Childrens Fantasy Books: Best Reads

Fantasy books for children, ranging from early readers to middle grade. Stories focus on magic, adventure, and imaginative worlds tailored to young audiences.

Curated by Fabled Tome

37 Books in subgenre
Apr 13, 2026 Last updated
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1 A True Home

A True Home

By ,

Rated 4.35 out of 5 stars, based on 5,117 reviews.

A True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, introduces Mona, a small mouse caught in a storm who discovers the hidden Heartwood Hotel deep in Fernwood Forest. Taken on as a maid, she learns the rhythms of this magical woodland inn, where animals seek shelter, good food, and quiet comfort. As threats to the forest draw nearer, Mona must rely on her resourcefulness and bravery to help protect the hotel and the guests who have begun to feel like family. This gentle fantasy adventure for young readers balances cozy atmosphere, light danger, and themes of belonging, friendship, and finding one’s place.

Book 1 of Heartwood Hotel series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Cozy Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals
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2 Dragonwatch

Dragonwatch

By

Rated 4.34 out of 5 stars, based on 21,186 reviews.

Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull returns to a world where magical preserves hold dangerous creatures at bay, focusing on the remote dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost. As Celebrant the Just, king of the dragons, schemes to break free and restore an age of unchecked dragon rule, the weakened order of Dragonwatch must reform to prevent a devastating war between dragons and humans. Siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson are drawn into the conflict when the wizard Agad seeks their grandfather’s aid, forcing them to combine their unusual abilities as a rare kind of dragon tamer. Blending young adult fantasy, large-scale conflict, and sibling-centered adventure, the novel follows their efforts to confront powerful magic and an organized dragon uprising.

Book 1 of Dragonwatch series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Young Adult War Childrens Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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3 Seekers of the Wild Realm

Seekers of the Wild Realm

By

Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars, based on 566 reviews.

Seekers of the Wild Realm by Alexandra Ott follows twelve-year-old Bryn, who longs to join the elite Seekers allowed to explore the dangerous, magic-filled Wild Realm beyond her village. Denied training because she is a girl, Bryn reluctantly teams up with Ari, a boy competing for the same Seeker position, after he secretly brings her a baby dragon in need of care. As they learn to handle the young dragon and slip into the Wild Realm together, Bryn gains forbidden knowledge of Seeker skills while questioning Ari’s honesty. Growing tension with a rival clan, hidden agendas, and mounting threats to her family force Bryn to test her courage, challenge tradition, and decide how far she will go to protect both her home and the wild creatures she loves.

Book 1 of Seekers of the Wild Realm series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Young Adult Childrens Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Strong Female Lead Animals
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4 Wild Magic

Wild Magic

By

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 83,109 reviews.

In Wild Magic, Tamora Pierce introduces Daine, a young girl whose uncanny connection with animals earns her work escorting a herd of ponies to the kingdom of Tortall. As she assists the royal horsemistress, Daine discovers that her talent is not simple animal handling but a rare form of magic that lets creatures understand and respond to her. Surrounded by riders, mages, and eventually dragons, she must confront painful memories and her mistrust of people in order to control this wild power. The novel blends high fantasy adventure with a coming-of-age story centered on a strong female protagonist and her evolving bond with the animal world.

Book 1 of The Immortals series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals
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5 Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

By

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 77,264 reviews.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend follows Morrigan, a girl condemned as cursed and fated to die on her eleventh birthday. Rescued at the last moment by the enigmatic Jupiter North, she is taken to Nevermoor, a hidden city where magic, strange creatures, and secret powers are part of everyday life. There, Morrigan is unexpectedly entered into a series of four perilous trials to win a place in the elite Wundrous Society, competing against children who all seem to possess remarkable abilities she believes she lacks. Blending fantasy adventure, mystery elements, and a zero-to-hero arc with a strong young female protagonist, the novel explores belonging, courage, and identity within an imaginative children’s and young adult setting.

