Are you knocking on the back of every wardrobe you see in the hopes that Narnia will let you in? Come away on a magical adventure with our Middle Grade Fantasy picks, and get ready to dive into bedazzling worlds filled with excitement, adventure, and enchantment around every corner.
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Though she tries, Sophie can't control her magic. She's sent to train with her great-aunt; instead of encouraging her, however, Auntie offers nothing but criticism, crushing Sophie's spirits. Determined to prove her capability, Sophie attempts a powerful spell and accidentally intertwines her magic with a young water dragon named Lir. Together, they’ll have to figure out how to get him home, but Sophie’s anxieties and fears that she’ll never be a good witch threaten to overwhelm her. Tidesong is a charming story about unlikely friendship and finding your own path, even when your biggest naysayer is yourself. — Cortney, Assistant Children's Book Buyer
"I adore all of Lisa McMann's books, but Clarice the Brave may just be my favorite. It's a wonderful story of love, hope, resilience, and overcoming prejudices. Clarice and Charles Sebastian are careful mice, born and raised on a ship. Their mother taught them to be cautious, to stay safe, and always stay together. Until the day they lose their mother to the sea and are forced apart by a mutiny among the humans. With promises to find each other again, both face impossible odds and find unexpected friendships among former enemies in their quest to be reunited. This book is perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo's Tale of Despereaux and anyone who loves a good sea adventure." — Brandi, Children's Book Buyer
"What I liked about the book is that it made real life references to the world including celebrities and other well-known things that I could relate to as a young teenager. What I also liked about the book was how the two siblings worked together to save the world and restore the moon that had broke. Along their journey, they faced lots of challenges they had to work through. They also had to battle monsters to restore peace for the world. Overall, this book was a really good, well thought-out, and well written book that is good for ages 8 and older. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure book." — Sofia, BIT Reviewer
This book is so cool! I thought it was going to be a novel, an illustrated novel, of course, but it's much more than that. A kaleidoscope of stories that collectively tell one story of love and grief between two people. Beautifully done, as only Brian Selznick does. — Brandi, Children's Book Buyer
So many things to love about this book! The art style is beautiful, the characters are complex, and the story is engaging. Not to mention twin witches, a dark prophecy, magical mishaps, and dragons. So, after you read it let me know and we can discuss theories about what happens next! — Cailey, Bookseller
The turn of a card could change your destiny in this captivating middle grade adventure based on the Lotería card game and perfect for fans of Coco. While searching for her missing cousin, a young girl is transported to a mythical kingdom, becoming entangled in a perilous game of chance.
“A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore.” — School Library Journal, starred review
Lev Grossman's debut middle grade novel is filled with adventure, humor, and magic. I've read it more times than I can count, because it's just so much fun! One reason why I'm so enamored of this little novel is the environmental message that the author has gently woven into the story. In it talking animals share their experiences and show the protagonists, Kate and Tom (and readers), the impact humans have on the environment. This book will make you laugh, and it will make you think. I'm definitely stuck on this book and if you want to get stuck in a book, I highly recommend you pick up The Silver Arrow for the adventurer in your life! — Brandi, Children's Book Buyer
Along the same vein as classics such as the Secret Garden and Chronicles of Narnia, Nathan unexpectedly goes on a journey when trying to liven up his boring summer. Brian Young's debut novel is teeming with ideas, characters, wisdom, and the innocence portrayed here is precious and should always be preserved, no matter how old we all get. — Tim, Children's Book Specialist
I have not been *this* excited reading a middle-grade fantasy adventure book since Percy Jackson and The Sisters Grimm (two of my all-time favorites)! The bar is high, and B.B. Alston exceeded my expectations with a novel that has no shortage of fantasy, but also tackles discrimination in both our world and the supernatural world. Amari is an incredible character, full of sincerity, magic, and heart. You won’t want to put this book down; I certainly couldn’t! — Gemma, Bookseller
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