Picked by Magic Shop Book fans

Here are 21 books that Magic Shop Book fans have personally recommended once you finish the Magic Shop Book series. Shepherd is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of Dealing with Dragons

Bruce Coville Author Of Into the Land of the Unicorns

From my list on middle grade and YA fantasy series.

Why am I passionate about this?

Both as a writer and reader, I adore stories of fantasy and magic. The thing is, these stories have what I call a “price of admission,” which is the time and effort it takes to learn the world of the story in order to immerse yourself in it. That's one reason I am passionate about reading series books: they welcome me back to a world I already love and understand. Speaking as a writer, multiple volumes allow me to make the world I've created richer and deeper with each new book. A new book in a beloved series feels like catching up with an old friend, whether you're reading or writing.

Bruce's book list on middle grade and YA fantasy series

Bruce Coville Why Bruce loves this book

I love to laugh, I love fantasy, I love dragons, and this book provides hilarity and dragons in rich measure. Patricia C. Wrede has a delightful way of twisting old tropes into something fresh and new.

Even better, she is a master of creating feisty female characters...the kind that I wanted my daughter and my students to read about. 

By Patricia C. Wrede ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Dealing with Dragons as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Meet Princess Cimorene-a princess who refuses to be proper. She is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart . . . and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon. And not just any dragon, but Kazul-one of the most powerful and dangerous dragons around. With a new look and new introduction from the author, this story is sure to acquire a new generation of fans. AGES: 10-13 AUTHOR: Patricia C. Wrede has written many novels, including all four books in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles as well as 'Sorcery and Cecilia', 'The…


Book cover of Three Tasks for a Dragon

Lois Wickstrom Author Of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

From my list on middle grade dragon books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s story writer. I frequently include dragons, from babyhood to adulthood. They aren’t just pets – they can be scary. I like to show characters who become better people by coping with their fears. Dragons are symbols. Plus, I love imagining what they might do in my plots.

Lois' book list on middle grade dragon books

Lois Wickstrom Why Lois loves this book

First, I’m a fan of Eoin Colfer. He’s always adept at playing against expected stereotypes.

This time, he’s got a prince who is devoid of traditional royal skills. And a princess, who wasn’t born royal. And a dragon, who doesn’t live up to expectations either.

This story reminds me of a quote from the TV show In Living Color – “I will not comply with even reasonable requests.”

By Eoin Colfer , P.J. Lynch (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Three Tasks for a Dragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Illustrated in a sophisticated muted palette, this is a classic quest story with a modern twist from two Irish Children's Laureates.

After his father's death, Prince Lir is tricked into embarking on a perilous quest to rescue a maiden from a dragon. The studious young prince is no warrior, but he uses his brains to make himself indispensable to the grumpy dragon. However, neither prince nor dragon have bargained on the dark magic which manipulates them both, and it may be left to maiden herself to save them all...


Book cover of James and the Giant Peach: The Scented Peach Edition

Liz Montague Author Of The Equinox Test (School for Unusual Magic #1)

From my list on Magical worlds for young readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I struggled a lot with reading as a kid, I would not call myself a natural reader at all. When I was young, fantasy and magic stories were one of the few genres that could grip me enough to make me actually focus and attempt to read but I always hated the ones that took themselves too seriously (they always felt impossibly long to get through). Now, as a children’s author, myself, it’s my hope and passion to serve fellow young-readers-who-don’t-consider-themselves-readers with fun accessible stories. I hope you enjoy!

Liz's book list on Magical worlds for young readers

Liz Montague Why Liz loves this book

There is a special place in my heart for nature magic and nobody does it like Roald Dahl!

After reading this as a kid, I was fully convinced that, when the time was right, I, too, was going to crawl into a peach full of amazing cricket and spider friends.

I love these types of books, the best magic stories are always the ones that feel right at your fingertips!

By Roald Dahl , Quentin Blake (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked James and the Giant Peach as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From the World's No. 1 Storyteller, James and the Giant Peach is a children's classic that has captured young reader's imaginations for generations. 

One of TIME MAGAZINE’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

After James Henry Trotter's parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house.…


Book cover of Once Upon a Marigold

Liz Montague Author Of The Equinox Test (School for Unusual Magic #1)

From my list on Magical worlds for young readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I struggled a lot with reading as a kid, I would not call myself a natural reader at all. When I was young, fantasy and magic stories were one of the few genres that could grip me enough to make me actually focus and attempt to read but I always hated the ones that took themselves too seriously (they always felt impossibly long to get through). Now, as a children’s author, myself, it’s my hope and passion to serve fellow young-readers-who-don’t-consider-themselves-readers with fun accessible stories. I hope you enjoy!

