13 Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
- Joao Nsita
- 5 hours ago
- 14 min read
If you have ever felt that specific ache in your heart after finishing a beloved series or you are currently searching for that magical spark that makes the world feel full of possibility again, you aren't alone. You deserve to experience a total transformation of your reading life that brings back the thrill of discovering hidden worlds and the power of finding where you truly belong starting today. By diving into these handpicked masterpieces that echo the wonder of the wizarding world, you will gain a profound sense of adventure and a roadmap for your own emotional growth through the eyes of these chosen one heroes. These stories offer more than just an escape into urban fantasy or portal fantasy; they provide a lifestyle upgrade that prioritizes imagination and courage. Whether you crave a magic academy setting or a hero's journey across mythical lands, this list is your gateway to a more inspired life. You will walk away feeling more connected to your own potential and ready to embrace the magic in your everyday routine. Let’s start and then👇
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13. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
For those who miss the "outcast finds a home" feeling of the Hogwarts vibes, Sunny Nwazue is your next favorite heroine. In this rich and culturally deep middle grade fantasy, Sunny is a twelve-year-old albino girl living in Nigeria who has always felt like she didn't quite fit in—until she discovers she is a Leopard Person. This revelation leads her into a hidden world of juju and magic that exists alongside our own, much like the world hidden behind Platform 9¾.
The Story Summary: Sunny joins a group of three other magical students to form an "Oha Coven." Together, they learn the rules of their magic system, which is tied to their personal identities and heritage. They aren't just learning spells; they are training to stop a serial killer who is using dark magic to harm the community. It’s a powerful, coming-of-age story that blends urban fantasy with Nigerian folklore, providing a fresh perspective on the chosen one trope.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love how this book handles the theme of identity. It teaches kids that what society labels as a "disability" or "difference" might actually be the source of their greatest strength. It’s a "BookTok" favorite for a reason—it’s bold, fresh, and slightly dark, making it an essential addition to any kids reading list. If you want a story that emphasizes found family and the courage to face your fears, Sunny’s journey is an inspired choice for lifestyle improvement through literature.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available on Amazon and at major retailers like Barnes & Noble.
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12. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
From the author of How to Train Your Dragon comes a story that feels like a cross between a wizarding world adventure and an epic fantasy quest. This series features a wizard boy who has no magic and a warrior girl who has been taught that magic is evil. Their world is one of ancient forests, magical creatures, and a deep-seated rivalry between two tribes that mirrors the tensions of the Harry Potter fans' favorite house rivalries.
The Story Summary: Xar is a wizard who hasn't yet found his magic, and Wish is a warrior with a forbidden magical object. They shouldn't be friends, but they are forced together to stop a rising dark power. The book is filled with literary magic, humor, and high-energy illustrations that make it a "scroll-stopping" read for younger fans. It’s a perfect middle grade fiction pick for children who love storytelling that feels fast-paced and imaginative.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will enjoy the "men obsessed" with their crafts in this book—from the stubborn wizards to the fierce warriors. It provides a practical takeaway on the importance of cooperation over conflict. For a child’s lifestyle, this series encourages looking past differences to find common ground. It’s a "Bookstagram" dream with its unique art and "fantasy world-building" that feels both ancient and entirely new.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Shop The Wizards of Once on Amazon
11. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Imagine if being creative was considered a crime, and those who were caught were sent to their deaths—only to find a secret magic academy instead. That is the world of The Unwanteds. It’s a "dystopian meets fantasy" series that perfectly captures the "underdog hero" energy that made the bestselling series of our time so popular.
The Story Summary: Alex is labeled "Unwanted" because he likes to draw. He is sent to be eliminated but discovers Artime, a hidden world where his creativity is actually the source of his magic abilities. While his twin brother stays in the rigid world of Quill to become a leader, Alex trains in magical training to protect his new home. It’s a story of friendship tropes, rebellion, and the power of art.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You’ll want to grab this if your child is a "maker" or an artist. It celebrates the "lifestyle" of creativity and shows how imagination can be a literal weapon against oppression. It’s a "radical honesty" kind of story that helps kids find their own voice. This is a must-have for reading recommendations that focus on emotional growth and building a sense of belonging in a world that doesn't always understand you.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.
