One of the most important factors in learning to read is finding the right book. Chances are, the Harry Potter series was a gateway to your classroom library for many of your students. So what should they turn to when they’re ready for a new adventure? These popular, addicting titles are the perfect place to start!

From fantastical stories to diverse characters, these choices carefully curated by our Collection Development experts will represent both your kids’ growing interests and their backgrounds.

1. His Dark Materials series
by Phillip Pullman

Interest level: 5-12

“The Golden Compass is one of the best books I’ve ever read and the whole series was hugely influential on me as a younger reader. Lyra’s story is one that I return to over and over again, often relistening to the audiobooks when I need the strength and comfort that a familiar story brings. Philip Pullman treats his readers as thinking and feeling people, never talking down to them just because they are mostly children. Like all good fantasy series, this one will make readers reflect on issues in our own world through the lens of a fantastical land.” ~Brandi

In this epic trilogy, Pullman unlocks the door to worlds parallel to our own. Daemons and winged creatures live beside humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust might have the power to unite the universes—if it isn’t destroyed first.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
by Rick Riordan

Interest level: 5-8

“The Lightning Thief has been one of the most popular books for middle school readers for many years now–and it’s well deserved! Often flawed and trying to figure out the right/best course as he goes along, Percy Jackson is an extremely relatable and compelling character. His dyslexia and ADHD make school a struggle and his step-father makes home life pretty terrible, too. Only his best friend and his mom really seem to understand him and have his back. When monsters from the Greek myths start hunting him, Percy finds out there is more to his real father’s absence than he ever knew. This fast-paced story has short chapters that will have readers asking for just a few more minutes to read!” ~Brandi

Percy Jackson’s life is changed forever when he learns his true identity as a demi-god and discovers a secret world where the characters of Greek mythology actually exist.

3. Children of Blood and Bone series
by Tomi Adeyemi

Interest level: 9-12

“While not recommended for kids at the younger end of the Harry Potter interest level, it’s perfect for a high school audience looking for an intensely action packed, magic-filled adventure with more adult themes, violence, romance and diversity. It’s steeped in West African mythology and, while set in a fictional land, can certainly be used to draw parallels to real-world issues. The second book in the trilogy, Children Of Virtue And Vengeance, is out now.” ~Stephanie

Seventeen-year-old Zelie, her older brother Tzain and rogue princess Amari fight to restore magic to the land and activate a new generation of magi, but they are ruthlessly pursued by the crown prince, who believes the return of magic will mean the end of the monarchy.

4. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series
by Rick Riordan

Interest level: 5-9

“In this Stonewall Award-winning series based on the Norse gods, Magnus must try to save the world from Ragnarok. The cast of characters is incidentally diverse in many aspects. I’m a sucker for a good fantasy romance and loved watching Magnus fall for gender-fluid Alex, while both are battling monsters and saving the day.” ~Brandi

Magnus Chase, cousin to Annabeth in the Percy Jackson series, discovers he is the child of a Norse god. These action-packed books will keep readers on the edge of their seats and also introduce them to Norse mythology.

5. Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell

Interest level: 9-12

“Within just a few chapters, this became my new favorite series about a misfit boy wizard finding his way in the magic world. Simon and Baz’s complicated relationship is only one part of this exciting series. Perfect for fantasy fans that know that no matter what sort of world you find yourself in, doing the right thing often takes a tremendous amount of courage and help from friends!” ~Brandi

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen. That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right. Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

6. Amulet series
by Kazu Kibuishi

Interest level: 4-7

“In Stonekeeper (book 1), Emily and Navin’s single mother is kidnapped by a monster and taken to another world. Throughout the series the siblings are aided by fantastical creatures and creations as they try to save their family and prevent disaster. The fast-paced storylines and gorgeous illustrations have made this graphic novel series a favorite with middle grade readers!” ~Brandi

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Emily and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots and talking animals.

7. Arc of the Scythe trilogy
by Neal Schusterman

Interest level: 7-12

“In the future, no one dies unless a Scythe mandates it. Humanity has conquered death, illness, poverty and more. Because of this, no one dies a natural death; when someone decides they are too old, they can reset themselves to a younger age. With the population out of control, it is decided that a certain amount of people should be permanently killed each year. This trilogy introduces us to Citra and Rowan, two Scythes in training as they learn the art of killing. The series deals with some heavy themes, including mortality, death and dying, suicide and more. Citra and Rowan are forced to deal with their own value systems and questions their society and their future role in it. It’s also a well written and exciting fantasy adventure series, as the two protagonists uncover some unpleasant truths about their seemingly perfect society.” ~Michelle

In a future where no one dies unless a Scythe mandates it, Citra and Rowan are chosen to learn the “art of killing” in preparation for the scythedom. What follows is a thrilling adventure where the two must work together to uncover the corruption in their supposed utopian society.

