Can you believe that the first Harry Potter book is now celebrating its 15th anniversary of publication in the U.S.? Go ahead and celebrate by reading the whole groundbreaking series! Or, if you're craving something similarly awesome, check out the first book in another excellent fantasy series:

                    

               

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Half Magic by Edward Eager

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Magyk by Angie Sage

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Leguin

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

So far, Jeff Kinney has released seven volumes of his phenomenally popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books – a series that I have seen 2nd to 7th grade students enthusiastically devour. Want more illustrated chapter books? Try handing these to young readers hooked by Greg Heffley’s comic missteps:

                  

Angleberger, Tom. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda series.

Morse, Scott. Magic Pickle series.

Moss, Marissa. Amelia’s Notebook series.

Peirce, Lincoln. Big Nate series.

Russell, Rachel. Dork Diaries series.

Scieszka, Jon. Spaceheadz series.

Vernon, Ursula. Dragonbreath series.

Do you have recommendations too? Post ‘em in the comments!