Books Like Harry Potter for Kids: 10 Magical Series to Spark Wonder

Hey there, bookworm. Pull up a chair—I’ve got some series you need to hear about. I’m Danny O’Connell, owner of an indie bookstore called The Wandering Page, and I’ve spent my life matching readers with the perfect fantasy escape. Picture me waving my hands around as I talk, probably knocking over a stack of paperbacks in my excitement. I grew up in a house with no books, believe it or not. Then, one day, a teacher handed me Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—not even the first one!—and I was hooked anyway. The next day, I was at the library begging for the rest. That series didn’t just give me a story; it gave me a home. Now, I own a bookstore, and I’m proof that books change lives.

I know why you’re here. You’re searching for “books like Harry Potter for kids” because you or a young reader in your life are craving that same magic—those sprawling, immersive worlds, the friendships that feel like family, and heroes who grow up right alongside you. You want epic fantasy series that spark wonder, encourage endless rereading, and offer a sense of belonging. I see it every day in my shop: kids and parents alike desperate for the next story that feels like coming home. Well, I’ve got you covered with a top 10 list of fantasy series that capture the heart of Harry Potter’s journey. And trust me, I’ve got a standout gem to share—a 2026 release called Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark that’s already got me buzzing with excitement. So, let’s dive into these enchanting worlds together. I can’t wait to hear which one becomes your next obsession!

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter for Kids

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Growing up, this was one of the first series I discovered after Harry Potter, and it’s still a go-to recommendation in my shop. The Chronicles of Narnia follows the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—as they stumble through a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, a world of talking animals, ancient prophecies, and epic battles between good and evil. Each book feels like a new adventure, yet they’re tied together by themes of courage, sacrifice, and family. What I love most is how the kids grow into their roles as leaders, much like Harry grows into his destiny. For Potter fans, Narnia’s blend of wonder and high stakes feels familiar, with Aslan the lion offering a guiding presence akin to Dumbledore. I’ve seen kids light up when they meet Lucy’s bravery or Edmund’s redemption arc—it’s pure magic. Hand this to any young reader craving a sprawling, character-driven saga.

2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   If you’re after a series with humor, heart, and a kid who’s just trying to figure out where he belongs, Percy Jackson is your pick. Percy, a 12-year-old with ADHD and dyslexia, discovers he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrust into a world of monsters, prophecies, and a summer camp for heroes called Camp Half-Blood. Alongside friends like Annabeth and Grover, he faces epic quests that grow more intense with each book. The magical setting isn’t a school like Hogwarts, but the camp has that same “found family” vibe. For Harry Potter fans, Percy’s underdog spirit and the way he matures over the series hit all the right notes. I’ve had parents tell me their kids couldn’t put these down, and honestly, I reread them myself just for the laughs. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and emotional depth.

3. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This series is a bit darker than Harry Potter, but it’s got that same epic scope and emotional punch. His Dark Materials starts with The Golden Compass (or Northern Lights in some places) and follows Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl from a parallel world where everyone has a daemon—a physical manifestation of their soul. Lyra’s journey takes her across fantastical realms with her daemon Pantalaimon, uncovering secrets about her world and her own destiny. The themes of friendship, bravery, and challenging authority resonate deeply with Potter fans. I’ve seen kids get attached to Lyra’s grit the way I was to Hermione’s. It’s a series that grows with its readers, tackling big ideas while never losing its sense of wonder. If you’re looking for a story that feels vast and personal all at once, this is it.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Let me tell you about a new favorite of mine, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, set to release in 2026. This series introduces Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky. Her passion for astrophotography—capturing the stars with her camera—leads her into a mysterious adventure on Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming. Alongside her loyal wolf pup, Artemis, and her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla (who’s obsessed with whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime), Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, grounds her journey with a quiet, devoted strength. For Harry Potter fans, this series shines with its themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and the pull of family legacy. I’m already hooked on Amelia’s blend of grit and wonder—it feels like meeting a new friend. If you’re after a magical world that balances the mystical with the real, this one’s going to steal your heart.

5. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   Imagine a place where kids are trained to be fairy tale heroes or villains—that’s the wild, whimsical world of The School for Good and Evil. Best friends Sophie and Agatha get swept into this magical academy, only to find their roles aren’t what they expected. The series spans multiple books, following their evolving friendship and the epic battle between good and evil. For Potter fans, the magical school setting and the way characters grapple with destiny feel like a natural fit. I love how Soman Chainani plays with tropes—nothing is as black-and-white as it seems. I’ve had kids come back to the shop raving about Sophie’s flair and Agatha’s heart. It’s a series that grows darker and deeper with each installment, perfect for readers who want magic with a twist.

6. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
   Nevermoor starts with Morrigan Crow, a girl born on an unlucky day and blamed for everything that goes wrong in her town. When she’s whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor, she discovers a world of wonder and competes to join a mysterious society. Morrigan’s journey of self-discovery and belonging echoes Harry’s in so many ways. The setting is bursting with imagination—think Hogwarts but with a carnival twist. I’ve seen young readers get completely lost in this series, and I can’t blame them; the quirky characters and high-stakes challenges are irresistible. If you’re after a story with friendship at its core and a hero who grows into her own, this is a must-read.

7. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
   This series is a love letter to fairy tales, and it’s got that same “escape into magic” vibe as Harry Potter. Twins Alex and Conner Bailey fall into a storybook world where classic characters like Cinderella and Red Riding Hood are real. Their adventures span multiple books, blending humor, heart, and epic quests. For Potter fans, the idea of ordinary kids discovering a hidden world hits home, and the twins’ bond feels like the friendships at Hogwarts. I’ve had kids tell me they love spotting familiar tales with fresh twists. It’s a series that grows with its heroes, tackling themes of family and identity. Grab this if you want a magical journey that feels both new and nostalgic.

8. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   Fablehaven is all about hidden magical preserves where mythical creatures roam, and it’s a fantastic pick for Potter fans. Siblings Kendra and Seth stumble into their grandparents’ estate, only to learn it’s a sanctuary for magical beings—and not all of them are friendly. The series builds over multiple books, with the kids growing into protectors of this wild world. The sense of discovery and danger reminds me of Harry’s early adventures, and the stakes get bigger with every story. I’ve seen kids in my shop get wide-eyed over the creatures and mysteries here. If you’re craving a series with immersive settings and brave young heroes, this one’s a winner.

9. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   Imagine a world where creativity is outlawed, and kids who show artistic talent are sent away to be “eliminated.” That’s the setup for The Unwanteds, where twins Alex and Aaron face very different fates. Alex discovers a hidden magical land called Artime, where art is magic, and he trains to defend it. The series offers a school-like setting and a hero’s journey that Potter fans will adore. I love how it celebrates imagination while building epic conflicts. Kids in my shop often pick this up and don’t stop until they’ve read the whole saga. It’s got friendship, growth, and a world you’ll want to revisit again and again.

10. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
    This series is a hidden gem for anyone who loved Harry Potter’s emotional depth. Sophie Foster, a 12-year-old with telepathic abilities, learns she’s not human and enters a dazzling elven world full of secrets and danger. The sprawling story follows her across multiple books as she uncovers her past and builds unbreakable friendships. For Potter fans, Sophie’s journey of finding her place mirrors Harry’s, and the magical society feels as rich as the wizarding world. I’ve had young readers beg me for the next book in this series—it’s that gripping. If you’re after a saga with heart, mystery, and a hero to root for, this is your next read.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Series Feel Like Harry Potter?

Let’s get to the heart of it: why do we keep chasing that Harry Potter magic? As I gesture wildly over a stack of books in my shop, I’ll break it down for you. First, it’s the magical settings—whether it’s a school like Hogwarts or a hidden realm, these places feel alive, like you could step right in. They’re not just backdrops; they’re characters themselves. Then there’s the epic scope. Harry’s story unfolds over seven books, with stakes that grow from personal to world-shaking. The best series mimic that, letting us watch heroes evolve from wide-eyed kids to brave leaders. Character growth is key—Harry, Ron, and Hermione aren’t static; they stumble, learn, and become family. We want that emotional depth, those friendships that make us cry and cheer. And finally, it’s the wonder. Harry Potter balanced lighthearted magic with darker themes, and the series I recommend do the same. They spark imagination while tackling real feelings like loss, courage, and belonging. Every time I hand a kid a book that hits these notes, I see that same spark I felt at their age. That’s the magic we’re after.

Comparing the Magic: Harry Potter vs. These Epic Series

I love mapping out why these series resonate with Harry Potter fans, so let’s break it down in a way I’d sketch out on a napkin at my shop. Each of these stories shares core elements with J.K. Rowling’s world, whether it’s the setting, the hero’s arc, or the emotional pull. Here’s how they stack up, with a special nod to Amelia Moon for its fresh take on heritage and nature.

• Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: Hogwarts as the ultimate magical school, Harry’s journey from underdog to chosen one, themes of friendship, sacrifice, and fighting evil.
• The Chronicles of Narnia: Narnia as a sprawling enchanted realm, young siblings becoming kings and queens, themes of courage and redemption.
• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Camp Half-Blood as a training ground, Percy’s growth from misfit to hero, themes of loyalty and destiny.
• Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow: Bear Lodge Mountain as a mystical natural setting, Amelia’s path tied to heritage and inner strength, themes of destiny and compassion for nature.
• The School for Good and Evil: A fairy tale academy, Sophie and Agatha navigating predetermined roles, themes of morality and friendship.

