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...
The worst fairy godmother ever! /
Aronson, Sarah,
Paper Book
It takes more than a sprinkle of magic to be a great fairy godmother!Q: What do you need to become a great fairy godmother?a) kindnessb) determinationc) gusto d) all of the aboveFairy-godmother-in-training Isabelle doesn't know what gusto is, but she's pretty sure she has what it takes to pass fairy...
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 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 father to...
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...
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...
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...
Ravenous /
Connolly, MarcyKate.
Paper Book
For fans of tales by the Brothers Grimm, this novel, inspired by the fairytale "Hansel and Gretel," is a riveting and wholly original story of an epic quest and a heroine who will stop at nothing to save the one she loves most. A companion to the author's Monstrous, it will be enjoyed by fans of...
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...
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...
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,...
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 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...
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...
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 with the...
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...
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 them...
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...
Have sword, will travel /
Nix, Garth.
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling authors Garth Nix and Sean Williams, a chivalrous adventure featuring a very unlikely knight, an admirably stubborn girl, and a talking sword.It is strange enough that Odo and Eleanor have stumbled upon a sword in a dried-up river outside their village. It is...
Dinosaurs before dark : 20th anniversary edition
Osborne, Mary Pope.
Paper Book
"We are celebrating by bringing full color to the Cretaceous period--full-color art that is! This jacketed hardcover edition boasts new artwork, plus extras, like an interview between the creators, a letter from Mary Pope Osborne, and up-to-date dinosaur info! Join Jack and Annie as they travel back...
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,...
Witch switch
Pounder, Sibéal
Paper Book
Young witch Tiga Whicabim is just starting to settle into glitzy Ritzy City when Fran the Fabulous Fairy discovers that Tiga's best friend Peggy has gone missing--leaving behind only a note explaining that she's "AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES" and evil Felicity Bat is now in charge. Soon after, other...
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...
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.
Layla and Dancer
Sykes, Julie
Paper Book
What if your best friend was a unicorn? Chapter book readers are flocking to this magical series, where everyone is paired with their very own unicorn! Imagine a school where you meet your own unicorn and have amazing adventures together! That's what happens for the girls at...
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 ever expected or wanted. It's...
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...
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...
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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