The Best Fantasy Books for Tweens
Does your middle schooler love to read fantasy? My kids adore fantasy books so much that I knew I needed to make a list of middle grade fantasy books. These books are perfect for your 10, 11, 12, and 13-year-olds to read.
None of the books is too scary or contains a subject matter that is too mature, in my opinion. I have read all these books and love them. When it came to which books to include, I had input from all my kids and Jackie’s too!
The Best Fantasy Books for Tweens
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Fantasy Series
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling – Jump to section
Magical Realism
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd – Jump to section
Magical School
Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu – Jump to section
Historical Fantasy
Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz – Jump to section
Mythology
Aru Shah by Roshani Chokshi – Jump to section
Ghost
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson – Jump to section
Witches
The Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse – Jump to section
Retelling
A Land of Stories by Chris Colfer – Jump to section
With Magical Creatures
The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger – Jump to section
With Dragons
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland – Jump to section
Classic
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fantasy Series for Tweens
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age:9-13
More info:
Percy Jackson and The Olympian Book #1
Currently a Series on Disney Plus
Plot
This first Percy Jackson book is about our beloved Percy, who discovers he is a demi-god and must recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. He travels into the underworld to locate the lightning bolt and, at the same time, try to save his mother.
His amazing adventures with Annabeth and Grover along the way create the foundation for all the books that follow in this amazing and epic series. This show has been adapted to TV on Disney and is fantastic!
Why Jackie loves it
I don’t think anyone has read this middle grade fantasy series and not loved it. It’s a contemporary Greek mythology retelling for the ages. It is fun and exciting!
Find this book in: Percy Jackson Books in Order / Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Tween & Teen Fantasy Books
Greenwild
Author: Pari Thomson
Year: 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Greenwild #1
Plot
Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown knew her mom kept secrets- giant, dangerous secrets. Now her mom has disappeared, and Daisy is determined to find her.
Her search brings her to a hidden doorway in a simple shop. When she steps through, she finds herself in an entirely different world. Greenwild is magical, both figuratively and literally. Daisy can barely believe her eyes. But after a few minutes, she realizes that what she sees is completely real.
She also realizes is that there are people who strive to destroy this beautiful place and Daisy is determined to stop them. Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book.
Why Jackie loves it
Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book. It’s the first in a trilogy and one that is perfect for environmental fiction lovers. It reminded me of Ferngully in some ways!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books like Harry Potter for Kids
Artemis Fowl
Author: Eoin Colfer
Year: 2001
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Artemis Fowl Book 1 of 8
Plot
Artemis Fowl is a kid genius trying to utilize the power of fairies to find his father. With the help of his butler, they kidnap a fairy named Holly Short to restore his family’s fortune and find his power.
However, Artemis underestimates the power of the fairies because he thinks that he is the smartest.
Why Jackie loves it
This fantasy book for tweens is perfect for anyone who wants to see the villain’s perspective and root for them as well. These are the perfect books for Percy Jackson fans.
Find this book in: Books about Con Artists and Thieves / Books like Percy Jackson / Best Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like KOTLC
Tuesdays at the Castle
Author: Jessica Day George
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Tuesdays at the Castle #1
Plot
Princess Celie lives in an ever-changing castle that adds new rooms every Tuesday. She eagerly maps out each new addition that might just end up saving her family when danger heads to their home. This is one of the read-aloud books for kids that I read to my kids. We both loved it and it was a wonderful pick from bedtime stories for kids.
Why Kirsten loves it
If the changing staircases, room of requirement, and secrets passages are your child’s favorite parts about Hogwarts, this is the series for them!
Find this book in: Books like KOTLC / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Bedtime Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds
Magical Realism Books for Tweens
Plot
This book is the perfect mixture of adventure, magic, and mystery. Felicity and her family arrive in Midnight Gulch, a town that used to be filled with magic before a curse pushed all the magic away. Felicity hopes to understand where the magic went and bring it back to the town.
