5 Magical Books to Introduce Kids to the Fantasy Genre

To say books like Harry Potter started a fantasy movement is an understatement. During the early 2000s, there was a boom in the fantasy genre for middle grade and YA fiction. Since then, we’ve been treated to some wonderous novels that embody the adventure, magic and bravery we all crave every now and then. Here, we list five books that make the perfect introduction to the genre of fantasy – perfect for reluctant readers, too.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter and his epic adventures have become a cultural phenomenon, bewitching millions of readers all across the globe.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone here.

His Dark Materials Stone by Phillip Pullman

Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world…

Ages 12+

Buy a copy of His Dark Materials here.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Meet the great Skulduggery Pleasant: wise-cracking detective, powerful magician, master of dirty tricks and burglary (in the name of the greater good, of course). Oh yeah. And dead. Then there’s his sidekick, Stephanie. She’s… well, she’s a twelve-year-old girl. With a pair like this on the case, evil had better watch out…

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Skulduggery Pleasant here.

Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry

Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventure-filled fantasy introduces readers to Cameron Battle as he begins his journey to greatness. Percy Jackson meets Black Panther – this blockbuster middle-grade adventure is perfect for fans of Jane Doe and the Cradle of All Worlds and Wilbur Smith’s Cloudburst.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms here.

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup by Andy Sagar

The first in a new fantasy series about a girl with fox ears who has never fitted in. With adventure and magic in every teacup, this is perfect for fans of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency and Starfell.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup here.