Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Like Harry Potter, this story features a young boy who discovers he belongs to a hidden magical world and is whisked away to a specialized training ground. It balances humor and adventure while exploring themes of friendship and destiny within a modern mythological framework.

This book captures the whimsical and highly imaginative 'vibe' of the early Harry Potter books, featuring a cursed girl who escapes to a magical city. It includes a competitive entry process and a sense of wonder that mirrors the discovery of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts.

A foundational classic of the 'wizard school' subgenre, this novel follows a young boy with great potential as he learns the consequences of power. It shares the themes of magical education and the internal struggle between light and shadow.

Fans of the darker undercurrents and intricate world-building in Rowling's work will appreciate Lyra's journey through a parallel universe. It features a strong young protagonist, mysterious artifacts, and a grand conspiracy involving powerful institutions.

This modern middle-grade fantasy features a girl who discovers a secret supernatural bureau while searching for her missing brother. It echoes the 'fish out of water' experience and the joy of discovering one's own latent magical abilities.

Drawing on real-world mythology and historical figures like Nicholas Flamel, this series mirrors the alchemical lore found in the first Harry Potter book. It follows twins who are thrust into a secret war between ancient magical forces.

Originally conceived as a meta-commentary on 'chosen boy' narratives, this book serves as both a love letter and a subversion of the magical school genre. It features a prophecy, a powerful headmaster, and a complex relationship between rivals.

As a cornerstone of portal fantasy, this classic shares the sense of escapism and the battle between good and evil that defines the Potter series. It features children discovering a magical realm where they are destined to become leaders.

This epic fantasy follows a young boy named Pug who, much like Harry, starts as an outsider before being apprenticed to a master of magic. It offers a more expansive world while maintaining the core appeal of a young protagonist growing in power.

For readers who enjoyed the darker, more gothic elements of the wizarding world, Sabriel offers a unique magic system based on bells and necromancy. It features a young woman at a boarding school who must cross into a dangerous magical realm to save her father.