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Quick answer: If your child loved Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan, try The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend.
Percy Jackson has turned millions of kids into readers with its funny narrator, Greek gods and nonstop action. Once they’ve finished the five books, kids often ask: what next? The good news is there’s a whole shelf of myth-based adventures, many published by Rick Riordan Presents, plus other funny, fast fantasies. The picks below are mostly for ages 9 to 13, and each one shares something kids loved about Percy.
Table of Contents
Why Readers Love Percy Jackson
Percy Jackson’s voice is the secret: he’s sarcastic, kind and constantly in trouble, and he makes kids laugh on every page. The books turn Greek myths into a modern road trip full of monsters disguised as math teachers and gods with bad parenting skills. Kids with ADHD or dyslexia see themselves in Percy, and every reader learns real mythology without noticing. Short chapters and cliffhangers make the books perfect for reluctant readers.
How We Chose These Books
Every pick below shares at least one thing readers loved about Percy Jackson: its characters, its mood, its setting or the questions it raises. We mixed well-known favorites with a few less obvious choices, and we noted the genre and who each book suits best in the table, so you can scan for the right fit before you read the blurbs.
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Genre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero | Rick Riordan | Middle-grade fantasy | Continuing at Camp Half-Blood |
| The Red Pyramid | Rick Riordan | Middle-grade fantasy | Egyptian myths |
| The Sword of Summer | Rick Riordan | Middle-grade fantasy | Norse myths |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | Middle-grade fantasy | Hindu mythology |
| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia | Middle-grade fantasy | African American folk heroes |
| The Storm Runner | J. C. Cervantes | Middle-grade fantasy | Maya mythology |
| Sal and Gabi Break the Universe | Carlos Hernandez | Middle-grade science fiction | Funny multiverse adventures |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | J. K. Rowling | Middle-grade fantasy | Magical schools |
| Artemis Fowl | Eoin Colfer | Middle-grade fantasy | Clever antiheroes |
| The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel | Rick Riordan and Orpheus Collar | Graphic novel | Reluctant readers |
| Aru Shah and the Song of Death | Roshani Chokshi | Middle-grade fantasy | Continuing Aru’s story |
| The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones | Rick Riordan | Middle-grade adventure | Treasure hunts |
| Nevermoor | Jessica Townsend | Middle-grade fantasy | Magical societies |
| Amari and the Night Brothers | B. B. Alston | Middle-grade fantasy | Secret supernatural bureaus |
| D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths | Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire | Mythology | The original myths |
1. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
The sequel series introduces Roman demigods and new heroes, and Percy returns. It’s the natural next step.
2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover their family’s connection to Egyptian gods. It’s funny and exciting.
3. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase learns he’s the son of a Norse god after dying in battle. It’s for slightly older readers.
4. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Aru accidentally frees an ancient demon and must team up with Pandava sisters to stop him. It’s hilarious.
5. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
A grieving boy is pulled into a world of John Henry, Brer Rabbit and West African gods.
6. The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes
Zane discovers he’s connected to the Maya gods and must stop a prophecy.
7. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
A boy who can pull objects from other universes befriends a fierce student council president.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
An orphan discovers he’s a wizard and heads to Hogwarts. It’s the classic magical school story.
9. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
A 12-year-old genius kidnaps a fairy for ransom. It’s witty and fast.
10. The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan and Orpheus Collar
The graphic novel version of The Red Pyramid is great for visual learners.
11. Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani Chokshi
Aru’s adventure continues with more gods and monsters.
12. The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
Two siblings race around the world searching for clues to their family’s secret. Riordan wrote the first book.
13. Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
A cursed girl is whisked to a magical city to compete for a place in a secret society.
14. Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
Amari joins a secret bureau of supernatural affairs to find her missing brother.
15. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
Kids who love Percy often want the real Greek myths. This illustrated classic is perfect.
How to Keep Young Percy Fans Reading
- Follow Rick Riordan Presents. The imprint publishes myth-based adventures from many cultures.
- Read the real myths. D’Aulaires’ and Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods are great companions.
- Try graphic novels. They help reluctant readers move between series.
- Match the age. Magnus Chase suits slightly older kids.
- Let kids choose. Choice keeps them excited.
- Read aloud together. The humor is even better shared.
Related: what age Percy Jackson is appropriate for and Rick Riordan books in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should kids read after Percy Jackson?
The Heroes of Olympus, The Kane Chronicles and Aru Shah and the End of Time are popular next reads.
Are there books like Percy Jackson with other mythologies?
Yes. Rick Riordan Presents publishes books based on Hindu, Maya, African American, Korean and other mythologies.
What age are books like Percy Jackson for?
Most are written for ages 9 to 13.