Recs if you like Amari and the Night Brothers...

JK Rowling is a bigot who uses her platform to hurt transfolks and other marginalized groups (plus she literally just quoted Mein Kampf on the bird site). If you're still supporting her in 2025, don't bother talking to me.

books to get for the middle grade readers in your life that have similar vibes but are NOT Harry Potter (and are in fact better)

You liked Harry Potter but you’re angry at the author for being a huge transphobe and you would like some alternatives because you don’t want to give money to her so she can finance transphobia and you have enough of Harry Potter’s racist stereotypes like Cho Chang and other problematic themes in this saga? You’re in the right place! I haven’t read all, if some are misplaced, let me know! Also, if you want more fantasy recs, I have a queer fantasy list! It is addressed to different ages.

books featuring or set in magic schools / universities / academies, aka, one of the best subgenres in existence !

this list has books for all ages (am actively looking for more adult options), most of the books are dark academia, and ALL of them are fantastical 🪄 recs welcome <3

(alternatively, books to fall in love with & share with others to help avoid supporting or promoting JKR. i will never shut up ab how the Nevermoor series deserves the popularity that Harry Potter enjoys !)

Middle Grade books that show kids bucking the system, resisting empire, and learning critical community values. Even if no direct political commentary is made, these stories model anti-capitalist/white supremacist culture. Recommendations welcome!

Combo of new and older fiction written by talented Black and African writers ranging from adult to YA to middle grade. Thriller, fantasy, literary fiction and everything in between!

Feel free to make suggestions!

Dimension 20 first success, Fantasy High. 3 seasons of high school high jinks that can undeniable make me laugh even on my darkest days. Peak comfort seasons and you also get the banger of two spin-off seasons with The Seven and Pirate of Leviathan.

A list of 50+ various witchy books of varying degrees of reading level, for all things witchy and magic. The list ranges from YA to adult.

Who TF needs JKR anymore? We got way better books out there dude

These middle grade series may not have seven movies, a TV show, and a literal theme park dedicated to them, but they sure deserve it! Especially because they weren't written by JKR. All recommended by Pagebound users, and suggestions are always always welcome -- middle grade fantasy/mystery series-starters only, please! Let's foster a love of reading in kids without supporting bigotry and hatred.

Books that were/are Barnes & Noble Monthly Picks, Books of the year, Hot Coffee Hot Books, or Book Club picks.

A variety of books recommended by a librarian (appropriate for students aged 11-16 as well).

A non-exhaustive list of magical middle grade alternatives to the series which shall not be named. Only the first book of those that are part of a series is listed so as not to overwhelm. This will grow as more alternatives are found / published.

Intended audience ages 8-15ish but it's so good and comforting for any age ☺️

These are all either books that are the first in their series or work as a standalone book

These Diverse Baseline Challenge was created by @bookish.millennial & @themargherita.s (on instagram). In 2025, the goal is to read 1 book by a racialized author each month. This challenge is meant to encourage readers to try genres they historically don’t reach for, find new-to-them racialized authors, and to encourage reflection on our reading habits.

This is a mix of recommendations by the challenge organizers and myself.

The ultimate bookish read!

books i’m hoping to read for my first r/fantasy bingo

HRCYED prompt

A list compiled of books that would work for this year's r/Fantasy bingo! Trying my best to meet hardmode, but might not be the case for every one. Would to hear other recommendations!

MG is not just for the littles, there so many life lessons that can be taught if simply just slowing down and appreciating a book outside of your comfort zone!