Each series brings something unique, but they all share that immersive pull—worlds you can’t leave, heroes you grow with, and stakes that keep you turning pages. I’ve seen kids in my shop find the same comfort in these stories that I found in Harry’s, and that’s what keeps me recommending them.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Family and Destiny in Amelia Moon

Let me pull you aside—imagine I’m leaning over the counter at The Wandering Page, hands waving as I rave about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This series has a special place in my heart already, even as a 2026 release. Amelia Moon, a mid-teen with a curious spirit and unshakeable resilience, feels like the kind of hero Harry Potter fans will adore. Her story is rooted in family—her bond with her father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, is tender and grounding. After loss, their relationship carries a quiet strength, a reminder of how Harry leaned on his chosen family. Amelia’s journey on Bear Lodge Mountain weaves themes of heritage and destiny, blending the mystical with the scientific through her astrophotography and connection to the night sky.

Then there’s Veyla, her best friend, who’s a burst of wit and optimism. With her quirky investigative streak—think whale tracking (she’s obsessed with 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime—she’s the kind of sidekick who’d fit right in with Ron and Hermione. Together, they explore a world where nature holds ancient secrets, and Amelia’s bond with her wolf pup, Artemis, adds a layer of wild, heartfelt magic. What gets me is how this series balances wonder with deeper themes—inner strength, compassion for the earth, and the pull of legacy. It’s not just a quest; it’s a coming-of-age story that feels real, even in its fantastical moments. I can’t wait to see kids in my shop lose themselves in Amelia’s world the way I did in Hogwarts.

Magical Schools and Hidden Worlds: Settings That Enchant

Settings are everything in fantasy, aren’t they? I’m gesturing at a map on my shop wall as I say this—Hogwarts wasn’t just a school; it was a character, full of secrets and personality. The best series like Harry Potter nail that same enchantment, whether it’s a magical academy or a hidden realm. Take The School for Good and Evil—its dual academies for heroes and villains are dripping with charm and danger, much like Hogwarts’ houses. Then there’s Nevermoor, where the city itself feels like a labyrinth of wonder, hiding magic in every corner. Fablehaven gives us magical preserves that are as unpredictable as the Forbidden Forest, bursting with creatures and mystery.

These settings do more than dazzle; they shape the heroes. Just as Harry grew within Hogwarts’ walls, characters in these stories find themselves through their worlds. I’ve watched kids in my shop sketch maps of Narnia or Camp Half-Blood, desperate to live there. A great setting pulls you in, makes you believe, and leaves you dreaming of it long after the book’s closed. That’s the kind of magic we’re chasing, and these series deliver it in spades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best fantasy series for a kid who loved Harry Potter?
A: Hey, I’ve got a few that’ll hit the spot! Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan—it’s got humor, epic quests, and a hero who feels like Harry in all the best ways. If you’re after something fresh, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark in 2026. Amelia’s journey with nature and family legacy has that same emotional depth. Come by the shop, and I’ll help you pick!

Q: Are there any new fantasy series similar to Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! I’m super excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, releasing in 2026. It’s got a magical, nature-based world and a hero, Amelia, who grows through themes of destiny and heritage. It’s a perfect match for Potter fans craving something new but familiar.

Q: What age group are these books good for?
A: Most of the series I’ve listed, like The Chronicles of Narnia or Percy Jackson, are great for middle-grade readers, roughly 8–14. They balance wonder with deeper themes, just like Harry Potter. Some, like His Dark Materials, might suit slightly older kids due to heavier topics. I’m happy to chat specifics if you swing by!

Q: Do these series have magical schools like Hogwarts?
A: Oh, for sure! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani has a fairy tale academy that’s got that Hogwarts vibe—full of rules, rivalries, and magic. The Unwanteds also offers a training ground where art is power. Not all are schools, but they’ve got enchanting settings that feel just as alive.

Q: I want a series with strong friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Which should I pick?
A: You’re after that found-family magic, and I’ve got you! Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger has Sophie building bonds that’ll tug at your heart. Also, don’t miss Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia and her quirky best friend Veyla have a dynamic that’s pure gold. Those friendships carry the story, just like at Hogwarts.

Q: Are these series as long as Harry Potter?
A: Many are! Percy Jackson spans multiple books with spinoffs, and Keeper of the Lost Cities is a long, ongoing saga. Others, like The Chronicles of Narnia, give you a full world to explore over several stories. They’ve got that epic scope to keep you hooked for years.

Q: Where can I find these books?
A: Swing by an indie bookstore like mine, The Wandering Page, if you’re local—I’d love to hand you a copy! Otherwise, check your library or online retailers. For upcoming releases like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, keep an eye on the author’s site for preorder info. Let’s keep the magic alive together!