The Best Fantasy Books for Young Readers

For young readers, fantasy books can open up magical new worlds full of adventure, wonder, and limitless possibility. The best fantasy novels have the power to spark a lifelong love of reading by allowing kids to get lost in realms of sorcery, bravery, and imagination from the comfort of their own homes.


With so many amazing fantasy series and standalones out there, it can be hard to know where to start. To help point young readers in the right direction, we've put together a list of some of the most captivating and age-appropriate fantasy books to dive into. From old classics to brand-new pages-turners, these mesmerizing tales will delight and inspire the next generation of fantasy fans.

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

No list of beloved fantasy books for kids would be complete without Harry Potter. The story of the orphaned young wizard who discovers he has a place in the secret magical world of Hogwarts has cast a spell over millions of readers across the globe. Full of rich characters, inventive wizarding lore, and important themes about friendship and standing up against injustice, the 7-book series is an unparalleled modern classic that still resonates profoundly today.

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy presents an epic multi-world adventure centered around unlikely heroes, tough-as-nails pre-teen protagonists Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry. As they journey through multiple parallel universes, they encounter otherworldly creatures, contend with sinister enemies, and explore complex questions about philosophy and free will. Provocative, gripping, and bitingly clever, it's a sophisticated fantasy that young readers can really sink their teeth into.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

In this hugely entertaining series, Rick Riordan updates Greek mythology for the 21st century by blending it with modern adolescent life. When troubled kid Percy Jackson discovers he's the son of Poseidon, he gets whisked away to a secret camp for offspring of the Greek gods. What follows is a thrilling, humor-laced, action-packed romp as Percy and his friends encounter plenty of mythological beasts and obstacles straight from the ancient tales. It's an ingenious way to engage young readers with classic stories.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This New York Times bestselling series from Soman Chainani kicks off with best friends Sophie and Agatha being abducted and dropped into the enchanted School for Good and Evil. However, they're sorted into the opposite schools - pretty Sophie is sent to the Evil side while headstrong Agatha lands in Good. The girls must learn to embrace their inner principles and survive fairytale adventures while working to repair their friendship. It's a brilliantly clever take on classic fairytale tropes, full of imagination and uplifting themes about courage and breaking past shallow first impressions.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Leave it to master storyteller Neil Gaiman to craft a delightfully spooky yet ultimately warm-hearted fantasy about a boy being raised by ghosts in a graveyard. Narrowly surviving a brutal attack as a toddler, young Nobody Owens is taken in by the spirit residents who guide him through the extraordinary world beyond the cemetery gates. With unforgettable characters like the ghoul protectors and the terrifying Silas, it's a magnificently written coming-of-age tale with just the right blend of chills and wonder for courageous young readers to devour.

The Books of Bayern Series by Shannon Hale

In Shannon Hale's richly-drawn fictional Bayern universe, each of the four books revolve around incredible heroines who must each use their unique strengths to confront darkness and fear. From the highly original premise of a girl becoming magically mute in "The Goose Girl" to a woman choosing her own destiny in "Princess Academy", young readers will find brave female protagonists striving for justice, freedom and empowerment against all odds. It's an enchanting world of magic, danger and important messages about perseverance and self-worth.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis' iconic fantasy world of Narnia where magic, mythical beasts and talking animals reign supreme has enthralled generations of children. Following the adventures of the Pevensie siblings as they go repeatedly enter the mystical land through an old wardrobe, the 7-book series brims with imagination, Christian themes and memorable characters like the great lion Aslan and the evil White Witch. Though the writing style may feel a bit antiquated now, the immersive storytelling and unforgettable imagery live on as a true fantasy classic.

For young readers who crave escaping into enthralling supernatural worlds filled with sorcery, heroism and friendship in the face of evil, these extraordinary fantasy books are sure to spark their imaginations. From spurring an early appreciation for myths and legends to empowering messages about courage and goodness prevailing over darkness, these cherished tales have the power to ignite a lifelong love of fantasy in kids. Get ready to open the spellbinding pages and let the adventure begin!