Read Like Harry Potter

June 26 marked the fifteenth anniversary of the British publication of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The publishing world would never be the same again. We all know Rowling's story -- a young single mother on the dole sits in local cafes in Edinburh, Scotland, and writes an amazing story about the young boy who didn't know he was a wizard. Rowling is now one of the richest women in the world and also one of the most beloved authors of all time.

Her character, too, is known and beloved worldwide. But the Harry Potter series didn't just usher in a new generation of readers -- it also ushered in a new generation of original science fiction and fantasy books. While most, if not all, were marketed as Harry Potter read-alikes, they all have their own merits.

So if you're a Harry Potter fan, celebrate the "season" by trying one of these fantastic YA adventures that owe at least a little corner of their success to the fantasy fans Harry Potter created.

1.) Maximum Ride

This James Patterson series chronicles the story of half a dozen teens who have been genetically altered to possess bird DNA -- giving them wings and the ability to fly. Part of a secret government experiment, these teens are now on a mission to save the world, X-Men style.

2.) Artemis Fowl

Eoin Colfer has described his YA series as "Die Hard with fairies!"  Artemis Fowl is a teenage criminal mastermind, who starts up his criminal career with a kidnapping and ransoming ... in the world of fairies. Like Harry Potter, Artemis straddles the line between a world of magic and a world of "Muggles" -- but Aretmis is decidedly more of an anti-hero.

3.) Eragon: (The Inheritance Cycle)

This coming-of-age fantasy saga, about a farm boy who is chosen to become a Dragon Rider, is famous for having been written by a teenage author.

4.) A Series of Unfortunate Events


When the series begins, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny have just recently become orphans. Things only go downhill from there. This darkly-funny children's series follows the trio of siblings as they try to escape from their new guardian, Count Olaf, who knows that the kids are all that stand between him and a major inheritance. The ending must be read to be believed!

5.) Inkheart

This German-language YA trilogy became immensely popular when the English translations were released in America. Meggie is twelve when she discovers that she and her father have the power to bring characters from books to life into the real world -- and to send real-life people into the pages of a book. When Meggie finds out that she "read" her mother into a book when she was only three, she knows it's up to her to bring her mother back.

6.) Ranger's Apprentice

Originally published in Australia, this action-packed series follows the apprenticeship of fifteen-year-old Will. An orphan, he is saved from a lifetime working in the fields by being chosen to become a Ranger instead. (This fantasy read is a good bet for any teen, or teen-at-heart, who also likes spy fiction.)

7.) Septimus Heap

The seventh son of a seventh son, Septimus Heap is the possessor of great magical powers. Those powers also bring a lot of danger his way. Luckily, Septimus has a magical family to who's always there to lend a hand. These books have much of the same sort of wit, charm, and character that the Potter series does, with an emphasis on family at their heart.

8.) His Dark Materials

Though the first book in the series, The Golden Compass, was published before Harry Potter, it wasn't until after the Potter-craze that this trilogy shot to its own international acclaim. Possessing one of the most unique child heroes to appear in recent fantasy reads, the series tells the story of Lyra Belacqua (and her sidekick Pantalaimon) -- in their world of talking bears, ageless witches, golden Dust, and cities between the stars. With rich world-building and great characterization, this is a unique fantasy series that's not to be missed. (... although Ms. B still doesn't like the ending!)

9.) Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Kane Chronicles

Percy Jackson is a series about another young boy who has trouble fitting in until he discovers the secret of his parentage – his father is the Greek god Poseidon. This information leads him to Camp Half Blood, a place for children of Greek gods and humans. Of course Percy and his new friends must save the day (several times), and end up on some exciting adventures -- adventures which are now being continued in the sequel series, Heroes of Olympus.

The Kane Chronicles, meanwhile, tell the story of a brother and sister who find themselves enmeshed in a world of Egyptian mythology. Though they've no camp to rely on, they do have a wide assortment of Egyptian deities and legends to help them out through their own crazy adventures.

10.) The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, the dystopian science fiction trilogy, is a rare series that has a strong, yet flawed, young female protagonist. In Panem, a future North America, young people are chosen to compete to the death in the annual Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen’s sister, Prim, is chosen from their district. Katniss volunteers in her sister’s place, which throws her into a world of survival and rebellion.


-- Post by Tracy and Ms. B