Thinking of diving into a supernatural fantasy novel that may creep the socks off your feet? One that’ll excite your fantastical inner desires? Or one to make you quiver and ugly-cry thinking how fortunate you are to NOT be the protagonist?
The five novels included in this list just may do the trick.
Earning high ratings from readers on Goodreads and multiple acclaimed literary magazines, these are some of the best supernatural fantasy novels in the middle grade/young adult readership range, listed in no particular order of popularity. Making the choice to read one after seeing this list will be satisfyingly easy.
1) The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
Imagine being born and raised in a graveyard where ghouls and other inhuman creatures taught you everything you know about survival. Bod’s life is just like this. This protagonist, raised as something of an in-between, must figure out how to navigate both worlds to which he belongs. But it’s not going to be easy.
Earning both the Newbery and the Carnegie Medals, The Graveyard Book is a novel loved by nearly all who’s read it.
2) Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
Another book on this list written by New York Times bestselling author, Neil Gaiman, Coraline is the kind of novel a reader is unlikely to forget. And it’ll creep those socks right off your feet.
Adapted into a popular film, this horrifying novel features Coraline, a young girl who slips into a magical new world, only this world seems better. At first. She is welcomed by creeping books and food, a more beautiful home—and twisted new parents who want to make a new Coraline and make her theirs. With her life as she knows it spiraling out of control, Coraline needs to escape the lure of the fakes and return to her real home before it’s all too late.
3) City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab
Enjoy a sip of strange and a whole cup of danger?
A New York Times #1 bestseller following a young girl named Cass who sees ghosts, has a ghostly best friend, has parents who host a TV show about ghosts and haunted places, and who meets a new friend who shares her ghost-seeing abilities. Everything Cass knows is about friendly and not-so-friendly ghosts, and she’s used to it. But her life is about to get a lot more dangerous when an intimidating force threatens the city.
4) A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Here’s that cry-ugly-tears-while-feeling-sad-for-the-main-character story you need. This book has been hailed as a valuable tool for young readers who need a little help overcoming life’s terrors.
This novel, a tear-jerker, is about a boy named Conor who wakes one night to find a visitor at his window, a sudden break in his nightly dream about his dying mother. Forced to take a peek at his inner self during this hard time, Conor is taken on a magical journey where truth and acceptance are the only end.
5) Doll Bones by Holly Black, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Written by the co-author of the popular and magical Spiderwick Chronicles series, this book has given many readers an unforgettable treat.
An acclaimed, award-winning novel about three friends and a possessed doll. After starting middle school and believing the time has come to give up on childish fantasies, three friends—Zach, Poppy, and Alice—decide to leave their well-played with china doll, Queen of an imaginary enchanted land, behind. But when the Queen starts haunting dreams and demanding the friends lay her to rest, haunting happenings creep the trio back into action.
Any of these books catch your eye?
Reading just one of these, perfect for tweens and young adult readers, is enough to get anyone hooked on the supernatural fantasy genre. Let the reading begin!
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