Books to Read After Percy Jackson

With the holidays upon us, I thought I would put together more book lists to help with the dreaded shopping!  Today I am focusing on a topic which has come up endlessly of late.  I can't begin to count the number of parents who ask me what their kids should read after Percy Jackson!

I have some great ideas for you that include some wonderful stories.  Try them out and see which ones stick.  I do have to warn you that books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter really are one of a kind. While I can give you books that will tap into the adventure components and sense of fantasy, they will never be the phenomenon of these new classics.  But I do promise that your kids will find a new series to love!

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The Ruins of Gorlan: Book 1 (Ranger's Apprentice) by John A. Flanagan

This is a fantasy series where our hero Will becomes an apprentice to the Rangers, a secret group that is working to protect the kingdom.  There is plenty of action and the training to join this secret society will fascinate kids.  With thirteen books in the series, this one will keep your kids occupied for a long time!

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz (Author), Hugh D'Andrade (Illustrator)

This book is a little less traditional in the action adventure genre, but brings in many of the stories and fairytales with which kids are familiar.  However, this is not the sanitized version of these stories they may have read, but the actual dark and foreboding tales that Grimm intended.  The wonderful part of these books are the humor injected by a very sarcastic and acerbic narrator that will have children laughing from the very start.  You will never look at Hansel and Gretel in quite the same way again.

Gregor The Overlander (Underland Chronicles, Book 1) by Suzanne Collins 

This is the first series written by the Hunger Games author and follows Gregor into an underground world filled with humans and animals who are fighting for power.  Gregor has a key role to play in this conflict and befriends cockroaches and rats.  Sure to be hit with those less squeamish about rodents!

Jinx by Sage Blackwood 

I fell in love with this series from the first book.  Jinx is so likable and of course who can't root for the poor misunderstood orphan who seems like a burden but turns out to have more talent and personality than anyone could have imagined.  As an apprentice to a wizard,  Jinx is discovering his own power and is having trouble divining the intentions of the others around him.  Are they good or bad?  Kids will be completely caught up in this well crafted adventure.

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull 

Can you imagine a candy store where the confections give you superpowers?  Sounds fabulous, but the payment for these treats are chores that may have evil results.  What is a kid to do?  This trilogy has kids facing some ethical choices and standing together against the bad guys.  There is also plenty of candy and video games making this a winning series.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Of course no list would be complete without the latest book by Rick Riordan.  This time he is tackling the Norse Gods and this Norwegian couldn't be more excited.  It is quite time that Thor, Odin, Loki, Frey and yes, Freya, got their day.  This book has all the humor and excitement of Percy Jackson and is sure to be a hit with any fan.