Discover epic adventures featuring destiny, friendship, and extraordinary courage in this book list curated by The Children’s Book Review and presented in partnership with Sharique Zea, author of Lionborn.
If your young reader loves a thrilling blend of magic, self-discovery, and the power of friendship, they’ll be captivated by these middle-grade fantasy adventures. Each book features brave protagonists who face their fears, uncover hidden powers, and embark on quests that will change their worlds forever.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, or devoted fantasy fan, these books offer exciting world-building, relatable characters, and themes of courage and belonging that resonate with young readers navigating their own journeys of self-discovery.
Here are eleven essential fantasy adventures that offer magic, friendship, and the courage to embrace your destiny:
Lionborn
Written by Sharique Zea
Ages: 10+ | 230 Pages
Publisher: SHARIQUE ZEA (2025) | ASIN: B0FLMP4YK7
At school, Fionn is known as “Monster Boy”, haunted by terrifying dreams that no one believes are real—until a mysterious lion cub only he can see appears and cryptic riddles lead him and his friends into the dangerous world of Arborea. There, the monsters from his nightmares are hunting him, and Fionn must discover the hero within to defeat evil. This rollercoaster quest story is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and The Inheritance Cycle.
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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Written by Rick Riordan
Ages: 10+ | 384 Pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2005) | ISBN: 978-0786838653
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt, launching him into a quest to prevent a war between the gods. Like Fionn, Percy must embrace his true identity while navigating a world of monsters and mythology he never knew existed. With his friends Annabeth and Grover by his side, Percy transforms from an insecure kid to a confident hero.
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Fablehaven
Written by Brandon Mull
Ages: 9+ | 368 Pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (2006) | ISBN: 978-1590385814
When siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ preserve shelters dangerous magical creatures, one broken ancient law pulls them into a world where beautiful enchantments turn deadly. Like Fionn’s journey into Arborea, the children must navigate shifting magical boundaries and face consequences that threaten not only the preserve but the entire world. With richly imagined creatures and settings that transform from wonder to terror, this adventure delivers the same thrilling blend of magic and peril.
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The School for Good and Evil
Written by Soman Chainani
Ages: 10+ | 512 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (2013) | ISBN: 978-0062104892
Best friends Sophie and Agatha are kidnapped to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained—but they’re placed in the wrong schools, with princess-dreaming Sophie dumped in Evil and graveyard-loving Agatha sent to Good. Their friendship is tested by extraordinary circumstances as they discover that who you’re meant to be isn’t always who you think you are. This enchanting tale explores themes of identity, loyalty, and finding your true self.
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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Written by Kwame Mbalia
Ages: 9+ | 496 Pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2019) | ISBN: 978-1368039932
Seventh-grader Tristan Strong accidentally opens a portal to the magical realm of Alke, where African American folk heroes and gods need his help to save both worlds from destruction. Like Fionn’s connection to the lion cub, Tristan discovers his best friend’s journal holds more power than he ever imagined. Through encounters with tricksters, monsters, and gods, Tristan must find the courage he didn’t know he possessed.
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Written by Kelly Barnhill
Ages: 10+ | 400 Pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers (2016) | ISBN: 978-1616205676
A baby accidentally fed moonlight instead of starlight grows up filled with extraordinary magic she can’t control—until the truth about her past threatens everything she loves. Luna must learn to harness her growing powers as she uncovers the lies that have shaped her world, echoing Fionn’s journey of self-discovery and hidden abilities. With lyrical prose and unforgettable characters, this Newbery Medal winner weaves a spellbinding tale of love, magic, and finding your true strength.
Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal
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Aru Shah and the End of Time
Written by Roshani Chokshi
Ages: 9+ | 368 Pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2018) | ISBN: 978-1368012355
When twelve-year-old Aru accidentally awakens an ancient demon, she discovers she’s the reincarnation of a legendary Pandava warrior and must save the world—despite feeling completely unprepared. Like Fionn, Aru must embrace a destiny she never wanted while learning that true heroism comes from within. With wit, humor, and heart, this adventure through Hindu mythology celebrates finding courage when you least expect it.
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The Iron Trial
Written by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Ages: 10+ | 304 Pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (2014) | ISBN: 978-0545522250
Callum Hunt has been warned away from magic his whole life, but when he’s admitted to the underground Magisterium, he discovers his true destiny and that everything he’s been told might be a lie. Like Fionn’s mysterious connection to Arborea, Call has secrets about his past that even he doesn’t fully understand. With dangerous challenges, loyal friendships, and shocking revelations, this magical school story takes a darker, more mysterious turn.
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Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Written by Jessica Townsend
Ages: 9+ | 512 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2017) | ISBN: 978-1690398202
Cursed Morrigan Crow escapes death and enters the magical world of Nevermoor, where she must compete for a place in a prestigious society while everyone fears her unusual powers. Morrigan’s journey from outcast to belonging mirrors Fionn’s transformation from “Monster Boy” to hero. With whimsical world-building and a heroine who discovers her differences are actually her greatest strengths, this enchanting adventure celebrates those who don’t quite fit in.
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City of the Plague God
Written by Sarwat Chadda
Ages: 10+ | 400 Pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2020) | ISBN: 978-1368051507
When ancient Mesopotamian demons attack Sikander Aziz’s family in modern-day Manhattan, his brother falls mysteriously ill, and only Sik can save him by navigating a dangerous world where ancient gods walk among us. Like Lionborn’s shifting boundaries between worlds, this adventure blends contemporary life with ancient mythology in a high-stakes race against time. With humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, this story proves ordinary kids can face extraordinary challenges.
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The Storm Runner
Written by J.C. Cervantes
Ages: 10+ | 448 Pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2018) | ISBN: 978-1368016346
Zane Obispo accidentally releases an ancient Mayan evil from the volcano near his New Mexico home and discovers he’s descended from gods, launching him into a quest filled with magic, monsters, and destiny. With a faithful hellhound by his side (echoing Fionn’s loyal lion cub) and newfound friends who become his chosen family, Zane must embrace powers he never knew he had. Readers who love outsider protagonists finding their place in an epic destiny will connect deeply with Zane’s heroic journey.
