Magical stories for 9- to 12-year-olds

This collection of interlinked folk tales has a truly global feel, with stories reaching from Africa to the Orkney Islands, by way of Spain and Norway.

12-year-old Meggie and her father, Mo, a bookbinder, both love reading, but since the disappearance of Meggie’s mother, they no longer read together. One night a stranger knocks at their door, prompting Mo to reveal his awful secret.

Wish is a girl from a warrior tribe and Xar is a boy from a wizard tribe, living in a world loosely based on Ancient Britain at the beginning of the Iron Age, but where magic is real. A fabulously imaginative, funny and unpredictable adventure. 

This cracking sequel to the Blue Peter Book Award-winning The Nowhere Emporium is chock full of magic and invention. Detailed and original, yet never sacrificing the human story for fantasy, this is a fabulous book that will enchant and inspire.

When Marvin discovers a book which grants magic wishes, he decides to use it to secure a win at the school talent show. This hilarious, heartwarming chapter book features superb black-and-white drawings and is aimed specifically at dyslexic and reluctant readers.

After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting new life at the Hogwart’s School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

When Philo discovers a strange new world through a secret door in the grandfather clock, he embarks on an utterly bonkers, magical adventure, which is beyond his wildest dreams.  

Jane Doe appeared on the steps of the mysterious Manor with her sick father as a baby, and ever since the residents of Bluehaven have considered her The Cursed One. But Jane’s about to find out who she really is in a storming, funny and gripping adventure romp.

A thrilling historical adventure quest, with elements of magic realism, set in a fictionalised version of colonial India and exploring aspects of imperialism and the exploitation of indigenous peoples. 

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – step through a wardrobe door in the strange country house where they are staying, they find themselves in the land of Narnia.

Jude is infuriated when she realises that the rare magic she has stolen to impress her criminal family is protected by a curse. Darkly humorous, with a myriad of magical twists and turns, this inventive novel is a thrilling read.

It is 1855 and the practice of magic is being eradicated from India under British rule. Many magical folk are going missing, and when her mother is kidnapped, Chompa journeys to London to get her back. A thrilling, imaginative tale, bursting with magic, friendship and betrayal.

Desperate for an adventure, Betty plans an outing to neighbouring Marshfoot on her 13th birthday. But then Granny breaks the devasting news that she is trapped on her island by an ancient curse. A riveting tale of witchcraft, love and betrayal. 

Juniper Bell, relic thief and trickster, needs to pretend she has magic to avoid jail. If only the strange shadowy creature she’s suddenly found would be less grumpy and help her. Fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure.

Ella Durant is the first Conjuror to attend the Marveller school in the sky, but not everyone is welcoming. And then her favourite teacher goes missing… Magical fantasy adventure in an intricately detailed world.

A funny, glitter-spangled, mystery thriller for anyone who likes a dose of danger with their magic.

When babies are left in the forest as an offering, the witch Xan protects them and feeds them on starlight. But one day, Xan feeds a baby the moon by mistake – and fills her with a dangerous amount of magic. A thoughtful book about belonging and fear. 

Charlie is unnerved to discover that he can hear people in photographs talking. His aunts take an unhealthy interest in his gift and send him to the notorious Bloor’s Academy…

The Oksa Pollock series has legions of fans all over the world, and this first installment leaves us in no doubt why.

Luvander and her companions go on an expedition to find The Hall of Dreaming Teasures. Their journey is like a cross between Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings. A fun fantasy adventure packed with action and humour and comic-style ilustrations.

Part mystery, part quest, this book uses magic realism to tell an absorbing story about friendship and courage, which is filled with talking dogs, renegades who occupy the space between good and bad, and evil night riders that must be defeated.

Times are tough for Jennifer Strange, manager of Kazam Mystical Arts – then predictions of a new Dragonslayer coming to slay the Last Dragon begin…

A stunning collection of mystical fairy tales that are at once exotic and fresh, and traditionally heartening.