Picked by Magic Tree House fans

Here are 40 books that Magic Tree House fans have personally recommended once you finish the Magic Tree House series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of The Dinosaur Expert

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as an author and a journalist. Researching my book, Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, I interviewed historians at the Lyme Regis Museum. Anning grew up in Lyme Regis. The Museum has a Mary Anning wing. I enjoyed interviewing the experts about her life in Lyme Regis, finding out about her discoveries, and learning how she triumphed.

As a mom, I know my kids loved learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and paleontology when they were young, and they still find it fascinating.

Michele's book list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

This book introduces children to an assortment of dinosaurs and the famous female paleontologists who discovered them. This is a book for K-2. It’s a great introduction to the world of paleontology. 

This is a book filled with easy-to-understand facts about dinosaurs, and I love G. Brian Karas’ illustrations. It provides readers with a good understanding of paleontology and may even spark some with an interest in becoming a paleontologist. 

By Margaret McNamara , G. Brian Karas (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Dinosaur Expert as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Join Mr. Tiffin and his students on a trip to a natural history museum and learn all about dinosaurs and the scientists who discovered them!

Mr. Tiffin and his students are back in another picture book, and this time the focus is on dinosaur-loving Kimmy. During a field trip to the natural history museum, Kimmy is thrilled to share what she knows about the Stegosaurus and the Archaeopteryx and even the ginormous Titanosaurus. That changes when one of her classmates questions whether girls can be paleontologists. Kimmy starts to feel shy. What if they can't? What if no one wants…


Book cover of Dinosaur Art

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as an author and a journalist. Researching my book, Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, I interviewed historians at the Lyme Regis Museum. Anning grew up in Lyme Regis. The Museum has a Mary Anning wing. I enjoyed interviewing the experts about her life in Lyme Regis, finding out about her discoveries, and learning how she triumphed.

As a mom, I know my kids loved learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and paleontology when they were young, and they still find it fascinating.

Michele's book list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

I love art.

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. At the time, this was many years ago, I had no idea that the dinosaur skeletons I looked at were mostly man-made. I thought each dinosaur was 100 percent real dinosaur bones. I now know better. 

This book taught me what a paleoartist does. Paleoartists are illustrators who reconstruct dinosaurs and other ancient animals. They also create the settings where these animals lived. 

The book took me into the past and showed me how these magnificent creatures spent their time on Earth. The ten paleoartists in this book share stories and their art. It gave me a better understanding of the past. 

By Steve White (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dinosaur Art as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A paleoartist is an illustrator who specialises in the science and art of reconstructing ancient animals and their world.

In Dinosaur Art, ten of the top contemporary paleoartists reveal a selection of their work and exclusively discuss their working methods and distinct styles.

Filled with breathtaking artwork - some never before seen - and cutting edge paleontology, this is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts, art lovers and budding illustrators.


Book cover of The Age of Dinosaurs

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as an author and a journalist. Researching my book, Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, I interviewed historians at the Lyme Regis Museum. Anning grew up in Lyme Regis. The Museum has a Mary Anning wing. I enjoyed interviewing the experts about her life in Lyme Regis, finding out about her discoveries, and learning how she triumphed.

As a mom, I know my kids loved learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and paleontology when they were young, and they still find it fascinating.

Michele's book list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

Lately, I’m hearing and reading news about recent dinosaur discoveries. It never gets old!

The author obviously loves dinosaurs and science. The writing is informative and never dull. It’s a primer for kids, ages 7 to 12, who want to learn about dinosaur history and science. I loved the author’s enthusiasm for his subjects. He works as a paleontologist and enjoys sharing information about new discoveries.

This book came out a few years ago. It shows the link between dinosaurs and birds. Prior to this, I didn’t know dinosaurs had feathers. The author presents facts about dinosaurs that are easy to understand and appreciate. He’s enthusiastic about dinosaurs, and his enthusiasm is carried throughout the book.

By Steve Brusatte ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Age of Dinosaurs 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?

Think you know about dinosaurs? Think
again! New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Steve Brusatte
brings young scientists and readers everywhere into his world of massive
herbivores and fearsome predators, daily unexpected discoveries, and all the
new science used to learn about some of the world's oldest beings.



Even
though the dinosaurs
roamed the earth millions of years ago, we're still piecing together new
information about these ancient animals.

Did you
know that, on average, a new species of dinosaur is discovered every single
week? Or that many dinosaurs had feathers? Or that there are even modern-day
dinosaurs walking…


Book cover of Barnum's Bones

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as an author and a journalist. Researching my book, Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, I interviewed historians at the Lyme Regis Museum. Anning grew up in Lyme Regis. The Museum has a Mary Anning wing. I enjoyed interviewing the experts about her life in Lyme Regis, finding out about her discoveries, and learning how she triumphed.

As a mom, I know my kids loved learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and paleontology when they were young, and they still find it fascinating.

