Mythology-Inspired Fantasy for Tweens

Check out this diverse selection of mythology- and folklore-inspired original fantasy adventures for middle grade readers. Perfect for Percy Jackson fans and readers who love myths and legends.

Updated April 26, 2024
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Tessa Miyata is no hero
Abe, Julie
Paper Book
This thrilling and charming middle grade fantasy steeped in Japanese lore and mythology follows Tessa after she breaks a precious family heirloom, sending her on a wild adventure to save herself, her family--and all of Tokyo. Tessa Miyata has never fit in....
Amira & Hamza : the war to save the worlds
Ahmed, Samira (Fiction writer)
Paper Book
A Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2021! From New York Times and indie bestselling author Samira Ahmed comes a thrilling and magical adventure intertwining Islamic legend and history, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the Land...
The enchanted life of Valentina Mejaia
Alessandri, Alexandra
Paper Book
Encanto meets The Chronicles of Narnia by way of Colombian folklore in this middle grade fantasy adventure. To save their father's life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find the most powerful and dangerous of them all: the madremonte.
The jumbies
Baptiste, Tracey.
Paper Book
The jumbies are coming! Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. She knows that jumbies aren't real; they're just creatures parents make up to frighten their children. But on All Hallows' Eve...
Maya and the rising dark
Barron, Rena
Paper Book
In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya's search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent's...
The pearl hunter
Beck, Miya T.
Paper Book
Set in a world inspired by pre-Shogun era Japan, this is a stunning debut fantasy in the vein of Grace Lin about how a young pearl diver goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin sister, who has been stolen by a ghost whale. Kai and Kishi share the same futon, the same...
Serwa Boateng's guide to vampire hunting
Brown, Roseanne A.
Paper Book
For most kids, catching fireflies is a fun summer activity. For twelve-year-old Serwa Boateng, it's a matter of life and death. That's because Serwa knows that some fireflies are really adze, shapeshifting vampires from the forests of Southeastern Ghana. Adze prey on the blood of...
Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows
Calejo, Ryan
Paper Book
"This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan's many series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman stories." --Booklist (starred review) "A winner for all kids, but it will be especially beloved by Latinx and Hispanic families." --...
The storm runner
Cervantes, Jennifer
Paper Book
"A perfect storm of inspiring heroes, surprising twists, and some seriously scary monsters. This hilarious, expertly-plotted adventure keeps you racing through the pages and leaves you desperate for the next book (and craving a steaming mug of hot chocolate)!" --Shannon Messenger, New York...
City of the plague god
Chadda, Sarwat
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents an adventure based on ancient Mesopotamian mythology by Sarwat Chadda, author of the Ash Mistry series. "An epic worthy of Gilgamesh. Chadda brings attention to the less well-recognized mythology of ancient Mesopotamia with engaging...
The scroll of chaos
Chapman, Elsie
Paper Book
Join Astrid Xu in this action-packed adventure as she ventures into the world of mythological China in order to save her mother -- and the world! Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings! When Astrid Xu stumbles upon an ancient scroll with...
Aru Shah and the end of time
Chokshi, Roshani
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan introduces this fantasy adventure by New York Times best-selling author, Roshani Chokshi, inspired by the great epics she grew up on. Named one of 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time by Time magazine! Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a...
The spirit glass
Chokshi, Roshani
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a standalone quest adventure based on Filipino mythology by Roshani Chokshi, author of the best-selling Aru Shah series. Corazon yearns to finally start training as a babaylan (a mystical healer and spirit guide) under her powerful...
Abeni's song
Clark, P. Djèlí
Paper Book
IN DARKNESS, A SONG CAN LEAD THE WAY. BEWARE WHICH ONE YOU LISTEN TO. Abeni's Song by award-winning author P. Djèlí Clark is the enchanting beginning of an epic West African and African Diaspora-inspired fantasy adventure for middle-grade readers about a reluctant...
Mari and the curse of El Cocodrilo
Cuevas, Adrianna
Paper Book
From Pura Belpré Honor-winning author Adrianna Cuevas comes Mari and the Curse of El Cocodrilo, a new middle grade novel about a young Cuban American girl who must fight to break a curse of bad luck set upon her by El Cocodrilo when she rejects her family's traditions. If...
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...
The shadow prince
Durham, David Anthony
Paper Book
FIVE DEADLY TESTS, ONLY ONE SHADOW PRINCE In this middle grade solarpunk novel set in an alternate Egyptian universe, twelve-year-old Ash must compete and survive to become the shadow--and protector--of the prince. Growing up in a village in the middle of the desert,...
