Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities
If your child loved Keeper of the Lost Cities, try Nevermoor, The Land of Stories and Aru Shah and the End of Time. Each has a hidden world, secret powers and a hero still working out who they are.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
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. Encourages children to feel proud of who they are and value others.
- 2
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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 3
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. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
- 4
Ages 9–14
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
After living a miserable life with his uncaring aunt and uncle, Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns spells, plays Quidditch, and discovers the warmth of true friendship. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 5
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. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
- 6
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. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
- 7
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. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 8
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. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 9
Ages 9–11
The Serpent's Secret
by Sayantani DasGupta
On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala thinks she is an ordinary sixth-grader from New Jersey. That changes when a demon trashes her home, her parents disappear into another dimension, and two prince-like strangers arrive to whisk her away. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
- 10
Ages 12–14
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
by Rick Riordan
After dying in battle, Boston teenager Magnus Chase awakens in Hotel Valhalla and discovers that Norse mythology is entirely real—and he is the son of a god. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 11
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. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
- 12
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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
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