Why Jackie loves it
I like magical realism and I so rarely see it in children’s books. This one kept me turning the pages all night long.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens
Plot
Max, a 11-year old Jewish boy from Berlin, is sent away from his parents to England. Now he will do whatever it takes to get back. He is accompanied by two immortal creatures in the shape of little men that only he can see – a kobold and a dybbuk.
After being brought to Lord Montagu to be fostered, he decides that he will do whatever it takes to protect his family and make it back to them. Thus, he begs Lord Montagu to send him back to Germany as a spy.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, War
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books, and the author too is amazing. It was hard to put it down and I’m very excited for the sequel.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / World War II Books for Kids
The Secret Library
Author: Kekla Magoon
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Dally lives in a big house, she has servants and a rich mom. She has everything she could ever want, except her freedom, and her grandpa. Annoyed by her mother’s lack of attention, she steals a letter left by her grandpa.
Following the map it had included, she finds herself in a secret library. Not a library that is secret, but rather, a library of secrets. And her family’s secrets make up a lot of them.
Why Jackie loves it
It was very exciting and fun to read. I was hooked on Dally’s story and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what Magoon writes next.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens
Middle Grade Fantasy Books with Magical Schools
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
Author: Anne Ursu
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Marya’s brother is going to be a sorcerer. When an accident happens, Marya is sent to Dragomir Academy. It is a place for troubled girls. When she is there, the Dread attacks. The Dread is a cloud-like creature that can spawn itself and destroy villages.
Why Jackie loves it
My daughter read this one. This is what she had to say. “I really liked this book because I love magic and the girls at the school work together as a team. This book was exciting and I want to read anything this author writes.”
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Percy Jackson / Best Books for a 10-year-old
The School for Good and Evil
Author: Soman Chainani
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Year: 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: School for Good and Evil #1
Plot
Sophie thinks her history makes her a good fit for the School of Good like Cinderella and Snow White before her. Agatha thinks the School of Evil is a better fit for her. But when the opposite schools are assigned to each girl, they need to figure out who they are and where they belong.
Why Jackie loves it
Utterly addicting, this series has 6 stories and was recently made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.
Find this book in: Books Similar to Percy Jackson / Netflix Adaptations / Middle Grade Fantasy / Kids Audiobooks / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 9-year-old / Books like KOTLC / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
Amari and the Night Brothers
Author: B. B. Alston
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Supernatural Investigations #1
Plot
Amari is searching for her brother and will not be deterred. She believes the key to finding him is an invitation to try out at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs she finds a briefcase in his closet. Now she needs to reconsider the fact that magical creatures are all real! Amari needs to compete against her classmates to try to gain a coveted spot to solve her brother’s disappearance.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy book for tweens is a book that is perfect for all ages. The magical world, the story, and the characters are all captivating in this book.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like Percy Jackson
Tween Historical Fantasy Books
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
Author: Adam Gidwitz
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: A New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Book
Plot
In 13th century France, three children set out on a quest with their dog. Each of the children and the dog have a magical gift. Together, they survive a kidnapping, help defeat a dragon, and save the kingdom. Come read the tale of these unlikely friends – I promise, you won’t be able to put it down!
Why Jackie loves it
All of my kids have read this book and they all loved it- devoured it in a day. Somehow this book can combine historical characters and mythical tales of the 13th century with morals and lessons that are completely relevant today.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Fantasy Books for Tweens
The Alchemyst
Author: Michael Scott
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #1
Plot
Like so many great fantasy novels, Sophie and John Newman have newfound powers they do not know how to use. Suddenly, it is up to them to save everyone from Dr. John Dee. Dr. Dee has stolen the Book of Abraham the Mage, Nicholas Flamel’s book. Inside are the secrets to eternal life and in the wrong hands, the book can destroy everything. Can Sophie and John master their powers and save the world?
