Books Like Harry Potter For Kids
If you're looking for books like Harry Potter for kids, here are five great options that capture elements of magic, adventure, and coming-of-age stories:
1. Amelia Moon Series by RJ Roark
Why it’s similar: Like Harry Potter, it’s about a young girl who discovers she’s special and is thrust into a world of ancient mythology. The series combines humor, friendship, and epic quests with the mythology of ancient civilizations.
First book: The Solstice Spectacular
2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
This series follows Percy, a boy who discovers he's the son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world of Greek gods, monsters, and quests. Full of adventure, mythology, and friendship, it's a fun, fast-paced read.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Set in the magical land of Narnia, this series involves children who stumble upon otherworldly adventures, filled with talking animals, witches, and epic battles between good and evil.
4. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
This series centers around a 12-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis, who gets entangled in a world of fairies, goblins, and high-tech heists. It blends fantasy, wit, and thrilling action.
5. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is a cursed child who escapes her fate and enters the magical world of Nevermoor, where she competes for a spot in the prestigious Wundrous Society. It's full of whimsical magic, mystery, and adventure, much like Harry Potter.
These books offer a mix of magic, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, similar to the appeal of Harry Potter.
Amelia Moon Series
If you’re looking for books like Harry Potter for kids, check out Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular.
Amelia Moon is a (mostly) normal teenager in a small, (mostly) boring western town.
Except for one day a year.
Every summer, on the day of the summer solstice, the sleepy town of Sundance, Wyoming comes alive to host the Solstice Spectacular. This storied celebration brings together people from all over — along with a prestigious astrophotography contest, a contest which Amelia and her best friend Veyla Plumb are determined to win.
But as the duo work to complete their submission in the weeks leading up to the big event, Amelia begins to pieces together that her hometown might not be as sleepy as she’s grown up believing. And she is even more surprised to learn that her grandparents — whom she never met — actually played a huge role in the town’s history.
So tag along with Amelia and Veyla, as the pair unravel long hidden (and sometimes spooky) secrets about Sundance alongside previously unknown (and increasingly mysterious) connections to Amelia’s family history.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
The Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan is a thrilling adventure filled with Greek mythology, humor, and heartfelt moments. It follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary boy who struggles with school and has a habit of attracting trouble. But everything changes when he discovers that he's actually a demigod—the son of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea.
The series kicks off with The Lightning Thief, where Percy embarks on a dangerous quest to prevent a war between the gods. Along the way, he’s joined by his friends: Annabeth, the daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr, who help him navigate the perilous world of monsters, gods, and mythical creatures.
Each book in the series features a unique and exciting quest, taking readers across modern-day America, which is reimagined as a landscape where ancient Greek myths come to life. Mount Olympus is now perched above the Empire State Building, and the labyrinthine underworld can be accessed from the depths of Los Angeles.
What sets Percy Jackson apart is its relatable and humorous tone. Percy is a down-to-earth, witty protagonist who faces his challenges with a mix of sarcasm, bravery, and vulnerability. The series not only explores Greek mythology but also deals with themes of friendship, loyalty, family, and self-discovery.
The books are action-packed but also deeply character-driven, making them perfect for kids who loved the blend of magic, heroism, and personal growth in Harry Potter. Plus, with its rich world-building, diverse cast of characters, and focus on teamwork, the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series provides an immersive reading experience that's both educational and entertaining.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a classic fantasy series that has enchanted readers for generations with its magical world, rich symbolism, and timeless adventures. The series consists of seven books, with the most famous being The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The stories revolve around children from our world who find themselves transported to the mystical land of Narnia, a realm where animals speak, mythical creatures roam, and ancient prophecies come to life.
At the heart of the series is the struggle between good and evil, often represented by Aslan, the noble and wise lion who rules as Narnia’s protector, and various dark forces, most notably the White Witch, who casts Narnia into eternal winter. In each book, children—whether they are the Pevensie siblings or other characters—are called upon to play pivotal roles in Narnia’s fate, whether it's leading armies, embarking on perilous quests, or uncovering deep truths about the land's magic.
While The Chronicles of Narnia is full of epic battles, breathtaking landscapes, and magical creatures, its deeper themes make it stand out. C.S. Lewis weaves Christian allegory and moral lessons subtly into the stories, exploring ideas of sacrifice, redemption, courage, and faith. Yet, these themes never overshadow the charm and excitement of the fantasy world.
The books have a timeless, fairy-tale quality, with each story standing alone yet contributing to the larger tapestry of Narnia's history. Readers of Harry Potter will appreciate the clear battle between light and darkness, the richly imagined world with its own mythology and rules, and the camaraderie and growth of the characters as they face incredible odds.
