Magic

A list of suggested titles for this summer's Reading is an Adventure Challenge: Magic. Features picture books and chapter books.

Updated June 24, 2024
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Granted
Anderson, John David
Paper Book
From the author of beloved novels Ms. Bixby's Last Day and Posted comes a hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable novel about a fairy-in-training. Everyone who wishes upon a star, or a candle, or a penny thrown into a fountain knows that you're not allowed to tell anyone what you've...
Fairy school dropout undercover
Badger, Meredith.
Paper Book
Hide your wings . . . we’re going undercover! Elly Knottleweed-Eversprightly has a secret. A big secret. She is a fairy, and she even has the wings to prove it. Every time Elly goes to a new fairy school, it ends in disaster, but this week, Elly is going undercover...
The train to impossible places : a cursed delivery
Bell, P. G.
Paper Book
A middle-grade fantasy and nonstop adventure, The Train to Impossible Places by debut author P. G. Bell is as fun as it is full of heart, and the first book of a trilogy. A train that travels through impossible places. A boy trapped in a snow globe. And a girl who's about...
The triumphant tale of Pippa North /
Beltz, Temre
Paper Book
An enchanting, clever, and whimsical fairy tale sure to charm fans of Adam Gidwitz and Shannon Hale. In the storybook kingdom of Wanderly, everyone wants to be a Triumphant: the kingdom's most glorious heroes. Everyone except Pippa North, who is quite happy with her perfectly common family...
The iron trial /
Black, Holly.
Paper Book
From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial. Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail. All his life, Call has been warned by his...
Sunbeam's shine
Bliss, Emily
Paper Book
Welcome to an enchanted land ruled by unicorn princesses! Cressida Jenkins, a unicorn-obsessed girl who is sure that unicorns are real, is invited to visit, and readers will be thrilled to journey to the Rainbow Realm along with her! In each story, Cressida is called to help a unicorn...
The wolf of Cape Fen /
Brandt, Juliana,
Paper Book
Beyond the Bright Sea meets Echo in this story of a young girl who must break a magical bargain before an enchanted wolf steals her sister away. First Frost has touched Cape Fen, and that means Baron Dire has returned. For as long as anyone can remember, Baron Dire has haunted the town...
Stuffed /
Braswell, Liz,
Paper Book
Welcome, little one. You have been chosen to join us, in the dark and in the light, in love and in cloth, in safety and in danger. You join us. Everyone thinks that Clark is too old to still play with stuffed animals. He's almost eleven! Bullies target...
The ember stone /
Charman, Katrina.
Paper Book
Magic, fantasy, and adventure combine to create a grippingly fast-paced new series for young readers -- The Last Firehawk!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content...
Monstrous /
Connolly, MarcyKate.
Paper Book
Reminiscent of Frankenstein and tales by the Brothers Grimm, this debut novel stands out as a compelling, original story that has the feel of a classic. The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and all...
The hippo at the end of the hall
Cooper, Helen
Paper Book
When Ben receives a mysterious invitation to an odd museum, he's swept into a peculiar world of forgotten secrets and wild magic in this illustrated novel. The invitation to the Gee Museum was delivered by bees. It wasn't addressed to anyone, but Ben knows that it was meant for...
A nearer moon /
Crowder, Melanie.
Paper Book
In a small river village where the water is cursed, a girl's bravery could mean the difference between life and death in this magical story of "perseverance and hope" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from the author of Parched and Audacity. Along a lively...
The serpent's secret
DasGupta, Sayantani
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author comes a world packed with action and adventure, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Soman Chainani.MEET KIRANMALA:INTERDIMENSIONAL DEMON SLAYER(Only she doesn't know it yet.) On the morning of her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala is just a regular sixth...
Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the quest for the magic porcupine
Dougherty, John
Paper Book
The BADgers are back in Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face's second adventure, perfect for fans of The Stinky Cheese Man and Pseudonymous Bosch. The villainous badgers have escaped from prison, and it's up to Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face to find them and put them back! Only someone...
The root of magic /
Duble, Kathleen Benner.
Paper Book
A deeply felt sibling story set in a town where people have a mysterious magical power and one girl is determined to discover what it is, for readers of Lauren Myracle and Ingrid Law.  Willow knows the unknown is scary. Especially when your little brother has been sick for a...
Bo's magical new friend /
Elliott, Rebecca.