Why Jackie loves it
Yes, Nicholas Flamel was a real person, not just a character in Harry Potter! This six-book series tracks the life and adventures of Nicholas Flamel (who is over 700 years old!.) Lots of mythological gods, famous historical figures, and time periods all come into play over the course of this series, though most of it is set in the modern era.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books like Harry Potter for Kids
Magyk
Author: Angie Sage
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Septimus Heap #1
Plot
Septimus Heap is the seventh son of a seventh son. He disappears the night that he is born and his parents are told he is dead. That night, his father finds a baby girl in the snow. This story sets up the adventures for the rest of the series with magic, adventure, and bravery.
Why Kirsten loves it
When the kids in my house were looking to fill the post-Harry Potter void, this is the series they picked up. It’s 7 books deep and is a wonderfully spun story of magic and wizards that any fantasy-obsessed kiddo will love.
Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Halloween Chapter Books / Books like Harry Potter for Kids
Mythology Books for Tweens
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mythology
Age: 9+
More info: Book 1 of 5 of Aru Shah
A Rick Riordan Presents Book
Plot
Aru Shah is a Rick Riordan Presents story based on ancient Indian mythology. Twelve-year-old heroine Aru is a storyteller who stretches the truth. But on a dare from classmates trying to catch her lying, she lights a lamp that sets an ancient demon free.
Now she’s on a mission to find the legendary Panda Brothers and return the demon to the land it came from. The first in the series, this is a great one for anyone who loves mythology, demons, magic and page-turning action.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love mythology books and this one is no exception. Demons and magic had me flipping the pages of this one as fast as I could read it.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books like Percy Jackson
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Author: Kwambe Mbalia
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: Tristan Strong book 1 of 3
A Rick Riordan Presents Book
Plot
Like me, my eldest is fantasy-book obsessed. After ripping through all of Rick Riordan’s books, he wasn’t sure what to read next.
Enter, Tristan Strong! This epic middle-school fantasy trilogy is based on African American folk heroes and West African mythology and it quickly engrossed my son. He finished the story and begged me to take him to the library for the next installment.
Tristan is grieving the loss of his best friend, Eddie when a mysterious creature shows up and tries to steal Eddie’s notebook.
As he tries to keep the notebook, Tristan accidentally punches a tree…opening a gateway to another world. Soon he’s in the middle of a battle and he needs to figure out a way to get back home.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the West African mythology in this book. It is so different from the Greek mythology I usually read. This book is action-packed and page-turning- just what I would expect from a Rick Riordan Presents book.
Find this book in: Books Like Percy Jackson / Best Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 10-year-old
The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9-12
More info: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
Plot
This middle school fantasy series by Rick Riordan is based on Norse Mythology. Magnus Chase dies in battle and is brought to Valhalla where he is given the task of bringing back a powerful weapon to keep the monsters at bay and stop Ragnarok from destroying everything.
Why Jackie loves it
Like the Percy Jackson series, this mythology retelling is creative and captivating. Without giving too much away about this trilogy, I can tell you that if you loved Percy, you’ll love this one too!
Find this book in: Books Like Percy Jackson / Magnus Chase Series Order / Fantasy Book for Tweens
Ghost Middle Grade Fantasy Books
Winterhouse
Author: Ben Guterson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery / Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Edgar Award Finalist, Agatha Award Finalist
Plot
Elizabeth is an orphan whose aunt and uncle have shipped her to Winterhouse for the Christmas holiday. There, she meets the owner, Norbridge Falls, and learns secrets about his slightly evil family. Along the way, she meets another child guest – Freddy – and becomes fast friends with him. Together, they unlock codes and solve puzzles. The best part is that the first page of each chapter has a mini puzzle for readers to complete.
Why Kirsten loves it
My boys and I like to listen to books together in the car or when doing a puzzle. The standout book for me this month was Winterhouse. This middle grade mystery was as enthralling to me as it was to my children. I loved the slight bits of magic in the story and the captivating setting of an expansive ski hotel on a snowy mountain at Christmas time.
