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Quick answer: If your child loved Percy Jackson, try Aru Shah and the End of Time, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The Red Pyramid or Amari and the Night Brothers. All pair kid heroes with myth, monsters and hidden magical worlds.
Rick Riordan's series made Greek myths feel like a school adventure, and many kids want that same rush again. These books offer fast plots, funny narrators and a hero who discovers they belong to a bigger world. Most suit ages 8 to 13, and several come from Riordan's own Rick Riordan Presents line.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Red Pyramid | Rick Riordan | 8-12 | more Riordan |
| The Sword of Summer | Rick Riordan | 10-14 | Norse myth fans |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | 8-12 | Hindu myth and humour |
| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia | 9-13 | folklore adventure |
| The Storm Runner | J.C. Cervantes | 9-13 | Mayan mythology |
| Race to the Sun | Rebecca Roanhorse | 9-13 | Navajo-inspired quest |
| Dragon Pearl | Yoon Ha Lee | 9-13 | space and folklore |
| Amari and the Night Brothers | B.B. Alston | 8-12 | secret magic agencies |
| Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow | Jessica Townsend | 9-13 | whimsical magic school |
| Fablehaven | Brandon Mull | 9-13 | creature adventures |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone | J.K. Rowling | 8-12 | magic school |
| Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy | Tui T. Sutherland | 8-12 | dragon lovers |
| Skulduggery Pleasant | Derek Landy | 10-14 | jokes and action |
| The Wishing Spell | Chris Colfer | 8-12 | fairy-tale adventure |
| The Lost Hero | Rick Riordan | 10-13 | continuing the world |
1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane unlock the power of Egyptian gods after an accident at the British Museum. It keeps Riordan's humour and pace, with a fresh mythology to learn.
Best for: more Riordan.
2. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase is a homeless teenager who learns he is the son of a Norse god. Runaway heroes, a giant sword and sharp jokes make this series a natural next step.
Best for: Norse myth fans.
3. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru lights a cursed lamp and wakes an ancient demon, learning she is a reincarnated Pandava. A funny, quick adventure rooted in Hindu mythology.
Best for: Hindu myth and humour.
4. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Tristan falls into a world of African and African American folk heroes, with John Henry and Anansi among them. It is inventive, lively and moving.
Best for: folklore adventure.
5. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
Zane Obispo has a bad leg and a volcano near his home, and he learns he is tied to Mayan gods. A strong choice for readers who want Mesoamerican myth.
Best for: Mayan mythology.
6. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Nizhoni Begay can spot monsters and has to save her father in a Navajo-inspired quest. It is fast, funny and respectful of its Diné roots.
Best for: Navajo-inspired quest.
7. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
Min, a fox spirit, leaves her planet to find her missing brother in a space setting built from Korean folklore. Science fiction fans will love it.
Best for: space and folklore.
8. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari finds an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs after her brother vanishes. Full of gadgets, creatures and a competition, it moves quickly.
Best for: secret magic agencies.
9. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan is cursed to die on her eleventh birthday until a stranger whisks her to the magical city of Nevermoor. Whimsical and full of wonder.
Best for: whimsical magic school.
10. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Kendra and Seth find that their grandparents' estate is a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures. A classic adventure series that kids can binge.
Best for: creature adventures.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
An orphan learns he is a wizard and starts at Hogwarts. If a child has not tried it yet, it is a perfect companion read.
Best for: magic school.
12. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
Five young dragons are raised to end a war between tribes. Strong worldbuilding and action make it very popular with readers who want dragons.
Best for: dragon lovers.
13. Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Stephanie meets a wisecracking skeleton detective, and a secret magical world opens up. Darker and funnier than Percy Jackson, with great banter.
Best for: jokes and action.
14. The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
Twins fall into a fairy-tale world and must collect items to get home. A good fit for kids who like humour and storybook creatures.
Best for: fairy-tale adventure.
15. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
The first book of the Heroes of Olympus series follows three new demigods who wake up with no memories. It is a great next step after the original five books.
Best for: continuing the world.
How to Choose
If your child wants more mythology, start with The Red Pyramid, The Sword of Summer or the Rick Riordan Presents titles such as Aru Shah, Tristan Strong and Race to the Sun. If they love fast magical schools and secret agencies, try Amari and the Night Brothers, Nevermoor or Fablehaven. Skulduggery Pleasant suits kids who like a bit of spooky humour. Check each book's age range, because Magnus Chase and Skulduggery Pleasant skew a little older.
Related: 15 Books Like Percy Jackson You’ll Love: Myths, Monsters and Adventure · What Age Is Percy Jackson Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Percy Jackson for?
The first book is aimed at ages 9 to 12, though many younger and older readers enjoy it.
What are Rick Riordan Presents books?
It is an imprint where Riordan introduces fantasy books by authors from different cultures and mythologies.
Should kids read Percy Jackson before these?
Not necessarily. Every book here stands on its own, though Percy Jackson makes a fun comparison.
Which book is best for reluctant readers?
Wings of Fire and Amari and the Night Brothers are quick and exciting, and many kids who avoid reading finish them.
Are there audiobook versions?
Most of these are available as audiobooks, which makes them a good option for car trips.