Looking for new book recommendations for the fantasy reader in your life? These are the top magic fantasy books and magic school books in my 5th grade classroom.
Incredible Magic and Magic School Books for Middle Grade and Middle School
Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea. Hawaiian legends meet real life when you anger Pele, the fire goddess! Action-packed adventure and excitement.
Nic Black and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas. Nic thought she knew what it meant to be Remarkable in an Unremarkable world, until a shocking series of revelations upend everything she thought she knew. Hilarious and suspenseful - and bonus baby hellhound. (
Book two now available!)
Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije. Shad has never quite fit in, but he didn't realize it might be because his baba was an alchemist---and he's one too! But when he arrives at Alexander Academy, it is not the warm welcome he expected. Facing suspicion can Shad rescue his friends and prove his worth?
Lia Park and the Missing Jewel by Jenna Yoon. Lia Park thought she had overprotective parents. She didn't realize that sneaking out would trigger an ancient protection spell that *might* have been protecting her whole family and the world from evil. Friendship and courage meet Korean mythology in this action-packed series. (
Book two also available!)
Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu. No one pays any attention to Marya until the sorcerers come to test her brother's magic skills. Then Marya finds herself shipped off to the faraway Dragomir Academy for other troublesome girls like herself. But they soon discover that more may be going on underneath the surface...
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston. Amari does not believe her brother Quinton is truly gone. And when a ticking suitcase appears with a mysterious invitation, Amari thinks she's found her first clue. This action-packed series has tons of sibling and friendship drama plus supernatural characters and situations. (
Book four arrives in February 2026!)
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton. Ella is the first Conjurer to attend the prestigious Arcanum Training Institute and adjusting is proving harder than she expected. When she is suspected of a treacherous crime, Ella must find a way to clear her name and rescue her teacher. (
Book four drops in August 2026!)
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix. (British cover shown above.) Adia is an orphan in a tough situation, so she jumps at the opportunity to attend the Academy of Shamans. But as she starts to discover where true evil lies, she will need all the skills and friends she can get!
Did I miss a favorite of yours? Share in the comments below!
Looking for more middle grade? Check out
#iLoveMG for all my 5th graders' book reviews.
