11 Magical Fantasy Books for Young Readers

These middle-grade adventures feature brave protagonists who face their fears and uncover hidden powers.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Discover epic fantasy stories that blend magic, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. Each book features young heroes who embark on quests that will change their worlds forever. Whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or devoted fantasy fan, these 11 essential reads offer exciting world-building, relatable characters, and themes of courage and belonging that resonate with young readers.

Why it matters

These fantasy adventures provide young readers with thrilling stories that explore themes of identity, friendship, and embracing one's true self. By highlighting diverse protagonists and drawing from global mythologies, the books offer windows into new worlds that can inspire imagination and empowerment.

The details

The list includes popular middle-grade fantasy series like Percy Jackson, Fablehaven, and The School for Good and Evil, as well as lesser-known gems like Lionborn, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, and Aru Shah and the End of Time. Each book features a young protagonist who discovers hidden powers, navigates dangerous magical realms, and transforms from an outsider to a hero.

  • The books featured were published between 2006 and 2025.

The players

Sharique Zea

The author of Lionborn, one of the featured fantasy adventures.

Percy Jackson

The protagonist of the Percy Jackson series, who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and must prevent a war between the gods.

Kendra and Seth

Siblings who discover their grandparents' preserve shelters dangerous magical creatures in the Fablehaven series.

Sophie and Agatha

Best friends who are kidnapped to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained in The School for Good and Evil.

Tristan Strong

A seventh-grader who accidentally opens a portal to the magical realm of Alke in Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky.

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What they’re saying

“If your young reader loves a thrilling blend of magic, self-discovery, and the power of friendship, they'll be captivated by these middle-grade fantasy adventures.”

— Tcbr Contributor, Author (thechildrensbookreview.com)

“Each book features brave protagonists who face their fears, uncover hidden powers, and embark on quests that will change their worlds forever.”

— Tcbr Contributor, Author (thechildrensbookreview.com)

The takeaway

These fantasy books offer young readers exciting adventures that celebrate diversity, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. By highlighting protagonists who embrace their unique identities and abilities, the stories inspire readers to find the courage within themselves to face their own challenges and transform into heroes.