher moves in with his grandfather, he quickly learns he is part of a long lineage of guardians tasked with safeguarding a hidden magical realm. Before he knows it, he’s pulled into an epic quest with a girl named Mal to save the magical creatures who are mysteriously dying.
The detailed illustrations help immerse the reader into this enchanting world and the glossary featuring the creatures is a real standout. Packed with fascinating characters, thrilling adventure, and boundless imagination, this powerful story is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Greenwild by Pari Thomason, 2023
Daisy Thistledown has been living an incredible life of adventure travelling the world with her mother. When her mom disappears, however, Daisy is thrown into a secret world full of magic hidden within elements of nature. She must work with the inhabitants to protect Greenwild from those who want to destroy it. Fantasy lovers won’t be able to resist this well-crafted story.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, 2013
When best friends Sophie and Agatha are whisked away to a magical academy, they’re stunned to discover that sweet, princess-obsessed Sophie has been placed in the School for Evil, while dark, brooding Agatha lands in the School for Good. Featuring appearances from beloved fairy tale characters, this clever and imaginative story turns the idea of good and evil delightfully upside down.
Our family also loved the movie inspired by the book.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series) by Rick Riordan, 2005
Full of humor and action, this exciting series about Greek mythology has remained popular for years for good reason. When Percy Jackson is attacked by a harpy at a museum, his mother reveals that he is actually a demi-god and he is sent to Camp Half Blood to be with other children of Greek gods. He is quickly accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt and embarks upon a quest to clear his name and stop a war among the gods. This is an exciting series that is perfect for reluctant readers.
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend, 2018
Born on the unlucky day of Eventide, Morgan Crow is believed to be cursed and blamed for every misfortune that surrounds her. Her luck changes, however, when she’s whisked away to a magical city by the mysterious Jupiter North, who invites her to compete for a place in the prestigious Wundrous Society. Filled with lovable characters, rich imagination, and boundless adventure, readers will be eager to join Morgan in the enchanting world of Nevermoor.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas, 2023
Nic Blake and her dad belong to a hidden magical society called the Remarkables. They’ve been living undercover in the human world until Nic’s twelfth birthday, when a shocking betrayal sends her, her best friend, and the brother she never knew existed on a thrilling quest to find a powerful magical tool and uncover the truth about her past.
This fast-paced adventure masterfully blends African American history and folklore with mythology and magic. With rich world-building and relatable characters, it’s a powerful story of courage, identity, and the meaning of family.
The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto, 2024
Feeling abandoned by her parents, Lavinia “Vin” Lucas enrolls at The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents to control her unpredictable, unparallel magical powers. When danger strikes, she and her classmates must band together to save the only place that feels like home.
The Incorruptibles by Lauren Magaziner, 2025
The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen, 2024
While a story about space dragons may seem worlds away from Harry Potter , the two share a surprising number of similarities, most notably, how completely captivating they are.
Set in a distant future where humans have colonized Mars and discovered that every planet, moon, and star has its own dragon, the story follows thirteen-year-old orphan Lunar Jones as he struggles to survive in the Martian wastelands. When he accidentally uncovers a secret training site, Lunar is chosen by a mysterious dragon to become its new leader.
Packed with adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists, this thrilling tale ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers eager for the next installment in this stellar series.
The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell, 2025
While this story doesn’t have magic exactly, it is an enchanting read, you won’t want to put down! It features a group of bold young girls who form strong friendships at a secret academy where they learn survival training, mystery-solving, and secret sleuthing. Join Maggie Fishbone as she teams up with her classmates to save their city from a cunning villain.
DISCOVER MORE OF OUR FAVORITE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS HERE.
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