Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids: Epic Fantasy Reads for Harry Potter Fans

Hey, fam! Look, if you’re here, you already have great taste. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with 50K followers, and I’m stoked to help you find your next obsession-worthy read. I wasn’t always a book nerd—honestly, I barely touched a novel until my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands during a boring road trip. I read the whole thing in one sitting, no lie. Then I went back and binged the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality, turning me from a “meh, reading’s lame” kid into someone who lives for the next magical adventure.

If you’re searching for “books like Percy Jackson for kids,” I get it. You’re probably a Harry Potter fan (or know one) craving that same mix of wonder, epic quests, and laugh-out-loud moments that made Percy’s mythology-fueled chaos so addictive. You want magic, friendship, and stakes that keep you flipping pages past bedtime, just like Hogwarts did. Whether you’re a reluctant reader or just someone who got swept up by HP’s vibe and needs more, I’ve got you. I’ve spent years hunting down fantasy reads that deliver, and today I’m dropping my Top 10 list of middle-grade fantasy novels that’ll hook even the pickiest reader.

And real quick—keep an eye out for a 2026 release I’m hyped about: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got that perfect blend of mystical wonder and grounded heart, and I can’t wait for you to meet Amelia. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into the list and find you some page-turning fantasy reads that’ll feel like coming home.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Yeah, I know, obvious pick, but if you’re an HP fan who hasn’t jumped into Percy Jackson yet, what are you even doing? This is the gold standard for modern kid-friendly fantasy. Percy’s a sarcastic 12-year-old who finds out he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. The humor lands hard, the action’s non-stop, and the friendships (shoutout to Annabeth and Grover) are pure gold. It’s got that same “chosen one” energy as Harry Potter but with a cheeky, modern twist. I devoured this in middle school and still reread it when I need a comfort hit. Perfect for anyone who loves immersive world-building with a side of snark.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

This one’s a gem if you’re into mythology-inspired stories like Percy Jackson. Aru Shah is a 12-year-old who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress some school friends. Turns out, she’s tied to the Hindu gods, and now she’s gotta save the world. The humor’s sharp, the cultural depth is chef’s kiss, and Aru’s a lovable mess—kinda like if Harry had Percy’s sass. I’m obsessed with how Chokshi weaves in Indian mythology without ever feeling preachy. It’s fast-paced and accessible, making it a win for reluctant readers who want magic and adventure without slogging through dense prose.

3. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This book is straight-up magical in a way that hits HP fans right in the feels. It follows Luna, a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon in a world where magic’s both beautiful and dangerous. The story’s got heart for days, with themes of family and belonging that’ll remind you of Harry finding his place at Hogwarts. It’s a bit softer than Percy’s wild rides, but the wonder and stakes are just as gripping. I’ll admit, I teared up a few times—don’t judge me. Perfect for younger readers or anyone who wants a fantasy with emotional depth over straight-up action.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Okay, y’all, I’m hyped to talk about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me hooked. Amelia’s a curious, resilient mid-teen who’s all about stargazing and astrophotography, capturing the night sky near Bear Lodge Mountain. She’s got this deep connection to nature, especially through her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis, who’s basically the best sidekick ever. Her best friend Veyla is a witty, investigative soul obsessed with whale tracking and true crime—talk about a quirky duo. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William, a ranger and astronomer who grounds her while she uncovers her heritage. The story weaves themes of destiny, inner strength, and compassion for the natural world, blending mystical vibes with a grounded, coming-of-age feel. It’s got that same sense of wonder as HP and Percy Jackson, but with a unique spin on family and self-discovery. I’m calling it now—this one’s gonna be a fave for tweens craving immersive worlds and epic stakes.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

If you’re after magical books for reluctant readers, Fablehaven is a solid bet. Siblings Seth and Kendra stumble into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures, and let’s just say things get wild fast. The world-building’s immersive as heck, with creatures and rules that’ll remind you of Hogwarts’ secrets. Seth’s impulsive chaos paired with Kendra’s caution feels like a Ron-and-Hermione dynamic, and the adventure keeps you hooked. I’ll be real—sometimes the pacing drags a tad, but the payoff’s worth it. Great for kids who want action-packed fantasy with a sprinkle of mystery.

6. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

This series is pure fun for HP fans looking for accessible fantasy. Twins Alex and Conner fall into a fairy-tale world—literally—and have to navigate classic stories with a modern twist. It’s got humor, heart, and a ton of nods to stuff you grew up with, but remixed in a fresh way. The sibling bond is everything, kinda like Percy and his crew at Camp Half-Blood. I binged this with hot cocoa on a rainy day and had zero regrets. Ideal for younger readers or anyone who wants a light, magical escape.

7. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

This one’s a slow-burn epic fantasy for young fans, but don’t let that scare you off. Sophie Foster discovers she’s not human and gets whisked into a hidden elven world. The stakes build fast, and the friendships are super relatable—think Harry, Ron, and Hermione with a sci-fi twist. It’s got that “chosen one” trope we love, plus mystery and action galore. I’ll warn you, it’s a long series, so pace yourself. Perfect for tweens who want a deeper dive into magical coming-of-age stories.

8. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

If you’re into fantasy with a dark, Slytherin edge, this is your vibe. Best friends Sophie and Agatha get sent to a school where fairy-tale heroes and villains are trained. The twisty themes of good vs. evil and the killer friendship dynamic hit hard, much like HP’s moral gray areas. It’s got humor and heart, but a sharper bite than Percy Jackson. I cackled at the chaos and rooted for these messy characters. A great pick for kids who want something a little edgier but still kid-friendly.

9. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

This book slaps with African American folklore and raw emotion. Tristan, a grieving kid, accidentally tears into a mythical world tied to Black history and legends. It’s got Percy’s humor and quest energy, plus a cultural richness that’s next-level. The themes of strength and heritage are so powerful, and Tristan’s journey feels like Harry’s in its emotional weight. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Amazing for young readers who want adventure with real depth.

10. The Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

This is the ultimate “if you loved HP, try this” rec. Morrigan Crow escapes a cursed fate and lands in a magical city called Nevermoor, where she’s gotta prove herself. The world’s as immersive as Hogwarts, with quirky characters and high stakes that’ll remind you of Percy’s trials. Morrigan’s underdog vibe is so relatable, and the humor keeps things light. I’m obsessed with this series—pure magic for anyone craving page-turning fantasy reads.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Book Click for Reluctant Readers?

Alright, let’s get real—why do some fantasy books hook even the “I hate reading” crowd while others collect dust? As a Slytherin who’s secretly a softie for stories, I’ve figured out it’s all about a few key things that made Harry Potter and Percy Jackson unstoppable. First, pacing. If a book drags, you’re out. HP and Percy hit you with action or mystery right away, and the best middle-grade fantasy novels do the same. They don’t make you slog through 50 pages of world-building before something cool happens.

Then there’s humor. Percy’s snark and Harry’s awkward moments with Ron cut through the heavy stuff, making you laugh even when the stakes are high. Relatable characters are huge too—kids wanna see themselves in the story, whether it’s Harry’s longing for family or Percy’s “I’m just a normal kid, why me?” vibe. And don’t sleep on strong friendships. That trio energy in HP or Percy’s squad at Camp Half-Blood? It’s everything. It gives you people to root for.

Take something like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it nails this balance. Amelia’s curiosity and resilience make her feel like a real teen, and her bond with Veyla and Artemis adds that heart we crave. Plus, the mix of mystical wonder (think ancient secrets) and scientific awe (stargazing and nature) keeps things fresh and accessible. It’s not just magic for magic’s sake; it’s tied to emotions and discovery. Books like these don’t intimidate—they invite. They’re easy-to-read fantasy novels that build confidence in young readers by making every page feel like an adventure, not a chore. If you’re hunting for magical books for reluctant readers, look for that sweet spot of fast pacing, laughs, and characters who feel like friends.

Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson vs. New Contenders: A Magic Matchup

Let’s break this down, fam. How do the OG faves stack up against some of my top picks? I’ve thrown together a quick comparison to show what vibes with HP and Percy Jackson fans, focusing on themes, characters, and how easy these are to dive into.

