Best Epic Books for Kids in 2024: Top 12 List

These epic books for kids, from Harry Potter to The Lightning Thief, promise adventure and excitement on every page!
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief coverThe Hobbit cover

Hey there, book lovers! We bet you’re on the hunt for some epic books for kids that will keep ’em glued to the pages and buzzing with excitement. We’ve taken a good look at thrilling adventures, magnetic characters, and those magical worlds that feel so real, you almost need a passport. Some books make you laugh, some make you cry, and some make you wonder if you really can sneak into the closet and find Narnia. Check out our list of the 12 best, perfect for any budding bookworm ready for an epic journey.

On this list:

12 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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Who hasn’t heard of this magical classic? We picked this because it’s the perfect blend of magic, adventure, and friendship.

11 Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief cover

  • Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 377

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This book introduces us to a world where Greek mythology meets the modern era. Our kids couldn’t put it down!

10 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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A classic tale of a small hobbit on a big adventure. Perfect for kids who love epic journeys.

9 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1950
  • Pages: 208

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This book pulls you into a magical wardrobe leading to a fantastical world. It’s pure, epic fun!

8 The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society cover

  • Genre: Adventure/Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 485

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A group of kids solving mind-bending puzzles and saving the world? Count us in!

7 Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl cover

  • Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 280

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Meet Artemis, the twelve-year-old genius who dabbles in crime. This book is a thrilling ride!

6 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1964
  • Pages: 176

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Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is every child’s dream. This book is sweet, quirky, and full of surprises.

5 Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Inkheart cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 534

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Dive into a world where stories literally come to life. Our kids loved the magic and mystery.

4 Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 509

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A boy and his dragon? This book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

3 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1962
  • Pages: 211

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Time travel, science fiction, and cosmic battles. This book is mind-bending and epic!

2 The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 375

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Teenage boys trapped in a maze, trying to escape? Talk about gripping and intense!

1 The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief cover

  • Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 377

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Arguably the best epic book for kids, it’s packed with action, humor, and a modern twist on Greek myths. Our kids read it again and again!

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!