9 Fantasy Books That Kids Will Fall In Love With
If you want to encourage your child's imagination, giving them access to fantasy novels is a great idea. The fanciful worlds and colorful characters featured in the books listed here will give your kids plenty of food for thought, and might even inspire them to write novels of their own someday. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
9 Fantasy Books That Kids Will Fall In Love With
Common Fantasy Tropes
The possibilities in this genre are endless, and no two authors create exactly the same world. Still, there are several common tropes that writers love to come back to again and again, sometimes adding their own unique twists. Here are a few beloved fantasy staples:
- Magic
- Hero
- Dark Lord
- The Epic Quest
- Medieval Setting & Folklore
- Dragons
- Fairies
- Giants
- The Chosen One
- Prophecies
What is Fantasy?
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that often involves supernatural elements like magic and usually takes place in a fictional universe that is significantly different from reality. Many people group fantasy and science fiction together, but while both are forms of speculative fiction, they are distinct from one another. While sci-fi often attempts to stay grounded in scientific truths, fantasy relies more on imagination and suspension of disbelief. Fantasy's origins are rooted in oral traditions which were eventually written down into books. In modern times, fantasy has expanded into several media, including television, film, and video & tabletop games.
Literary Charities
If you want to spread your love of literature with those in need, then you should consider looking into these non-profit organizations that help kids and teens get access to books and high-quality education.
The Power of Reading
In Depth
From stories of epic adventures to magical quests, fantasy books offer spellbinding plots that appeal to readers of all ages. Kids especially love getting lost in imaginative worlds of strange creatures, superheroes, princes, and princesses. With that in mind, we've gathered nine fantasy novels aimed at a younger audience, listed here in no particular order.
At the #1 spot is "Loki's Wolves" by bestselling authors K. L. Armstrong and Melissa Marr. This is a fast-paced adventure about thirteen-year-old Matt Thorsen. He lives in a town in South Dakota that is populated by direct descendants of the Norse gods. His supernatural heritage from Thor is something he is proud of. When he learns that Ragnarok is coming, he fights to save the world with the help of his classmates Fen and Laurie, who both belong to Loki's bloodline.
Following at #2 is "The Apothecary." This mystery novel by Maile Meloy offers a mix of magic, romance, and historical fiction. The protagonist, Janie, moves from California to London with her parents. There she meets Benjamin, who is part of a long line of apothecaries. They team up, discovering miraculous secrets and potions, to find Benjamin's father who has been kidnapped. This is a story that tackles loyalty, friendship, and the significance of familial love.
This is a story that tackles loyalty, friendship, and the significance of familial love.
At #3 is "The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars." This comic book by Michael Dante DiMartino explores the romantic bond between two female protagonists in a plot that takes place after the finale of the popular animated series "The Legend of Korra." It delves into tensions that arise between coexisting humans and spirits, yet the story is mainly focused on the newly-developed relationship between the willful Avatar Korra and the sensible Asami Sato amidst the political turmoil of a post-Kuvira Republic City.
#4 is "The Flight of Swans." This is Sarah McGuire's retelling of the Grimm fairy tale "Six Swans." It features the life of twelve-year-old Andaryn and her growth from a spoiled little princess to a resilient and courageous young woman. She chooses to live six years in silence to save her family and kingdom from her evil stepmother, who turned her six brothers into swans. The story uncovers the power of patience, compassion, and love.
Next, at #5 is "The Serpent's Secret" by Sayantani DasGupta. This is an action-packed fantasy adventure novel about a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old girl named Kiranmala who turns out to be a demon-fighting Indian princess. In the story, her parents suddenly disappear one day. Then, a monster appears in their kitchen to attack her, but two princes arrive to rescue her. Inspired by Bengali mythology, this book features an amazing world filled with fascinating characters.
This is an action-packed fantasy adventure novel about a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old girl named Kiranmala who turns out to be a demon-fighting Indian princess.
Taking the #6 spot is "The Rosemary Spell," a mystery novel for middle-grade readers. Author Virginia Zimmerman skillfully blends magic with puzzles and poetry in this compelling tale about best friends Rosie and Adam. In the story, they discover an old mysterious book that makes people disappear, along with anyone's memory of that person. The book explores struggles like emotional turmoil, fear, and the feeling of abandonment.
Coming in at #7 is "Rippler" by Cidney Swanson. A rare genetic disease called Rippler's Syndrome gives carriers the ability to be invisible for some time. Protagonist Samantha is mourning her mother's death, and she also fears for her own life. Her invisibility gives her the chance to escape her complicated world, but she also has to protect her friend Will. This book will make you feel a wide range of emotions as Sam tries to figure out and embrace her peculiarity.
Next, at #8 is "The Mapmaker and the Ghost." Middle-graders will love the wonderfully crafted character, Goldenrod Moram, who is fond of maps and quests. Author Sarvenaz Tash writes about the protagonist's desire to explore the forest behind her backyard, in an attempt to make the most accurate map of her hometown. Her little brother becomes her assistant in her ghost-given quest for a blue rose.
Her little brother becomes her assistant in her ghost-given quest for a blue rose.
Finally, at #9 is "Mighty Jack." This piece is a graphic novel for kids which is based on the classic fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. It is an engaging story with a diverse set of characters, including Jack, a single mother, an autistic younger sister, and a home-schooled neighbor. After swapping their car for a packet of seeds, Jack creates a garden that produces weird creatures, including a dragon. Author Ben Hatke skillfully crafts this fun adventure with a cliffhanger ending that suggests a sequel.
