Books like Harry Potter
If your child loved Harry Potter, try The Forbidden Library, Nevermoor and Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Each has the same pull of magic, friendship and a world worth getting lost in.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 9–11
The Forbidden Library
by Django Wexler
After her father goes missing at sea, Alice is sent to live with her mysterious uncle Geryon in his massive, labyrinthine estate. She soon discovers that his vast library is magical, and that certain books hold dangerous worlds you can actually step inside. To uncover the truth about her father, Alice must train as a reader and capture the creatures locked inside the pages. Children love the eerie atmosphere, inventive magical system, and Alice's brave, clever personality as she navigates tricky challenges.
- 2
Ages 9–14
Nevermoor
by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is cursed and blamed for every local misfortune, doomed to die on Eventide. Instead, a mysterious man named Jupiter North whisks her away to the secret, magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan must compete in four dangerous trials against hundreds of talented children to win a place in the elite Wundrous Society. Full of whimsical charm, eccentric characters, and high-stakes excitement, it is an inventive adventure about courage, friendship, and finding where you truly belong.
- 3
Ages 9–14
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
by A.F. Steadman
Skandar dreams of bonding with a fierce, winged unicorn and training to become an elemental rider on the Island. But when a shadowy villain steals the island's most powerful beast, Skandar is thrust into a dangerous world of high-stakes sky battles, ancient rivalries, and forbidden magic. Alongside loyal new friends, he must master his dangerous power to protect the kingdom. It is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure filled with mythical action, aerial racing, and a dark, fresh take on legendary creatures that grips confident readers.
- 4
Ages 9–14
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby in the forest as an offering to a witch they fear. But Xan is kind, rescuing the infants and finding them loving homes. When she accidentally feeds one baby moonlight instead of starlight, the child becomes imbued with potent magic. Raised by Xan, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster, young Luna must learn to manage her growing powers as dangerous truths about the Protectorate begin to surface. It is a lyrical, heartwarming fantasy full of wonder, mystery, and deep emotion.
- 5
Ages 9–14
Wings of Fire (dragon series)
by Tui T. Sutherland
In a world torn apart by a bitter war between dragon tribes, five young dragonets are raised in secret to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and bring peace. Instead of following the path laid out for them, they decide to escape and find their real families. Packed with distinct dragon abilities, high-stakes battles, and rich world-building, this fantasy series hooks readers with its themes of friendship, loyalty, and making your own choices.
- 6
Ages 9–14
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
This classic series transports children from our world into the magical realm of Narnia, a land of talking beasts, mythical creatures, and ancient magic. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, young heroes embark on perilous quests and face formidable foes like the White Witch. Lewis combines grand adventure with rich allegorical storytelling, weaving themes of courage, loyalty, and redemption that have captured the imaginations of young readers for generations.
- 7
Ages 9–14
Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine
At birth, Ella is given a foolish fairy gift: obedience. Forced to follow every single command she receives, she grows up fiercely determined to break the curse and win her freedom. Her quest leads her across the kingdom to encounter ogres, giants, friendly elves, and a charming prince, all while trying to outwit cruel stepsisters who discover her secret. Readers love Ella's quick wit, stubborn courage, and the creative twists on the classic Cinderella tale.
- 8
Ages 9–14
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is actually a demigod, the son of the Greek god Poseidon. After being accused of stealing Zeus's master lightning bolt, he must journey across modern-day America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy faces legendary monsters and mythological perils. Readers love the fast-paced action, witty first-person narration, and clever modern twists on ancient legends.
- 9
Ages 9–11
The Land of Stories
by Chris Colfer
After losing their father, twins Alex and Conner receive a cherished fairy-tale book from their grandmother that unexpectedly acts as a portal into a magical realm. To find their way back home, the siblings must travel through kingdoms inhabited by familiar characters like Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks on a quest to gather rare items. The story is an imaginative, fast-paced blend of humour and wonder that appeals to children who love clever twists on traditional folklore.
- 10
Ages 9–14
Aru Shah and the End of Time
by Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah tends to stretch the truth to fit in at school. While spending her autumn break in the Museum of Ancient Indian Arts and Culture, she lights a cursed lamp to impress her classmates, accidentally freeing an ancient demon who freezes time and traps her mother. To save her family and the world, Aru embarks on an epic quest through Hindu mythology, discovering her own heroic heritage along the way. Readers love the witty, humorous heroine, vibrant mythological beasts, and fast-paced adventure.
- 11
Ages 9–13
Asha & the Spirit Bird
by Jasbinder Bilan
Living in the foothills of the Himalayas, Asha worries when money stops arriving from her father in the city. When a ruthless moneylender threatens to take their family home, Asha sets off on a dangerous trek across the mountains to find him, accompanied by her best friend Jeevan. Guided by a majestic bird that she believes carries the spirit of her grandmother, Asha faces harsh wilderness and real danger. It is an atmospheric, deeply felt adventure rich in Indian culture and strong family bonds.
- 12
Ages 9–14
A Kind of Spark
by Elle McNicoll
Eleven-year-old Addie is autistic and sees the world with deep empathy. When she learns about the historical witch trials in her Scottish hometown, she feels a strong connection to the women persecuted simply for being different. Determined that they should be remembered with compassion, she starts a campaign for a local memorial. Along the way, Addie faces misunderstanding and hostility from peers and teachers alike. Readers will be drawn to Addie's fierce sense of justice, her warm sisterly bond, and her courageous journey to be heard.
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