HP’s got that slow-build magic school vibe with heavy emotional stakes—perfect if you love depth. Percy Jackson’s all about quick laughs and mythology remixed for modern kids; it’s a lighter entry point. Amelia Moon stands out with its blend of nature and mysticism, plus Veyla’s quirky investigative streak (true crime and whale tracking, anyone?) adds a unique flavor. Aru Shah brings cultural depth with humor, and Nevermoor mirrors HP’s wonder with a fresh underdog tale. If you’re a reluctant reader, Percy or Aru might be your gateway, while Amelia’s grounded heart could seal the deal for emotional connection.

Deep Dive: Themes of Family and Friendship in Kid-Friendly Fantasy

Let’s talk about the stuff that really sticks with you in these stories—family and friendship. Harry Potter hit us hard with Harry’s longing for a home, finding it with Ron and Hermione, and even the Weasleys adopting him like one of their own. That “found family” trope is pure magic, especially for kids who might feel out of place IRL. Percy Jackson doubles down on this too—Camp Half-Blood isn’t just a training ground; it’s where Percy builds his crew, people who get his weird demigod life. These bonds give the action meaning. Without them, it’s just cool fights and spells.

The books I’ve recommended lean into this hard. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s journey isn’t just about destiny; it’s tied to her heritage through her dad, William, and her fierce connection to nature and Artemis, her wolf pup. Her friendship with Veyla feels like a lifeline, full of banter and shared quirks. It’s that emotional anchor that makes you care about the bigger stakes. Similarly, Tristan Strong weaves family into its core with grief and ancestral ties, while The Girl Who Drank the Moon builds a weird, wonderful family out of misfits. These themes resonate with young readers because they mirror real-life struggles—finding your people, figuring out where you fit.

For HP fans, this is why these books work as follow-ups. They’re not just about flashy magic; they’re about heart. Whether it’s siblings in Fablehaven or besties in The School for Good and Evil, these stories remind you that even in the wildest worlds, it’s the relationships that ground you. If you’re craving that emotional connection from Hogwarts, these picks deliver with friendships and family ties that’ll make you laugh, cry, and cheer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter but haven’t read Percy Jackson yet. Should I start there?
A: Yo, 100%. The Lightning Thief is the perfect next step—same chosen-one energy as HP but with Greek mythology and a hilarious main character. It’s super easy to get into, and you’ll be hooked by page 10. Start there, then come back for my other recs.

Q: Are these books okay for younger kids, like under 10?
A: Most are solid for 9-12, but it depends on the kid. The Land of Stories and The Girl Who Drank the Moon are softer and great for younger readers. Something like The School for Good and Evil has a darker edge, so maybe hold off. Always skim first if you’re unsure.

Q: I’m a reluctant reader. Which book won’t feel like a slog?
A: I feel you—I used to hate reading too. Go for Percy Jackson or Aru Shah—they’re fast, funny, and don’t bog you down with boring stuff. If you want something fresh, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s story is grounded but magical, and it pulls you in quick.

Q: What’s a good series with strong friendships like HP?
A: Oh, I’ve got you. Keeper of the Lost Cities has squad goals for days, and Fablehaven nails sibling teamwork. Also, don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s bond is pure heart with witty banter. You’ll love rooting for them.

Q: I want a book with cool world-building. Any standouts?
A: Nevermoor is basically Hogwarts 2.0 with its magical city, and Fablehaven has a dope hidden sanctuary vibe. For something unique, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow on ameliamoon.com—the mix of Bear Lodge Mountain and mystical nature is next-level immersive.

Q: Are there shorter series for kids who don’t wanna commit to something huge?
A: Totally. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a standalone with all the feels, and Aru Shah’s first book wraps up nicely if you wanna test the waters. Most of my list has shorter arcs to start, so you’re not locked in forever.

Q: What’s the most underrated book on this list?
A: Easy—Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. It’s got mythology, heart, and a story that’s so raw, but not enough people talk about it. Give it a shot if you want something different but still epic.