Paper Book
Meet Rainbow Tinseltail and the unicorns of Sparklegrove Forest, in this magical series from the creator of the bestselling Owl Diaries series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With...
Maddy West and the tongue taker /
Falkner, Brian.
Paper Book
Maddy West can speak every language in the world. When she is asked to help translate some ancient scrolls, she is thrilled. But she soon learns that the scrolls hide many secrets . . . secrets that send Maddy on a wild adventure with a stowaway ninja, a mysterious monkey, a Bulgarian wrestler, evil...
The voyage to Magical North
Fayers, Claire.
Paper Book
Twelve-year-old Brine Seaborne is a girl with a past--if only she could remember what it is. Found alone in a rowboat as a child, clutching a shard of the rare starshell needed for spell-casting, she's spent the past years keeping house for an irritable magician and his obnoxious apprentice,...
The ruins of Gorlan /
Flanagan, John
Paper Book
The fantasy adventure that launched the international bestselling series, with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone! They have always scared him in the past--the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that...
A most magical girl
Foxlee, Karen
Paper Book
From the author of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy comes the story of a friendship between two girls set in Victorian England, with magical machines, wizards, witches, a mysterious underworld, and a race against time.   Annabel Grey is primed for a proper life as a young...
Alistair Grim's odd Aquaticum /
Funaro, Gregory.
Paper Book
"Dive head-, feet-, or face-first into this delicious danger." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review When Grubb, an orphan and runaway chimney sweep, entered the wondrous world of the Odditorium, his life changed forever. Apprenticed to the mechanical marvel's strange proprietor,...
The magic day /
Glass, Calliope.
Paper Book
A shaggy purple unicorn does everything he can--except his homework--to get wish-granting powers in the first book of this glitterrific, highly illustrated early chapter book series. Sparkleton begs his big sister to give him wish-granting magic for one whole day so he...
Winterhouse
Guterson, Ben
Paper Book
An Edgar Award Finalist An Agatha Award Finalist An enchanting urban fantasy middle-grade debut--the first book in a trilogy--set in a magical hotel full of secrets. Orphan Elizabeth Somers's malevolent aunt and uncle ship her off to the ominous...
The magic mirror : concerning a lonely princess, a foundling girl, a scheming king and a pickpocket squirrel
Hill, Susan
Paper Book
The twisty-turny journey of a girl searching for her heart's desire--glimpsed in a magic mirror. Perfect for fans of Rump or Catherine, Called Birdy   A foundling girl with a crooked leg and a crutch doesn't expect life to be easy. Indeed, Maggie's dearest wish...
The thorn queen : a novel
Holland, Elise
Paper Book
Welcome to Glendoch! Hidden to most, this glacial world once crackled with alchemy. Now it waits for war--divided and bound by strict rules. So when twelve-year-old Meylyne falls from a tree onto Glendoch's sickly prince, she must flee or face imprisonment in the Shadow-Cellars. The...
The bone garden
Kassner, Heather
Paper Book
A spooky and adventurous debut illustrated fantasy novel about a girl made of dust and bone and imagination who seeks the truth about the magic that brought her to life. "This magical story--and the brave girl in its pages--will haunt you in the best way." --Natalie Lloyd,...
The cave of Aaaaah! doom!
Kent, Jaden
Paper Book
The Ella and Owen series debuts with a fun romp through the world of dragons! Readers can follow twin sibling dragons as they head deep into the forest in search of a wizard who may be able to cure Owen of his fiery cold. Dragon twins Ella and Owen are always at odds. Owen wants...
The thirteenth fairy /
de la Cruz, Melissa,
Paper Book
*A New York Times Bestseller* *A B&N Young Reader Monthly Pick**A Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist* Discover a new middle-grade fantasy saga perfect for fans of The Land of Stories series from the #1 New York Times bestselling creator...
The Wearle /
D'Lacey, Chris.
Paper Book
Master storyteller and NYT bestselling author Chris d'Lacey has woven a brand-new epic fantasy with the story of the first dragons sent to Erth, and how their fates became entwined with humankind's.A Wearle of dragons set out on an expedition from their home planet and was never heard from...
The magic garden
Lemniscates
Paper Book
Just like the passing of the seasons, or the mysterious transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, in this garden, everything is continually changing. With gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful story of a young girl discovering the marvels of nature, The...
Voyage of the Frostheart /
Littler, Jamie.
