This book list highlights books that feature fantasy, daring adventures, and lots of magic. Just like Harry Potter, there are teenagers in high-stakes predicaments who must learn how to use magic for the good of the world.
A DEADLY EDUCATION | NAOMI NOVAK
“I decided that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life. I hadn’t really cared much about him before then one way or another, but I had limits.”
SUMMARY:
FROM THE PUBLISHER: I don’t need help surviving the Scholomance, even if they do. Forget the hordes of monsters and cursed artifacts, I’m probably the most dangerous thing in the place. Just give me a chance and I’ll level mountains and kill untold millions, make myself the dark queen of the world.
At least, that’s what the world expects. Most of the other students in here would be delighted if Orion killed me like one more evil thing that’s crawled out of the drains. Sometimes I think they want me to turn into the evil witch they assume I am. The school certainly does.
But the Scholomance isn’t getting what it wants from me. And neither is Orion Lake. I may not be anyone’s idea of the shining hero, but I’m going to make it out of this place alive, and I’m not going to slaughter thousands to do it, either.
Although I’m giving serious consideration to just one.
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+
Reading Level: A bit of a challenge for some students
Choice Books for All Note: This book has mixed reviews, but we loved the darker Hogwarts vibe with a complex protagonist. Just like Harry Potter, the main character is chosen to save their world from fearsome monsters through magic, a bit of luck, and unlikely mentors. This book is the first in a triology. Give it a try! It might be for you.
REVIEWS:
PURCHASE:
Remember! Your local library should have all of the books in physical or ebook format for free!
THE LIGHTNING THIEF | RICK RIORDAN
“Look., I didn’t want to be a half-blood. If you’re reading this because you think you might be one, my advice is: close this book right now. Believe whatever lie your mom or dad told you about your birth and try to lead a normal life.”
SUMMARY:
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school . . . again. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he’s not even sure he believes himself.
Until the Minotaur chases him to summer camp.
Suddenly, mythical creatures seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. The gods of Mount Olympus, he’s coming to realize, are very much alive in the twenty-first century. And worse, he’s angered a few of them: Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Format: Audiobook, Chapter Book, & Graphic Novel
Genre: Action and Adventure Fiction & Fantasy
Recommended Age: 11+
Reading Level: The many mythological names and length make this book a bit of a challenge for some students (Lexile: 680)
Choice Books for All Note: This book is so fun. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, and Percy is such a relatable character. Just like Harry Potter, Percy is chosen from birth for great things, but he is poorly equipped to face these challenges. Students would find Percy to be relatable (even when fighting mythological creatures) and his open discussion about dyslexia is refreshing. There is also a great graphic novel adaptation of this book which would be a great place for reluctant readers to begin. Note - this book is the start to an excellent series.
REVIEWS:
PURCHASE:
Remember! Your local library should have all of the books in physical or ebook format for free!
THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA | TJ KLUNE
“‘Oh dear,’ Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow. ‘This is most unusual.’ That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head”
SUMMARY:
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Linus Baker is a by-the-book caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+
Reading Level: Challenging for some students
Choice Books for All Note: Unlike Hogwarts, this magical school is full of magical outcasts who depend on the school and each other to protect each other. The loyal friendships will remind you of Harmonie, Ron, and Harry. This book will fill you with wonder as you root for the most unusual cast of lovable characters. This book deserves a hug.
REVIEWS:
PURCHASE:
Remember! Your local library should have all of the books in physical or ebook format for free!
CLASSICS CORNER -- THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWERY
CONNECTION:
A Deadly Education, The Lightning Thief, and The House in the Cerulean Sea all feature a protagonist that you root for as they discover a world of magic and use this knowledge to save the world. If you enjoyed any of these books, then you will love The Giver by Lois Lowery. It is a short book with an unforgettable main character faced with an immense amount of responsibility.
TEACHING TOOLS:
Listen - SSR Podcast -- The Giver (Episode 80)
Watch - How to Recognize a Dystopia - Ted-Ed
Read - Reading Lois Lowery’s ‘The Giver’ as an Adult - The Atlantic
