Fantasy books provide a unique opportunity to imagine a different, if not better world. Anything is possible as the powers of evil and good battle in an age-old conflict, and we are able to see ourselves and others in a new light.
1. The Lost Years by T. A. Barron
T. A. Barron brings the adventures of young Merlin to a new book for teens. We all know Merlin as the powerful wizard in King Arthur's court, but who was he before that? The Lost Years opens a series perfect for lovers of Artemis Fowl and Rick Riordan.
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2. Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
A Wizard of Earthsea is a magical story that follows the coming of age of a young wizard, Ged. Ged accidentally releases a shadow monster into the land, which he must later fight. LeGuin's writing is beautiful, filled with rich symbolism and deep truths.
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3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Murrays are an unusual family. After their father mysteriously disappears, they meet three unusual ladies that take them on an exciting adventure of self-discovery across time and space.
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4. Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason and Gareth
Gareth is an unusual cat with special powers. "Anywhere, any time, any country, any century", and Gareth and his owner, Jason is time-traveling, off to meet Leonardo da Vinci, visit Ancient Egypt, and more. Gareth's magical powers will delight fantasy-loving readers and historical fiction lovers alike.
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5. The Enchanted Castle
Jerry and his siblings discover an enchanted castle with a sleeping princess and a ring that has magical powers to grant wishes. Not all wishes are wise, though... E. Nesbit many of the fantasy greats. This particular edition is filled with beautiful illustrations.
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6. Sailing to Cythera
One day, Anatole is laying in bed and notices his wallpaper is moving...and suddenly he is in his wallpaper! In these three delightful tales, he meets many fantastic creatures including the Blimlim, Aunt Pitterpat, and many more. Each tale is full of whimsical fancy and perfect for bedtime. The adventures of Anatole continue in two subsequent books.
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7. The Secret of the Attic
Four friends discover a mirror with a magical ability--it allows them to travel to different times and places. This series opener is only the first of many exploring various cultures and time periods. This is a good series for readers that love the Dear America series but are eager to explore a new genre.
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8. The Blue Fairy Book
The Blue Fairy Book is one of many colored classic fairy tale books in Lang's authorship. This first volume is filled with many classic fairy tales, including "Beauty and the Beast", "Jack and the Giant Killer" and more.
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9. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a delight for those who love Pippi Longstocking and Mary Poppins! These chapter books introduce children to hilarious and relatable problems with manners. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, though, has a cure!
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10. Warriors: Into the Wild
This middle-grade chapter book is an adventurous series opener to the Warriors universe. In this first story, Rusty (renamed Firepaw), leaves his life as a kitty pet to join the Thunderclan cats and fight against the evil Shadowclan.
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11. The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and the Goblin is yet another fantasy book classic. This is a beautiful story full of magic, mythological creatures, a fairy godmother, and more. One day, Princess Irene is almost captured by goblins but is saved by a brave miner named Curdie. A friendship forms and their adventures continue as they battle to destroy the goblins for good.
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12. The Ruby Princess Runs Away
In this beginner chapter book, Roxanne is the youngest sister of the Jewel Kingdom but isn't ready to be a princess. She runs away, meeting several mythical creatures, but must return before an imposter masquerading as she takes the crown.
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13. The Pagemaster
Richard is caught in a rainstorm and seeks shelter in a library, where he meets the Pagemaster. Suddenly, he is plunged into the plots of classic novels on a journey of self-discovery. This exciting story highlights the power of stories to inspire and change us.
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14. Redwall
There may be no fairy dust, but Redwall is the exciting series opener and introduction to all the fantastic creatures that live in Redwall Abbey. Readers will meet timeless woodland characters united by the ancient magic of Martin the Warrior, as they battle evil. This is a wonderful introduction to middle-grade chapter books.
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15. The Spiderwick Chronicles
When we read about fairies, we tend to think about fairy dust and fairy godmothers, but as the Grace siblings find out, not all fairies are kind! After moving to a new home, they discover a mysterious book full of magical creatures and a new adventure.
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16. The BFG
This classic chapter book has been on chapter book lists for years due to its loveable protagonist, the Big Friendly Giant. The BFG collects dreams from Dream Country and gives them to children. On his journey, he rescues Sophie, an orphan. Sophie and the BFG work to rid the world of child-eating giants.
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17. Fortunately, the Milk
Neil Gaiman is back with a new adventure for fans of his adorable debut picture book, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish. Exquisite illustrations accompany this hilarious tale about aliens, mythological creatures, and the time loop. Marketed as a book for kids, it's also a great book for teens and adults!
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18. Half Magic
Half Magic has been on chapter book lists for decades! In this wild tale of magical realism, siblings find a magic coin that only grants wishes by halves. Join them for some wild adventures!
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19. City of Ember
While The City of Ember isn't full of magical creatures, it is a magical book! Lina and Doon have both just passed their twelfth birthday in Ember. The city lights are going out and they are running out of food, so the friends escape to the world above only to discover a startling truth...
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20. The Borrowers
The Borrowers are tiny people that live on the kitchen floor of an English manor house. Everything they own is "borrowed" from human beans that live in the big world. One day, one of them is spotted! Will they be able to keep their home?
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