10+ Best Books for 11-Year-Old Who Like Harry Potter w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for books for 11-year-olds who like Harry Potter? You're in the right place! Finding that perfect series or standalone book that captures the magic and adventure of Harry Potter can be quite the quest. Whether your young reader is into epic quests, magical mysteries, or enchanting new worlds, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover a variety of books for 11-year-olds who like Harry Potter, each ready to spark their imagination and keep them turning the pages!

Fun Books for 11-Year-Old Who Like Harry Potter

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action, humor, and mythological intrigue, perfect for keeping young readers engaged and eager to turn the page.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology and adventure stories.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal prodigy, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold, but he underestimates the magical world’s power and complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, technology, and crime in a unique setting, providing a thrilling read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy and high-tech intrigue.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, imaginative world filled with memorable characters and a timeless battle between light and darkness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and magical worlds.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and quiet life, is whisked away on an adventure by wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home from a dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to epic fantasy, featuring a relatable hero and a richly detailed world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to fantasy and those who enjoy stories of adventure and courage.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where children are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains, challenging their preconceived notions of good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It twists traditional fairy tale elements into an engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship and identity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a modern twist and exploring the gray areas between good and evil.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian finds a magical book that immerses him in the world of Fantastica, a land of incredible creatures and dire challenges that only he can save.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating, imaginative tale that celebrates the power of storytelling and the hero within all of us.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who loves stories about stories.

Educational Books for 11-Year-Old Who Like Harry Potter

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with intellectual challenges that keep readers engaged and thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can bring characters from books into the real world when he reads aloud. They must face a villain released from the book "Inkheart."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that celebrates the magic of books and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by the idea of books coming to life.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores themes of bravery and forgiveness as Despereaux faces various challenges in his quest to save the princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, empathy, literature appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that encourages courage and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with deep moral lessons and charming characters.

• Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building into the dark Underland, where he embarks on a quest that will change him and the mysterious world he’s discovered.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, bravery, family bonds
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a unique underground setting and a compelling, fast-paced plot that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic journeys and hidden worlds.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' vast magical preserve, Fablehaven, where mythical and magical creatures are protected. They soon find themselves involved in a battle against dark forces trying to overthrow the sanctuary.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mythology, ecological consciousness, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a magical adventure filled with fantastical creatures and powerful messages about environmental stewardship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy and nature conservation.

Challenging Books for 11-Year-Old Who Like Harry Potter

• His Dark Materials: Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic in search of her kidnapped friend and uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and physics, intertwined with a richly developed fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young readers to think critically about profound topics while enjoying a thrilling and beautifully written adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking narratives and complex fantasy worlds.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe travel through space and time to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts of physics, space, and time, blended with themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story promotes the power of love and the importance of fighting against darkness, providing a compelling narrative for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who appreciate stories about family and resilience.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua journeys to the Arctic in search of her missing friend and uncovers a massive conspiracy involving stolen children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a complex alternate universe with sophisticated political and theological themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world with a strong, intelligent female protagonist and a story that encourages questioning and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who like stories with depth and a strong female lead.

• The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1) by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus to assist in his plot to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from a powerful magician.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with political intrigue and a detailed magical system.
  • Why we recommend this book: The witty dialogue, engaging plot twists, and the unique perspective of the djinni make this a compelling read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical adventures and stories with non-human narrators.

• The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 1) by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the magical land of Prydain, sets out on a hazardous quest to find the stolen Black Cauldron and prevent it from falling into the hands of the evil Horned King.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series draws on Welsh mythology, offering a rich tapestry of characters and themes that challenge young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic hero’s journey filled with adventure and lessons about bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mythology and stories of epic quests.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you have a young reader who's just finished the Harry Potter series and is hungry for more magical adventures, it's the perfect time to help them develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises tailored for 11-year-olds who love diving into new worlds through books. These will not only enhance their reading experience but also encourage a lifelong love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and gradually increase the challenge.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that makes reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and favorite decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides social interaction around reading.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital app that tracks reading progress and offers book suggestions.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading and can spark interest with interactive features.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are kid-friendly and have educational value.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate certain days to read aloud from a book to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Encourage different family members to participate in reading aloud sessions.

• Visit the Library Regularly
  • What it is: Schedule regular visits to the local library to check out books.
  • How it helps: Explores new genres and authors without the commitment of buying books.
  • Tips: Make library visits an exciting event by coupling them with another fun activity.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from a recently read book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and promotes creativity.
  • Tips: Share the illustrations with family or friends to discuss different interpretations of the book.

By incorporating these exercises into their routine, your young reader will not only enhance their skills but also deepen their love for reading. Each of these activities offers a fun and engaging way to explore new literary worlds, akin to the magical adventures of Harry Potter. So, let's get those books off the shelves and into the hands of our eager young readers! Happy reading!