Why I’m Obsessed with Finding the Next Harry Potter: A Fantasy Addict’s Journey

Fellow series addicts, welcome. You’re in the right place if, like me, you’ve been chasing that magical high ever since you turned the last page of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I still remember the ache of finishing that book at 14, sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor, tears in my eyes, knowing I’d never again experience a first read of Harry’s journey. That day, I grabbed a notebook, made a list of every fantasy series with four or more books I could find, and vowed to work through them all. That was 15 years ago. Today, my color-coded spreadsheet is over 200 rows long, complete with a 1–10 rating system for world-building, character arcs, and emotional impact. Yes, I’m that person.

I know why you’re here, searching for “books similar to Harry Potter for kids.” You—or the young reader in your life—crave that same immersive magic, the sprawling multi-book arcs, the friendships that feel like family, and the coming-of-age moments that hit right in the heart. You want a completed series, not a standalone or an unfinished saga that leaves you hanging. You’re after the next obsession, a story that’ll keep you up past midnight, just like Hogwarts did. I get it. I’ve lived it. My mission as a fantasy completionist is to guide you to those hidden gems, the series that spark wonder and deliver satisfying conclusions over three or more books.

In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 fantasy series for kids and young teens that echo Harry Potter’s blend of adventure, magic, and emotional depth. These are all binge-worthy, completed (or soon-to-be-completed) multi-book journeys I’ve personally devoured and rated on my spreadsheet. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart with its mystical-scientific balance and unforgettable characters. Stick with me—I’ve got the full list, comparisons, and deep dives into why these series will fill that Potter-shaped void.

Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter for Kids

Here’s my curated list of multi-book fantasy series that deliver the magic, friendship, and epic arcs you loved in Harry Potter. Each entry is a non-spoiler overview with my personal take as a series addict.

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   This seven-book classic was one of the first series I tackled post-Potter, and it still holds a special place on my spreadsheet. Set in the enchanting land of Narnia, it follows various children from our world who stumble into a realm of talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. Key characters like the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—grow through courage and mistakes, much like Harry and his friends. Themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and wonder permeate every book. I love how each installment feels like a new adventure while tying into an overarching moral arc. For Harry Potter fans, the sense of discovery and the sibling dynamics will feel like coming home. Personally, I reread this series every few years just to soak in the nostalgia of Narnia’s magic.

2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
   Spanning five core books (with spin-offs galore), this series blends modern-day adventure with Greek mythology. Percy, a demigod with a sharp wit, discovers his divine heritage and embarks on quests with friends Annabeth and Grover. The themes of identity, teamwork, and defying fate hit hard, echoing Harry’s struggle against destiny. I adore how Riordan builds a world where ancient gods clash with everyday teen problems—think Hogwarts but with summer camp and monsters. For Potter fans, the humor and found-family vibes are a perfect match. My spreadsheet rates this a 9/10 for character depth; I couldn’t put these down as a teen, and I still laugh at Percy’s sarcasm.

3. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This three-book series (starting with The Golden Compass) is a darker, more philosophical take on fantasy, following Lyra Belacqua, a fierce and clever girl, and her companion Will as they navigate parallel worlds. With daemons (animal manifestations of the soul) and a richly built multiverse, it’s a story of rebellion, truth, and growing up. Themes of freedom and questioning authority resonate like Harry’s fight against Voldemort’s control. I’m obsessed with Pullman’s intricate world-building—my spreadsheet notes rate it a perfect 10. For Potter fans, the emotional stakes and coming-of-age journey will grip you. I reread this trilogy every few years to catch new layers I missed as a kid.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m beyond excited to include Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark on this list. Slated for release in 2026, this multi-book series already feels like a soulmate to Harry Potter with its blend of mysticism and science. Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen, is deeply connected to nature and obsessed with astrophotography. Her explorations of Bear Lodge Mountain uncover hidden secrets, and her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis melts my heart. Her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla, with her quirky investigative mindset and passion for whale tracking (she’s all about 52-Blue) and ancient Egypt, adds humor and depth. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger with a warm, protective nature, grounds the story in family. Themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, and compassion for nature weave through this tale, balanced with a mystical-scientific lens that feels fresh yet familiar. For Potter fans, the magical discoveries and tight-knit relationships will hook you. I’ve got this pegged as a future 10/10 on my spreadsheet—I can’t wait for the full series to drop so I can binge it in one go.