Find this book in: Paranormal Books / Books for a 10-Year-Old / Books About Puzzles / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Hotel Novels / Christmas Chapter Books
City of Ghosts
Author: Victoria Schwab
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Cassidy Blake #1
Plot
When Cass is rescued from drowning, she suddenly becomes able to maneuver between the land of the living and the other side of the veil. The boy who rescued her is a ghost, and he becomes her best friend.
Her parents are ghost hunters and then they get a job filming a TV show in Scotland, they all pack up and go, including Cass’s ghost. What they find is scary and creepy, and makes for a fabulously fun novel.
Why Jackie loves it
While this is technically a middle-grade book, this paranormal book was SCARY. I absolutely loved it, but it should not be read by anyone afraid of ghost stories or ghost books.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Books Set in Scotland / Ghost Books / Middle Grade Fantasy Books
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
Tween Fantasy Books with Witches
The Witches of Brooklyn
Author: Sophie Escabasse
Illustrator: Sophie Escabasse
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 7-11
More info: Graphic Novel
Plot
When Effie finds out that her aunts are witches, she wants to join them in practicing witchcraft, but she has a lot to learn. This is a charming one-sitting read for your favorite little witch or wizard.
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel is the first in a series and I love it for many reasons. It’s about modern-day witches in Brooklyn. It is a diverse book with female heroines. I love the move towards strong female protagonists in children’s books. I also love that this book is set in New York City. The setting makes it so relatable for so many kids.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Books Set in New York / Fantasy Books for Tweens
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C. S. Lewis
Year: 1950
Genre: Classic Children’s Fantasy
Age: 6 – 10
More info: Chronicles of Narnia #2
Plot
When four children discover a secret passage from a wardrobe into the Land of Narnia, they find a land enslaved by the White Witch. They find friends, enemies, and magic in this book that has withstood the test of time. Just when things are dire, the Great Lion, Aslan, makes his return setting off a series of events that spans several books.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Jackie loves it
The iconic book is actually the second book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series. However, since the first book is technically a prequel, I consider this the first and it can be read independently of the rest of the books in the series.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Classic Kids Books / Children’s Books About Winter / Christmas Chapter Books
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Author: Kelly Barnhill
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8+
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Award Winner
Plot
Every year the people of a small town leave a baby as an offering to a witch in the hope that she will not hurt the town. But, the witch is kind and rescues the children rather than harming them.
When the witch, Xan, accidentally feeds the baby moonlight instead of starlight, the girl becomes magic and Xan chooses to raise her and names her Luna. Luna will have to learn to use her magic and protect the ones she loves.
Why Jackie loves it
My daughter loved this Newbery Award-winning book. It’s a great story and I’m so happy that teachers all over the country are adding it to their curriculum.
Find this book in: Newbery Award Winners / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Witch Books for Kids
Middle Grade Fantasy Retellings
Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson
Illustrator: Greg Cal
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 13
More info: National Best Seller
Plot
This Peter Pan retelling finds Peter aboard a ship of sailors. He and a bunch of other orphans aboard the ship have to protect a treasure locked in a chest hidden on the ship from pirate captain Black Stache. Think of this as the origin story of Tinkerbell, her fairy dust, and how Peter gained his ability to fly.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one of my kids’ favorite fairy tale retellings. If your child loves Peter Pan, this story is a must-read!
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Fairy Tale Retellings / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 13-year-olds
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Land of Stories #1
Plot
Alex and Connor’s grandmother gives them the family book of fairy tales.  Before they understand what is happening, they find themselves transported into the book.  They set off on an adventure to get back home.Â
Why Kirsten loves it
While this story is about the land of fairy tales, think Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, it has the element of magic and wonder that KOTLC fans will love. I loved reading this aloud to my boys when they were little.Â
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities
Plot
This tween fantasy novel is a retelling of Anne of Green Gables – except Grace (Anne) is in training with the witch (Marilla). Oh! And Matthew is a cloud.
