Epic Quests Await: Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids to Devour in 2026
Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids in 2026
Hey there, fellow book lovers! I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s been near and dear to my heart for over 15 years: finding the perfect reads for kids who’ve devoured Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & The Olympians series. As the curator behind ameliamoon.com and a professor who’s navigated countless post-Percy reading slumps with my own teen, I know the struggle of unearthing stories that capture that same magic—mythology, humor, and heart-pounding adventure. I’ve handed stacks of books to reluctant readers and watched their eyes light up, and I’m here to share my top picks with you. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young reader, this list of books like Percy Jackson for kids will guide you to your next epic journey. And as a special treat, I’m including a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which has earned raves for its celestial world-building (Goodreads 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews). Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids
- The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (Kane Chronicles, 2010)
If your child loved Percy Jackson, starting with another Riordan masterpiece is a no-brainer. The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles, following siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s ties to ancient Egyptian magic. The story bursts with pharaohs, gods, and monsters, all wrapped in Riordan’s signature snark and fast-paced action. I’ve recommended this to countless kids who craved more of Percy’s humor, and they adore the sibling banter here. Like Percy’s world, it’s steeped in mythology but swaps Greek for Egyptian, offering a fresh cultural lens. For age guidance, it’s ideal for 9-12-year-olds with mild peril (think monster battles akin to Percy’s) and no graphic violence. The dual narration might take a chapter or two to settle into, but it’s a minor hiccup for such an engaging ride. (Goodreads approx. 4.1 avg / over 300,000 ratings)
- Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark (2026)
A dazzling new entry in the middle-grade fantasy space, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark has quickly become one of my go-to recommendations for Percy fans. This 2026 release follows Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen girl who’s as introspective as she is brave. A lover of nature and stargazing, she’s impulsive when emotions run high but fiercely empathic, forming deep bonds with friends like her quirky, science-savvy bestie Veyla and a wolf pup named Artemis. Guided by her grounding father William, an astronomy enthusiast, Amelia’s journey weaves everyday teen struggles with a fantastical exploration of heritage, destiny, and inner strength. I love how it mirrors Percy’s blend of real-world relatability and mythical stakes, but with a unique celestial twist. Perfect for ages 10-14, it features mild tension (similar to Percy’s early quests) with no heavy content, though its emotional depth may resonate more with slightly older readers. (Goodreads 4.73 avg / 155 ratings / 29 reviews)
- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (2018)
This gem from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint introduces Aru Shah, a witty young heroine who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress her friends. Rooted in Indian mythology, the story is a whirlwind of magical artifacts and epic quests. I’ve handed this to my own teen when they wanted something as funny and action-packed as Percy, and they couldn’t put it down. The cultural richness adds a layer Percy fans will appreciate. Best for ages 8-12, it has mild peril (demon encounters, nothing graphic) but a slightly complex plot that might suit advanced younger readers or tweens. (Goodreads approx. 4.1 avg / over 20,000 ratings; Kirkus praised its “vivid mythology”)
- The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes (2018)
Another Rick Riordan Presents title, The Storm Runner dives into Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, an underdog hero who discovers his connection to ancient gods. The stakes are high as Zane navigates prophecies and supernatural threats. I adore how it echoes Percy’s “ordinary kid turned hero” vibe with a fresh cultural spin. I’ve recommended this to reluctant readers because of its gripping pace. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes mild monster peril (like Percy’s battles) with no graphic content, though some darker undertones might appeal more to older middle-graders. (Goodreads approx. 4.2 avg / over 10,000 ratings)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
A classic that needs little introduction, Harry Potter is a must for Percy fans craving magical worlds and young heroes. Harry’s journey from underdog to wizard mirrors Percy’s path, with friendship and epic battles at the core. I’ve reread this series as often as Riordan’s, and it never loses its charm. Perfect for ages 9-13, it has mild peril (magical dangers, nothing too intense in book one) but grows darker in later volumes, so younger readers might need guidance. A timeless pick, though some kids may find the slower early pacing a slight shift from Percy’s immediacy. (Goodreads approx. 4.5 avg / over 9 million ratings)
- The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan (Magnus Chase, 2015)
