Fantasy books you can read instead of Harry Potter
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.






magical creature collecter
gotta catch 'em all! fantasy books that feature a collection/array of different fantastical creatures, whether they just exist in the world surrounding the characters, are the main characters, or are the main focus of the story!






π Here Be Dragons π
Just an absolute butt-tonne of dragon books, baby!!






π Dragons π
Dragons everywhere. From tiny, mischievous hatchlings to wise, ancient sky-soarers, these books are packed with scales, sparks, and heart. Expect warmth, wonder, and at least a little fire.






Kid's Fantasy Adventure Series
Who TF needs JKR anymore? We got way better books out there dude






Less hyped than Harry Potter (but way better)
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.






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






β¨ unicorns β¨
unicorn books for all ages






if books were a season: fall edition
books iβve read (and liked) that made me feel the cozy calm (or dark grit) of fall
no rhyme or reason, just β¨vibesβ¨
**iβm including some cozy fantasy/spooky season/fall-occurring books, but this list is also meant to expand beyond those limited sub-genres to include books i think would hit different if read during fall or majorly incorporate elements i associate w fall like mountains/forests, adventures, murder, small towns, seasons of change/hardship, grittiness, dark academia, pirates, etc






to tween or not to tween
middle grade books to check out






Books with β¨οΈpicsβ¨οΈ
I know i cant be alone in this. I LOVE books with a little art in them. Im always pleasantly surprised when I turn the page and I see a little drawing that perfectly illustrates the moment/character/mood. Hence, this listπ₯° Not to be confused with graphic novels
Pls comment if theres anymore adult novels that I havent included






Waterstones Book of the Year Winners
2013-2026






Mythical Creature Feature
Books that focus on mythical creatures besides dragons or humanoids. Only includes the first book in each series. Feel free to offer suggestions in the comments.






one-book-fits-all [ages]
middle grade adventures! recs welcome :)
thereβs a special place in my heart for middle grade novels. i think they have the hardest audienceβtheyβre written for a group defined by transition, bridging the gap between childhood and adolescence by creating space in the in-between. when done well, their universal themes (like change!) and prose make the books translatable to any age. since it feels like that should be impossible, iβm convinced authors of this age group are geniuses.






middle school book club
books weβre reading in my middle school book club






OBOB 6-8 2026-2027
This yearβs state reading books for 6-8th. Not perfect isbn matches.