Paper Book
A captivating adventure about an unlikely hero's quest to find his parents--and find the home he's always longed for. Filled with whimsy and magical world building that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor. In a snow-covered land where monsters rule the icy tundra, only song...
The mysterious moonstone
Luper, Eric
Paper Book
Getting lost in a good book has never been this dangerous!Cleo and Evan have a secret. A collection of books so dangerous they are locked up tight. A friend has vanished inside the pages of one of them. It's up to them to find the key that will set her free. A PRICELESS DIAMOND...STOLEN!When Cleo...
Wandmaker
Masessa, Ed
Paper Book
Magical fiction from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Wandmaker's Guidebook!Winner of the Fall 2016 Parents' Choice FunStuff Award!Magic is real -- and it runs in the family -- in this charming fantasy adventure about a boy who must balance his magical education...
Stealing the sword /
Mass, Wendy,
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass's action-packed early chapter book series is perfect for newly independent readers!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high...
Dragon captives
McMann, Lisa
Paper Book
Ten years after Alex and Aaron Stowe brought peace to Quill and Artimé, their younger twin sisters journey beyond the islands in this first novel of a new sequel series to The Unwanteds, which Kirkus Reviews called "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." Identical...
Ellie the guitar fairy /
Meadows, Daisy.
Paper Book
Jack Frost and his goblins have stolen the Music Fairies' magic instruments. Music everywhere is out of tune! Now the goblins plan to play the instruments in a TV talent contest. If Rachel and Kirsty don't act fast, everyone could find out about Fairyland! A rockin' goblin has...
Upside-down magic /
Mlynowski, Sarah.
Paper Book
Meet the Upside-Down Magic kids in the first topsy-turvy adventure of this New York Times bestselling series, now a Disney Channel Original Movie!It's never easy when your magic goes wonky.For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of...
The extremely inconvenient adventures of Bronte Mettlestone
Moriarty, Jaclyn
Paper Book
This CBCA Notable Book is an enchanting and whimsical spell-filled fantasy novel from Jaclyn Moriarty, the award-winning author of Feeling Sorry for Celia and A Corner of White, and suitable for readers who loved A Most Magical Girl.
The whispering wars
Moriarty, Jaclyn
Paper Book
From the award-winning Jaclyn Moriarty comes a spellbinding tale of unlikely friendship, unexpected magic and competitive athletics.The town of Spindrift is frequented by all kinds of Shadow Mages and charlatans.It's also home to the Orphanage School, where Finlay lives with Glim, Taya, and Eli...
The worst witch /
Murphy, Jill,
Paper Book
Catch up on Mildred Hubble's magical adventures at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches with these reissued editions featuring energetic new covers. Mildred Hubble is starting her first year at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches -- and making a mess of it! She can't ride her...
The apprentice witch /
Nicol, James
Paper Book
"Will at once open a new and imaginative world and feel like a book you have loved forever." -- Jennifer Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author of The False PrinceA special middle grade debut of magic and courage in a world of witches, written with the charm and...
Midnight for Charlie Bone :
Nimmo, Jenny.
Paper Book
A magical fantasy that is fast-paced and easy-to-read. Charlie Bone has a special gift- he can hear people in photographs talking. The fabulous powers of the Red King were passed down through his descendants, after turning up quite unexpectedly, in someone who had no idea where...
Dinosaurs before dark /
Osborne, Mary Pope.
Paper Book
Where did the magic tree house come from? Before Jack and Anie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them back to the prehistoric past. Now can they do it before dark... or will they become a dinosaur's dinner?
A tale of highly unusual magic /
Papademetriou, Lisa.
Paper Book
Bestseller and author of the popular middle grade series Confectionately Yours Lisa Papademetriou is back with a magical, page-turning adventure for readers of all ages--a touching tale about destiny and the invisible threads that link us all, ultimately, to one another. Kai and Leila are...
Anya and the dragon
Pasternack, Sofiya
Paper Book
A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Sydney Taylor Honor winner Anya and the Dragon, the first in a duology, is a lush tale of magic and dragons, a gem for any adventure-seeking middle grade reader. Anya and the Dragon is the story of fantasy and mayhem in tenth century Eastern Europe,...
Heart of gold
Penney, Shannon
Paper Book
Meet the Cutiecorns, adorable puppies with magical horns who get into all kinds of enchanting adventures.Sparkle can't believe her puptastic luck! It's finally time for the Cutiecorns to learn how to use their special magic. And Sparkle's mom has given her a golden locket to mark the big day. But...
