The day you’ve long awaited as a Harry Potter fan arrives – your child is finally old enough to read The Sorcerer’s Stone! Or maybe you’re taking the read-aloud route so you can enjoy it together – either way, the time has come.
And then, faster than you can say, “Evanesco!” – it’s gone.
At least, that’s what happened in our house. My seven-year-old devoured all seven books in the series in record time, and I was left with a kid hungry for more and no idea what to give her next. Finding novels that challenge her while keeping the content age-appropriate is always a bit of a challenge. Over the next two years, we had some hits and misses as we researched and read and bought and borrowed. We found stacks of tomes dedicated to orphans and underdogs using fantastical means to save the world from evil doers!
Here’s our list of mom- and kid-approved book series to try after you’ve finished Harry Potter but still need a little magic in your life:
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child and The Hogwarts Library
Ok, these aren’t series – but if you have a die-hard Potterhead, make sure they get their hands on these supplemental books! Harry Potter & the Cursed Child is written in play form (my daughter loved this – a lot of fans don’t), and the Library is a collection of guides to the wizarding world, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
Reading Level: 3rd-5th
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Twin siblings Josh and Sophie find themselves sucked into the magical world of bookstore owner (and famous French alchemist) Nicholas Flamel and are off to save the world (with a little help from historical and mythological characters) in this globe-trotting adventure series.
Reading Level: 4th-8th Grade
Books in the Series: 6
A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, are orphaned after a mysterious fire kills their parents. Placed in the custody of their nearest “relative” (Count Olaf) the children spend the duration of the series fleeing various perilous situations while attempting to solve their parents’ murder as Count Olaf tries to steal their fortune. Yes, it’s a dark as it sounds. But it’s also funny and an interesting look at ethics.
Reading Level: 6th-8th Grade
Books in the Series: 13
The Theodosia Series
Theodosia Throckmorton’s parents are an archaeologist and museum curator in London – and she has the special ability to see the magic, spells, and curses that still cling to artifacts they discover and display. Chaos ensues as 11-year-old Theodosia repeatedly saves the world from destruction.
Reading Level: 4th-7th Grade
Books in the Series: 5
The Sisters Grimm
Two orphaned sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, are sent to live with their grandmother and discover they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm. And that famous book of fairy tales? It’s actually a history book! The sisters find themselves living in a modern day storybook village – with a mystery to solve, of course!
Reading Level: 4th-6th Grade
Books in the Series: 9
The Mysterious Benedict Society
A strange ad is posted in the newspaper: “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Those who respond (as well as those reading) undergo a series of special tests, at the end of which 4 children are selected for a secret mission. The four heroes go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened – but they need your help!
Reading Level: 6th-8th Grade
Books in the Series: 5
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
Three more orphaned siblings find themselves at the mercy of strangers in this series that will go over well with fans of Lemony Snicket. The Incorrigibles are found in the forest near Ashton Place and appear to have been raised by wolves – is their new governess Miss Penelope up for the challenge?
Reading Level: 4th-6th Grade
Books in the Series: 6
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes
Peter Nimble is a blind 10-year-old orphan in London who steals a box containing three pairs of magical eyes & subsequently finds himself caught up in a wild swashbuckling adventure on his way to discover his true destiny.
Reading Level: 4th-6th Grade
Books in the Series: 2
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
The world’s most famous game maker has designed the town’s new library and is hosting an incredible Grand Opening lock-in. Kyle and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape – and readers get to participate in the fun!
Reading Level: 3rd-5th Grade
Books in the Series: 4
Magic Misfits
Carter, a young street magician, leads a of team of ragtag illusionists in a battle to save their tow from the evil B.B. Bosso. Full of codes, ciphers, and clues, these books put readers at the center of the action (and might even teach them how to do a magic trick or two!).
Reading Level: 4th-7th Grade
Books in the Series: 3 (the 4th will be released in September 2020)
Pennyroyal Academy
Evie is not your stereotypical princess. Upon enrolling in Pennyroyal Academy, she is trained in battle against witches and dragons and learns that a Pennyroyal Princess doesn’t need rescuing – she can save herself (and everyone else, while she’s at it!).
Reading Level: 4th-8th Grade
Books in the Series: 3
The Uncommoners
Siblings Ivy & Seb must escape intruders & a very strange policeman who show up at their house after their grandmother is suddenly hospitalized. They find themselves in a secret, magical underground city below London – and that’s when the real adventure begins.
Reading Level: 4th-6th Grade
Books in the Series: 3
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings
In the oldest series on our list, hobbits, dwarves, elves, and men travel Middle Earth to return a magic ring to the fires of Mordor where it was created. The Hobbit was published first (in 1937), so we recommend starting with that one.
Reading Level: 7th-12th Grade
Books in the Series: 4