The widely unknown myth of Apple & Dorothy
Haydu, Corey Ann
Paper Book
Critically acclaimed author Corey Ann Haydu crafts a spellbinding tale following the modern-day descendants of ancient Greek gods--and how two young girls struggling against the weight of the family history end up becoming their own epic myth with large consequences. If you...
Adia Kelbara and the circle of shamans
Hendrix, Isi
Paper Book
The first book in a fast-paced, witty, and bighearted debut Afrofantasy trilogy about a twelve-year-old apprenticing in the kitchens at the prestigious Academy of Shamans who must ally with a snarky goddess and a knife-wielding warrior to save her kingdom. Perfect for fans of Amari and the...
Lalani of the distant sea
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Paper Book
"A lush and mysterious fable, full of beauty, full of wonder."--Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's debut fantasy novel is a gorgeous, literary adventure about bravery, friendship, self-reliance, and the...
The last fallen star
Kim, Graci
Paper Book
Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to...
Pahua and the soul stealer
Lee, Lori M.
Paper Book
"I love the adventures Pahua has in this book. I also love the sense of humor, the clever plotting, and the fantastic cast of characters. But most of all I love Pahua- her courage, her kindness, and her love for family."--NYT best-selling author Rick Riordan Winner...
Winston Chu vs. the whimsies
Lee, Stacey
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling author Stacey Lee's modern reimagining of a classic Chinese folktale--replete with magic, boba, and lots of trash talking. Twelve-year-old Winston Chu is supposed to learn impulse control at the cooking academy his mom...
Daughters of the lamp
Lewers, Nedda
Paper Book
Percy Jackson meets Arabian fairy tales in this stunning middle grade fantasy debut about a girl who becomes the guardian of Ali Baba's legendary treasure. Believe in fairy tales. Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan...
Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Lewis, Erika
Paper Book
Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie. The...
Where the mountain meets the moon
Lin, Grace.
Paper Book
A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​ A Reader's Digest Best Children's Book of All Time​! This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the...
Felice and the wailing woman
López, Diana
Paper Book
The twelve-year-old daughter of La Llorona vows to free her mother and reverse the curses that have plagued the magical town of Tres Leches in this delightfully sweet and spellbinding adventure by beloved author Diana L pez. When Felice learns that she's the daughter of La...
Kiki Kallira breaks a kingdom
Mandanna, Sangu
Paper Book
For fans of the Aru Shah and Serpent's Secret series, this action-packed fantasy-adventure sees a girl's drawings of Indian mythology spring to vivid life--including the evil god who seeks to enter the real world and destroy it. Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she...
Medusa
Marsh, Katherine
Paper Book
"You won't be able to stop turning pages . . . it is so stinking good!" --Colby Sharp, author of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection From National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh: Percy Jackson meets Wednesday Addams in this fantastical adventure about...
Lei and the fire goddess
Maunakea, Malia
Paper Book
"Lei and the Fire Goddess blends preteen angst and beloved Hawaiian moʻolelo in a way that hasn't been done before." -Auliʻi Cravalho, actress and voice of Disney's Princess Moana Curses aren't real. At least, that's what twelve-year-old, part...
Tristan Strong punches a hole in the sky
Mbalia, Kwame
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Kwame Mbalia's epic fantasy, a middle grade American Gods set in a richly-imagined world populated with African American folk heroes and West African gods. *"Mbalia expertly weaves a meaningful portrayal of family and community...
The fight for the hidden realm
McDermott, Siobhan
Paper Book
A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm--perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar and Eragon. Let the competition begin! ...
Paola Santiago and the river of tears
Mejia, Tehlor Kay
Paper Book
Space-obsessed 12-year-old Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule- Stay away from the river. It's all they've heard since a schoolmate of theirs drowned a year ago. Pao is embarrassed to admit that she has been told to stay away for even longer than that, because her...
The Republic of Birds
Miller, Jessica
Paper Book
A young witch must save her sister from evil birds in this masterful middle-grade fantasy   In the land of Tsaretsvo, civil war has divided the human kingdom from the Republic of Birds. Magic is outlawed, and young witches are sent to a mysterious boarding school, from...
Batu and the search for the Golden Cup
NauryzbaÄ­, Zira
Paper Book
A warrior's power lies not in his weapons but in his heart. Batu is just an ordinary kid in present-day Almaty, worried about bullies, school, and his mom's new baby...until the day he meets Aspara, the Golden Warrior. Aspara steps straight out of Batu's notebook cover--and out of...
Mwikali and the forbidden mask
Nguru, Shiko
Paper Book
12-year-old Mwikali is moving to a new school in Nairobi and just wants her life to be normal. But when she meets Soni, Odwar and Xirsi who reveal that she is descended from an ancient bloodline of legendary Kenyan warriors, all hope of a normal life fades. Now, with an array of malign forces...
