Beyond Harry Potter

The seventh and final Harry Potter book has finally debuted, bringing the bestselling and beloved series to a close. By now, many young fantasy fans have already read The Chronicles of Narnia or moved on to series for older kids, like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials; both have forthcoming films hitting theaters soon. So what's next? Actually, an ever-growing world of fantasy awaits, whether it's one of the many classics that inspired J.K. Rowling or any of the acclaimed series that have launched in Harry's wake.

In John Flanagan's The Ruins of Gorlon (2005), Book 1 of The Ranger's Apprentice series, small yet brave orphan Will hopes to enter Battleschool to become a knight. Instead, he is apprenticed to the rangers, a mysterious corps of forest-dwellers that protects the kingdom. In time, he earns skills, friendship and the rangers' respect. Well-developed characters will draw in readers, making them eager for the next volume. ($6.99) Penguin (Puffin), New York

Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society (2007) is the first in a gripping new series about four kids (Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky) who answer a newspaper ad seeking gifted children “looking for special opportunities.” As they set out on their mission for Mr. Benedict, much adventure ensues as they—and readers—puzzle out the clues to a big mystery. A sequel is due next May. ($16.99) Little, Brown, New York

In Dealing with Dragons (1990), the first volume of the delightfully anachronistic The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Patricia C. Wrede turns classic fairy tale canon on its head as tomboy Princess Cimorene runs away from home, rescues dragons, falls in love and, ultimately, saves the forest. Today's girls will find its modern sensibility appealing. ($5.95) Magic Carpet Books, New York

Tamora Pierce's Sandry's Book (1997) is the first of eight volumes in her dual Circle of Magic and Circle Opens series, set in the mythical medieval realm of Emelan. All feature four misfits (Sandrilene, Trisana, Daja and Briar) who learn to master their unique magical abilities and how to work together to realize their full potential. ($5.99) Scholastic, New York

In Susan Cooper's Over Sea, Under Stone (1965), the start of The Dark is Rising Sequence, siblings Simon, Jane and Barney find an ancient map to an Arthurian legend that's key to fighting the evil forces known as The Dark. The beautifully written and much more intense sequel, The Dark is Rising, can also be read as an introduction to the series. ($5.99) Simon & Schuster, New York

In A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), Book 1 of The Earthsea Cycle, Ursula K. Le Guin creates a richly detailed world of many races and cultures. Here, the gifted Sparrowhawk attends a prestigious wizard school, where he learns that recklessness has consequences—and words have true power. ($7.99) Random House (Spectra), New York

In Charmed Life (1977), the first in Diana Wynne Jones' The Chronicles of Crestomanci, orphans Eric and Gwendolen Chant are trained by a government appointee in charge of all magic. Now available in a single volume with The Lives of Christopher Chant (1988), its prequel. ($7.99) Harper Collins, N.Y.

Inspired by Welsh mythology, Lloyd Alexander's humorous and compelling The Book of Three (1964), the first of five novels in The Chronicles of Prydain, lays the foundation for the journey of the boy Taran from Assistant Pig Keeper to courageous hero. ($5.99) Henry Holt, New York

In So You Want to Be a Wizard (1983), Book 1 of Diane Duane's Young Wizards series, outsiders and self-taught new wizards Nita and Kit band together to defeat the school bullies—and to restore order to the universe. Along the way, they encounter an alternate version of Manhattan. ($6.95) Harcourt, New York

In A Wrinkle in Time (1962), the landmark beginning to Madeleine L'Engle's acclaimed Time Quintet, siblings Meg and Charles Wallace and friend Calvin are led on a dangerous and fantastic journey through both time and space, where they triumph over evil. ($6.99) Square Fish Books, New York