The wizarding world of Harry Potter, Hogwarts, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is a modern classic. New readers continue to discover and fall in love with the book series that tells the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. But what happens when you finish the series—and you need more of those fantasy-adventure thrills? Here are five suggestions (for the 8-12 age range) of book series to read next after Harry Potter.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series
By Rick Riordan
Junior Fiction
This five-book series, starting with The Lightning Thief, follows the title character, a twelve-year-old boy named Percy who suddenly gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. Set in modern-day New York City, the story focuses on Greek mythology. This series has the same sort of magical feel as Harry Potter but with a little more sass. Percy narrates his adventures, so the story is a bit simpler and quirkier. But it’s still an amazing adventure that’s super accessible to younger readers.
Savvy Series
By Ingrid Law
Junior Fiction
Mibs Beaumont is part of a family that receives their “savvy”—a unique magical power—when they turn thirteen. But just when she’s about to receive hers, Mibs’s father is in an accident. So she and a group of friends travel across the country in the hopes that she will get a gift that can help him before it’s too late. This book (and its companion novels Scumble and Switch) is great for this age range, with many lively characters and an interesting approach to magic in our everyday world.
The Chronicles of Narnia Series
By C. S. Lewis
Junior Fiction
Starting with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, this classic series (seven books) is based around the world of Narnia and its various interactions with our world. It was written in the 1940s, so the language may feel a bit old, but the themes and stories are timeless examples of adventure and heroics. Following different characters in several of the books keeps it interesting, with some friendly faces making an appearance every once in awhile.
Fablehaven Series
By Brandon Mull
Junior Fiction
What if there was magic in your own backyard? Fablehaven follows siblings Kendra and Seth as they discover that their grandfather is the caretaker of a sanctuary for magical creatures. With vivid descriptions and smart characters, this five-book series is an endlessly entertaining fantasy adventure.
Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians Series
By Brandon Sanderson
Junior Fiction
This six-book series follows Alcatraz and his friends, who are trying to fight back against the evil librarians who secretly rule the world. The narration is witty and hilarious, making the six books fly by and leaving you wanting more.
By Melisa B. (Circulation)