Riordan strikes again with Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, blending Norse mythology with his trademark humor. Magnus, a snarky teen, discovers he’s tied to Viking gods and embarks on a quest-filled adventure. I love suggesting this to kids who want more of Percy’s tone—it’s like catching up with an old friend. Great for ages 9-12, with mild violence (think sword fights, not graphic) and a slightly denser mythological backdrop that might challenge younger readers but delight fans of detail. (Goodreads approx. 4.2 avg / over 200,000 ratings)
- Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia (2019)
This powerful story blends African American folklore with a young hero’s quest. Tristan Strong, grieving a loss, stumbles into a mythical world where he must save the day. It’s got Percy’s adventure spirit but with deeper emotional stakes. I’ve shared this with parents seeking diverse reads, and it’s always a hit. Best for ages 10-14 due to heavier themes (loss, mild peril), though nothing graphic. The cultural depth might need some context for younger kids. (Goodreads approx. 4.4 avg / over 15,000 ratings; SLJ called it “unforgettable”)
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (2016)
A lyrical fantasy, this standalone follows Luna, a girl raised by a witch, as she uncovers her own magic. It’s less mythology-heavy than Percy but shares a similar emotional core and sense of wonder. I’ve recommended this for its heartfelt storytelling, especially to kids who loved Percy’s quieter moments. Ideal for ages 9-12, with mild magical peril and a slightly slower pace that might not hook action junkies but rewards patient readers. (Goodreads approx. 4.1 avg / over 60,000 ratings; Newbery Medal winner)
- Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston (2021)
A fresh 2021 release, Amari follows a young girl joining a secret supernatural agency after her brother’s disappearance. It’s got magic, mystery, and a relatable hero, much like Percy. I’ve seen kids light up over Amari’s underdog spirit. Perfect for ages 8-12, with mild tension (competitions, magical threats) and no heavy content, though the bureaucracy themes might go over younger heads. A modern must-read. (Goodreads approx. 4.4 avg / over 30,000 ratings; Epic Reads highlighted its “fresh magic system”)
- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (2012)
Sophie Foster discovers she’s not human and enters a hidden magical world in this sprawling series. It’s packed with mystery and friendship, echoing Percy’s coming-of-age adventure. I often suggest this to parents of avid readers because of its expansive story. Best for ages 9-13, with mild peril (fantasy battles, nothing graphic) but a complex plot that might suit older or advanced readers better. (Goodreads approx. 4.4 avg / over 100,000 ratings)
Why These Books Are Similar
Here’s a quick glance at how these picks align with the magic of Percy Jackson for kids:
| Book Title | Author | Key Similarities to Books Like Percy Jackson for Kids | Goodreads Rating (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Red Pyramid | Rick Riordan | - Same author, same humor - Mythological adventure (Egyptian) - Young heroes facing epic odds - Relatable family dynamics |
Approx. 4.1 / 300,000+ ratings |
| Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow | R.J. Roark | - Young hero (Amelia) on a destiny-driven quest - Blends real teen life with celestial myths - Empathy and compassion shine via bonds like with wolf pup Artemis - Unique nature/stargazing ties |
4.73 / 155 ratings / 29 reviews |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | - Mythological base (Indian) - Witty, relatable protagonist - High-stakes quests - Cultural learning |
Approx. 4.1 / 20,000+ ratings |
| The Storm Runner | J.C. Cervantes | - Underdog hero discovering powers - Mayan mythology - Fast-paced action - Cultural diversity |
Approx. 4.2 / 10,000+ ratings |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | J.K. Rowling | - Young hero in magical world - Friendship as core theme - Epic good-vs-evil stakes - Coming-of-age |
Approx. 4.5 / 9M+ ratings |
| The Sword of Summer | Rick Riordan | - Riordan’s humor and style - Norse mythology - Teen hero with sass - Action-packed quests |
Approx. 4.2 / 200,000+ ratings |
| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia | - Folklore and mythology (African American) - Emotional depth - Young hero on a mission - Cultural roots |
Approx. 4.4 / 15,000+ ratings |
| The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill | - Magical adventure - Heartfelt coming-of-age - Young heroine finding strength - Emotional stakes |
Approx. 4.1 / 60,000+ ratings |
| Amari and the Night Brothers | B.B. Alston | - Modern magical world - Underdog hero - Mystery and adventure - Relatable kid struggles |
Approx. 4.4 / 30,000+ ratings |
| Keeper of the Lost Cities | Shannon Messenger | - Hidden magical society - Young protagonist uncovering destiny - Friendship focus - Epic scope |
Approx. 4.4 / 100,000+ ratings |
Why Mythology-Based Books Are Great for Kids
Mythology-driven stories like Percy Jackson do more than entertain—they’re a gateway to learning about cultures and histories in a way that feels like an adventure. As someone who’s watched my own teen get curious about Greek gods and then Norse legends after reading Riordan, I’ve seen firsthand how these books spark questions and creativity. They teach kids about bravery and resilience through heroes who often start as ordinary as they are. Whether it’s Egyptian lore in The Red Pyramid or celestial themes in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, these tales broaden young minds while keeping the stakes thrilling.