Why Kirsten loves it
Fantastical? Yes — and utterly delightful. I loved when retellings completely rework the story so readers get glimpses of the classics we love, while experiencing something completely new. This story swept me away and was so sad when it ended.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Classic Retellings / Best Books for a 10-year-old
Tween Fantasy Books with Magical Creatures
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, KOTLC #1
Plot
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! Meet Sophie Foster, a newly found elf living in the human world. In book one of this ever-growing series, she’s taken back to the Lost Cities and sent to Foxfire Academy to learn to harness her powers as a Telepath. In the process, she is welcomed into a new adopted family (The Ruewens), makes loads of friends (Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex to name a few), and uncovers a secret organization trying to destroy the human world.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my boys adore Sophie, Keefe, Fitz, and the gang of Foxfire Academy. As the series progressed, I got invested in the Black Swan’s fight against the Neverseen. Each book is better than the last one!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this with my 3 kids on our summer road trip to Toronto. By the end of the car ride, even my husband was hooked on this series!
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books for 11-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter / Kids Audiobooks
Fablehaven
Author: Brandon Mull
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Fablehaven #1
Plot
Animals all head to Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. It is a sanctuary of magic in a world that has stopped believing. Kendra and her brother Seth do not know that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven. On the festival night, a window to their bedroom gets left open and the monsters are let in. It is up to Kendra and Seth to save their family.
Why Jackie loves it
Parts of this middle-grade fantasy book are a bit scarier for younger children to read but if your child likes books like the later Harry Potters or Keeper of the Lost City, they should be ok with it.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like KOTLC
Endling: The Last
Author: Katherine Applegate
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Endling #1
Plot
Byx is a Nearly extinct creature that resembles a standing dog that can glide. Right after her family is chased off and killed she has to seek help from humans and a creature that she was planning to kill for food. She dodges death many times before finally ending up in a populated city, pretending to be a normal dog.
Why Jackie loves it
I adore Applegate’s most known book, The One and Only Ivan, so I was eager to see what she would do with a true fantasy book. I was not disappointed. This trilogy had me enthralled and my daughter agrees with me!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens
Middle Grade Fantasy Books with Dragons
The Dragonet Prophecy
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Wings of Fire #1
Plot
The first series is about 5 dragons who were told a prophecy about how they would save the world. The 5 dragons, Rain Wing, Sand Wing, Mud Wing, Sea Wing, and Night Wing, start out trapped in a cave. They must escape the cave where they have been locked up and go out into the world to find out who they really are.
Why Jackie loves it
With more than a dozen books in the story, this is a great one for dragon-loving children to get hooked on. More dragons are introduced throughout the series and each adventure is more high-stakes than the last.
My children and I loved this as a read-aloud when they were younger. When they started to read on their own, I got them the graphic novel version!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Best Books for a 10-year-old
How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fantasy
Age: 7 – 10
More info: How to Train Your Dragon #1
Plot
Hiccup, an unlikely hero, overcomes many obstacles in the harsh Viking landscape. He needs to catch and train a dragon, but he’s not quite sure how to do it. Filled with misadventures and funny scenarios, this book is a delight.
Recently made into a movie series, each book in the series is filled with Hiccup being a Viking in his own way.
Why Jackie loves it
These middle-grade fantasy books are funny with cute illustrations that are bound to entertain even the pickiest of readers. I know because my son is the pickiest of them all!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Adult Novels Like Childhood Classics
Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Inheritance Cycle #1
Plot
Eragon, a 15-year-old boy, believes that he is merely a farm boy until one day, he discovers a polished blue stone in the forest. When the stone hatches and a dragon emerges, Eragon enters a world full of magic and power that he never knew existed. Eragon discovers he is a dragon rider, one of the few left. Â
Why Jackie loves it
This middle-school fantasy series is a world of dragons, magic, and power. Â Almost a “Dragon Masters” for the more mature reader, this series took me into a world of fantasy I won’t forget.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Popular Fantasy Series for Young Adults / Fantasy Books for Teens / Books like Fourth Wing
Classic Middle Grade Fantasy
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Carrol
Illustrator: Minalima
Year: 1865
Genre: Classic Children’s Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland #1
Plot
When Alice falls down a rabbit hole, she enters Wonderland’s magical world, filled with fantastical creatures. As she tries to return to the human world, she endures adventures of epic proportions.