8. The Unwanteds
by Lisa McMann

Interest level: 4-8

“This fantasy series follows Alex Stowe, an Unwanted in the Land of Quill. In Quill, any type of creativity is illegal and deserving of the death sentence. When Alex is found drawing, he is sentenced to death, while his twin brother, Aaron goes on to Wanted University. However, instead of arriving at the Death Farm, Alex finds himself in Artime, a magical place where creativity and magic are encouraged. When Artime is threatened, Alex must band together with his new group of friends to save it, and he might have to fight Aaron along the way. This series is a super fun adventure that emphasizes the strengths of creativity, imagination and uniqueness.” ~Michelle

The magical world of Artime is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers. Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it’s up to him to find a way to restore Artime, rescue his captive friends, and free his friend Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns—three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers?

9. The Kane Chronicles series
by Rick Riordan

Interest level: 4-8

“Full of adventure and plenty of heart, this series does for Egyptian mythology what Percy Jackson did for the Greek myths. After the death of their mother, siblings Carter and Sadie Kane have been raised on separate continents and are practically strangers. Once reunited by mystical circumstances many years later, the teens discover that they have the ability to channel two of the most powerful gods from the Egyptian pantheon. But equally powerful gods are working to bring about the end of the world. The siblings must learn how to harness their powers and how to get along if they are going to save the day.” ~Brandi

Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on worldwide adventures, while the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them.

10. Pandava series
by Roshani Chokshi

Interest level: 3-7

“Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth to help her fit in. Unfortunately, her lies catch up with her when she lights an ancient lamp and frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon set on releasing the God of Destruction. The Pandava brothers, heroes from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata, are there to help Aru stop the demon, but to do so, they must journey through the Kingdom of Death. This three book series introduces readers to Hindu mythology via the adventures of a strong and smart, but impetuous and fallible, female protagonist.” ~Michelle

A funny, fast-paced fantasy adventure series based on Hindu mythology about a twelve-year-old girl who sets a cosmic showdown in motion when she lights an ancient lamp.

11. The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill

Interest level: 5-9

“This Newbery Award-winning stand-alone title is one that fantasy readers won’t be able to put down! A town in the middle of a forest is ruled by the heavy hand of the Protectorate, which insists that each year a baby must be sacrificed to the evil witch. Also yearly, a kind-hearted witch saves an abandoned baby, finding it a new home in a nearby city. One year the witch accidentally feeds one of the babies moonlight, infusing the child with magic all her own. Readers will come to understand many characters’ points of view as the narration shifts between the Protectorate intent on keeping its rule, the kind-hearted witch, a villager determined to end the witch’s life, the magical child and a mother missing her stolen child.” ~Brandi

One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge—with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth’s surface. And the woman with the Tiger’s heart is on the prowl.

12. Lumberjanes graphic novels
by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis, illustrated by Allen Brooke

Interest level: 9-12

“This superfun fantasy graphic novel series follows the adventures of a group of campers at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s for Hardcore Lady Types. Friends Mal, Ripley, April, Molly and Jo (the scouts of Roanoke cabin) task themselves with solving the mysteries of the camp, including supernatural animals, unicorns, shapeshifters and more. The campers of Lumberjanes are a super diverse group, and themes of empathy, acceptance, cooperation and kindness permeate throughout the series, making them perfect SEL titles that kids will want to read.” ~Michelle

Best friends Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley spend a fun summer at Lumberjane scout camp where they encounter yetis, three-eyed wolves and giant falcons while solving a mystery that holds the fate of the world in the balance.

13. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe
by Carlos Hernandez

Interest level: 3-7

“This Pura Belpre medal winner introduces us to Sal Vidon, a young magician who’s just moved to Miami to attend an elite performing arts school, and Gabi Real, school body president of Sal’s new school. The two are initially at odds over a bullying incident, until they realize they have more in common than they thought. Sal is battling Type 1 diabetes and dealing with the death of his mother; Gabi is trying to handle the fact that her 1-month-old younger brother might not make it out of the NICU. They soon become close enough that Sal shares his biggest secret with Gabi: he is able to make holes in the universe, which he then uses to bring in versions of his mother (Mother Muerte) from parallel dimensions. However, Sal opens one hole too many, and he and Gabi have to work together to save the universe. This is a charming, sweet, sad, hilarious adventure story where everyone is dealing with difficult issues. But they are all doing their best, and handle the situations in which they find themselves with grace and heart. The relationships between Sal and Gabi and Sal and his family are beautiful, emotional and very real. Set in a vibrant Cuban neighborhood and studded with a diverse cast of characters, this weird, fun and satisfying book is a great read.” ~Michelle

How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany’s locker? When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn’t under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal’s office for the third time in three days, and it’s still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany’s locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess, except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he’s capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken—including his dead mother—and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There’s only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

From classics like Chronicles of Narnia, to new favorites like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, independent reading time will pass quickly with the terrific titles in our Popular Series Collections. Plus, we’ve assembled them into collections, making it easy for you to fill your classroom with books students will love!

For more fantasy titles, check out:

12 LGBTQ-Inclusive Fantasy Books/Series Your Students Will Love

Engage students who favor other book series with these lists:

9 Books/Series for Readers Who Love Raina Telgemeier’s Guts
6 Books/Series for Readers Who Love Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man Series
17 Books for Readers Who Love Diary of a Wimpy Kid

What series are your students devouring these days? How do you keep them reading? Share in the comments below!