Thank you so much! What a great list. I’m remembering some of the Robin McKinley. It’s so funny you mention Naomi Novik. I just found out my neighbor is friends with her!
You have no idea what an impression your words have left on me. I still think about (quite frequently, in fact) the symbolism of the Janus coin all the time and how enduring that message is.
Oh, I'll have to read Impossible Creatures. And Redwall and Chronicles of Narnia are such absolute classics. I think I'm going to have to do a separate piece on the best kid's fantasy and just got to town with all these recommendations. Thank you for sharing!
I was going to suggest one of our favorite series, but realized it's just fantasy and I don't think of it as an alternative to HP - Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George and its sequels!
Sri, thanks so much for sharing our recommendations! I love your choices and look forward to reading some more of these myself!
I really appreciate collaborating with you and I am grateful for your nuanced, empathetic viewpoint and all your work to get this conversation out there. Thank you so much!
As I have retracted the copyright for THE CASTLE INT HE ATTIC, it is only available at this link.
https://shop.readsidebyside.com/products/the-castle-in-the-attic-by-elizabeth-winthrop-single-copy?_pos=6&_sid=052da279f&_ss=r
I will update the links, thank you!
three more recs (fine for middle grade readers)
the enchanted forest series by Patricia Wrede
The Blue Sword & The Hero and The Crown by Robin McKinley
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
for older teens: The Scholonance series by Naomi Novik
Thank you so much! What a great list. I’m remembering some of the Robin McKinley. It’s so funny you mention Naomi Novik. I just found out my neighbor is friends with her!
ah it's actually The Scholomance (M not N) . first book is A Deadly Education
Sri, many thanks for highlighting The Castle in the Attic and its sequel, The Battle for the Castle. I love that it is considered a classic:)
You have no idea what an impression your words have left on me. I still think about (quite frequently, in fact) the symbolism of the Janus coin all the time and how enduring that message is.
I recently read Impossible Creatures and it's great! My husband really liked the Redwall and Chronicles of Narnia series as a kid.
Oh, I'll have to read Impossible Creatures. And Redwall and Chronicles of Narnia are such absolute classics. I think I'm going to have to do a separate piece on the best kid's fantasy and just got to town with all these recommendations. Thank you for sharing!
I was going to suggest one of our favorite series, but realized it's just fantasy and I don't think of it as an alternative to HP - Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George and its sequels!
Sri, thanks so much for sharing our recommendations! I love your choices and look forward to reading some more of these myself!
I really appreciate collaborating with you and I am grateful for your nuanced, empathetic viewpoint and all your work to get this conversation out there. Thank you so much!