Recs if you like Magyk...

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.

Fantasy titles that have become foundational to the genre and/or that are considered fantasy classics, written by women. Always open to suggestions!

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.

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.

An eclectic mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and nonfiction that either reimagines our world, builds an entirely new one, or reveals the wonders of the real world. If a book is part of a series, I’ve only included the first one.

I work at a bookstore and sometimes I bring people into the middle grade/ya section and am like...hey...I know we are above the age of 13, but trust me, these are amazing 10/10 and you should read. These are some of those books :)

Also feel free to suggest your favs too! Especially the ones that you never hear anyone talk about!!

books i got lost in during quiet reading time as a kid (and maybe you did too)

Each year, for Chinese New Year, we do a rec list with books aligned to the Chinese zodiac animal for the year. Most of these books are queer, though often it's subtextual. We've done 3 lists so far: 2024, dragons; 2025, snakes; 2026, horses. Find all the recs for these lists here! (This list is presented by Duck Prints Press, the indie publisher focused on publishing queer art and stories by queer creators!)

was it all a dream?

Sometimes present day is too heavy, let’s take a trip back in time.

"All aboard the Nostalgia Train!
We are an online book club that covers the YA and MG mega hits of the past.

You can re-read a childhood favorite or discover a cultural touchstone you may have missed out on. Then we chat about them in YouTube live streams and see how they have stood the test of time."

do i remember the plots? probably not

A nostalgic collection of YA and middle grade books. Please feel free to suggest titles as well!

Books that almost made it: Series of Unfortunate Events: started in 1999 Harry Potter: started in 1997 (and f her) Redwall: started in 1995 Alanna/Immortals: started early 90s

A collection of classic fantasy books.