10. The Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott
If your child is a younger reader who wants that "portal to another world" feeling without the heavy word count of the later Potter books, this series is the gold standard. It features a group of friends who find a staircase under their basement that leads to a land of sorcery, dragons, and mythical creatures.
The Story Summary: Eric, Julie, and Neal stumble into Droon and immediately find themselves caught in a struggle against the dark wizard Lord Sparr. Each book is a short, punchy adventure story where the kids must solve a mystery or complete a quest to help the locals. It features witches and wizards, magical training, and a classic good vs evil dynamic that is easy for kids to follow and get obsessed with.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: This is the ultimate "gateway series" for early chapter readers. You’ll enjoy it because it encourages reading habits from a young age. It provides an inspired look at "bravery in small packages," making it a perfect lifestyle improvement for your child’s nightly routine. It’s a "BookTok" classic for the younger set, offering endless imaginative stories that fit into even the busiest family schedules.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available as a box set on Amazon.
9. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Part of the "Rick Riordan Presents" imprint, this book brings Hindu mythology into the urban fantasy genre with incredible wit and heart. Aru Shah is a twelve-year-old girl who has a habit of stretching the truth to fit in at her private school—until she accidentally releases a demon while trying to prove her mother’s museum artifacts are real.
The Story Summary: Aru discovers she is a reincarnation of one of the Pandava brothers, the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata. She must travel through a hidden world to stop the Sleeper before he ends time itself. Along the way, she meets her "soul-sister" Mini, and together they navigate a magic system rooted in ancient legends. It’s a "hero's journey" that is as funny as it is deep, featuring mythical creatures and high-stakes prophecies.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love the "black cat x boy obsessed" energy of the different mythological characters they meet. It provides a practical takeaway on the consequences of our words and the power of owning our mistakes. For a lifestyle focused on emotional growth, Aru’s journey is an essential read. It’s a "Bookstagram" favorite because of its lush "world-building" and its focus on found family and friendship tropes.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Stream the audiobook on Audible or buy on Amazon.
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8. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
If you ever wondered what happened after the "Happily Ever After," this series is for you. It follows twins Alex and Conner who fall into their grandmother's book of fairy tales and realize that the characters they grew up with are very real—and often very different from the stories.
The Story Summary: The twins must collect the ingredients for a powerful spell to get back home, which takes them across the different kingdoms of a hidden world. They encounter fairies, witches, and magical creatures while uncovering a family mystery that links their own world to the magical one. It’s a "portal fantasy" that reimagines childhood favorites with modern humor and epic fantasy scope.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You’ll enjoy this because it’s a "celebration of storytelling." It helps kids understand that everyone has a story and that "villains" are often just people who were hurt. It’s an inspired guide to empathy and personal growth. For a family lifestyle, reading this together is a way to bridge the gap between classic tales and modern imagination. It’s a "scroll-stopping" series that consistently tops the bestseller lists.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available in hardcover and paperback on Amazon.
7. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
For those who like a darker, more twist-filled magic academy setting, this is the #1 pick. It follows two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, who are taken to a school where children are trained to be the heroes or villains of their own fairy tales.
The Story Summary: Sophie, who loves pink and wants to be a princess, is placed in the School for Evil, while Agatha, who is dark and antisocial, is placed in the School for Good. They must survive magical training, "wicked" teachers, and a plot that threatens to destroy the balance between Good and Evil. It’s a "coming-of-age" story that deconstructs fantasy tropes and explores the "gray area" of the human heart.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love the "enemies to lovers" tension (often in a platonic or romantic sense) and the way it challenges the "BookTok" aesthetic of perfection. It provides a practical takeaway on identity and the danger of judging by appearances. For a lifestyle focused on radical honesty, this book is a masterpiece. It’s an inspired guide to emotional health and the complexities of friendship.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Watch the movie on Netflix or buy the book on Amazon.
