Magical Book Recommendations for Kids from the Teen Reading Ambassadors

by Eden Royce
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Reign H., Francis Martin Library

Do you like magic or ever wanted to learn about it? In the book Root Magic a young girl named Jezebel Turner and her twin brother Jay Turner start to learn about the world and root magic. The twins also learn about family traditions, kindness, and how to protect each other when conflicts come their way. They face conflicts with magic and have to work together to fix their problems. When reading this book ask yourself, “Why is it important to learn about your family traditions?” or “What is one time you faced a conflict and what did you do to overcome it?”

by Bassem Youssef and Catherine R. Daly; illustrated by Douglas Holgate
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Kel A., Woodstock Library

The Magical Reality of Nadia by Bassem Youssef and Catherine R. Daly follows an Egyptian immigrant, Nadia Youssef, through her journey starting middle school. The book begins with Nadia starting the 6th grade, and while she may seem excited, she is also very nervous. She is entering a new environment and as exciting as this can be for some, others may find it nerve-wracking.

This novel touches on heavy themes such as racism, culture, and microaggressions in a mature manner while also leaving room for the book to still maintain a lighthearted tone. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Titi was introduced. Titi is one of the main protagonists who helps Nadia through her first year in middle school. However, Titi isn't a typical human. Titi was sealed in Nadia’s necklace due to a curse that was created thousands of years ago. Throughout the book Titi manages to teach the audience fun facts about Egypt while also keeping Nadia grounded during several conflicts between other characters.

I would absolutely recommend this book not only to its target audience but to all ages. It manages to keep the reader engaged and also attached to the characters in the novel. It addresses situations that we all go through while also showcasing diversity. Many readers are represented through this book, and I wish I had read a book like this when I was in middle school.

by G. Z. Schmidt
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Krishmitha N., St. George Library Center
 
Mei and Yun have always spent their everyday lives together. Never being able to fit in with the rest of the kids, they have been best friends and have never experienced anything without each other. The Wu twins have their fair share of sibling rivalry, warrior duels, and even some special powers.

When this year's Mid-Autumn Festival arrives, the Wu twins and the town simply cannot wait for the excitement to begin! However, what the Wu twins did not know was that they would be forced to witness a life-changing event. This particular year, the town is surprised by a visit from the Prince of the Imperial Palace. He had heard news of Mei and Yun’s grandfather and his delightful mooncakes. Mei and Yun, as well as the entire town, love grandfather’s mooncakes, with their fill of deliciousness, sweetness, and power of making anyone feel happy. But when the Prince takes his bite of a mooncake, what goes wrong?

Soon, Mei and Wu are drifting into a magical adventure through dreams and time, trying to end the majestic curse left on the village and save their grandfather from the danger he might be facing at the Imperial Palace. Facing their fears, being determined, and just maybe getting some help from the Jade Rabbit, will the Wu twins be able to save their family and the town from the spreading curse? There’s only one way to find out! Hop onto this book and reel through the pages to find the answers to all your questions! Through the author’s imaginative and magical plot, G.Z. Schmidt gives kids a glimpse into dreams beyond the physical world and provides them with a dream weaving adventure! 

by Zetta Elliott
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Jalonda F., Harlem Library

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliot is one stellar child fantasy book. Before getting into the actual book review, I would like to state that at the end of the book, Zetta Elliot has a short, three-page “Acknowledgement” that, in my opinion, makes Dragons in a Bag even more worth reading. Ms. Elliot’s dedication, struggles, and sacrifices when it came to getting her work published in the real world are very admirable. Many authors do go through trial and error when it comes to the writing world, and she happens to be one of those authors. However, her story is significant because her decision to become a writer meant sacrificing her previous lifestyle and embarking on a completely new one with no idea what the outcome would be. 

Even so, her writing manages to highlight the world of fantasy while including representation for Black children in addition to incorporating a familiar environment that many readers can relate to. She allows children to develop creativity while also introducing issues that can be seen in their communities. Overall, I give this book a 10/10 and eagerly await the sequel. 

After his mother has to go to court to sort out their eviction notice, the protagonist, Jaxon, is dropped off to this unknown lady, Ma. Ma appears to be this mean and bitter old lady who Jaxon is stuck with at first, but as the story progresses and Jaxon begins his new journey, you are introduced to her backstory, new characters, and even a world of magic. The wording in the book, the setting, the tones, and the use of pictures truly immersed me in the story, and if I were younger, I would wholeheartedly believe that magic and mythical creatures existed based on this book. 

by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Jayda A., St. George Library Center

Growing up, Paola Santiago or Pao, has been neglectful of her mom's superstitious warnings to stay away from the river which, as far as Pao’s mom knows, is the home of La Llorona. In Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia, we see how, after a classmate drowns in the river, the entire town began to avoid this river too…except Pao and her two best friends. Despite the rules, these three adventurous kids find themselves regularly hanging out by the Gilda. After getting a new telescope, they are all eager to meet up again and test it out. But when one of them suddenly goes missing before making it to the meetup spot, Pao begins to think her mother may not have been so wrong. She takes matters into her own hands and begins to listen to the superstitions she has been embarrassed of and avoiding her whole life.