Book 1 of Nevermoor series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Young Adult Mystery Childrens Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Competition
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6 The Girl Who Kept the Castle

The Girl Who Kept the Castle

By

Rated 4.29 out of 5 stars, based on 649 reviews.

In The Girl Who Kept the Castle, Ryan Graudin introduces Faye, a practical and determined maid who discovers that her absent-minded employer, Wizard West, has died and returned as a powerless ghost. With the enchanted castle of Celurdur due to collapse at the next full moon unless its foundation magic is renewed, West hastily organizes a successor’s competition filled with young spellcasters, temperamental creatures, and unpredictable magic. As Faye manages crises from kitchen mishaps to a compost dragon and dangerous cockatrice pens, she uncovers sabotage linked to the Shadow Queen’s servant and a threat that reaches beyond the castle walls. This cozy fantasy adventure for children centers on Faye’s resourcefulness, quiet courage, and emerging magic as she works to protect both Celurdur and the kingdom of Solum.

Book 1 of Faye series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Cozy Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Ghosts Competition
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7 Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

By ,

Rated 4.28 out of 5 stars, based on 456,315 reviews.

Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Castle Book 1) by Diana Wynne Jones follows Sophie, the eldest of three sisters, who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an elderly woman. To reverse the spell, Sophie seeks out the elusive wizard Howl and his ever-shifting castle. The story explores Sophie's interactions with Howl, a fire demon, and the witch, revealing unexpected depths in both Sophie and Howl as they confront magical challenges.

Book 1 of Howl's Moving Castle series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Demons Romance Monsters Young Adult Supernatural Classics Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Low Fantasy Female Protagonist
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8 The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 3,957 reviews.

In The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, Stephanie Burgis follows Aventurine, a young dragon whose eagerness to prove herself leads to an ill-fated encounter with a human mage and a cup of enchanted hot chocolate. Stripped of her scales and fire and trapped in a human girl’s body, she must navigate a bustling city, unfamiliar customs, and the complexities of human society. Determined to claim a place in a chocolate house, Aventurine treats apprenticeship as a new kind of hoard to win, relying on stubborn courage rather than claws. This light-hearted fantasy adventure blends magic, dragons, and food-themed worldbuilding with a coming-of-age story about identity, independence, and finding strength in an unexpected form.

Book 1 of Tales from the Chocolate Heart series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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9 Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 30,151 reviews.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George follows Creel, a practical young heroine whose aunt schemes to have her offered to a dragon in hopes of attracting a knight and improving the family’s fortunes. When a dragon does appear, Creel negotiates her freedom and leaves with what seems to be an ordinary pair of blue shoes from his hoard. As she travels through a kingdom edging toward war, she discovers that the slippers hold powerful magic tied to dragons and the fate of the realm. The novel blends light romance, fairy-tale elements, and classic heroic fantasy in a young adult adventure centered on choice, courage, and unintended consequences.

Book 1 of Dragon Slippers series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Dragons Young Adult War Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales
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10 Dragonsong

Dragonsong

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 59,272 reviews.

Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey follows fifteen-year-old Menolly, a gifted musician whose conservative coastal Hold rejects her ambition to become a Harper because she is a girl. Set on the planet Pern, where deadly Thread falls from the sky and dragonriders struggle to keep their numbers strong, the novel blends science fiction elements with classic high fantasy. After fleeing her home, Menolly survives alone in sea caves and unexpectedly bonds with a group of wild fire lizards, miniature dragonlike creatures whose abilities may influence Pern’s future. This first volume in the Harper Hall trilogy offers a young adult coming-of-age story centered on creativity, resilience, and a determined female protagonist finding her place in a dangerous world.

Book 1 of Harper Hall of Pern series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Survival Childrens Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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11 Unseen Magic

Unseen Magic

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 575 reviews.

