Harry Potter has inspired many childern to begin reading. Unfortunately many children will stop reading after the enthusiam of Harry Potter wears off. ("Harry Potter Has Limited Effect on Reading Habits" by Motoko Rich, July 11 2007 edition of the New York Times) According to the Children's Book Council (in "Choosing a Children's Book" on cbcbooks.org), when selecting books for chlildren over age 9 parents should "Consider who the child is—his or her personality traits and personal preferences. Make your selection with the child in mind; choose an informational book or a novel in an area of specific interest." Children who are captivated by J.K. Rowling's writing may enjoy other books about wizards.
So You Want to Be a Wizard
Juanita discovers a book in the children's section of her library titled So You Want To Be A Wizard while hiding from bullies. After Nita recites the oath included in the book, it changes; sending Nita and her best friend Kit on an unlikely magical adventure through New York City.
Diane Duane writes well-developed and believable characters who deal with challenges today's children can understand. Set in modern times, this series takes readers on a fantastic journey that combines science and magic, without resorting to "stock" plot lines or oversimplified vocabulary. Recommended for grades 6-8.
Wild Magic
Daine has always had a way with animals. When she is forced to leave her home, she begins working under a pony trader. On their journey Daine discovers that there is more to her skill with animals than she knew. Daine must learn to control her "wild magic" so she can help the country's best knights save her homeland from evil creatures.
Tamora Pierce's captivating descriptions and intricate plots build a credible fantasy world without resorting to typical fantasy sterotypes. The characters feel like real people, and even the heroes are sometimes afraid. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Matilda
Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood largely ignore their daughter Matilda, even after some strange things begin happening around the house. Matilda is a genius gifted at playing pranks with her psychic abilities, but she meets her match in her school's musclebound headmistress. Can she save the school from the terror of "The Trunchbull"?
The book is funny and surprising in Roald Dahl's award winning style. The basis for the movie Matilda, this book is less dark than many of Dahl's other works. Recommended for readers aged 9-12.
The Wizard Test
Dayven wants nothing more than to redeem his family's honor from the embarassment of his grandmother's witchcraft by becoming an elite knight of his people. His life changes forever after passing "the wizard test", when he is forced to apprentice under a wizard.
This easy to understand story illustrates the concept of doing what is right by following your conscience at times when making good choices is a challenge. Recommended for Ages 10 and up.
Young Wizards book one :So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane, Harcourt, 2001, ISBN: 015216250
The Immortals book one: Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce, Atheneum books, 1992, ISBN: 0689856113
Matilda by Roald Dahl, Puffin, 1988, ISBN: 014034294X
The Wizard Test by Hilari Bell, HarperCollins, 2005, ISBN: 0060599405
Catherine A. Garretson-Bilnoski - Catherine Garretson-Bilnoski has been playfully described by her husband as "having a tendency to over-research", which she denies by ...
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