(I understand that Rowling is a controversial person)
My 8 year old has been flying through the HP series (he is on book 5 and started the series in September). I am looking for a series of books to introduce him to after he finishes. I think he really enjoys the magical aspect of the books and doesn’t seem to find the battles to be too scary. I would appreciate any recommendations! Thank you!
by cusmrtgrl
27 Comments
The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage is a good one. It’s magical and has whimsy without much violence, if I remember right.
I absolutely loved The Percy Jackson series. Also check out Gregor The Overlander
C S Lewis Narnia series.
The Chrestomanci books are great for a precocious young reader. Witch Week is a good bridge over from hp and doesn’t require too much knowledge of the wider worlds it’s set in
Nevermoor!!!! eta: By Jessica Townsend
Fablehaven and Dragonwatch series by Brandon Mull are very good.
His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman
Red Rising is cool if he likes space.
Thank you! This list should keep him busy for a while. Please feel free to add more. I really appreciate it
Percy Jackson?
Charlie Bone
Upside-Down Magic
Amari and the Night Brothers
Witchlings
Seconding the recommendations for Percy Jackson and Nevermoor.
Redwall
The Bartimaeus books. A magical society where the magic all comes from captured demons. My only caveat is that audiobook is best because the reader has such a fantastic snarky voice for Bartimaeus! Maybe for road trips?
How to train your dragon by Cressida Cowell, Lemony Snicket’s a series of unfortunate events, escape from Mr lemoncellos library by Chris grabenstein, keeper of lost cities by Shannon messenger, the mysterious Benedict society by Trenton Lee Stewart,the land of stories by Chris colfer
Phlip Reeve has written a couple of brilliant series- Goblins, Mortal Engines and Larklight. He has also written There’s no such thing as dragons and Here Lies Arthur, which is an amazing take on the King Arthur legend
A Series of Unfortunate Events (quirky storyline and clever writing)
The Edge Chronicles (fascinating world-building)
Septimus Heap (cute magic system)
Lockwood & Co (A bit creepy but very interesting)
Percy Jackson (this list would be incomplete without it!)
Books by Dianne Wynne Jones (unique magical storylines)
Tamora Pierce! She has two universes, Tortall and Emelan. Tortall is traditional swords-and-sorcery, Emelan is more about craft magic and community. Start with Alanna. Some of her work covers sensitive stuff that you might not want him to encounter until middle school like puberty, women’s safety, healthy relationships etc., but tbh boys should learn about that too.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeTm5mQ4/
I’ve read many of these that Claire suggests, and the others look great too! She’s got great recommendations here for a variety of ages 😊
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic by Sangu Mandanna
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Strangeworlds Travel Agency by LD Lapinski
Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston
Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry
I second the rec for [Nevermoor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6a6d5ca1-b2f5-47be-828c-018144d3bbc7) by Jessica Townsend! It’s my favorite series even as an adult, and the only one that makes me feel the way the Harry Potter books used to.
Ursula le Guin – *The Earthsea Books*
Short, tightly-written and gripping novel series. Sometimes quite dark, but always exciting with very good characterisation. My eldest is 8 and she loved reading these and Lord Of The Rings the year before (she dislikes Harry Potter, much prefers these).
Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong. All about mythical creatures, adventure, and friendship.
Artemis Fowl
Chrestomanci Chronicles by Diana Wynne Jones
Howl’s Moving Castle trilogy by Diana Wynne Jones
…really, anything by Diana Wynne Jones, she was the GOAT of children’s fantasy
Young Wizards series by Diane Duane
Animorphs series by K.A. Applegate (if he doesn’t mind a little science fiction) (also K.A. Applegate is a trans rights advocate!)
Children of the Red King (aka Charlie Bone series) by Jenny Nimmo
Also it’s a TV show not a book series, but I’d suggest you let him check out The Owl House on Disney! It’s got a lot of the same vibes as Harry Potter but with a more pro-LGBT+ agenda.
The Endling series by Katherine Applegate
I am so thankful for these responses. This list will keep him busy until he’s at least 9. Thank you!