Unseen Magic by Emily Lloyd-Jones follows eleven-year-old Fin, who finally feels secure in the strange, rule-bound town of Aldermere, where disappearing tea shops, demanding crows, and mysterious bridges are part of everyday life. When her anxiety over a school science fair pushes her to use local magic that trades memories for help, she accidentally creates a dangerous shadow version of herself that begins to disrupt the town. As odd supernatural events escalate, Fin must confront both her double and the fears she hoped to erase. Blending small-town fantasy with psychological tension, this middle grade adventure focuses on self-acceptance, responsibility, and finding a true sense of home.

Book 1 of Unseen Magic series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Young Adult Supernatural Childrens Female Protagonist Small Town Psychological
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12 Girl Giant and the Monkey King

Girl Giant and the Monkey King

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 617 reviews.

Girl Giant and the Monkey King by Van Hoang follows eleven-year-old Thom Ngho, a Vietnamese American girl whose unnerving super strength makes everyday middle school life feel dangerous and isolating. When she accidentally frees the legendary Monkey King from centuries of imprisonment, Thom strikes a bargain: she will help him recover his stolen magical staff if he promises to remove her unwanted power. Their deal pulls her into a mythic landscape of demons, dragons, gods, and Jade princesses drawn from Asian mythology. As the adventure escalates, Thom must navigate trickery, shifting loyalties, and her own insecurities in a coming-of-age fantasy that blends action, magic, and questions of identity.

Book 1 of Girl Giant and the Monkey King series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Action Demons Gods Dragons Young Adult Childrens Mythology Coming Of Age Female Protagonist
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13 First Test

First Test

By

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars, based on 63,599 reviews.

First Test by Tamora Pierce returns to the kingdom of Tortall, where ten years after knighthood training is opened to girls, Keladry of Mindelan becomes the first to attempt page training. Determined to earn her place in the royal academy, she faces harsh hazing, punishing physical demands, and the open hostility of Lord Wyldon, the conservative training master who places her on a probationary trial no boy has ever faced. As Kel navigates isolation, prejudice, and the expectations of her peers, she slowly builds alliances among other pages and within the magical world around them. This young adult high fantasy novel focuses on perseverance, quiet courage, and a strong female protagonist testing the limits of tradition.

Book 1 of Protector of the Small series

Fantasy Adventure Magic High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Strong Female Lead
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14 The Zero Blessing

The Zero Blessing

By

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 1,835 reviews.

The Zero Blessing by Christopher G. Nuttall follows twelve-year-old Caitlyn Aguirre, the only non-magical child in a powerful sorcerous family. Sent with her gifted sisters to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy as a final attempt to awaken her magic, she must navigate demanding classes and social pressures without the basic abilities her classmates take for granted. As Caitlyn searches for any sign of power, she stumbles onto an old secret buried within the academy’s history that may explain her apparent lack of talent. This young adult fantasy blends school-of-magic adventure, a determined female protagonist, and a gradual zero-to-hero arc with hints of deeper, possibly science fiction–tinged mysteries behind the world’s magic.

Book 1 of The Zero Enigma series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Academy
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15 The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 65,269 reviews.

In The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, Jeanne Birdsall follows four spirited sisters spending their summer holiday at the Arundel estate. Between exploring expansive gardens, a cluttered attic full of curiosities, and a pair of unusually tame rabbits, they also befriend Jeffrey Tifton, the lonely son of the property’s owner. Their carefree adventures clash with the strict expectations of Jeffrey’s mother, Mrs. Tifton, whose disapproval hangs over their days. Blending lighthearted comedy with small-town, slice-of-life warmth, this contemporary children’s novel traces a formative season of friendship, mischief, and quiet acts of courage.

Book 1 of The Penderwicks series

Fantasy Adventure Comedy Slice Of Life Young Adult Childrens Contemporary Female Protagonist Small Town
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16 The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 176,902 reviews.