Michele's book list on dinosaur books for kids that make great presents

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

This is a book for all ages.

It’s a beautifully illustrated picture book about the life of Barnum Brown. He worked as a paleontologist for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and he discovered the first documented skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The book is nonfiction. It focuses on his life growing up, the T-rex skeleton, and his other dinosaur discoveries. His parents named him after P.T. Barnum, the famous circus icon. His story is delightful, and what makes it more appealing are the numerous dinosaur drawings included in the book. 

I, like many kids and adults, love dinosaurs. I also like reading lively stories that teach me about dinosaurs and science. The illustrations stand out, and the story is about a real person who did amazing things. While reading the book and afterwards, I became a fan of Barnum Brown. I had no idea who…

By Tracey Fern , Boris Kulikov (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Barnum's Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Barnum Brown's (1873-1963) parents named him after the circus icon P.T. Barnum, hoping that he would do something extraordinary--and he did! As a paleontologist for the American Museum of Natural History, he discovered the first documented skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as most of the other dinosaurs on display there today.

An appealing and fun picture book biography, with zany and stunning illustrations by Boris Kulikov, BARNUM'S BONES captures the spirit of this remarkable man.

Barnum's Bones is one The Washington Post's Best Kids Books of 2012.


Book cover of Milkweed

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on middle graders to learn about the past.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as a journalist and delight in telling true stories about amazing people. Sometimes, my feature stories are about famous people; other times, I focus on those who don't always get the attention they deserve. I love telling their stories, and I enjoy reading about people who do heroic acts. Mary Anning, the person I profiled in my book, and the main characters in some of my favorite middle-grade books face adversity and triumph. Moving forward after facing hardships is a message I love and want to share with others. Positive actions lead to happiness. 

Michele's book list on middle graders to learn about the past

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

I wish everyone would read about the Holocaust. It's a hard topic to digest, especially for a child. The main character is an orphan trying to survive on the streets of Warsaw, Poland, during World War II. Parts of the book are frightening. 

Sadly, antisemitism has resurfaced today; it has never really disappeared. Carrying such hatred, whether in the past or the present, is hard for me to wrap my head around. Reading this book, I was able to get an inside look at a character who wanted to be a Nazi soldier until he truly understood the evil and horrors these soldiers caused. 

My son read the book in middle school and introduced it to me. Afterward, we talked about the holocaust and why it's important to never forget.

By Jerry Spinelli ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Milkweed 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?

A stunning novel of the Holocaust from Newbery Medalist, Jerry Spinelli. And don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday!

He's a boy called Jew. Gypsy. Stopthief. Filthy son of Abraham.

He's a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He's a boy who steals food for himself, and the other orphans. He's a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels.

He's a boy who wants to be a Nazi, with tall, shiny jackboots of his own-until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind.

And when the trains come to empty the Jews…


Book cover of The Lemonade War

Laura Wiltse Prior Author Of The Beach Dilemma

From my list on sibling dynamics with subtle lessons for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by family dynamics and have studied human development and psychology. I’m also a lifelong voracious reader and treasure my childhood reading experiences. Last but not least, I have three kids. Arguments and hurt feelings are inevitable but kids don’t love a lecture. A good story can bring understanding without being boring or pedantic. And we all know reading with your kids at bedtime is vital, but can’t we as parents ask for a little enjoyment too–maybe even a good laugh?!

Laura's book list on sibling dynamics with subtle lessons for children

Laura Wiltse Prior Why Laura loves this book

The first in a series, the ultimate sibling rivalry plays out in a head-to-head lemonade stand competition full of misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Alternate perspectives from a people-person brother and academic sister wind up endearing you to both main characters. The reader comes to understand and empathize with each of them. It’s lots of fun with sprinkles of math, vocabulary, and business.

By Jacqueline Davies ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Lemonade War 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?

Here is a clever blend of humor, math wizardry, and business know-how. As it captures the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister, this poignant novel also subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent.

For a full hour, he poured lemonade. The world is a thirsty place, he thought as he nearly emptied his fourth pitcher of the day. And I am the Lemonade King.

Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart—but not especially good at understanding people. She knows that feelings are her…


Book cover of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Jason Haskins Author Of Of Snow Forts and Santa

From my list on middle grade YA books on the struggles of change.

Why am I passionate about this?

To this day, I love stories and books that bring a sense of nostalgia to my heart. As I read now, many of these bring me back to my youth and those early days when I really started to love reading. For the most part, books on this list are seen through the eyes of a middle-grade protagonist—stories of overcoming obstacles and finding family in unexpected places. And characters who overcome mistakes, ultimately lending a hand. I love kindness and empathy in these books, whether spread throughout the story or reaching those qualities by the end, more than anything.

