Recommended Books For Children: Middle Grade Fantasy
If you are looking for some middle grade fantasy book recommendations, for children this could be the article for you.
1) The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found by Jordan Lees
Reading age: 8-11
What's the book about?
The story follows Benjamiah Creek, who does not believe in magic.
He receives a mysterious doll in the post and is taken to Wreathenworld, a labyrinth world, where people can become permanently lost.
Benjamiah meets Elizabella, who is desperately searching for her brother Edwid. Can Benjamiah help Elizabella and find his own way home?
What do we think of the book?
This book is fantastically creative and unique. Every page of the book is engrossing and will have children and adults on the edge of their seats, as they turn each page. Please keep in mind it does cover the theme of bereavement.
2) The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr
Reading Age: 9-11
What is the book about?
Rachel and Robert live an oppressed life, under the rule of Charles Malstain. That is until their father (who is also a librarian) asks them to help steal a forbidden book. Before their Dad is captured they are given the mission of finding the missing final page.
To find out the secrets of The book of Stolen Dreams, the siblings must combat many evils to be rewarded with the magical truth about the book. If the book ends up in Charles Malstain's hands, their world will never be the same again.
We really enjoyed the journey that Rachel and Robert go on to find the book and the characters who they meet along the way.
3) Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Reading age: 9+
What is the book about?
Skandar has always wanted to be unicorn rider. To be one of the few to hatch a unicorn, bond with it and race for glory. Just as Skandar's dream is being realised, a mysterious enemy, called The Weaver, steals the island's most powerful unicorn. What Skandar finds out could tear his world apart...
What did we enjoy about the book?
We think this book will be enjoyed by any children who enjoy magical boarding school fiction. We also enjoyed that the unicorns could be ferocious at times, rather than how unicorns are sometimes thought about.Â
This book is also part of a series, four books have already been published and the fifth will be released in September 2025.
4) The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Reading Age: 8-13
What is the book about?
Ella is the first conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magical school in the clouds.
Ella quickly discovers that being the first conjuror isn't easy. Some marvellers distrust her magic. When a dangerous criminal known as the Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, Ella become a target of suspicion. Ella, together with her friends, must find a way to clear her family's name before it is too late.
What did we enjoy about the book?
We enjoyed the unlikely friendships in this book, as well as Dhonielle's world building. This is also part of a series. The second book The Memory Thieves has already been published and the third book will be released in March 2025.
It does cover themes of discrimination and not fitting in. So make sure to keep this in mind if you are recommending the book to a child.
5) Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
Reading Age: 8+
What is the book about?
Sky Song takes place in a magical ice kingdom called Erkenwald, which is ruled by an evil ice queen. The tribes that live on the land have to stay in hiding, or risk being captured in her Winterfang Palace.
Eska, breaks free from a cursed magical box. Together with Flint, and his sister Blu, can they travel to the Never Cliffs and bring back an almost forgotten song, with the power to relinquish the Ice Queen of her powers.
What did we think of the book?
We really enjoyed Abi Elphinstone's ice kingdom and the friendship between Eska and Flint. We also liked the fact that Flint was perhaps a slightly unconventional hero. The character of Blu is based on Abi's sister in law, who has down syndrome. Her character is brave, resourceful and our favourite character in the book.
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