Books like Percy Jackson
If your child loved Percy Jackson, try Aru Shah and the End of Time, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Chronicles of Narnia. Each mixes myths, fast action and a hero who is still a kid.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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. Keeps curiosity alive and invites readers to imagine what comes next.
- 5
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.
- 6
Ages 11–16
Sita's Ramayana
by Samhita Arni
This graphic novel retells the epic Ramayana from the viewpoint of Queen Sita. After being abducted by the demon king Ravana, Sita endures captivity and witnesses the brutal war fought to rescue her. Illustrated in the vibrant Patua scroll-painting tradition by Moyna Chitrakar, the story explores the human cost of conflict, honour, and resilience. Young readers are drawn to its striking visual style and the powerful alternative perspective it brings to a classic mythological tale.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10
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.
- 11
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.
- 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. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
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