In The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart introduces four unusually gifted children who pass a strange series of intelligence and logic tests advertised in a newspaper. Chosen by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict, they form a small team and are sent undercover to the isolated Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school whose lack of rules conceals something far more troubling than strict teachers or difficult exams. As they navigate secret passages, coded messages, and psychological manipulation, the boys and girls must rely on their distinct strengths and quick thinking to uncover a hidden threat. Blending mystery, light science fiction elements, and adventure, this young adult novel follows strong child protagonists facing escalating suspense in an academic setting.

Book 1 of The Mysterious Benedict Society series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Young Adult Mystery Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Male Protagonist Suspense
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17 Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon

Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 1,744 reviews.

Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara follows Azmina, a young girl who has just moved to a new home and stumbles into a hidden world behind her backyard. Drawn into an enchanted forest by mysterious music, she discovers that her reflection has changed and that she is now a golden dragon, soon joined by her friends Wilma and Naomi, who have also transformed. Summoned by the Tree Queen, the three girls learn they have been chosen to protect the Magic Forest from the Shadow Fairies, sinister beings determined to plunge it into darkness. This short fantasy adventure blends dragons, magic, and friendship in a heroic quest aimed at younger readers who enjoy brave female protagonists and non-human heroes.

Book 1 of Dragon Girls series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Monsters Young Adult Childrens Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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18 Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant

By ,

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 73,441 reviews.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy introduces a fast-talking skeleton detective and sorcerer who unexpectedly becomes the guardian and partner of twelve-year-old Stephanie Edgley. Set in a contemporary world threaded with hidden magic, the story follows their investigation into a rising ancient threat that could destroy everything. As Stephanie discovers her own unusual abilities, she is drawn into a secret supernatural community of sorcerers, monsters, and dangerous conspiracies. Blending fantasy, mystery, and dark comedy, this urban fantasy adventure focuses on a sharp-witted female protagonist learning to navigate both magic and mayhem under Skulduggery’s unconventional mentorship.

Book 1 of Skulduggery Pleasant series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Comedy Urban Fantasy Young Adult Mystery Supernatural Paranormal Childrens Female Protagonist Detective Strong Female Lead
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19 The Mystwick School of Musicraft

The Mystwick School of Musicraft

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 7,133 reviews.

The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury follows Amelia Jones, a determined young musician who earns a precarious trial spot at an elite academy where music is the source of magic. After a failed audition, she must navigate demanding classes, skeptical classmates, and the pressure to hide her mistakes by presenting a flawless version of herself. As strange, dangerous storms begin to threaten the school, Amelia’s struggle to master her craft becomes tied to the safety of Mystwick itself. Blending fantasy adventure, humor, and a focus on self-acceptance, this story centers on a strong female protagonist learning what it truly means to belong.

Book 1 of Mystwick series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy
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20 Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 4,146 reviews.

In Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, Julie Abe introduces a young witch whose limited powers put her future at risk. Nearly thirteen, Eva must complete a coming-of-age quest to earn the title of Novice Witch or lose her magic entirely, a challenge made harder by spells that misfire and magic that leaves her suddenly asleep. Sent to the quiet seaside town of Auteri, she opens a small repair shop, using her unreliable abilities and practical problem-solving to help residents with everyday troubles. As an unprecedented magical storm approaches, this cozy fantasy adventure becomes a test of Eva’s courage, resourcefulness, and sense of responsibility, shaping her path from uncertain apprentice to determined young heroine.

Book 1 of Eva Evergreen series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Cozy Young Adult Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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21 The Dragon of Trelian

The Dragon of Trelian

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 2,023 reviews.

The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen introduces Calen, an isolated apprentice mage, and Princess Meglynne, whose secret bond with a young dragon changes both their lives. As Meg struggles with the dangerous magical link tying her to the dragon, Calen grapples with his uncertain powers and his new role in royal intrigues. Together they uncover a plot that threatens the kingdom of Trelian, forcing them to test their courage, loyalty, and growing abilities. This first book in a high fantasy adventure trilogy blends magic, dragons, and political tension through the perspectives of two young protagonists facing the prospect of war.

