10 Thrilling Fantasy Novels for Middle Grade Readers

10 Thrilling Fantasy Novels for Middle Grade Readers

Fun Activities For Fantasy Fans

• Host a magical movie night
• Enter a Magic: The Gathering tournament
• Play a fantasy video game with friends
• Use a Ouija board to contact the spirits
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Have a board game night
• Podcast about your favorite show, movie, or book
• Host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign

8 Great Fantasy Films Based on Middle Grade Books

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
3. The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
4. Hugo (2011)
5. The BFG (2016)
6. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
7. The Princess Bride (1987)
8. Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2010)

The Power of Reading

In Depth

Books full of action and adventure are sure to catch the attention of younger readers, and stories set in imaginative worlds full of magical creatures and warring kingdoms often feature relatable characters who must face insurmountable odds in order to achieve their goals. With that said, here, in no particular order, are ten thrilling fantasy novels for middle grade readers.

First up, at #1, we have "Crown of Three" by J.D. Rinehart. The ruthless king Brutan rules over the magical, war-torn land of Toronia, which is split into three realms. The prophesied saviors of Toronia are Brutan's three illegitimate teenage children, who were all separated at birth and have had vastly different upbringings. When they finally meet each other, they work towards overthrowing the king and hopefully ruling together. Will they be able to finally bring peace to the kingdom?

Next, at #2, is "Marabel and the Book of Fate" by Tracy Barrett. Princess Marabel is the twin sister of the prophesied Chosen One, Marco, who's destined to lead the kingdom of Magikos to peace and prosperity. On the night of their thirteenth birthday, her brother is kidnapped by their evil aunt, the queen of the Barrens. With the help of her best friend, Ellie, and a talking unicorn, Marabel must venture outside the castle walls and rescue Marco.

With the help of her best friend, Ellie, and a talking unicorn, Marabel must venture outside the castle walls and rescue Marco.

At #3 is Rebecca Barnhouse's "Peaceweaver." When young Hild, a Shylfing, has a vision of her cousin, the future king, being assassinated by a traitor, she acts on it and saves him by killing a man who hasn't done anything yet. As a result of her transgression, she's sent off to make peace with their enemy, the Geats. Throughout her long and perilous journey to the faraway land of the Geats, she encounters a horrifying monster that she will have to defeat in order to survive.

Next up, at #4, we have "Prophecy" by Ellen Oh. Inspired by Korean lore, the story revolves around a demon invasion and the one person destined to save the seven kingdoms. Kira is a demon slayer who must protect her cousin, the crown prince, who people believe is the prophesied Dragon King. The two of them go on the run when their enemies make a move on their home of Hansong, and they must find new allies and muster up a force to take back what they've lost.

Next, at #5, is "The Whispers" by Greg Howard. Riley's mother is missing, and the investigation on her disappearance has stalled. Taking matters into his own hands, Riley recruits his friend Gary and sets out to find the whispers, magical beings who have the ability to make people's wishes come true. Along the way, he finds out what really happened to his mother, making him question everything he believes in.

Along the way, he finds out what really happened to his mother, making him question everything he believes in.

At #6 is "Elizabeth's Legacy" by Victor Kloss. Two years after his parents left him behind, Ben Greenwood finds a letter addressed to his father from a mysterious organization known as the Royal Institute of Magic. Realizing that this may be the key to finding his missing parents, he sets out to find the Institute, discovering a world full of magic and strange creatures in the process.

Next up, at #7, we have "The Unicorn Quest" by Kamilla Benko. When they stumble upon a peculiar fireplace in their great-aunt's manor, sisters Claire and Sophie find a ladder inside that leads to the magical world of Arden. When her sister disappears, Claire must climb the ladder and find her. Throughout her quest, she learns that Sophie is accused of stealing an important artifact, and if she doesn't find her, war could break out in Arden.

Next, at #8, is K.E. Ormsbee's "The House in Poplar Wood." Lee and Felix Vickery are twins who serve the shades Memory and Death, respectively. They're not allowed to see each other outside of Halloween due to the Agreement binding the Vickery family to a lifetime of servitude. One day, Gretchen Whipple, the mayor's daughter, offers to free the twins from the Agreement if they can help her solve the murder of a girl named Essie Hasting.

One day, Gretchen Whipple, the mayor's daughter, offers to free the twins from the Agreement if they can help her solve the murder of a girl named Essie Hasting.

At #9 is "Feather and Fang" by Ali Sparkes. Dax Jones is a shapeshifter and one of the Children of Limitless Ability, or COLA for short. He lives at Fenton Lodge, a special school and safe haven where kids like him can learn to control their unique powers. When the new head of the COLA project starts treating them like prisoners, Dax must escape and find a way to rescue his friends.

Finally, at #10, we have Gina Linko's "Flower Moon." Tempest and Tally are twins who have been extremely close ever since they were born. They're spending the summer at their grandfather's traveling carnival, and will be turning thirteen very soon. Tally senses that Tempest is slowly drifting away from her, and she learns that twins in their family have all been driven apart by an unknown force at some point in their lives. Now, she must figure out what's going on before she and her sister suffer the same fate.