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So your child loved Harry Potter but the series is over. Don’t settle for imitations of what they have already read when they can read older classics.
The recent interest in magical tales inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books has spawned many new books that attempt to appeal to the same audience. Although some of these books can be very good, keeping your children or young adults happy with high quality writing can be aided by looking to the books of the past.
Not only do these books have quality writing and original ideas but they can also be easier to find in used book stores, libraries and sometimes as free downloads. Many good books can be found among children’s classics but this article will address those by Lloyd Alexander, George MacDonald, Madeleine L’Engle, and Patricia McKillip.
Lloyd Alexander
Lloyd Alexander started writing books in the 60s and continued to have books published until his death in 2007. He is best known for his Prydain series including The Black Cauldron but he also wrote two other series and many individual books. Much of Alexander’s work is influenced by Welsh mythology and folklore but he develops his stories in his own way creating a satisfying magical background for well developed, complex characters. Most of his books are suggested for ages 9-12.
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George MacDonald
The works of George MacDonald are less well known currently but have been influential to previous generations. Writing from approximately 1855 to near the turn of the century MacDonald influenced such authors as J.R.R. Tolken, C. S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle. His writing is very much in the style of traditional fairy tales but with characters that are interesting and relevant still today. Although his fantasy books are generally recommended for the 9-12 age range they contain a depth of meaning that can be rewarding to adults as well. Many of his works are available as free downloads.
Madeleine L’Engle
Madeleine L’Engle wrote from about 1945 to about 1999. She is best known to most people for the book A Wrinkle in Time. She wrote several books concerning the families introduced in A Wrinkle in Time and wrote additional imaginative works concerning the character Vicky Austin and her family as well as other shorter series and individual books. L’Engle creates a universe that combines elements that might otherwise be considered magic, religion, and science but makes them work together seamlessly. The characters are well fleshed out and it is rewarding to be able to follow them through several books as they grow and change. Even when dealing with different main characters there can be references to events in other books and character do cross over in some cases which gives the sense of a consistent, continuous world. It does, however, make it more important to read these books in some sort of chronological order to recognize all the references.
Patricia McKillip
Patricia McKillip has been writing since the seventies and continues to produce wonderful fiction today with over 28 full novels and many short stories to her credit. Her books are frequently classified as young adult books but have a strong appeal to adults as well. McKillip’s fantasy books are original, complex, and deeply satisfying with richly detailed settings and engaging characters where even the minor characters are well developed. Because these books are the most imaginative of the authors listed here and are sometimes set in a world that is less recognizable, McKillip’s books may be more challenging to younger children but are well worth the effort.
Keep Reading
The fantasy books of Lloyd Alexander, George MacDonald, Madeleine L’Engle, and Patricia McKillip are delightful stories likely to appeal to any child or adult who enjoyed J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, or to anyone who enjoys magical, imaginative fiction. These are books that predate midnight releases, marketing frenzies and cult like clubs. They are simply well written, meaningful, creative books to engage your child and continue to encourage their love of reading.
