Middle grade fantasy books have captivated readers across generations with their enchanting tales of magic and adventure. One of the key factors behind their enduring popularity lies in the richly detailed worlds they create, replete with fascinating explorations of various magical realms. The high-stakes storylines that often unfold are equally compelling, as young heroes embark on perilous quests to rescue loved ones, discover their own powers, or save the world from impending doom.
Beyond their captivating narratives, middle grade fantasy books draw inspiration from a diverse range of cultural and mythological traditions. Authors of colour bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the genre, crafting innovative contemporary fantasies that reflect the complexities of our modern world.
From secret societies tasked with regulating magical occurrences to magical schools where students hone their skills, these stories often feature brave young heroes grappling with the challenges of growing up and self-discovery.
Whatever a young reader’s taste may be, there is no shortage of middle grade fantasy books that cater to their interests. Whether you’re looking for a tale of magic and mystery or a story of heroism and self-discovery, this beloved genre has something for everyone.
The Best Middle Grade Fantasy Books
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari Peters’ life is turned upside down as she navigates the challenges of being bullied at school while also dealing with the disappearance of her beloved older brother, Quinton. As she delves into the mystery surrounding his vanishing act, Amari stumbles upon the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs – a secretive magical organization teeming with fantastical creatures. Recognizing that the key to finding Quinton lies within the society’s walls, Amari decides to join the Bureau as a trainee.
However, things take an unexpected turn when she acquires an illicit magical skill, forcing her to not only complete the trials but also earn the trust of her peers.
Eight Days of Luke by Diana Wynne Jones
In a lesser-known but no less captivating work, Diana Wynne Jones weaves a tale of friendship and discovery in ‘Eight Days of Luke’. The story revolves around David, an orphan struggling to find his place within his neglectful and emotionally abusive extended family. His life takes an unexpected turn when he inadvertently frees Luke, a mysterious boy with magical abilities centered around fire.
As David and Luke form an unlikely bond, they soon find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue as various enigmatic figures emerge, driven by a shared pursuit: capturing Luke. Through the narrative, Jones masterfully drops subtle hints, gradually revealing that these characters hail from Norse mythology – and so does Luke himself, adding depth to this enchanting tale.
Tamarind and the Star of Ishta by Jasbinder Bilan
As the UK-born Tamarind embarked on a journey to India’s foothills, she was about to discover the rich tapestry of her maternal roots. Having grown up without knowing her late mother, who hailed from this very region, Tamarind was eager to uncover the secrets of her family’s history and her own cultural heritage.
Little did she know that her adventure would be imbued with a touch of magic, one that would forever alter her understanding of herself and her connection to the land her mother once called home.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
In the realm of middle grade fantasy, a timeless classic has left an indelible mark on modern authors like Tracey Deonn, creator of the Legendborn series. The Dark is Rising, although technically the second installment in a series, offers a captivating entry point into the Arthurian-inspired world of the Dark, Light, and Old Ones.
Here, 11-year-old Will’s life takes a profound turn as he discovers magical powers on his birthday and learns to harness them with the guidance of family friend Merriman Lyon, whose name has an air of familiarity – a hint that will soon become apparent. As Will embarks on a perilous quest to gather enchanted artifacts before the forces of darkness can claim them for their nefarious purposes, The Dark is Rising weaves together myth and legend, bringing this mystical realm vividly to life.
Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll
In a mesmerizing tale woven by Elle McNicoll, Like a Charm transports readers to an enchanting version of Edinburgh where magical creatures thrive – albeit invisible to the human eye. The exception is Ramya Knox, a young protagonist who possesses the extraordinary ability to perceive these fantastical beings.
As she delves deeper into the mystical world surrounding her and uncovers hidden secrets within her family’s history, Ramya begins to realize that not all aspects of Edinburgh’s fantasy underworld are as harmless as they seem.
Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Rebecca Roanhorse, renowned for her captivating sci-fi and speculative writing, may be a familiar name among adult readers. However, her latest endeavor is a departure from her typical genre-bending style – ‘Race to the Sun’ marks her debut in the middle grade realm. This exciting novel tells the story of Nizhoni, a young protagonist who has recently developed the extraordinary ability to see monsters.
As Nizhoni navigates this newfound power, she discovers that her father’s new boss, Mr Charles, is not what he seems – and when her dad goes missing, Nizhoni must join forces with her brother and best friend to overcome a series of perilous trials. Their quest? To gain the powers needed to rescue Dad and save the world from impending doom.
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu
For those enchanted by magical school tales, The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy is sure to captivate. The story begins with Marya, a spirited young girl, unwittingly disrupting the fateful day her brother Luka is tested for magic. This unexpected turn of events leads to Marya’s banishment to Dragomir Academy, where she joins a unique group of girls who serve as assistants to the realm of Illyria’s powerful sorcerers.
As Marya navigates her new surroundings and forms bonds with her peers, she also uncovers the truth about magic and the ominous Dread, a malevolent force that imperils her homeland.
Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Paola’s quest begins with a desire to find the perfect spot for stargazing with her new telescope, but her search takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that the most promising location is near a river shrouded in mystery. The river holds a dark history, having claimed the life of one of Paola’s classmates just a year prior. Moreover, local legend speaks of La Llorona, a vengeful spirit said to haunt the riverbank, searching for unsuspecting children to drag into the water.
As her friend Emma becomes lost near the treacherous waters, Paola must set aside her scientific skepticism and venture into the realm of myth and superstition to rescue her.
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson
In the small village where Yanka grew up, she always felt like an outcast. Her imposing physique and remarkable strength set her apart from the other children. Little did they know that this was just a hint at the extraordinary events that shaped her early life. Abandoned as an infant in a bear’s den, Yanka has spent years wondering about her true origins. And then, one fateful morning, everything changed. Her legs began to morph into those of a bear, and with it, a primal urge took hold.