Black bird, blue road
Pasternack, Sofiya
Paper Book
In this historical fantasy novel, praised as a "rich, omen-filled journey that powerfully shows love and its limits*" and "propulsive, wise, and heartbreaking,"** Ziva will do anything to save her twin brother Pesah from his illness--even facing the Angel of Death himself....
Cameron Battle and the hidden kingdoms
Perry, Jamar J
Paper Book
Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventurous middle-grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Aru Shah and Tristan Strong celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his truth path to greatness. As the true Descendant, I command to...
Ring of Solomon
Polydoros, Aden
Paper Book
"Will keep you on the edge of your seat and grinning until the last page!" --Greg Howard, author of The Whispers and The Visitors This exciting and adventurous start to a middle-grade trilogy follows a queer boy and his family as they try to halt the chaotic...
Pilar Ramirez and the escape from Zafa
Randall, Julian
Paper Book
The Land of Stories meets Dominican myths and legends come to life in Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa, a blockbuster contemporary middle-grade fantasy duology starter from Julian Randall. Fans of Tristan Strong and The Storm Runner, here is your next...
Cece Rios and the desert of souls
Rivera, Kaela
Paper Book
When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back, in this own voices middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.  Living in the remote town of Tierra del Sol...
Naomi Teitelbaum ends the world
Shanker, Samara
Paper Book
A magical Bat Mitzvah gift gets out of control and thrusts a girl into a supernatural quest with the fate of the world at stake in this "refreshing, fast-paced" (School Library Journal) middle grade adventure that's perfect for fans of Aru Shah. Naomi Teitelbaum is so<...
Rayleigh Mann in the company of monsters
Smart, Ciannon
Paper Book
"A dangerously good time!" --Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author "This enchanting world will grab hold and never let go. Triumphant!" --Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers  Enter the world of Below London,...
Momo Arashima steals the sword of the wind
Sugiura, Misa
Paper Book
A thrilling fantasy series about a twelve year old girl who sets out to save her Shinto goddess mother--and the world--by facing down demons intent on bringing chaos. "A grand adventure." --Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven "A wild...
Theo Tan and the fox spirit
Sutanto, Jesse Q.
Paper Book
After inheriting a grieving fox spirit, a Chinese American boy must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother's death in Jesse Q Sutanto's magical, action-packed middle grade fantasy, Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. Theo Tan doesn't want a spirit...
Wrath of the rain god
Valenti, Karla
Paper Book
Twins coping with moving to a new city get swept back in time by a magical book in this first book in the Legendarios chapter book series that's Magic Tree House meets Heroes in Training! Nine-year-old twins, Emma and Martín, couldn't be more different in their personalities,...
Fenris & Mott
Van Eekhout, Greg
Paper Book
A girl and her puppy face down the end of the world--which the puppy's partly responsible for--in this middle grade story from acclaimed author Greg van Eekhout, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and J.C. Cervantes. When Mott finds a puppy abandoned in a recycling bin,...
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors
Villanueva, Gail D.
Paper Book
In this fast-paced, thrilling middle grade fantasy rooted in Tagalog mythology, a young Filipino girl discovers realms beyond our own full of monsters and gods, a terrible evil who wants her magic, and even a talking duck! The first book in a duology from Gail D. Villanueva (My Fate According to...
Lia Park and the missing jewel
Yoon, Jenna
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of the Storm Runner and Aru Shah series, this "intriguing, fast-paced" (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade fantasy follows a young girl who must venture to the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King in Korea to save her parents from an evil diviner spirit. Twelve...
Healer of the water monster
Young, Brian
Paper Book
American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner: Best Middle Grade Book! Brian Young's powerful debut novel tells of a seemingly ordinary Navajo boy who must save the life of a Water Monster--and comes to realize he's a hero at heart. When Nathan goes to visit his grandma, Nali...
Farrah Noorzad and the ring of fate
Zargarpur, Deeba
Paper Book
A 12-year-old girl discovers her true jinn heritage when a birthday wish gone wrong traps her father in a magical ring, sending her on an epic quest to free him. This richly imagined fantasy series inspired by Persian mythology and Islamic lore is filled with action, magic, and self-discovery.
The dragon warrior
Zhao, Katie
Paper Book
"An exhilarating tale. . . Readers will be enthralled." --J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner A debut novel inspired by Chinese mythology, this middle-grade fantasy follows an outcast as she embarks on a quest to save the...
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
Zhao, Xiran Jay
Paper Book
Percy Jackson meets Tristan Strong in this hilarious middle grade "edge-of-your-seat adventure" (James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies) that follows a young boy as he journeys across China to seal the underworld shut and save the mortal realm. ...

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