Written over a century ago, Lewis Carroll’s fantasy world of Wonderland is one of the most unique worlds ever written. From the Queen of Hearts to the Cheshire Cat, these characters have inspired countless retellings and movies.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lewis Carroll’s Alice is as trippy as the Disney version leads you to believe. His imagination was fascinating and the story details are so wonderful.Â
Jackie’s Thoughts
My daughter recently came home with this tween fantasy book from school. It is classic and many children know the story of Alice. While my daughter loves the Disney version of this book, She did not enjoy the original. For her, it was too creepy.
Find this book in: Literary Classics Worth Reading / Fantasy Books for Tweens
The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Year: 1995
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: His Dark Materials #1
Plot
Lyra lives in a world where all humans have animal familiars and parallel universes are all within reach. When Lyra’s best friend Roger is taken North by gobblers, she sets off to find him and bring him home. With the help of an armored bear, Lyra is determined on her quest but what she doesn’t know could kill her.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
I read this fantasy book for tweens years ago and it stayed with me. As the name suggests, it is dark and probably not for kids who get scared easily.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Full Cast Audio / Children’s Books About Winter
Plot
Peter Pan is the flying leader of Neverland, a mythical world on a star, where he fights pirates, plays with mermaids, and frollicks around with the lost boys. When he decides he needs someone to tell him stories, he recruits Wendy, John, and Michael to come live with him. But while the Darling children love their new life at first, they soon begin missing their family and lives at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood stories. The magical world of Neverland with its pirates, mermaids, and faires captured my imagination and never let me go. I’ve seen every Peter Pan movie and I devour Peter Pan retellings like chocolate.
Why Jackie loves it
The story of Peter Pan and his adventures with the Darling children have inspired countless spin-off books, movies, and theatrical productions for a reason. It’s a must-read classic children’s book for everyone.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Classic Kids Books / Cozy Books / Tween Fantasy Books
Helpful Tips
- For more books in each sub-category, check the find this “Find this book in” section of each review. It will take you to longer lists dedicated to each sub-genre of fantasy middle grade fiction!
- Many of these books are series! Get your child hooked on the first book of a series and it will take the guesswork out of what they should read next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fantasy stories good for children?
Yes! Fantasy stories are great for all ages, just make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age. Many fantasies look like they would be OK for tweens but really have spicy or violent content. Use the age guides on these books to determine if it’s right for your child.
Can you recommend any fantasy book series about kids or teenagers with magical abilities?
Yes! I love Keeper of the Lost Cities, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Artemis Fowl, & Amari and the Night Brothers.
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Epilogue
Those are just some of the most beloved fantasy books for tweens. The genre is one of my favorites… and it shows! Let us know which of these middle grade fantasy books are your favorite and if I missed any below. I’m always looking for more recommendations in this category.
The Best Book Lists by Age for 2024
Looking for books for a specific age group? We’ve got lists divided by age for 1 to 13-year-olds!
Would you say The Ranger’s Apprentice counts as MG, or is it more YA?
I would say it is right in between but we did include it for some older MG readers. The protagonist is 15.
that is a great point thanks for bringing that up Jackie.
Keeper of the Lost Cities, one hundred percent. Not a lot of people I know read it, and I was more than pleased to see it first on the list.
It’s fantastic – the kids and adults in my family all ready it!
my favorites are keeper of the lost cities and wings of fire. they’re both pretty long series and keeper of the lost cities has some long books and major cliffhangers, but I would definitely recommend them.
Both are great series! I’m glad KOTLC has a 10th book coming!