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6. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari Peters has always felt like a "black cat" in a world of "golden retrievers," especially since her brother disappeared and the police stopped looking for him. Her journey begins when she finds a ticking briefcase that leads her to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs.
The Story Summary: Amari discovers that she is a "magician," a type of magical being that is feared and misunderstood in the hidden world. She enters a summer camp that functions as a magic academy to compete for a spot in the Bureau and find her brother. She has to deal with "legacy kids" who have it easy while she has to work twice as hard to prove she belongs. It’s an "underdog hero" story with a powerful magic system and high-stakes mystery.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You’ll enjoy this because it’s "modern, fresh, and slightly bold." It addresses "lifestyle" issues like prejudice and systemic barriers through a "portal fantasy" lens. It’s an inspired guide to resilience and "lifestyle improvement." This book is a "Bookstagram" favorite because of its "diverse characters" and its focus on found family and empowerment. It’s a top recommendation for Harry Potter fans looking for a new world to get lost in.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available on Amazon and Audible.
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5. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
If you miss the "secret world hidden in plain sight" aspect of the wizarding world, this series will be your new addiction. Sophie Foster is a twelve-year-old telepath who has never known why she can hear everyone’s thoughts—until she meets Fitz, a boy who tells her she isn't human.
The Story Summary: Sophie is whisked away to the Lost Cities, a world of elves, gnomes, and magical creatures. She attends Foxfire, a high-pressure magic academy where she must learn to control her magic powers while avoiding a shadowy organization that wants to kidnap her. It’s an "epic fantasy" series with over nine books, providing the kind of deep "world-building" and "character growth" that Bookstagram users obsess over.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love the "men obsessed" with protecting Sophie—from her found family to her rival suitors. It provides a practical takeaway on the burden of being "special" and the importance of emotional health. For a lifestyle centered on imagination, this series is a gold mine. It’s a "BookTok" favorite for its "relationship tropes" and its "magic academy" vibes that feel like a modern-day Hogwarts.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Available at major bookstores and Amazon.
4. Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
This is the newest entry on the list and arguably the most "Hogwarts vibes" for 2026. It follows Malik, a Black boy from the foster care system who discovers he has magic and is invited to Calloway University—a hidden world rooted in the culture and history of an HBCU (Historically Black College and University).
The Story Summary: Malik has always felt like a "chosen one" with no instructions. At Calloway, he learns a magic system that is tied to his heritage and ancestors. He finds a found family in his fellow students and uncovers a mystery that links his family's past to the university's future. It’s an "urban fantasy" that blends "contemporary romance" elements with sorcery and "fantasy world-building."
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You’ll enjoy this because it’s "culturally rich and bold." It provides an inspired look at "lifestyle improvement" through the lens of heritage and identity. For a lifestyle focused on emotional growth, Malik’s journey is a masterpiece. It’s a "BookTok" viral hit because it offers a "fresh cultural perspective" on the chosen one journey, making it an essential reading recommendation for anyone who wants to see magic in a new light.
Where to Buy: Available Exclusively on Amazon
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
No list of portal fantasy or hidden worlds is complete without the world through the wardrobe. This is a timeless classic that explores themes of courage, destiny, and the struggle between good vs evil in a way that remains a "childhood favorite."
The Story Summary: Four siblings step into a magical world of talking animals and an eternal winter. They meet Aslan, the great lion, and must fulfill an ancient prophecy to defeat the White Witch and restore the magic system of Narnia. It’s a "hero's journey" that spans multiple books, featuring dragons, sorcery, and epic battles. It’s the original "chosen one" group story that paved the way for the wizarding world.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love the "faith and inspiration" that runs through every page. It provides a practical takeaway on the power of loyalty and the importance of "doing what is right." For a family lifestyle, these books are the foundation of storytelling. It’s an inspired guide to personal growth and the beauty of imagination. It’s a "Bookstagram" staple for its classic covers and "fantasy tropes."
Where to stream/watch/buy: Stream the movies on Disney+ or buy the box set on Amazon.