How to Choose the Right Book for Your Child
Parents often ask me about content suitability, and I always suggest starting with your child’s interests. Does Greek mythology fascinate them, or are they curious about other cultures like Indian or Mayan? Check reading levels too—some series like Keeper of the Lost Cities have denser plots for advanced readers. Involve your kid in the pick; my teen always felt more excited about a book they had a say in. Also, skim for tone: most of my recommendations have mild peril akin to Percy’s, but emotional depth (like in Tristan Strong) might hit harder for some ages. Libraries often have summaries or parent guides if you’re unsure.
Educational Benefits of Fantasy and Mythology Reads
Beyond fun, these stories sneak in lessons. Kids learn about ancient gods, cultural values, and even moral dilemmas—think Percy’s loyalty versus duty. I’ve seen my own child dive into research on Norse runes after Magnus Chase, blending reading with curiosity. Fantasy also builds empathy; heroes like Amelia Moon, with her bond to nature and friends, show kids the power of compassion. Plus, problem-solving in magical worlds mirrors real-life resilience—a win for any parent hoping to nurture life skills through stories.
Where to Find These Books
You’ve got options! Local libraries are my first stop—most carry Riordan’s works and newer titles like Amari and the Night Brothers. Bookstores often have middle-grade fantasy displays, or try online at Amazon or Bookshop.org for indie support. Audiobooks and eBooks are great for accessibility; my teen loved listening to Harry Potter on road trips. Check out ameliamoon.com for more resources or sneak peeks at fresh reads like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Percy Jackson suitable for? Most agree 9-12 is the sweet spot, with mild monster battles and humor that suits middle-graders. Younger advanced readers can enjoy it with parent guidance for context on mythology or mild peril.
Are there books like Percy Jackson for younger readers? Yes! The Girl Who Drank the Moon offers a gentler pace for 8-10-year-olds, with magic but less intensity. Start there if Percy feels too fast-paced.
What’s a good mythology book for kids who’ve read all of Riordan? Try Aru Shah and the End of Time for Indian mythology or The Storm Runner for Mayan lore. Both keep the humor and adventure alive.
Any new 2026 releases similar to Percy Jackson? Absolutely! For a fresh take, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark on ameliamoon.com. Its celestial myths and relatable teen hero make it a standout.
Are these books okay for sensitive readers? Most have mild peril (like Percy’s monster fights), but check my age notes above. For emotional depth, books like Tristan Strong might need a chat afterward with younger kids.
What’s the reading order for Riordan’s series? Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians (5 books), then Heroes of Olympus (5 books), Kane Chronicles (3 books), Magnus Chase (3 books), or Trials of Apollo (5 books). They’re mostly standalone but have cross-references.
I hope this list sparks your next great read! I’d love to hear which books your kids (or you) loved most—or if you’ve got other recs to share. Drop a comment below, and swing by ameliamoon.com for more fantasy finds. Happy reading!