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Cover of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

Age rating and parents' guide:Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

by A.F. Steadman

Ages 9–14

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman is best for children aged 9–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

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.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the Skandar series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Some emotionally heavy moments

Great for kids who like

  • Fantasy & Magic
  • Mystery & Detective
  • Magic & magical worlds

Reading mood

  • Mysterious
  • Imaginative
  • Thoughtful

Good to talk about

  • Fantasy & Magic
  • Mystery & Detective

Books like Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

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    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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    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.

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  • Cover of The Serpent's Secret

    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.

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  • Cover of The Forbidden Library

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    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.

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  • Cover of Ella Enchanted

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    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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  • Cover of The Girl Who Drank the Moon

    Ages 9–14

    The Girl Who Drank the Moon

    by Kelly Barnhill

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  • Cover of Nevermoor

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    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.

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On these book lists

  • Books for 11 year olds
  • Books like Harry Potter
  • Books like Percy Jackson

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Skandar and the Unicorn Thief for?
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is Skandar and the Unicorn Thief appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is Skandar and the Unicorn Thief part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Skandar series. If your child enjoys it, the other Skandar books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Skandar and the Unicorn Thief?
Try Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Serpent's Secret and The Forbidden Library. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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