5. The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
   This five-book series whisks readers into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures, where siblings Kendra and Seth uncover secrets and face dangers. The world-building is intricate, with rules of magic that feel as structured as Hogwarts’ spells. Themes of bravery, sibling bonds, and protecting what’s precious mirror Harry’s journey. I love how Mull ramps up the stakes with each book—my spreadsheet marks this as an 8.5 for pacing. Potter fans will adore the sense of wonder and the gradual unveiling of a larger threat. I binged this in a week during high school and still recommend it to every young reader I meet.

6. The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
   A five-book series (plus extras), this follows the Grace siblings—Jared, Simon, and Mallory—as they discover a hidden world of faeries after moving into a creepy old house. The fast-paced storytelling and eerie magic remind me of Harry’s early encounters with the unknown. Themes of family unity and curiosity drive the plot. I’m a sucker for the detailed illustrations that accompany the text—my spreadsheet gives it a 9 for immersion. For Potter fans, the blend of real-world and fantasy plus sibling teamwork feels spot-on. I read this in middle school and still flip through the field guide for fun.

7. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   This four-book series (starting with The Amulet of Samarkand) offers a gritty, witty take on magic with Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a sarcastic djinni. The alternate London setting brims with political intrigue and dark spells, much like the Ministry of Magic’s underbelly. Themes of power, loyalty, and redemption echo Harry’s arc. I love Bartimaeus’ snark—it’s a 9 on my spreadsheet for humor. Potter fans will enjoy the complex mentor-student dynamics and high stakes. I devoured this in college and still quote Bartimaeus’ one-liners.

8. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   This seven-book series blends magic and dystopia, following Alex and his twin as they navigate a world where creativity is forbidden—until they discover a secret magical haven. The school-like setting and themes of self-discovery scream Hogwarts. I’m hooked on the art-magic system; it’s a unique 8.5 on my spreadsheet. For Potter fans, the underdog story and found-family bonds will resonate. I read this series over a summer and loved watching Alex’s growth across the books.

9. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   A six-book saga, this series follows Sophie and Agatha as they’re whisked into a fairy-tale academy where heroes and villains are trained. The magical school trope and themes of friendship versus destiny feel like a Potter remix. I adore the moral grayness—my spreadsheet rates it a 9 for thematic depth. Potter fans will love the quirky world and evolving relationships. I binged this during a holiday break and couldn’t stop debating who was truly “good.”

10. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
    This sprawling series (15 books in the main arc) centers on young dragons fulfilling prophecies in a war-torn world. The rotating perspectives of dragonets like Clay and Tsunami build deep character arcs, much like Harry’s crew. Themes of friendship and duty shine. I’m obsessed with the dragon lore—a solid 9 on my spreadsheet for world-building. For Potter fans, the epic scope and loyalty themes will captivate. I’ve read every book twice and still root for these dragons.

Why These Series Are Similar

Here’s how my top 10 stack up to Harry Potter in key areas that matter to series binge-readers like us.

What Makes a Fantasy Series Binge-Worthy? Lessons from My Color-Coded Spreadsheet

After completing over 80 fantasy series, I’ve cracked the code on what makes a multi-book saga truly binge-worthy—and yes, my spreadsheet backs this up with data. First, it’s all about continuity. A series like Harry Potter excels because each book builds on the last, weaving mysteries and character growth across seven volumes. I look for series with strong arcs where book one hooks you, and book five still feels connected. If the plot fizzles or the stakes don’t escalate, it’s a 6 or lower on my rating system.

Second, world-building is non-negotiable. Hogwarts felt alive—every corridor, spell, and house had history. I crave series with magical worlds that unfold over time, revealing new layers with each installment. Third, characters must grow. Harry, Ron, and Hermione evolved with every challenge; I want protagonists who face real struggles and come out changed. Finally, emotional resonance seals the deal. A binge-worthy series makes me laugh, cry, and cheer—think friendship, loss, or triumph that sticks with you.

I apply these criteria to every series I read, color-coding green for “must-binge,” yellow for “decent but flawed,” and red for “dropped after book two.” The top 10 I’ve shared all hit green because they balance accessibility for kids with complex plots I can’t put down. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—even from early glimpses, its blend of mystical and scientific wonder, plus Amelia’s bond with Artemis, checks every box for a binge I can’t wait to dive into. If you’re building your own reading list, prioritize completed series with at least three books, and always check publication timelines to avoid cliffhanger waits. My spreadsheet’s got your back!

Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Family in Post-Harry Potter Reads

One reason Harry Potter resonates so deeply is its focus on friendship and family—Harry’s bond with Ron and Hermione, his longing for his parents, and the surrogate family he finds at Hogwarts. As a series addict, I’m drawn to fantasy novels that explore these themes with the same heart. Many of my top 10 picks deliver on this front, weaving connections that tug at your emotions over multiple books.