Without hesitation, Yanka ventured into the surrounding forest, driven by a burning desire to uncover the secrets of her past. As she delved deeper into the wilderness, she encountered an array of magical creatures that would forever alter the course of her life.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Aru’s penchant for embellishing reality often leads her to fabricate outlandish stories about her life. However, when her classmates dare her to back up claims that a seemingly innocuous lamp in their local museum is cursed, Aru inadvertently unleashes an ancient demon bent on global devastation.
With the God of Destruction poised to bring about the apocalypse, Aru must embark on a perilous quest to find and awaken the reincarnations of five legendary heroes, whose collective might can potentially undo her mistake and restore balance to the world.
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
In Discworld’s latest installment, Tiffany Aching, a young witch, takes center stage in The Wee Free Men, a thrilling fantasy adventure that delves into the world of myth and magic. This new chapter in the series finds Tiffany facing an unexpected challenge when her brother Wentworth is kidnapped by the enigmatic Queen of the Fairies.
Undeterred, Tiffany embarks on a perilous journey into the fairy realm to rescue her sibling, only to find herself aided by the Nac Mac Feegle, a mischievous band of ‘pictsies’ who relish drinking, brawling, stealing, and thumbing their noses at the Queen’s authority.
Amira and Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed
As Amira and Hamza embarked on a school trip, they stumbled upon an ancient artifact that would alter their lives forever. The Box of the Moon, once opened by Hamza, unleashed a powerful force that disrupted the delicate balance between the human world and the realm of the jinn. With the moon hurtling towards Earth and otherworldly creatures poised to invade, the siblings found themselves at the forefront of an epic quest to restore harmony to their world.
Can they repair the damage before it’s too late, or will the consequences of their actions prove catastrophic?
Not Just a Witch by Eva Ibbotson
Heckie, a freshly minted animal witch, possesses the extraordinary ability to metamorphose individuals into a wide array of creatures. Guided by her kind heart, she takes it upon herself to rid society of nefarious individuals, including a local fascist politician – Heckie’s selfless efforts are commendable.
However, Heckie’s innate benevolence is exploited by Lionel Knapsack, an unscrupulous furrier, who attempts to persuade this well-intentioned witch into providing him with a fresh supply of snow leopard pelts, further fueling the fire that already rages within her.
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi
Imagining a fusion of steampunk whimsy and adventurous peril, The Gauntlet unfolds as a thrilling narrative that follows Farah and her closest companions as they embark on an unpredictable journey. Initially drawn into the captivating realm of a puzzle game, their lives take a dramatic turn when Farah’s younger brother Ahmed becomes unwittingly trapped within its confines.
Confronted with the daunting task of rescuing him, Farah and her friends must courageously venture into the treacherous world of The Gauntlet, where they will face unforeseen challenges and unravel the secrets that lie within.
The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency: The Secrets of the Storm Forest by L.D. Lapinski
In a thrilling conclusion to the StrangeWorlds Travel Agency series, The Secrets of the Stormforest whisks readers away to the titular forest, where the agency’s founders, Flick and Jonathan, embark on a journey to unravel the enigmatic truth behind the StrangeWorlds Society.
As they delve deeper into the mysteries that have been woven throughout the series since its inception, the duo must confront long-standing questions: what has become of Jonathan’s father, whose disappearance has left an indelible mark, and why Flick possesses the extraordinary ability to unlock paths to diverse worlds.
A Secret of Birds and Bone by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
In a city where beauty and darkness converge, A Secret of Birds and Bone unwinds the captivating narrative of Sofia’s quest to uncover her missing mother. While this fantasy tale doesn’t flaunt its magical elements like others on this list, it still weaves an enchanting spell through subtle yet powerful moments of quiet magic, as embodied in her mother’s extraordinary gift for manipulating bones.
Crystal of Storms by Rhianna Pratchett
In the realm of immersive storytelling, veteran games writer Rhianna Pratchett’s choose-your-own-path book is a standout title within the revered Fighting Fantasy series. This exciting adventure is tailor-made for young readers who crave an interactive experience that lets them shape the narrative as they explore a richly detailed fantasy world.
The central mystery unfolds as players attempt to unravel the enigma surrounding the floating island of Nimbus, which has mysteriously crashed into the ocean.
Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’s debut middle grade novel, Ikenga, whisks readers away on a thrilling adventure as protagonist Nnamdi embarks on a quest for justice after the senseless murder of his father. As Nnamdi navigates this treacherous terrain, he unwittingly acquires a mystical artifact that imbues him with extraordinary abilities.
With each new discovery, Nnamdi inches closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding his father’s untimely demise, propelling readers through a richly imaginative and action-packed world of magic.
Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series may have gained widespread acclaim, but for me, it’s the tales of Magnus Chase that truly capture my imagination. As the demigod son of Frey, Magnus embarks on a journey that takes him from mortal life to Valhalla after his untimely demise. There, he encounters the Norse gods, confronts fearsome monsters, and readies himself for the impending threat of Ragnarok.
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison
In the enchanting world of A Pinch of Magic, three sisters – Betty, Fliss, and Charlie Widdershins – are confined to their home by a mysterious curse. Their only hope for freedom lies in finding three powerful magical objects that hold the key to breaking the spell. As readers follow the thrilling adventures of these spirited siblings, they’ll be swept up in a tale of family, magic, and self-discovery.
If you’re looking for more middle grade fantasy recommendations for your young reader’s bookshelf, try our comprehensive list of 100 Best Middle Grade Fantasy Books From the Last 10 Years. Alternatively, if you prefer something a bit spookier, explore our collection of 8 Spooky Middle Grade Paranormal Books.