“Normality is much less captivating than the extraordinary.”
If you’re not familiar, a ‘tween‘ (short for ‘tweenager‘) refers to a child between the ages of 10-14. While teenagers often steal the spotlight with the ups and downs of adolescence, the tween years are equally significant in shaping a person’s development on the path to adulthood. In the world of tween fiction, fantasy novels have become a thriving market, offering a much-needed escape from reality with stories that captivate young imaginations. Moreover, these books also address some of the main issues that tween readers may be grappling with at this stage of their lives. So, without further ado, join us at What We Reading as we take you on a journey through 7 of the best fantasy books for tweens!
The Jumbies – Tracey Baptiste
Tracey Baptiste kicks off a series filled with wacky adventures rooted in Caribbean folklore with The Jumbies, drawing inspiration from the renowned Haitian tale ‘The Magic Orange Tree’. Readers join the fearless young girl, Corinne La Mer, as she ventures into the forbidden forest one night and comes face to face with a pair of eerie yellow eyes that challenge the stories of Jumbies her parents used to tell.
The next day, when Corinne encounters a mysterious woman named Severine at the marketplace, she is thrust into a heart-pounding quest to confront her deepest fears and save her beloved island home. Baptiste weaves a thrilling tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Corinne fearlessly takes on the unknown and embarks on an unforgettable adventure.
Nightbooks – J.A. White
If you’re a fan of Coraline and A Tale Dark and Grimm, then get ready for a delightfully spooky tale by J.A. White. This captivating story follows a young boy who finds himself imprisoned by a witch, forced to rely on his storytelling skills to stay alive. Each night, he must weave a frightening tale for the witch’s amusement.
Nightbooks is not only a thrilling contemporary fantasy but also an excellent book for aspiring tween writers. Brimming with valuable lessons on building suspense, crafting interior logic, creating plot twists, and even overcoming writer’s block, it’s a treasure trove of writing wisdom. Whether you’re a budding storyteller or just looking for an enthralling read, Nightbooks is a must-read for tweens who crave spine-chilling adventures!
The Witch Boy – Molly Knox Ostertag
Molly Ostertag weaves a captivating tale of courage, family, and identity in their enchanting middle-grade fantasy graphic novel, The Witch Boy. In Aster’s world, boys are expected to become shapeshifters, while girls are destined to be witches. But as Aster anxiously awaits his own shape-shifting abilities, he realizes he may face exile for not conforming to societal norms. However, when a sinister threat endangers the other boys, Aster knows he can help, not as a shape-shifter, but as a witch.
The Witch Boy is a heartwarming and empowering exploration of gender constructs, beautifully depicted in this graphic novel. With its charming characters and powerful themes, it is a must-read for young readers who are navigating questions of identity and societal expectations. Molly Ostertag’s tale is sure to inspire and resonate with readers of all ages, delivering a powerful message about embracing who you are.
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Nevermoor: The Trials Of Morrigan Crow – Jessica Townsend
The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a captivating and thrilling fantasy tale that will enchant young readers with its magic, mischief, and wonder. Unjustly blamed for her village’s misfortunes and facing a grim fate of death on her eleventh birthday, Morrigan Crow is born on Eventide. However, her life takes a sudden and unexpected turn when she is rescued by the enigmatic Jupiter North. With a whirlwind of magic and mischief, he whisks her away to the mystical city of Nevermoor, where Morrigan’s destiny begins to unfold in ways she could have never imagined.
But Morrigan’s journey is far from over, as she must compete against numerous other children in a series of challenging trials to earn a permanent place in Nevermoor.
As Morrigan navigates these trials, she discovers her own unique strengths and talents, despite her initial self-doubt. With colourful characters and a richly imagined world, The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a perfect fantasy read for young readers. It is a tale that will captivate their imaginations, whisking them away to a world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.
A Tale Of Magic… – Chris Colfer
Nominated for Best Middle Grade & Children’s Book in the Goodreads Choice Awards, A Tale of Magic is an enchanting new series set in the beloved Land of Stories by New York Times bestselling author Chris Colfer. In this thrilling tale, readers join 14-year-old Brystal Evergreen on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
Brystal, a young girl working in a library, stumbles upon a hidden section that reveals her own magical powers. Despite her newfound abilities, Brystal finds herself imprisoned by the anti-magic laws of the Southern Kingdom. However, her fate takes a turn when she is rescued by the mysterious Madame Weatherberry. There, Brystal learns the ways of becoming a fairy, unlocking her full potential in a world of wonder and enchantment. But when Madame Weatherberry goes missing after leaving on urgent business, Brystal and her classmates must use their powers to save their beloved teacher.
As Brystal delves deeper into the secrets of Madame Weatherberry and her intentions for their school, she uncovers sinister truths that challenge everything she thought she knew. A Tale of Magic is a spellbinding tale of courage, friendship, and uncovering hidden truths. With rich world-building and captivating characters, this series will leave young readers eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mysteries of the Land of Stories.
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Daughter Of The Deep – Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan, a beloved and acclaimed author, enchants readers with his latest middle-grade novel, Daughter of the Deep. This mesmerizing tale, winner of the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Middle Grade & Children’s Book, follows the story of Ana Dakkar, a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy.
Two years after the devastating loss of her parents, Ana embarks on a weekend field trip at sea. However, the journey takes a tragic turn as the class witnesses an accident en route. This unforeseen event thrusts them into a perilous race against a neighbouring school, revealing more about themselves and the dark history of Harding-Pencroft Academy and Land Institute. With danger looming, Ana and her friends must navigate through challenges, uncover secrets, and discover their own strengths in this captivating adventure.
The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes – Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games series took the world by storm, capturing the hearts of millions of readers and viewers alike. Now, author Suzanne Collins presents an exciting spin-off/prequel for fans old and new with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. In this gripping novel, readers are introduced to 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, a young man determined to restore his family’s tarnished name by winning the tenth annual Hunger Games, but not as a tribute. Instead, he must mentor the female tribute from District 12, considered the lowest of the low.
As their lives become intertwined, Coriolanus finds himself torn between following the rules and doing whatever it takes to survive. Collins weaves a thrilling tale of ambition, deception, and survival, offering readers a fresh perspective on the dystopian world of Panem in this captivating prequel.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
