
Age rating and parents' guide:The Forbidden Library
by Django Wexler
Ages 9–11
The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
After her father goes missing at sea, Alice is sent to live with her mysterious uncle Geryon in his massive, labyrinthine estate. She soon discovers that his vast library is magical, and that certain books hold dangerous worlds you can actually step inside. To uncover the truth about her father, Alice must train as a reader and capture the creatures locked inside the pages. Children love the eerie atmosphere, inventive magical system, and Alice's brave, clever personality as she navigates tricky challenges.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- Moderate
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- Part of the The Forbidden Library series
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Some emotionally heavy moments
Great for kids who like
- Fantasy & Magic
- Magic & magical worlds
Reading mood
- Imaginative
- Thoughtful
- Suspenseful
Good to talk about
- Emotions & empathy
- Fantasy & Magic
Books like The Forbidden Library
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–14
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
After living a miserable life with his uncaring aunt and uncle, Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns spells, plays Quidditch, and discovers the warmth of true friendship. However, danger lingers as Harry uncovers secrets about the dark wizard who killed his parents. Children love the imaginative magical world, the cozy boarding-school atmosphere, and the thrilling mystery at its heart.

Ages 9–14
Nevermoor
by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is cursed and blamed for every local misfortune, doomed to die on Eventide. Instead, a mysterious man named Jupiter North whisks her away to the secret, magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan must compete in four dangerous trials against hundreds of talented children to win a place in the elite Wundrous Society. Full of whimsical charm, eccentric characters, and high-stakes excitement, it is an inventive adventure about courage, friendship, and finding where you truly belong.

Ages 9–14
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby in the forest as an offering to a witch they fear. But Xan is kind, rescuing the infants and finding them loving homes. When she accidentally feeds one baby moonlight instead of starlight, the child becomes imbued with potent magic. Raised by Xan, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster, young Luna must learn to manage her growing powers as dangerous truths about the Protectorate begin to surface. It is a lyrical, heartwarming fantasy full of wonder, mystery, and deep emotion.

Ages 9–14
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
by A.F. Steadman
Skandar dreams of bonding with a fierce, winged unicorn and training to become an elemental rider on the Island. But when a shadowy villain steals the island's most powerful beast, Skandar is thrust into a dangerous world of high-stakes sky battles, ancient rivalries, and forbidden magic. Alongside loyal new friends, he must master his dangerous power to protect the kingdom. It is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure filled with mythical action, aerial racing, and a dark, fresh take on legendary creatures that grips confident readers.

Ages 9–14
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
This classic series transports children from our world into the magical realm of Narnia, a land of talking beasts, mythical creatures, and ancient magic. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, young heroes embark on perilous quests and face formidable foes like the White Witch. Lewis combines grand adventure with rich allegorical storytelling, weaving themes of courage, loyalty, and redemption that have captured the imaginations of young readers for generations.

Ages 9–14
Wings of Fire (dragon series)
by Tui T. Sutherland
In a world torn apart by a bitter war between dragon tribes, five young dragonets are raised in secret to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and bring peace. Instead of following the path laid out for them, they decide to escape and find their real families. Packed with distinct dragon abilities, high-stakes battles, and rich world-building, this fantasy series hooks readers with its themes of friendship, loyalty, and making your own choices.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.