Jason's book list on middle grade YA books on the struggles of change

Jason Haskins Why Jason loves this book

I love this book because of its emphasis on the growing pains (and love) of family. I enjoy the aspect of this story providing laughs, tears, and anger, and being able to identify with the situations throughout. I love the characters finding their way in navigating on a micro level (family) and a macro one (the world). I love the bonds between siblings, where kindness shines through despite misgivings they may have.

By Judy Blume ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing 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?

Millions of fans young and old have been entertained by the quick wit of Peter Hatcher, the hilarious antics of mischevious Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all Sheila Tubman in Judy Blume's five Fudge books. And now, Puffin Books honors forty years of the book that started it all, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, with a special edition--featuring a new introduction from Judy--to celebrate this perennial favorite.


Book cover of I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919

Michele C. Hollow Author Of Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

From my list on middle graders to learn about the past.

Why am I passionate about this?

I work as a journalist and delight in telling true stories about amazing people. Sometimes, my feature stories are about famous people; other times, I focus on those who don't always get the attention they deserve. I love telling their stories, and I enjoy reading about people who do heroic acts. Mary Anning, the person I profiled in my book, and the main characters in some of my favorite middle-grade books face adversity and triumph. Moving forward after facing hardships is a message I love and want to share with others. Positive actions lead to happiness. 

Michele's book list on middle graders to learn about the past

Michele C. Hollow Why Michele loves this book

My son gravitated toward the I Survived books after graduating from the Magic Tree House series. My son, who is 23, still reads I Survived books when new ones come out. I do, too.

The books usually have children as the main characters who travel back in time. I had never heard of the Great Molasses Flood, but I was fascinated to learn about a massive tank in Boston containing sticky and gooey molasses exploding onto the streets in the North End neighborhood and how the community dealt with the mess and cleanup. 

In school, I've always been fascinated by history. I wish these books existed when I was a kid because they make learning about the past easy to understand.

By Lauren Tarshis , Scott Dawson (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 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?

100 years ago, a killer wave of molasses struck a crowded Boston neighborhood. Discover the story of this strange disaster in the next book in the New York Times bestselling I Survived series.

A deadly - and strange - disaster. It's been four years since Carmen and Papa moved from Italy to Boston. Life here is exciting, but not always easy. And then there's the massive metal tank that rises up over their crowded North End neighborhood. The ugly tank, filled with sticky brown molasses, has always leaked. But nobody imagined that it could one day explode apart, sending a…


Book cover of Rodrick Rules

Laura Wiltse Prior Author Of The Beach Dilemma

From my list on sibling dynamics with subtle lessons for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by family dynamics and have studied human development and psychology. I’m also a lifelong voracious reader and treasure my childhood reading experiences. Last but not least, I have three kids. Arguments and hurt feelings are inevitable but kids don’t love a lecture. A good story can bring understanding without being boring or pedantic. And we all know reading with your kids at bedtime is vital, but can’t we as parents ask for a little enjoyment too–maybe even a good laugh?!

Laura's book list on sibling dynamics with subtle lessons for children

Laura Wiltse Prior Why Laura loves this book

The second in a long-running graphic novel series, middle schooler Greg Heffley is tormented by his older brother Rodrick who is threatening to reveal his most guarded secret, but readers are delighted every step of the way.

When my kids would choose this graphic novel to read with me at night, I knew we’d both be shaking with laughter. This is an especially great choice to lure reluctant readers – mine devoured each new one in the series and can’t get enough. The movies are hilarious too!

By Jeff Kinney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rodrick Rules 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?

The highly anticipated sequel to the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling book!

Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved.

Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it.

As Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular.

Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . .…


Book cover of Mary Finch and the Thief

Feather Chelle Author Of Stranded

From my list on children's series that are undercover educators.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been in love with the ocean, since I first visited Galveston at the age of five. The cadence of the waves and tide called to me in a way that is hard to explain, and every creature within simply mesmerized me. I read everything about the ocean that I could find, and I haven’t stopped to this day. My book is fact-checked by two marine biologists as well, just to ensure that all of the information is accurate.

Feather's book list on children's series that are undercover educators

Feather Chelle Why Feather loves this book

This is an enthralling new mystery series for middle grades and older readers. The main character is reminiscent of a young, female Sherlock Holmes, and she has lots of fun, if dangerous, adventures. My kids love the action, and I love that they teach a lot about history. These books have sparked a lot of conversation about the class system, in particular, which I believe is a very important topic.

By S S Saywack ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mary Finch and the Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Meet thirteen-year-old Mary Finch – a bold, determined heroine, and the star of a stylish new detective series. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction.

Mary Finch and the Thief is the first in the Mary Finch Mystery series. It is 1893 and Mary Finch finds herself on the gritty and violent streets of Victorian London trying to clear her name.

When wrongfully accused of theft, Mary Finch is determined to track down the thief and prove her innocence. Her journey takes her from Baker Street, where her friends, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, live, to the…