Liz's book list on Magical worlds for young readers

Liz Montague Why Liz loves this book

Another childhood favorite of mine and such a fun take on the princess happily-every-after trope!

This was the first book that ever made me laugh out loud (prior to this, I had not known books were allowed to be that funny).

Just seeing the title makes me smile.

By Jean Ferris ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Once Upon a Marigold as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Christian was clueless when he started spying on the royal family through his telescope. He lives in a cave with a troll for a dad, after all. If his dad had only warned him about all that mind-boggling love stuff, maybe things wouldn't be such a mess. Although then, maybe, Princess Marigold would be dead. But Christian wasn't warned. And now that he's fallen for the princess, it's up to him to untwist an odd love triangle - er, rectangle - and foil a scheming queen who wants to take over the kingdom, even if it means bumping off her…


Book cover of Silverborn

Lois Wickstrom Author Of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

From my list on middle grade dragon books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s story writer. I frequently include dragons, from babyhood to adulthood. They aren’t just pets – they can be scary. I like to show characters who become better people by coping with their fears. Dragons are symbols. Plus, I love imagining what they might do in my plots.

Lois' book list on middle grade dragon books

Lois Wickstrom Why Lois loves this book

I know this sounds odd, but Jessica Townsend has built a world in which magic is a serious science and people bet on dragons’ ability to perform tricky flight maneuvers.

People still solve murder mysteries, have personal squabbles, and do sneaky things (even the good guys). Dragons have been peripheral to the action in previous books in this Nevermoor series. This time, they are an important part of the plot. I particularly love it that the best dragon rider is in a handicap chair. 

Be sure to read the first three books in this series before you open Silverborn, so you are familiar with the world, and the plot makes sense.

By Jessica Townsend ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Silverborn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Enter the fantastically Wundrous world of Nevermoor - perfect for all adventurous young readers. Morrigan Crow has a dangerous choice to make in the fourth of this bestselling, award-winning series ...

Praise for Nevermoor: 'Exciting, mysterious, marvellous and magical ... quite simply one of the best children's books I've read in years' Robin Stevens, author of Murder Most Unladylike.

Morrigan Crow is ready for a new adventure. In Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow, we will travel to places in Nevermoor that we've never seen, we'll meet people from Morrigan's past who will be very important in untangling the mystery…


Book cover of Seraphina

Lois Wickstrom Author Of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

From my list on middle grade dragon books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s story writer. I frequently include dragons, from babyhood to adulthood. They aren’t just pets – they can be scary. I like to show characters who become better people by coping with their fears. Dragons are symbols. Plus, I love imagining what they might do in my plots.

Lois' book list on middle grade dragon books

Lois Wickstrom Why Lois loves this book

I love the idea of a protagonist who is half human and half dragon.

I’ve always felt that there was something odd about me that scared people. Seraphina is in that same position. She has a reason for it, and a special talent that comes of her mixed heritage. She’s worried that her talent will give away her secret. But she practices integrity, which is a trait I admire.

By Rachel Hartman ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Seraphina as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The kingdom of Goredd is populated by humans and by dragons who fold themselves into a human form. Though they live alongside each other, the peace between them is uneasy.

But when a member of the royal family is murdered, and the crime appears to have been committed by a dragon the peace and treaty between both worlds is seriously threatened . . .

Into this comes Seraphina, a gifted musician who joins the royal court as the assistant to the court composer. She is soon drawn into the murder investigation and, as she uncovers hints of a sinister plot…


Book cover of The Tale of Despereaux Trade Book

Liz Montague Author Of The Equinox Test (School for Unusual Magic #1)

From my list on Magical worlds for young readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I struggled a lot with reading as a kid, I would not call myself a natural reader at all. When I was young, fantasy and magic stories were one of the few genres that could grip me enough to make me actually focus and attempt to read but I always hated the ones that took themselves too seriously (they always felt impossibly long to get through). Now, as a children’s author, myself, it’s my hope and passion to serve fellow young-readers-who-don’t-consider-themselves-readers with fun accessible stories. I hope you enjoy!

Liz's book list on Magical worlds for young readers

Liz Montague Why Liz loves this book

I read this back in grade school! There’s a mouse, a princess, and a quest (the rest you can discover for yourself).

Despereaux is an unlikely hero but, armed with his sewing needle, the gang of rats he’s up against don’t stand a chance.

