Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book

Contributed by Lauren Carpenter

Books2All reporter

Fri 29 Apr 2022

Harry Potter Day 2022 on 2 May is a chance to remind ourselves of the wonderful works of J.K. Rowling. Ask most people of my generation about a memorable book from their childhood, and they’ll instantly remember the magical world of Harry Potter. We adored the books and films about Harry and his friends battling a magical world of witchcraft as they trained as wizards.

Whether you are longstanding fans of Harry Potter or children reading these stories for the first time, there are plenty of other books to satisfy your magic cravings once it’s time to leave Hogwarts. 

Let’s look at some interesting works to read after Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 1: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Ages 13+

It might be an obvious choice, but Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a great way to linger a little longer in the magic of Harry Potter. This approved textbook depicts the creatures we know and love from the series in a handy guide. Written by J.K. Rowling for charity as part of a companion set with Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, the highly popular Fantastic Beasts inspired a film franchise of its own.

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them published by Arthur a Levine (2001)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 2: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Ages 13+

An alternative take on the world of wizardry, Novik’s book tells the story of students attending Scholomance, a school where failure is certainly not an option. Survival becomes the key focus for students, who must fight at every turn to achieve success and stay alive.

Like Harry Potter but with a deadly twist, A Deadly Education is for anyone who loves the darker side of literature. If you think Harry had a stressful time at school, he’s got nothing on these kids!

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
A Deadly Education published by Del Ray Books (2020)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 3: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Ages 12+

Ransom Riggs’ debut novel is a dark tale about a young teen, Jacob,  who ventures to a remote island in Wales, where he discovers an abandoned orphanage. This mystical novel’s clever use of photography and words creates a gripping tale for anyone looking for that ‘unputdownable’ experience. 

As Jacob delves further into the house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary orphanage, and these are no ordinary children. He quickly realises that they may have been abandoned for a reason. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a perfect choice for any reader who loves the darker elements of Harry Potter and craves a late-night spooky fix. 

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children published by Quirk Books (2013)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 4: Pennyroyal Academy by M.A. Larson

Ages 11+

A must for lovers of fantasy and magic, Pennyroyal Academy is set in a school where young adults learn to become princesses and knights. Evie is thrown into the academy and has to learn quickly what it means to be a princess, which entails fighting dragons and witches in an epic battle that is more personal than she expected. 

An intense tale that reminds us of the importance of human compassion, this novel uses humour and adventure to transport readers to the magical world. 

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
Pennyroyal Academy published by Putnam Juvenile (2014)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 5: The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Ages 10+

The first in a series of novels by Bell, The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence tells the story of two siblings thrown into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Police apprehend Ivy and Seb after their grandmother is taken to hospital. They make their escape but soon find themselves in a secret underground city called Lundinor, where ordinary objects have extraordinary powers.

For those who love the whimsical side of Harry Potter, this book is an excellent introduction to the fantasy section without being too bleak. The illustrations by Karl Mountford are a wonderful addition to the story and make the book come to life. 

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
The Crooked Sixpence published by Corgi Childrens (2016)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune

Ages 9+

Set on a remote island, The House in the Cerulean Sea tells the story of Linus Baker, who lives an unassuming life with his old records and furry friends. Linus oversees the well-being of children in orphanages for the Department of Magical Youth and loves his solitary lifestyle. Unexpectedly, he is summoned on a highly classified mission to discover if six of the children are to bring about the end of days. Talk about work pressure!

Linus’ investigations show him that the children aren’t the only ones keeping secrets. This enchanting story unravels the mysteries of family and friendship in unexpected places.

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
The House in the Cerulean Sea published by Tor Books (2020)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 7: The Dragon in the Sock Drawer by Kate Klimo

Ages 8+

Part of the Dragon Keepers series, this novel tells the story of cousins who hatch an egg in a sock drawer, only to discover that a baby dragon has popped out! Jesse and Daisy soon learn they’ve been chosen as Dragon Keepers and must protect their new friend from the hands of the evil Saint George, who thrives on drinking the blood of dragons to keep himself young.

A great choice for a younger audience, The Dragon in the Sock Drawer provides a lighthearted introduction to the world of fantasy and magic.

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
The Dragon in the Sock Drawer published by Random House (2008)

Harry Potter Day 2022 choice 8: Magic for Liars by Sarah Galley

For adults

One for the grownups, Magic for Liars introduces us to Ivy Gamble, an ordinary woman who almost has her life together. Ivy is content to leave her work as a private investigator behind until her mystical sister, Tabitha, arrives at her doorstep and asks her to investigate a murder. So much for the quiet life…

As the investigation unfolds, Ivy learns more about the world of magic and the life she could have had. An excellent read for those who enjoy a murder mystery with a magical twist.

Books2All blog: Harry Potter Day 2022 – indulge in your next magical book
Magic for Liars published by Tor Books (2009)

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