Book 1 of Trelian series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult War Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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22 Dealing with Dragons

Dealing with Dragons

By

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 94,732 reviews.

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede follows Princess Cimorene, a sharp, independent heroine who refuses to accept the passive role expected of her. Tired of etiquette lessons and arranged marriage plans, she escapes her kingdom and volunteers to serve as the “captive” princess of a dragon named Kazul. In the dragon’s caves, Cimorene discovers a world of magic, politics, and absurdly persistent knights, where her practicality and wit are finally useful. This light-hearted fantasy blends fairy-tale elements with humor and adventure, offering a young adult story centered on a strong female lead who actively reshapes her own fate.

Book 1 of Enchanted Forest Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Dragons Young Adult Childrens Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Strong Female Lead
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23 The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn

By ,

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 124,371 reviews.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, with an introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, follows a solitary unicorn who discovers that creatures like her may have vanished everywhere but in her ageless forest. Disturbed by rumors that she is the last of her kind, she leaves her protected home and enters a more dangerous world shaped by mortality, human desire, and fading magic. Joined by an uncertain magician and a determined woman who refuses to be sidelined by age or convention, she travels toward a kingdom ruled by a king whose obsession has twisted both land and legend. This classic of high fantasy blends adventure, quiet humor, and melancholy as it explores identity, loss, and what it means to remain true to oneself in a changing world.

Book 1 of The Last Unicorn series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy Young Adult Classics Childrens Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist
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24 Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service

By ,

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 26,427 reviews.

Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, translated by Emily Balistrieri, follows thirteen-year-old Kiki, a half-witch who must spend a year living independently in a new town as part of her training. Settling in the seaside city of Koriko with her talkative black cat Jiji, she starts a flying delivery service, hoping her magic will make her useful to the townspeople. Instead, she discovers that earning trust, handling mistakes, and understanding her own abilities are more challenging than she imagined. This classic children’s fantasy blends light adventure, everyday detail, and a gentle coming-of-age arc centered on a resourceful young witch learning how to belong.

Book 1 of 魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Slice Of Life Young Adult Classics Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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25 A Dash of Trouble

A Dash of Trouble

By

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 3,219 reviews.

In A Dash of Trouble, Anna Meriano introduces Leonora Logroño, the youngest daughter in a tight-knit Mexican American family that runs a popular bakery in Rose Hill, Texas. Longing to be included in preparations for the town’s Día de los Muertos celebration, Leo secretly discovers that her mother, aunts, and older sisters are brujas whose pastries are infused with real magic. Convinced she shares their supernatural talent, she begins experimenting with spells behind their backs, especially when her best friend Caroline needs help. The story blends light fantasy, cultural tradition, and a coming-of-age arc as Leo’s eagerness to prove herself leads to magical mishaps and difficult choices about honesty, responsibility, and belonging.

Book 1 of Love Sugar Magic series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Supernatural Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Female Protagonist
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26 The Cry of the Icemark

The Cry of the Icemark

By

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 11,919 reviews.

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill follows Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, a young warrior princess suddenly responsible for defending her frozen kingdom after her father’s death in battle. As invading forces threaten to overwhelm the Icemark, Thirrin must negotiate fragile alliances with magical and nonhuman peoples, including Snow Leopards, Vampires, and Wolf-folk, while learning to balance courage, strategy, and leadership. Supported by a scholarly young warlock whose friendship challenges her assumptions, she confronts both brutal warfare and the emotional costs of command. This young adult high fantasy blends large-scale battles, political negotiation, hints of romance, and a strong female protagonist at the center of a harsh, wintry world.

Book 1 of The Icemark Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance High Fantasy Young Adult War Vampires Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Wolves Strong Female Lead
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27 The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl

By

Rated 4.15 out of 5 stars, based on 148,984 reviews.