The story is completely immersive, to this day it makes me crave soup.

By Kate DiCamillo ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Tale of Despereaux Trade Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

A heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal.

A deftly crafted fairy tale adventure story from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess who laughs often and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery…


Book cover of Cattywampus

Karah Sutton Author Of A Wolf for a Spell

From my list on witches as heroes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like a bunch of different personalities all wrapped up in a trenchcoat. Which one is the dominant me? Maybe funny and cheerful, maybe quiet and reclusive, maybe ambitious or adventurous – or maybe I’m all of these things? I think I’m drawn to witches because they're so surprising: a witch might be helpful, or she might try to eat you. It’s that unpredictability and mystery which intimidates people, so a witch is considered scary – until she’s not – and when I open a book about a witch, I never know what to expect!

Karah's book list on witches as heroes

Karah Sutton Why Karah loves this book

This is a hilarious romp following daughters of rival witch families Katy and Delpha as they come to terms with their magic, their families, and each other. As a Kentuckian, I loved seeing Appalachia depicted in such loving, real detail. And yes, there are some outrageous zombie grannies too. This story was such a breath of fresh mountain air.

By Ash Van Otterloo ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Cattywampus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The magical story of a hex that goes haywire, and the power of friendship to set things right!

In the town of Howler's Hollow, conjuring magic is strictly off-limits. Only nothing makes Delpha McGill's skin crawl more than rules. So when she finds her family's secret book of hexes, she's itching to use it to banish her mama's money troubles. She just has to keep it quieter than a church mouse -- not exactly Delpha's specialty.

Trouble is, Katybird Hearn is hankering to get her hands on the spell book, too. The daughter of a rival witching family, Katy has…


Book cover of The Dragonriders of Pern

Lois Wickstrom Author Of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

From my list on middle grade dragon books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s story writer. I frequently include dragons, from babyhood to adulthood. They aren’t just pets – they can be scary. I like to show characters who become better people by coping with their fears. Dragons are symbols. Plus, I love imagining what they might do in my plots.

Lois' book list on middle grade dragon books

Lois Wickstrom Why Lois loves this book

I love the idea of a rebellious girl who creates a telepathic bond with a dragon.

I would have settled for a telepathic bond with my pet parakeet, but a dragon is much more exciting. They fly. They are strong. They can defend the kingdom. Plus, being bonded to a dragon gives Lessa a chance to grow up.

By Anne McCaffrey ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Dragonriders of Pern as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Together in one volume—the first three books in the world’s most beloved science-fiction series!

DRAGONFLIGHT

On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly, and Pern will be changed forever.

DRAGONQUEST

Since Lessa…


Book cover of Spell Sweeper

Kerelyn Smith Author Of Mulrox and the Malcognitos

From my list on fantastically fun ensemble casts.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I set out to write my debut novel, I knew it was a book I wanted to fill with joy. I wanted to write something that readers would want to return to again and again. When I thought about the books that had been like that for me, Little Women, the Harry Potter series, and The Wind in The Willows, I saw a clear pattern emerging: a strong ensemble cast. Much of our life is not about our individual interior struggles but about how we find our place in a world filled with different people. Seeing successful models of this is so important to readers of all ages, but especially for young readers. 

Kerelyn's book list on fantastically fun ensemble casts

Kerelyn Smith Why Kerelyn loves this book

Spell Sweeper is another fantastic recent release by the talented Lee Edward Fodi that I just couldn't put down. Set in an updated magic school, the story will pull you in with its incredible world-building. The main character, Cara, is a loveable outcast. She's a sort of anti-chosen-one who is forced into an adventure with her fellow remedial magic students, the nervous Gusto, and the talking, magical fox Zuki. But when she finds out she will also have to work with her rival, the seemingly too perfect Harlee Woo, who Cara thinks might be secretly behind the recent magical instabilities, the heat really turns up. Though Cara feels isolated and intentionally pushes others away, she ultimately has to learn to trust her companions and, more importantly, herself. 

By Lee Edward Födi ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spell Sweeper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Featuring a failed young wizard and her cleanup crew, this delightfully dysfunctional middle grade fantasy is an imaginative twist on magic school that's perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The School for Good and Evil.

Cara Moone is a wizard-but she's basically flunked out of wizard school. Now she's in training to be a MOP, also known as Magical Occurrence Purger, also known as it's Cara's job to sweep up the hazardous dust a real wizard's spells leave behind.

A real wizard, that is, like Harlee Wu, the so-called Chosen One destined to save the magical world. But when one…