This book will bring you on a mystical, emotional rollercoaster as you watch Pao frantically search for her best friend while still going through the everyday struggles of a tween. This book is a great read for Latina representation and for anyone that resonates with feeling misunderstood in your household. You will connect with the characters on a deeper level by seeing a piece of you inside them. 

by Brian Young
Ages 7–12
Recommended by Sagar L., Hamilton Grange Library
 
Healer of the Water Monster is about a free-spirited young boy, Nathan, who spends his summer with his grandma, Nali, on her mobile home on the Navajo reservation in sunny New Mexico. While Nathan tries running from his problems back home, he encounters new ones when magical creatures start to appear in the shadows. He sees one of the holy beings, Water Monster of the Agave Pond, in need of support and Nathan is determined to save the water creature. During this journey, he creates unique bonds with the Holy Beings, learning the traditions, and building his relationship not only with himself but his family as well.
Nathan is finally getting to be the hero he always wanted to be. Do you think he will succeed in saving the Holy Being?

by Rena Barron 
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Bela J., Jerome Park Library

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron is a fantasy book for kids 8–12 years old. This magical book is about a young 12-year-old girl, Maya, whose father goes missing. Maya ends up in between worlds she didn’t even know about, trying to find her father.

While Maya is half orisha and half human, she must continue to keep her identity concealed while trying to find her father. She then starts having dreams about a very shady man, during late-night walks outside. Her friends tell her it may just be in her imagination, but is that all it really is? Kids will be engaged by this adventurous book because of all the creative ideas and the magical theme. Read to the end of Maya and the Rising Dark to discover how Maya overcomes these mysterious obstacles.

by Roshani Chokshi 
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Sakia T., Stapleton Library 

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is an absolute adventure of a book that truly encapsulates the world of magic. The main character, Aru Shah, has a big imagination that not everyone appreciates as they would rather use the less appealing word of “lying” to describe Aru’s thoughts. As an effort to prove that she is not a liar, Aru impulsively lights the museum’s lamp, even after countless warnings from her mother. But what Aru is not ready for are the consequences of her action, and it whirls her into a world completely different from her own.

Filled with captivating page-turners, join Aru as she navigates through this new world and redefines the meaning of magic. Whether you enjoy fantasy or not, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for an awesome adventure! 

by David Bowles; illustrated by Charlene Bowles
Ages 7–12
Recommended by Alicia N., Bronx Library Center

This graphic novel takes place a thousand years ago in ancient Mexico by the Yucatán peninsula. This story starts off with different people with different powers. The main character Almah trained from a young age to be a healer for her people. Almah must go on a long journey to receive her power from the elders in the form of a green colorful stone along with the kingmaker drum. The drum would announce the true king of Uxmal, a place that did not have a king for a hundred years.

With her powers, she did only good with her powers; she healed people of her village and protected nature as time continued, Almah’s powers grew and earned a witch shawl and began creating potions for the good she had done. Time passed by and a new king soon came to the throne named Kinich Kak Eks. A sorcerer was reading the king's prophecy stating that a man born of a human could not sit on the throne. The king did not like the prophecy, worrying about the prophecy the king then started to expand his “kingdom” by building a road connecting the villages. The king gained more power and got more strict making new rules. Almah grew older and many villagers shunned her due to their fear of the king and his helpers.

Almah wandered in the forest one day and she found an egg, she took the egg and hid the egg where she had hid the kingmaker drum. Every day she waited for the egg to hatch which eventually it did hatch! It was a person! What will happen next? This story shows you to never underestimate your knowledge or power no matter what.

by Carlos Hernandez
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Maria L., Jerome Park Library
 
Have you ever thought about what you could do if you had powers? Not the ability to fly or read people's minds, but being able to access multiple realities with a simple calming of the mind? Well, in the book Sal & Gabi Break The Universe by Carlos Hernandez, we meet Salvador Vidóns whose life consists of just this! He's a magician with the ability to do more than just card tricks. There's Gabi Reál as well, she's on the student council and is an unlikely friend of Sal’s due to their less than favorable introductions, but one that is needed in order for Sal to learn just how powerful he is and for Gabi to continue to be the leader she was meant to be.

The book tackles death, friendship, and the responsibility that comes with being the withholder of so much power. With witty humor and bilingual dialogue due to author Carlos Hernandez’s Colombian roots, a sensory experience is guaranteed to be had along with the wishes that one could also flip through the multiverse and get out of trouble by hiding a chicken in another universe.