Retro (and some not so retro) Revival Reads

By Heather F.

We Need A Revival! Can I get an Amen?

I’m sure you’re wondering, what in the world is she talking about? What kind of revival do you need when it comes to reading books?

Well, as I’m sure you’re aware; there was a pretty significant ending last month. A little over a week ago one of the biggest phenomenons in the publishing world drew to a close. Harry Potter, sadly, fought the good fight and J.K. Rowling retired her wand. Don't worry, no spoilers here! I know the end of this series has led me into somewhat of a Post-Potter Depression, or PPD, and I've seen where others complain of the same malady. So, as we all dry our eyes and mourn the loss of further adventures with our favorite boy wizard and his crew, I'm sure some are wondering, as I am, “What do I read next?”

There are so many new and exciting adventures waiting for you, my friend! All you have to do is look! Here is a rather eclectic mix of new and old, easy reads and harder reads, for you or your youngsters' perusal.

Another series that grows with the reader; Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

That magical girl; Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Old classic; Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Lots of adventure; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huck Finn by Mark Twain

Anything by Roald Dahl (but especially Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Witches)

Travel to another world; Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson

Another boy who doesn't learn what he really is until he's almost a teenager; Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

More adventure; Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lots of magic; His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman

Even more magic! Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage

Amazing storytelling with magic and adventure; the Inkheart trilogy, Dragon Rider, The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Unusual children's book with deep themes; Skellig by David Almond

Saving the world, with baseball; Summerland by Michael Chabon

Great series with lots of word play; A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Fantasy series where good fights evil, based on Arthurian mythos; Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series

Another fantasy series where British children travel to another world; The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis


JRR Tolkien, creator of a vast and magical world

Many, many books by Jane Yolen, for both young kids and teenagers

The many fantasy books by Diana Wynne Jones

Brilliant, ruthless young criminal; Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer


The fairy tale retellings, and more, like Goose Girl, Princess Academy and Enna Burning, by Shannon Hale

The amazing Tamora Pierce has vast magical worlds to explore, especially great for young girls as her main characters are strong, intelligent females


So, come on, revive some of these other forgotten classics, or soon to be classics, and expand beyond Harry Potter a little bit!

Any more suggestions?

Happy reading!