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
All aboard for the first journey in the bestselling Train to Impossible Places Adventures, with magic at every stop.Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the Branford Boase Award and the IBW Book Awards, with dazzling illustrations from Flavia Sorrentino, join Suzy on this magical...
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...
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 this fast-paced series perfect for young 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-interest content, fast-paced plots, and...
The hippo at the end of the hall
Cooper, Helen
Paper Book
One morning, a boy called Ben Makepeace finds a small envelope hidden behind the milk bottles. An envelope containing a very special invitation to come and see The Gee museuma dusty old place under threat of closure. However, once inside he discovers all sorts of incredible things like talking owls,...
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 & Ketchup-Face and the quest for the magic porcupine
Dougherty, John
Paper Book
Approved by the Great Kerfuffle Society for Approving ThingsOi! You at the back! Yes, you! Stop mucking about and get a move on. Some of us are waiting to get going on this quest you know! These magic porcupines are pretty hard to find, so pay attention and stick with our fearless heroes, Stinkbomb...
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 long...
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...
Archie Greene and the magician's secret
Everest, D. D.
Paper Book
A phenomenal magical fantasy where bookshelves are enchanted, librarians are sorcerers and spells come to life, by an astonishing debut author.
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...
Voyage to Magical North
Fayers, Claire
Paper Book
Take to the high seas in Voyage to Magical North, a swashbuckling pirate adventure filled with magic by Claire Fayers. 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...
The ruins of Gorlan
Flanagan, John
Paper Book
Soon to be a major TV series! 'Up there with young Harry Potter' MANLY DAILY 'Unstoppable action and riveting reading' GOOD READING 'A rousing story of heroism and friendship' LIMELIGHT 'Battles, swordplay, strategy... an...
A most magical girl
Foxlee, Karen
Paper Book
Magical machines, wizards, witches, mysterious underworlds, a race against time - and two most magical girls.
Alistair Grim's Odd Aquaticum
Funaro, Gregory
Paper Book
Grubb, the young apprentice at Alistair Grim's Odditorium (a flying house of mechanical wonders) finds himself on the run, as all of London is convinced that Alistair Grim is a villain. Grim, however, has come up with a plan to defeat the real villain: the evil Prince Nightshade, who wants the...
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...
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 bone garden
Kassner, Heather
Paper Book
Age range 9+ With echoes of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener, debut author Heather Kassner crafts a gorgeously written story humming with magic, mystery, and dark imaginings.<...
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
The Wearle came to Erth to find out what happened to their previous group, who never returned. Gabrial, a young blue dragon, is desperate to prove his worth. But the dragons aren't alone in the mountains. Down beyond the scorch line, Ren, a young hom boy, is fascinated by the...
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...
The cats of Tanglewood Forest /
De Lint, Charles,
Paper Book
In this whimsical, original folktale, written and illustrated throughout in vibrant full color by two celebrated masters of modern fantasy, a young girl's journey becomes an enchanting coming-of-age story about magic, friendship, and the courage to shape one's own destiny. ...
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...
Maggie Malone and the mostly magical boots /
McCarthy, Jenna.
Paper Book
If you could be anyone--who would you choose? Sixth grader Maggie Malone is having her worst birthday ever. She's the new girl at Pinkerton Middle School where she has zero friends. And her favorite gift-giving aunt sent her a pair of boring, brown, hand-me-down boots. (Yeah, those'll make...
The unwanteds quests complete collection
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 New York Times bestselling first novel of a new sequel series to The Unwanteds, which Kirkus Reviews called "The Hunger Games meets Harry...
Ellie the guitar fairy
Meadows, Daisy.
Paper Book
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 slightly alarming tale of the whispering wars
Moriarty, Jaclyn
Paper Book
This Queensland Literary Award-winning, CBCA short-listed book is an enchanting and whimsical spell-filled fantasy novel from Jaclyn Moriarty, the highly-acclaimed author of The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone.
The worst witch
Murphy, Jill
Paper Book
It was Mildred Hubble's first year at Miss Crackle's Academy for Witches, and she was one of those people who are always in trouble. She couldn't even ride a broomstick without crashing it, and when she mixed spells she always did the wrong one. But Mildred had lots of friends until she made the...
The apprentice witch
Nicol, James
Paper Book
  Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones in the first spellbinding APPRENTICE WITCH book! 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witchbooks' ABI ELPHINSTONE 'A charming tale of magic, bravery and friendship, reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones.' GUARDIAN '
Midnight for Charlie Bone
Nimmo, Jenny
Paper Book
Classic magic and mystery from one of Britain's best-loved authors of fantasy adventure. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Eva Ibbotson, Cornelia Funke's Inkheart and Shane Hegarty's Darkmouth. An Academy for magic and special talents. A destiny unfulfilled. A secret...
Have sword, will travel
Nix, Garth
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling authors Garth Nix and Sean Williams, comes this hilarious, action-packed adventure featuring a very unlikely knight, an admirably stubborn girl, and a sword with attitude.
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...
Witch switch
Pounder, Sibea̕l
Paper Book
_______________ 'This is a witch story like no other - and it's a blast!' - Bookseller 'Brilliantly magical' - Tom Fletcher Book Club _______________ The second book in the hilarious Witch Wars series for...
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...
Story thieves
Riley, James
Paper Book
This "clever opener likely to leave readers breathless both with laughter and anticipation" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) is the first in the New York Times bestselling series from the author of the Half Upon a Time trilogy. Life is boring when you live in the...
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 wonder of wildflowers /
Staniszewski, Anna.
Paper Book
"A light fantasy with a powerful message of hope." --Kirkus Reviews "A gentle yet empowering story." --School Library Journal Ten-year-old Mira must balance the loyalty she feels towards her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates...
Layla and Dancer
Sykes, Julie
Paper Book
When your best friend is a unicorn, magical adventures are guaranteed!
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...
Nevermoor : 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 always wants more than her world can offer, and her father demands that she live within the confines of his domain. Her...
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...
The legend of Sam Miracle /
Wilson, Nathan D.
Paper Book
This new fantasy-adventure series from N. D. Wilson, bestselling author of 100 Cupboards, pits a misfit twelve-year-old against a maniacal villain with a deadly vendetta. This one-of-a kind story is must read for fans of Brandon Mull and Soman Chainani, and the start of a thrilling...
All the colors of magic
Zinck, Valija
Paper Book
"An exciting new voice among the world's storytellers." -- Cornelia FunkeA heartfelt, adventure-filled, and charming novel about a peculiar girl who embarks on a journey to find her father, the wizard.Penelope has always been different from other children. Her hair has been gray since she was...

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