17 Books like Harry Potter for Kids Obsessed with Magic
The love of Harry Potter books has continued now for over 20 years. And every reader faces the same problem after completing the series for the first time – What are books like Harry Potter for kids?
Well, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up loads of books like Harry Potter for kids of all ages. You’ll see mostly middle-grade books on this list, but we do have a few witch books for younger siblings of Hogwarts-loving bookworms.
Looking for Harry Potter Books for Adults? Check Here or for more Harry Potter Articles, Check out all of our Harry Potter articles and book lists here.
*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.
Early Reader Books like Harry Potter
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
Author: Wanda Coven
Illustrator: Priscilla Burris
Year: 2012
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Heidi Heckelbeck #1
Plot
Heidi seems like a regular eight-year-old girl, but she is a witch. Heidi needs to hide her powers so she can blend in with other kids. She’s always been homeschooled, but now she needs to go to real school. Can she keep her secret?
Why Jackie loves it
These early readers have large type and cute pictures, but they are definitely not short on fun.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Early Readers
Dragonbreath
Author: Ursula Vernon
Illustrator: Ursula Vernon
Year: 2012
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Dragonbreath #1
Plot
Danny Dragonbreath is a dragon with a problem – he can’t breath fire! However, he has no fear which is helpful at school when he faces lots of scary things – like a sea serpent. This is the first in a series of books that more than 10 books strong!
Why Jackie loves it
Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love Harry Potter, this is a perfect first graphic novel.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Dragon Books for Kids / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
The Lost Stone
Author: Jordan Quinn
Illustrator: Robert McPhillips
Year: 2014
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Kingdom of Wrenly #1
Plot
8-year-old Lucas is a prince who befriends Clara, the seamstress’s daughter. Eager to explore the Kingdom of Wrenly, Lucas recruits Clara to show him around. Together they go on series of adventures as they explore all the kingdom has to offer’s unique lands, meeting magical creatures along the way.
Why Jackie loves it
This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language. The stories, however, are fun and full of adventure. They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Early Reader Books / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
Magic School Books With Settings Like Hogwarts
The Incorruptibles
Author: Lauren Magaziner
Year: 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 14
More info: The Incorruptibles #1
Plot
In this unique story, the human kids who go to Incorruptibles Academy are learning to fight against those who have magic powers, in a learning environment that is inclusive to everyone.
The Inc. academy kids lean on each other’s unique talents to fight against corruption as they learn how to take down the sorcerers who rule their world with force and terror. The story reminded me of KOTLC in many ways!
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more inclusive fantasy story for tweens. From deafness to body inclusivity to LQBTQIA representation, it is hard to think of a child who couldn’t find themselves represented in the pages of this story. It’s an impressive feat of fiction, on top of a story set in a fun world with lots of layers. I can’t wait to see where the kids go in future books in the series!
Find this book in: Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
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 / Best Books for 9-year-olds
Pennyroyal Academy by M. A. Larson
Pennyroyal Academy is a school for princes and princesses to learn to battle evil witches and dragons. A different take on Hogwarts, wouldn’t you say? If you are looking for books like Harry Potter for kids, this will give you a whole new perspective on magic!
If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses) by Susan Maupin Schmid
Featuring an enchanted castle with a closet full of 100 dresses, this is a story for magical fashionistas.
Each magical dress allows Darling Dimple to be instantly disgusted as someone else. What sorts of adventure will Darling Dimple get into with these 100 dresses? Hogwarts is definitely a castle full of magic which makes this a perfect pick from books like Harry Potter for kids.
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 / Books with Magical Creatures / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Books Like Harry Potter for Kids Who Love the Triwizard Tournament
Impossible Creatures
Author: Katherine Rundell
Illustrator: Ashley Mackenzie
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Impossible Creatures #1, International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Bestselling author, Katherine Rundell launched a new fantasy series for the magical creature obsessed! After rescuing a baby griffin, Christopher learns about magical islands where magical creatures have lived in secret for thousands of years. Soon, he’s on a mission to help Mal figure out why the magic is fading from the islands.
Along the way, he meets numerous mythical creatures, discovers the magic of the archipelago, and forms a deep attachment to Mal and two adults who help them on their journey to restore the glimourie.
Trigger Warnings
Animal death, Child death
Why Kirsten loves it
Rundell wove a story that earned its place with the greats like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Christopher and Mal’s friendship moved me to tears and the lessons they learned about life, death, and what it all means felt as filled with wisdom as anything Dumbledore ever said.
I listened to this one and can attest that the narrator is marvelous. My boys looked forward to our car rides listening to this epic adventure and we can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Dragon Books for Tweens / Giftable Books / Best Children’s Books of 2024 / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Author: Jessica Townsend
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Nevermoor #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Morrigan Crow is born on the Eventide making her unlucky in life and promising her an early death, until a strange man whisks her away to Nevermoor. She discovers that it’s a magical city and is chosen to compete for a spot in the most prestigious organization in the city. She must complete 4 difficult and deadly tasks to make it into the Wundrous Society.
Why Kirsten loves it
Morrigan Crow is perfect for Harry Potter fans, particularly those who like Goblet of Fire. Her magical competition reminded me of the Triwizard Cup!
Find this book in: Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
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 / Dragon Books for Tweens
Wizard Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
Plot
Does your kid love the Hogwarts Express? Because this book features another magical world where the gateway is in a railroad station. It features a wizard, an ogre, a hag, and a fey all sneaking around trying to save a prince who’s been kidnapped.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a stand-alone book, not part of a series, and my son gobbled it up in two days!
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Witch Books for Kids / 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 / Books for 7-year-olds
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 / Best Books for 12-year-olds
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
Fantasy Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
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 / Best Books for 8-year-olds
A Tale of Magic
Author: Chris Colfer
Year: 2020
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: A Tale of Magic book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Brystal Evergreen finds out that she can perform magic when reading a book from her library. She discovers that she is a fairy but women aren’t supposed to read in the Southern Kingdom!
When she is sentenced to a correctional facility, she is quickly whisked away to an academy where she can learn magic! When the headmaster disappears, Brystal and her classmates must come together and save the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
My kids devoured this middle-grade fantasy as quickly as Chris Colfer’s last series. While no correctional facility could be as bad as Azkaban, this series is a perfect pick for books like Harry Potter. It also reminded me a little bit of Percy Jackson who found out he was a demigod. Either way, this series is another hit from Chris Colfer.
Find this book in: Books Like Harry Potter / Books Like Percy Jackson / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Chris Colfer Books in Order
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 / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Did you find any books like Harry Potter for the kids in your life?
If you want to pair them with cute Harry Potter gifts, check out this post too!
Harry Potter Books in Order: Complete Guide to the Series in 2023 +PDF
If you love Harry Potter, you need to check out our complete guide to the series and it’s spin-off books!
A teacher recommended The Seven Stones by author Robb Arbuckle and my son loves it even more than Harry Potter. It is a beautifully told story that combines elemental magic with a coming of age of a boy living in the cellar of a lost and found who comes to learn the truth about who he really is.