For many, Narnia offers a sense of wonder and discovery, with portals to other worlds (wardrobes, paintings, rings) providing endless possibility. The series invites readers to explore a world where anything can happen and where even the most unlikely heroes can change the course of history. It’s a perfect choice for those who love stories of magic, adventure, and the triumph of good over evil.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer is a unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and crime, offering a thrilling and clever adventure unlike any other. The story centers on Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind who comes from a long line of wealthy and powerful figures. However, Artemis isn’t your typical protagonist—he starts the series as a cold, calculating anti-hero whose sole mission is to restore his family’s lost fortune. To achieve this, he devises an elaborate plan to kidnap a fairy and hold her ransom for gold.
But these are not the fairies of bedtime stories. In the world of Artemis Fowl, the fairy world is a technologically advanced, secret civilization living beneath the Earth’s surface, equipped with gadgets, weapons, and creatures that rival human technology. Artemis’ kidnapping of Captain Holly Short, a member of the elite Lower Elements Police Recon (LEPrecon) unit, sets off a battle of wits and technology between him and the fairy world.
As the series progresses, Artemis evolves from a self-serving genius into a more complex character, grappling with his own morality and developing unlikely friendships with his captives and accomplices, including Holly. His loyal bodyguard, Butler, adds a layer of action and intrigue, as he is skilled in combat and always ready to protect Artemis from danger.
The books are fast-paced, packed with clever twists, and loaded with witty dialogue. Colfer’s writing is full of humor, blending the mischievousness of a criminal plot with the fantastical elements of fairy magic and sci-fi technology. Readers who loved the magical complexity and the morally gray characters of Harry Potter will find Artemis Fowl just as captivating, especially as it explores the tension between two very different worlds—one of ancient magic and one of human ingenuity.
Each book in the series takes Artemis on new adventures, from stopping global threats to saving his family, always with an intellectual edge and a heavy dose of action. While Artemis starts as an antagonist in many ways, the series’ strength lies in his transformation into a hero, as he learns to care about something beyond his own interests, forming bonds with the characters he once sought to exploit.
Artemis Fowl is a must-read for kids who enjoy stories that mix fantasy with high-tech elements, filled with cunning strategies, daring heists, and complex character growth.
The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
The Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend is a spellbinding fantasy adventure that invites readers into a magical world filled with wonder, mystery, and unforgettable characters. The story begins with Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, where we meet Morrigan, a young girl born under a curse that marks her as “cursed” and doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. But instead of meeting her tragic fate, Morrigan is whisked away by the enigmatic and charming Jupiter North, who takes her to the hidden city of Nevermoor.
Nevermoor is a dazzling and quirky place, full of wonder and eccentricity, where magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life. It is here that Morrigan learns she has been chosen to compete for a place in the prestigious Wundrous Society, an elite group for the most gifted and extraordinary people in the land. However, there’s a catch—Morrigan doesn’t know what her special talent, or “knack,” is, and the competition is fierce.
As Morrigan faces a series of magical and dangerous trials, ranging from testing her bravery to facing her deepest fears, she forms close bonds with other contestants and discovers the secrets of Nevermoor, all while navigating the mystery of her own unknown abilities. Alongside her friends and allies, including the fearless Jupiter North and the mischievous talking cat, Fenestra, Morrigan must prove she belongs in this magical world, even as dark forces begin to stir in the background.
One of the series' greatest strengths is its rich and imaginative world-building. Nevermoor itself is a place of endless marvels, from towering hotels that can transform themselves to suit their guests' needs to enchanted umbrellas that act as personal transportation. Townsend’s world is brimming with creativity, and every corner of Nevermoor is filled with surprises that draw readers deeper into its mysteries.
Beyond the magic and adventure, the Nevermoor series also delves into themes of belonging, self-worth, and friendship. Morrigan’s journey is not only about survival but about discovering who she is and where she fits in a world that had previously written her off as unworthy. Her struggles to define her identity and find acceptance resonate with readers of all ages, making her an incredibly relatable and empathetic character.
Readers who enjoyed Harry Potter will be captivated by the sense of discovery and wonder in Nevermoor, as well as by Morrigan's own journey of self-realization. The series blends whimsy with danger, as charming magical elements are balanced with high-stakes drama, mystery, and a looming darkness that threatens the magical world Morrigan has grown to love.
The Nevermoor series is perfect for those who love rich, imaginative settings, deep character development, and a heroine who must navigate both the extraordinary and the ordinary to find her place in a world filled with magic. It’s a spellbinding tale that promises to keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.