Beyond Hogwarts: 6 Magic Schools for Middle Grade Readers
Ask any fantasy reader to name a magic school, and you can bet they’ll blurt out “Hogwarts!” without missing a beat. But there are so many other eldritch academies out there waiting to be discovered! From secret enclaves hidden in the real world, to towering universities from other dimensions, there’s a school for every young would-be mage. Here are a few of our favorites.
{{ product: 9780060575281 }}The Black Magician series, by Trudi Canavan
Canavan’s trilogy stars a young heroine named Sonea, whose magical skills are rivaled only by her unparalleled spunk. Born in the streets of Imardin, Sonea awakens her incredible powers just in time to save her world from devastation. Though readers have to wait for the series’ second book for Sonea to begin studying with Imardin’s Magicians Guild, it’s definitely worth the wait.
The Worst Witch series, by Jill Murphy
Murphy’s series is a (literally) charming classic. Though a bit simplistic for older middle-grade kids, reluctant readers will cheerfully devour the adventures of Mildred Hubble, who never really means to get into trouble at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches…it just keeps happening, somehow. Kidnapping, animal transformations, evil witch covens—this series has it all.
Adozinda, by Sofia Ester
News flash: not every magic school is based in America or the U.K.! Sixteen-year-old Adozinda is a student at the Lisbon School of Magic (which just happens to be based in Ester’s home city), where she focuses diligently on her witchy studies—but even a young magic-user has to deal with teenage problems, too. Ester’s novels are only available in her native Portuguese, but fluent speakers and those who want to learn will both enjoy these slice-of-magical-life romps.
Wizard’s Hall ,by Jane Yolen
No YA fantasy list would be complete without an appearance from Yolen. This standalone story follows Thornmallow, the shy young wizard formerly known as Harry, as he attempts to gain control of his powers at the eponymous Hall. As the 113th student to enroll, Thornmallow has a massive responsibility laid at his feet: save the school from the evil wizard Nettle. But like his classmates, Thornmallow isn’t convinced he’s up to the task.
The Tapestry series, by Henry H. Neff
Neff’s hero Max, like Thornmallow, is a seemingly normal boy who is thrust into a world of magical intrigue. After finding a mysterious Celtic tapestry, Max finds his way to the secret Rowan Academy, where he learns that art like the tapestry—and gifted children like himself—are going missing around the world, as a dark conspiracy closes in.
Circle of Magic series, by Tamora Pierce
Any YA fantasy author can create a magic school, but Pierce has crafted so many across her career it’s impossible to count them all. Some of her most popular are located in the land of Emelan, where young mages learn to use their diverse gifts in schools like the Winding Circle, the University of Lightsbridge, and more. If you’re looking for a totally absorbing and literally empowering read, you’ve found it.
Where would you most like to study magic? Tell us in the comments!