2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
If you like your wizarding world with a bit of a "criminal mastermind" edge, Artemis Fowl is your guy. He is a twelve-year-old genius who decides that the best way to restore his family's fortune is to kidnap a fairy and hold her for ransom.
The Story Summary: Artemis discovers a hidden world of technologically advanced fairies living beneath the earth. He comes up against the LEPrecon unit (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) and their top captain, Holly Short. What starts as a "heist" turns into a complex adventure story where magic meets science. It’s a "darker twist" on the middle grade fiction genre, featuring a brilliant "anti-hero" and a magic system that is both ancient and hi-tech.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You’ll enjoy this because it’s "clever and fast-paced." It provides a practical takeaway on the importance of empathy and how "winning" isn't always about money. For a lifestyle that values innovation and "cleverness," this book is a top pick. It’s a "BookTok" favorite for its "wit" and its "relationship tropes" that show how enemies can become allies in the face of a larger threat.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Watch the movie on Disney+ or read the series on Amazon.
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1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Taking the #1 spot is the series that has become the "Hogwarts" for a new generation. If you love mythology, hidden worlds, and a group of friends who become a found family, Percy Jackson is the gold standard.
The Story Summary: Percy is a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods that functions like a magic academy for the children of the gods. He must embark on a "hero's journey" across America to stop a war between the gods and find his own place in the world. It’s a "contemporary romance" with epic fantasy stakes, featuring mythical creatures, quests, and a high-stakes prophecy.
Why You’ll Enjoy Buying This Book: You will love the "men obsessed" with their divine legacies and the "black cat x boy obsessed" relationship between Percy and Annabeth. It provides a practical takeaway on resilience and "lifestyle improvement." For a lifestyle centered on courage, this series is the ultimate guide. It’s a "Bookstagram" and "BookTok" legend for its "diversity," "humor," and the way it makes the ancient world feel modern and fresh.
Where to stream/watch/buy: Watch the series on Disney+ or buy the books on Amazon.
Conclusion
The magic of the wizarding world isn't just about wands and spells; it’s about that feeling of belonging and the discovery of who you truly are. Whether you choose to travel to the Lost Cities with Sophie Foster, train at Camp Half-Blood with Percy Jackson, or attend Calloway University with Malik, you are embarking on a journey that will leave you feeling more inspired and empowered. These thirteen books are more than just stories—they are "inspired guides" for your own lifestyle improvement and emotional growth. This year, make it a priority to reclaim your sense of wonder. Grab one of these titles, find a quiet corner, and let the magic begin. You’ll find that the "chosen one" isn't just a character in a book—it’s you, choosing to live a more imaginative and inspired life.
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10 FAQs
1. Why do kids love books like Harry Potter? Kids are drawn to stories about hidden worlds and magical schools because they represent a sense of agency and the idea that there is something "more" to the world than meets the eye.
2. What age is best for Percy Jackson? Percy Jackson is perfect for kids aged 9-12, but many "young adult books" fans enjoy it well into their teens.
3. Is Akata Witch similar to Harry Potter? Yes, it features a magic academy setting and a group of friends discovering a secret magical society, but it has a unique Nigerian cultural perspective.
4. Where can I find more "BookTok" recommendations? Searching for hashtags like #BookTok, #MiddleGradeFantasy, and #MagicAcademy on TikTok will give you thousands of trending recommendations.
5. Are these books part of a series? Yes, almost all of these books are part of a larger fantasy series, which is great for building consistent reading habits.
6. What is the "chosen one" trope? It’s a common theme in children's literature where a specific character is destined to save the world or complete a vital quest.
7. Can I watch these as movies or TV shows? Yes! Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, Narnia, and The School for Good and Evil all have major screen adaptations.
8. What is "urban fantasy"? It’s a subgenre where magical or supernatural elements exist within a modern, realistic city setting.
9. How do these books help with "emotional growth"? They model resilience, friendship, and identity, helping kids navigate their own real-world challenges through a fictional lens.
10. How can I support independent authors? Buying their books at local bookstores and leaving reviews on Amazon or Goodreads are the best ways to help authors grow their careers.
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