20 OF THE BEST MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY BOOKS
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Loading... - Kuntum Chua
- 15 Apr 2022
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Nothing beats a good adventure story – except a good adventure story with a healthy dollop of magic. Middle grade fantasy books have been beloved by multiple generations of readers, and every year seems to see magical new adventures being published. Why is middle grade fantasy so popular with so many young readers? There are many reasons, from the beautifully built worlds and fascinating explorations of different kinds of magic, to the high-stakes storylines where young heroes must rescue a loved one, discover their own power or save the world (or in some cases, all three).
Middle grade fantasy books have many rich storytelling traditions to call on, and while some borrow aspects from Arthurian mythology or Norse legend, there are also many authors of colour drawing on their cultural histories to create exciting contemporary fantasy works. Some middle grade fantasy books take a Men in Black–style approach, featuring secret societies that investigate and regulate magical happenings; others put a new spin on the old favourite setting of the magical school. All feature brave heroes who contend with the challenges of a new world, new powers, or the difficulties of growing up and finding out who they really are. Whatever the young reader in your life is looking for, there’s a wealth of middle grade fantasy out there to suit all tastes.
THE BEST MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY BOOKS
AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS BY B.B. ALSTON
Amari Peters has a lot to deal with – she’s being bullied at school and her beloved older brother, Quinton, has gone missing. As she investigates her brother’s disappearance, Amari finds the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, a secret magical society full of fantastical creatures. Knowing that the best way to find Quinton is to join the society, Amari becomes a Bureau trainee. But when she gains an illegal magical skill, Amari must pass the trials and win the trust of her classmates.
EIGHT DAYS OF LUKE BY DIANA WYNNE JONES
Diana Wynne Jones is best known for her books Howl’s Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci series, but Eight Days of Luke is an underrated gem. David, an orphan who is neglected and emotionally abused by his extended family, accidentally releases a mysterious boy who introduces himself as Luke, who seems to have magical powers which focus around fire. David and Luke become friends, but now that Luke is free, other mysterious figures turn up to try to track him down. As the story continues, David and the reader both realise that these characters are famous figures from Norse mythology – as is Luke himself.
TAMARIND AND THE STAR OF ISHTA BY JASBINDER BILAN
Young Tamarind grew up in the UK and never knew her late mother, who was born in India. When she travels out to her mother’s family’s home in the foothills of the Himalayas, meeting her maternal relatives for the first time, Tamarind begins to unravel the story of her mother’s past and her own heritage, in an adventure with a magical twist.
THE DARK IS RISING BY SUSAN COOPER
A middle grade fantasy classic that has inspired modern authors such as Tracey Deonn (author of Legendborn), The Dark is Rising is technically the second in a series, but is a great point to jump in and learn about the Arthurian-inspired world of the Dark, the Light, and the Old Ones. On his 11th birthday, young Will gains magical powers and learns how to control them with the help of family friend Merriman Lyon (play around with his name a bit, and you’ll soon guess who he really is). Will must find and bring together a collection of magical artifacts before agents of the Dark can find them and use their power for evil. As well as being a fantastic adventure story, The Dark is Rising draws on myth and legend, bringing the magical world alive. Read More...
