Young readers who are spellbound by the adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron will be just as taken by these fantasy favorites. There are whole worlds beyond Hogwarts to explore, and even you may not be able to put these recommended books down! Note: Some fantasy is best shared with slightly older children.
Here are some recommended books in the Southfield Public Library catalog with commentary by the article’s writer. If you don’t see a copy available, contact a librarian to place an item on hold for you!
 | Dealing with Dragons Wrede, Patricia Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader A princess is bored by the goings-on at the castle but finds adventure with dragons when she runs away. She willingly becomes the captive of Kazul, a grumpy but good-hearted dragon, and the two of them save the other dragons from mean-spirited wizards. Sequels are equally light and engaging and include: Searching for Dragons, Calling on Dragons, and Talking to Dragons. Our Catalog |
 | Half Magic Eager, Edward Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader A boring summer turns into a fantastic series of adventures when Jane and her three siblings find an ancient coin that makes wishes come true – but only halfway. Other magical titles by Edward Eager include: Knight’s Castle, Magic by the Lake, The Time Garden, Magic or Not, The Well-Wishers, and Seven-Day Magic. Our Catalog |
 | High Tide in Hawaii Osborne, Mary Pope Illustrated by: Sal Murdocca Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader Hawaii is home to no less than 8 national parks where magic abounds in natural wonders such as the Volcanoes National Park. In this Magic Tree House installment, Jack and Annie are instructed to find a "special magic" in old Hawaii. They find it in Hawaii's beauty and the drama of natural disasters! Our Catalog |
 | Midnight for Charlie Bone Nimmo, Jenny Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader Like another English boy, Charlie discovers his unique mysterious abilities and goes off to Bloor's Academy, a school for specially gifted students. Twists and turns, exceptional magical skills, and remarkable characters make this an adventure not to miss. Our Catalog |
 | So You Want to Be a Wizard Duane, Diane Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader When Nita discovers a book entitled So You Want to Be a Wizard? at her local library, she enters another dimension where she successfully defeats the forces of evil. The series continues in Deep Wizardry, High Wizardry, and A Wizard Abroad. A powerfully involving story about two lonely kids who are inadvertently caught up in the never-ending battle between good and evil. Our Catalog |
 | The Book of Three Alexander, Lloyd Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Myths and Legends Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, and a host of memorable characters set out on a hazardous mission to save Prydain from the forces of evil. Drawing inspiration from the colorful tales of Welsh mythology, The Chronicles of Prydain continue in The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. Our Catalog |
 | The Dark is Rising Cooper, Susan Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Myths and Legends Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader While on vacation in an English village by the sea, Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew, the protagonists of Over Sea, Under Stone, begin a quest to retrieve a relic from King Arthur’s time. Different characters join their quest through The Dark Is Rising, Greenwitch, and the Newbery Award winning The Grey King, until the Drew children, Will Stanton, and Bran Davies defeat the forces of the Dark in the exciting conclusion of the series, Silver on the Tree. Our Catalog |
 | The Hobbit Tolkien, J. R. R. Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader Bilbo Baggins leaves his comfortable Hobbit-hole when selected by Gandalf the wizard to become part of a dangerous adventure in this prequel to Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Our Catalog |
 | The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Lewis, C. S. Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader When siblings, Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund are sent away from London air-raids during World War II, they are placed with an old man in the country. There, they enter another time and place through an old wardrobe found by Lucy. This is the first book in the Narnia Chronicles. Our Catalog |
 | The Secret of Platform 13 Ibbotson, Eva Illustrated by: Sue Porter Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Age Level: 9-12 Reading Level: Independent Reader The secret Island is perfect — with one exception. It’s missing its prince, who was stolen years before as a baby. Now a hag named Odge Gribble, an old wizard, and other memorable characters have set off on a quest to London to rescue the child and reunite him with his parents. Our Catalog |
