Dropping into an otherworldly fantasy is a favorite pastime for many because of the thrill and excitement of discovering something fascinating right at your fingertips. You can jump into the world of magic, adventure and parallel universes all by just opening a book. Magic in fiction has evolved over the centuries but the heart of the genre still stays the same – an exploration of human experience, creativity and the unknown. From ‘Frankenstein’ to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ each book holds a different sort of magical reality. Have you ever wished to have a fairy as your friend to take you along for an adventure? Have you ever wanted to break out of the present world and live in a land where you were a wizard with magical powers? Fret not, because each of these stories will help you live that reality. Here is a short collection of books for 10 year olds to read and enjoy!
MERRIN ABRAHAM
Merrin completed her Integrated MA in English Studies from IIT Madras. She is a storyteller, bibliomaniac and a lover of indie music who had a passion for the English language that she dedicated her childhood to reading Victorian literature. Besides drinking bitter coffee and analysing Asian media, she is trying to find a horror story worthy of the genre.
by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl sets out on an almost impossible mission – to restore his family’s wealth. This 12 year old criminal mastermind decides to kidnap a fairy to help him complete his mission, throwing the secret magical world into disarray. Will Artemis’ wit and genius be enough to complete the mission when he is pitted against the whole magical world?
by Astrid Lindgren
Putti finally gets the chance to visit Deolali, his hometown and he is so excited to explore the place that his Nana & Nani had told him about. But things aren’t that smooth after he befriends his neighbour Inu, because their parents forbid them from playing together. So, Putti and Inu are set on getting to the bottom of this mystery.
The Magic Faraway Tree: The Enchanted Wood
by Enid Blyton
When Jo, Bessie and Fanny move to the country from the bustling town, they expect to have a lot of adventures. Little did they know that adventure was closer than they realized – the Enchanted Wood was right at their doorstep waiting for them to come explore. Join these siblings on their journey to faraway lands as they meet magical creatures like Moon-Face, Silky the fairy, and Saucepan Man.
Brandon Mull
Kendra and Seth are sent to live with their grandparents, whose home they’ve never visited before. When they discover that their grandparents are caretakers of magical creatures who are hidden in the sanctuary called Fablehaven, things get interesting. Trolls, satyrs, witches, imps and fairies all gathered in a single haven, overlooked by rules to keep them from going extinct. What will happen when these forces of evil are unleashed and the siblings have to brave the creatures that threaten their life?
by Eva Ibbotson
Under platform 13 at King’s cross station lies a magical world that can be accessed only once every 9 years. When the time comes a wizard, an ogre, a fey and young hag walk out of this magical world to rescue the prince of their land who had been kidnapped as a baby 9 years ago. Will their search prove futile? Will the prince be willing to return with them to rule his kingdom?
by Sarah Prineas
A pickpocket takes his chance to steal a wizard’s locus magicalicus one cold rainy night, without knowing what he was stealing. Conn should have dropped dead immediately, but surprisingly nothing happened. The wizard Nevery is curious and interested in Conn because of this, and decides to take him on as an apprentice. Conn has a lot to learn while assisting Nevery in finding out what or who is stealing all the magic in the city of Wellmet.
by Neil Gaiman
Coraline feels something strange and creepy around her in her new home. Was it the constant drifting mist or the cat that kept watching her? Maybe it was her neighbors Miss Spink and Miss Forcible who read in the tea leaves. But when she discovers the other house, behind the old door in the drawing room, where another mother and father were waiting for her, their black button eyes shining, Coraline realizes that she may never be able to return home if she crosses over. What will Coraline do and what awaits her beyond the old door in the other house?
