This is a stellar pick for kids who are tired of the same old magic-school stories. Christina Soontornvat is a master at building worlds that feel lived-in and real.

It’s got that classic adventure 'vibe'—think Indiana Jones meets Moana—but with a much sharper brain. It’s the kind of book that makes a kid feel smarter for having read it without ever feeling like it's lecturing them. If your kid liked 'Wings of Fire' or 'The Land of Stories' but is ready for something a bit more grounded and thoughtful, this is the one.