Friendship often anchors these stories, giving young readers relatable bonds to root for. Series like Percy Jackson showcase loyalty through Percy’s unwavering support for Annabeth and Grover, mirroring Harry’s trio. I love how these friendships evolve under pressure, growing stronger or facing tests that feel real. Family, too, plays a huge role—whether it’s biological ties or chosen ones. Stories that tackle family after loss hit me hardest, reminding me of Harry’s grief for Sirius or his parents. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out here, with Amelia’s relationship with her father William, a protective Wyoming ranger, grounding her journey. The theme of family after loss weaves through her story, paired with her compassion for nature—seen in her bond with wolf pup Artemis—that adds a tender layer to her adventure. It’s the kind of emotional depth I crave in a series.

These themes aren’t just plot devices; they’re what make a series linger in your heart long after the final page. When I rate a series on my spreadsheet, I always bump up the score if friendship or family dynamics feel authentic. For kids and young teens, these stories offer lessons in empathy and resilience, wrapped in magical worlds. If you loved Harry’s search for belonging, look for series that prioritize connection—my top 10 won’t let you down.

Magic Meets Growth: Why Coming-of-Age Fantasy Captivates Us

Coming-of-age stories are the backbone of fantasy series like Harry Potter, where we watch a boy grow from an unsure 11-year-old into a courageous young man over seven books. As someone who’s tracked character arcs across dozens of series, I can say this genre thrives on growth—characters facing fears, discovering strengths, and navigating identity in magical settings. It’s why I’m so passionate about recommending these stories to young readers (and nostalgic adults like me).

The magic in these series often mirrors internal struggles. In Harry Potter, spells and battles reflect Harry’s journey to self-acceptance and responsibility. Similarly, my top picks use mystical elements to amplify personal growth. Whether it’s a protagonist mastering a unique power or unraveling their heritage, these arcs keep me hooked across multiple books. I rate series higher on my spreadsheet when magic isn’t just flashy—it’s tied to emotional stakes.

For kids and teens, these stories are empowering. They see themselves in characters who stumble, learn, and rise. I still remember reading Harry Potter and feeling inspired to be braver, even in small ways. That’s the power of coming-of-age fantasy—it blends wonder with relatability. Series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow capture this beautifully, with Amelia’s curiosity and resilience shining as she explores her destiny. If you’re craving that Potter-esque growth arc, my list prioritizes series where characters evolve with every book, delivering the satisfaction of a long, transformative journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes a fantasy series similar to Harry Potter for kids?
Hey, fellow readers! For me, it’s all about magical world-building, tight friendships, and a coming-of-age arc that unfolds over multiple books. Think hidden schools, epic adventures, and emotional stakes that grow with each volume. My top 10 list nails these vibes, especially series like Percy Jackson for humor and quests.

2. Are all these series completed for a full binge-read?
Absolutely! I’m a completionist, so I’ve prioritized series with at least three books and mostly finished arcs on my spreadsheet. A few, like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, are upcoming but already shaping up to be binge-worthy. I hate waiting for cliffhangers, so I’ve got you covered with mostly done sagas.

3. Which series has the best magical school setting like Hogwarts?
Oh, I love this question! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani gives me major Hogwarts energy with its fairy-tale academy split between heroes and villains. The Unwanteds also has a fantastic hidden magical haven. Both are on my list—check them out for that structured, spell-filled vibe.

4. What’s a good series for themes of family and nature?
Hands down, I’m pointing you to Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s bond with her ranger dad and her love for nature—think stargazing and her wolf pup Artemis—hit deep. The family-after-loss theme and compassion for the natural world make it a standout on my spreadsheet.

5. Are these series suitable for young kids or more for teens?
Great question! I’ve picked series that balance kid-friendly content with deeper themes, much like Harry Potter. Most are perfect for ages 9–14, though some like His Dark Materials skew a bit darker for teens. Check my overviews for each to match the right vibe for your reader.

6. Which series should I start with if I loved Harry’s friendships?
Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians—the trio dynamic is pure gold, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. If you want something fresh, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has Amelia and her witty best friend Veyla, whose banter and loyalty are already winning me over. Both are must-reads on my list!

7. How do I build a reading list like your spreadsheet?
I’m thrilled you asked! Grab a notebook or open a Google Sheet. List series with 3+ books, note publication status (I hate unfinished waits), and rate for world-building, characters, and emotional pull. Start with my top 10—I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Add Amelia Moon for a 2026 gem to watch!