In The Goose Girl, Shannon Hale expands a classic Grimm fairy tale into a character-focused young adult fantasy about identity, loyalty, and power. Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee of Kildenree grows up more at ease with animals and the secret language of birds than with court politics, a difference that leaves her vulnerable when betrayal strips her of her title on the way to an arranged marriage. Forced into hiding as a lowly goose girl in a foreign kingdom, she must rely on her quiet magic, her bond with the horse Falada, and new friendships to confront those who stole her life. The novel blends adventure, subtle romance, and coming-of-age themes as Ani learns what kind of leader she might become.

Book 1 of The Books of Bayern series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales
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28 The Search for WondLa

The Search for WondLa

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 14,135 reviews.

The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi follows twelve-year-old Eva Nine, a sheltered girl raised in an underground Sanctuary by her caretaker robot, Muthr. When circumstances force her to the surface of a strange, post-apocalyptic world, Eva discovers landscapes and creatures that challenge everything she has been taught. Her quest to find other humans becomes a survival-driven adventure, as she navigates unfamiliar ecosystems, wary allies, and dangerous enemies. Blending science fiction and fantasy elements, the novel offers a young female protagonist whose perspective remains both vulnerable and determined amid a vividly imagined dystopian setting.

Book 1 of The Search for WondLa series

Fantasy Adventure Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia Young Adult Survival Childrens Robots Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist
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29 The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 429,350 reviews.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan introduces siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who have grown up on different continents and barely know each other. When their Egyptologist father attempts a risky ritual at the British Museum and vanishes in a violent burst of magic, the two are forced together into a world where ancient Egyptian gods exist alongside modern cities. As they uncover their family’s hidden ties to the House of Life, Carter and Sadie race across contemporary settings to confront the chaos god Set and prevent his destructive plans. Blending urban fantasy, mythology, and young adult adventure, the novel follows both a male and female protagonist learning to wield dangerous magic while redefining what family means.

Book 1 of The Kane Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Gods Urban Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Mythology Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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30 The Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

By

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 74,731 reviews.

In The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Gail Carson Levine sets a classic-style fairy-tale adventure in the troubled kingdom of Bamarre, plagued by gryphons, specters, ogres, and a mysterious illness called the Gray Death. Timid twelve-year-old Princess Addie has always relied on her bold sister Meryl, but when Meryl falls sick, Addie must undertake a dangerous quest to seek a cure. Armed with seven-league boots, a magic spyglass, an enchanted cloak and tablecloth, and the hesitant affection of young sorcerer Rhys, she faces monsters, riddling specters, and a charismatic dragon. The novel blends heroic fantasy, light romance, and coming-of-age themes as a fearful girl grows into an unlikely heroine.

Book 1 of The Two Princesses of Bamarre series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Dragons Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Quest
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31 Dragon Keeper

Dragon Keeper

By

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 12,456 reviews.

Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson is a young adult historical fantasy set during the Han Dynasty in ancient China, where dragons are nearly extinct. The story follows a nameless orphan girl who forms a fragile bond with an aging dragon and is entrusted with the care of his enigmatic purple stone. Pursued across the empire by a ruthless dragon hunter and a powerful sorcerer, she must navigate dangerous landscapes, shifting loyalties, and unfamiliar magic. As the journey unfolds, the quiet servant girl confronts her own fears and limitations, gradually accepting her role as a true dragon keeper and emerging as a strong female protagonist in a world that underestimates her.

Book 1 of Dragonkeeper series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Young Adult Historical Fiction Childrens Coming Of Age Asia Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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32 The Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin

By , ,

Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 41,885 reviews.