The magic thief.
Prineas, Sarah.
Paper Book
Discover the fantasy and wonder of The Magic Thief, the first book in Sarah Prineas's acclaimed middle grade fantasy series! Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle, said: "I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, exciting stuff." In a city that runs on a dwindling supply of magic, a...
Secrets of Valhalla
Richards, Jasmine
Paper Book
"Readers will clamor for more, especially those who loved Rick Riordan's Norse-themed The Sword of Summer." --ALA Booklist Two friends awaken a world of myth and magic in this epic middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Anne Ursu. It's not every day that you...
The bunny band /
Richardson, Bill,
Paper Book
A rhyming romp of a tale about a badger and a band of bunnies. Lavinia the badger loves vegetables and tends her garden with care, but one morning she discovers that her lettuce has been nibbled and her potatoes and beans have disappeared! She decides to set a snare for the culprit, who...
Story thieves
Riley, James
Paper Book
A hilarious, action-packed New York Times bestselling series launches with a story-within-a-story, from the author of the Half Upon a Time trilogy. Life is boring when you live in the real world, instead of starring in your own book series. Owen knows that better than...
The revenge of magic /
Riley, James,
Paper Book
"This imaginative and exciting story feels like the start of something big. The brilliant premise unfolds into a thrilling first book that has me impatient for the next one." --Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and Dragonwatch ...
Heartsong's missing foal /
Sanderson, Whitney,
Paper Book
Iris cannot wait for Heartsong to have her foal. Unicorns go into the Fairy Forest to have their babies, so Iris isn't surprised when Heartsong goes missing for a few days. Yet when the unicorn does not return, Iris and Ruby have to go in and find her. The Fairy Forest is filled with trickster magic...
Lulu and the flying babies
Simmonds, Posy
Paper Book
Lulu doesn't want to be stuck in a museum, she wants to play outside in the snow! She sits on the bench and sniffs. Before she knows it the flying babies have escaped a painting and swept her off her feet. Lulu is flown into a whimiscal, magical adventure through a world of pictures, meeting Kings,...
The magic mirror
Staniszewski, Anna
Paper Book
Magic, friendship, and adventure are the perfect ingredients for a new twisted fairy tales Branches series from Anna Staniszewski!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest...
The wonder of wildflowers /
Staniszewski, Anna.
Paper Book
Ten-year-old Mira must balance the loyalty she feels towards her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates in this powerful coming-of-age story about identity, community, and finding a place to call home. I'm not like most of my classmates. At least not yet.
Jack and the beanstalk and the french fries /
Teague, Mark.
Paper Book
Award-winning author and illustrator Mark Teague tells his humorous version of beloved fairytale classic Jack and the Beanstalk with a delicious twist! FEE FI FO FUM! When Jack trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans, he gets more beans than he...
Noodle magic
Thong, Roseanne
Paper Book
Everyone has the magic within! Grandpa Tu is famous for his special noodles, and as the emperor's birthday approaches, he teaches his granddaughter, Mei, the family trade. Mei struggles to find the magic needed to make noodles. Ultimately, she finds the magic--and the ability to...
From the mist
Thorpe, Kiki.
Paper Book
Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby are special girls. They know how to travel to Never Land, and this time Kate is craving an adventure. She gets her wish when mysterious mist horses arrive in Pixie Hollow and one takes her on a journey through the magical island. Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies star...
The trials of Morrigan Crow
Townsend, Jessica
Paper Book
A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world--but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination. Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any...
Spindrift and the orchid /
Trevayne, Emma.
Paper Book
A girl finds herself entrenched in a dark mystery after the deaths of her parents in this fantastical novel from the author of The House of Months and Years. When a man walks into her grandfather's curiosity shop and asks about a black orchid, Spindrift turns him away. She...
Poor unfortunate soul : a tale of the sea witch
Valentino, Serena
Paper Book
The tale of the sea king's daughter Ariel is a beloved one of losing--and then finding--one's own voice. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the mergirl wants more than her world can offer, and her father demands that she live...
The language of spells
Weyr, Garret
Paper Book
Grisha is a dragon in a world that's forgotten how to see him. Maggie is a unusual child who thinks she's perfectly ordinary. They're an unlikely duo--but magic, like friendship, is funny. Sometimes it chooses those who might not look so likely. And magic has chosen Grisha and Maggie to solve the...

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