Recs if you like My Father's Dragon (My Father's Dragon, #1)...

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)

Complete as of August 2026.

Books that were nominated for the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to juvenile literature but did not win Currently lists nominees up to 2024

Childhood favorite books or newer children’s books to turn to when you need a break from the adult world or a healthy dose of nostalgia

Other items used: "History/Bible/Literature K Instructor's Guide", "Create-A-Calendar", "Timeline Figures K", "Sing the Word: From A to Z", "Alphabet Sounds BINGO Cards", "BINGO Markers", "Go A to Z!", "Slate Chalkboard with Chalk & Sponge", "Lined Paper for approx. levels K-1", "Capital Letter Wood Pieces", "Mat for Wood Pieces", "Discover & Do: Kindergarten Science Supplies Kit", "Discover & Do: Kindergarten Experiments Paper Packet", "Discover & Do: Kindergarten Science Experiment Videos", "Math-U-See Integer Block Kit", "MathTacular 1", "MUSK Primer Online Instruction with Video", "Markers", "3" Binder with Tabs", "Markable Map", "The Timeline Book", "Extra Language Arts K Student Activity Sheets", "Extra Science K Student Activity Sheets", "Sheet of Book Labels K", "Hands-on History: World Cultures", and "Electives K" (which includes "Meet the Instruments: Exploring the Orchestra", "Three Little Piggies", and "The Art Treasure Hunt').

Other items used: Create A Calendar, History A Instructor's Guide, Language Arts K Instructor's Guide, Science A Instructor's Guide, Science A Experiments Book, Timeline Figures A, Alphabet Sounds Bingo Cards, Bingo Markers, Go A To Z!, Discover & Do - Science A Experiment Videos, Discover & Do A: Science Kit, Science A Experiments Paper Packet, Capital Letter Wood Pieces, Mat For Wood Pieces, Slate Chalkboard With Chalk & Sponge Kit, Lined Paper For Levels K-1, Integer Block Kit, Primer Online Instruction With Video, World/USA Markable Map, D Ring 3 Inch BookShark Binder With Tabs, The Timeline Book, Markers, Virtual Seat for Level A All Subject Package, World Cultures History Hands-On Kit, and Explode the Code A, B, C with Teacher's Guide.