In The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald follows Princess Irene, a sheltered child living in a remote mountain residence that is part castle, part farmhouse, while her royal father travels his realm. Beneath the mountain, goblins prepare a secret assault, forcing Irene into an unexpected adventure that draws her into alliance with Curdie, a resourceful miner boy, and a mysterious great-great-grandmother hidden in a tower room whose presence suggests quiet spiritual guidance. Blending fairy-tale motifs, underground monsters, and hints of Christian allegory, this classic children’s fantasy balances danger with wonder. This edition features an introduction by folklore scholar Maria Tatar and bold, folkloric illustrations by Mădălina Andronic.

Book 1 of Princess Irene and Curdie series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Monsters Young Adult Classics Childrens Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Christian
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33 Sandry's Book

Sandry's Book

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Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 45,198 reviews.

Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce introduces four young mages whose unusual talents set them apart from the world around them. Noble-born Sandry, whose magic works through thread and light, is taken to Winding Circle, a temple community where she is placed with Briar, a streetwise plant mage, Daja, a trader girl skilled with metal, and Tris, a weather mage feared for her volatile power. As these reluctant companions train in their crafts, they must overcome mistrust, loneliness, and the weight of their pasts. When a devastating natural disaster threatens Winding Circle, Sandry discovers that their survival may depend on whether she can literally and figuratively weave their distinct magics into something stronger.

Book 1 of Circle of Magic series

Fantasy Adventure Magic High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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34 Akata Witch

Akata Witch

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Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 38,700 reviews.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor follows twelve-year-old Sunny, an American-born girl living in Aba, Nigeria, who struggles with albinism, bullying at school, and feeling out of place. Her life changes when she befriends Orlu and Chichi and discovers she is part of the Leopard People, a hidden magical community that values the very traits she thought were flaws. As Sunny trains in this new world and joins Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha to form the youngest Oha Coven, she must balance everyday concerns like sports and school with dangerous magical responsibilities. Their task to stop Black Hat Otokoto, a criminal targeting children, pushes Sunny into a high-stakes coming-of-age test of courage and power.

Book 1 of The Nsibidi Scripts series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Urban Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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35 The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

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Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 1,628,061 reviews.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman follows Lyra Belacqua, a sharp and headstrong girl growing up in an alternate Oxford where science, theology, and magic intersect. When children begin disappearing, including her friend Roger, Lyra travels to the frozen North, a landscape of witch clans, armored bears, and experimental horrors. Guided by a mysterious truth-telling instrument and accompanied by her shape-shifting dæmon, she becomes entangled in Lord Asriel’s dangerous research into parallel worlds and cosmic forces. As war looms, Lyra must decide where her loyalties lie, knowing that saving one person she loves may mean betraying another.

Book 1 of His Dark Materials series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Young Adult War Classics Childrens Witches Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Steampunk
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36 Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted

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Rated 4.02 out of 5 stars, based on 425,242 reviews.

In Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine reimagines the Cinderella story as a young adult fantasy about autonomy, courage, and choice. Cursed at birth by the fairy Lucinda to obey any direct command, Ella grows into a sharp-witted, strong-willed girl determined to resist the dangers her “gift” creates. After her mother’s death and the arrival of a greedy father, cruel stepfamily, and mounting threats from humans and magical creatures alike, she sets out to find Lucinda and free herself from the spell. Along the way, Ella encounters ogres, elves, and a thoughtful prince, and must decide how much she is willing to risk to claim her own future.

Book 1 of Ella Enchanted series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Young Adult Classics Childrens Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Strong Female Lead
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37 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By ,

Rated 4.00 out of 5 stars, based on 517,386 reviews.

In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum and illustrator W. W. Denslow introduce Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl swept by a tornado into a vividly imagined magical land. Guided by the Good Witch of the North, she follows the yellow brick road toward the Emerald City, hoping the mysterious Wizard can send her home. Along the way, she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something they believe they lack. This classic work of children’s fantasy blends witches, enchanted creatures, and perilous encounters into an adventure that has become a cornerstone of portal fantasy and young adult literature.

Book 1 of Oz series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Young Adult Classics Childrens Witches Portal Fantasy Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist
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