The best fantasy adventure novels to travel to a new world when you’re sick and tired of this one

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award-winning author of The Hat Diaries fantasy adventure series and the Freeda the Frog children’s book series. The Hat Diaries The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee is the first book in The Hat Diaries trilogy. The Hat Diaries collection is written for teens and adults, expanding readers’ imaginations as they enter Ryan’s secret world. The Freeda the Frog™ books focus on acceptance for every type of family and comfort children as they experience real-life situations. I frequently do author events, radio & TV interviews, and podcasts. I am also a practicing attorney, certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children. 


I wrote...

The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee

By Nadine Haruni,

Book cover of The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee

What is my book about?

By day, 13-year-old Ryan Rigbee is the shaggy-haired loner getting bullied, still reeling from losing his dad. By night, it’s another story. The imaginary “Adventures” he takes with his dog, Shadow, transform him from an awkward teen into someone confident who can handle anything. Ryan gets whisked off at night into various adrenaline-rushing roles through magical hats from Harry’s, as the distinction between Ryan’s real life and exciting nightly world of Adventures becomes impossible to discern. An imaginative, action-packed story following a relatable teen struggling with loss, love, bullying, loneliness, and regret, The Hat Diaries The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee, marks the start of a coming-of-age fantasy trilogy resonating with readers of all ages and keeps them rooting for Ryan Rigbee.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Nadine Haruni Why did I love this book?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series, drawing readers into its magical world filled with fantasy and adventure.

I personally like books where the author has an overactive imagination, and this author truly takes the cake in that regard. J.K. Rowling’s creative storytelling draws readers of all ages into Harry’s enchanting world and journey of self-discovery as he travels to an unknown world. The characters and some of the themes highlighted (such as bullying, trying to fit in, self-doubt, adjusting to change, and not getting drawn in by evil) will resonate with readers of all ages.

With its spellbinding narrative and charming characters, it is one of the few books I’ve read where the movie is just as exciting as the book. This book and movie made me feel like I was being taken away to this magical world, and reinforces the notion to believe in oneself.

I think this book will thrill readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and enchant generations worldwide. 

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

36 authors picked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Galloping gargoyles ... 2022 is the silver anniversary of J.K. Rowling's magical classic Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!

The boy wizard Harry Potter has been casting a spell over young readers and their families ever since 1997. Now the first book in this unmissable series celebrates 25 years in print! The paperback edition of the tale that introduced us to Harry, Ron and Hermione has been updated and dressed in silver to mark the occasion. It's time to take the magical journey of a lifetime ...

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping…


Book cover of Interview with the Vampire

Nadine Haruni Why did I love this book?

Interview with the Vampire is rather dark yet mesmerizing at the same time.

I love stories that take your mind to another world, and this one is at the top of the list. To be perfectly honest, I never really had any interest in learning about the mysterious world of immortal vampires until I read this book. Just remember that this book is intended for mature audiences due to its dark and mature themes.

I recommend this book because it touches upon many exciting subjects, including the desire for immortality and it takes an interesting perspective about humanity through a supernatural lens. This book is an absolute must-read that will leave you chilled to the bone and spellbound.

By Anne Rice,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Interview with the Vampire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Anne Rice, this sensuously written spellbinding classic remains 'the most successful vampire story since Bram Stoker's Dracula' (The Times)

In a darkened room a young man sits telling the macabre and eerie story of his life - the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite craving for human blood.

When Interview with the Vampire was published the Washington Post said it was a 'thrilling, strikingly original work of the imagination . . . sometimes horrible, sometimes beautiful, always unforgettable'. Now, more than forty years since its release, Anne…


Book cover of The Lightning Thief

Nadine Haruni Why did I love this book?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a must-read for young readers or anyone young at heart who enjoys fantasy adventure books.

I love books like this one which are geared for young readers, but tend to appeal to adults as well. Before reading this book, I had zero interest in books covering the Greek mythological world. This five-book series takes you on an extraordinary journey through Greek mythology with Percy Jackson, who is a relatable and funny demigod. The writing is light-hearted, fast-paced, and humorous, making it a true page-turner.

Without jamming it down your throat, the series educates readers about Greek myths while also emphasizing various themes including friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. I found it to be a thrilling combination of action, humor, and touching parts that drew me into this Greek mythological world of adventures.

By Rick Riordan,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked The Lightning Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The Lightning Thief: the First book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.

The first bestselling book in Rick Riordan's phenomenally successful Percy Jackson series.

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God. I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. That's when things started really going wrong. Now I spend my time fighting with swords, battling monsters with my friends, and generally trying to stay alive.

This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky,…


Book cover of The Fellowship of the Ring

Nadine Haruni Why did I love this book?

This is the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings adventure trilogy.

This creative coming-of-age story introduces readers to a captivating world of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards. One of the things that drew me into this book was the fact that despite the fact that it’s about all these fantasy characters, there were so many relatable themes, including being brave, friendship, facing challenges, being hopeful, teamwork, and the struggle between good and evil.

I didn’t get all the hype until I read this book, and now I see why it is a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages. After reading this one, I couldn't wait to explore the rest of the trilogy.

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked The Fellowship of the Ring as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

This brand-new unabridged audio book of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first part of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings, is read by the BAFTA award-winning actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power - the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron's evil dominion.

Thus begins J. R. R. Tolkien's classic tale of adventure, which continues in…


Book cover of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Nadine Haruni Why did I love this book?

As much as I wanted to list a different author (and even though this “book” is the script from the play), I loved this story so much that I had to include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.

You know when you read a book and wonder what would happen to some of your favorite characters when they grow up? Well, this book answers that question. And because this “book” is the script from the play, it is completely different from the other novels’ in terms of its format and tone. As much as I loved reading the script, seeing the Broadway play far exceeded my expectations.

This story offers a unique perspective on the adult lives of the leading characters, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their children, as they revisit the past while facing new challenges. If you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan like I am, I’d say it is worth reading for the nostalgic return to the wizarding world, but it is best read with an open mind.

By J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, Jack Thorne

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London's West End on 30th July 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past…


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Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

By Linda MacKillop,

Book cover of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

Linda MacKillop Author Of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

For decades I have volunteered in different capacities, helping the hurting and those living on the margins by tutoring and teaching literacy to the formally incarcerated or homeless, teaching parenting in a maximum-security jail, and teaching ESL to resettled immigrants. Because my own suburban father fell into homelessness at the end of his life due to depression, job losses, divorce, and more, I feel tremendous compassion for anyone in this situation. And as the mother of four grown sons, we filled our home with books—especially books that taught compassion so our sons would grow into men with big hearts towards others. I believe we succeeded.

Linda's book list on hard family circumstances for middle-grade readers

What is my book about?

Home isn’t always what we dream it will be.

Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.

When they end up at a shelter for women and children, Sierra is even more aware of what her life is not. The kind couple who run the shelter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin, attempt to show her parental love as she faces the uncertainties of her mom’s emotional health and the challenges of being the brand-new poor kid in middle school. The longer she stays at the shelter, the more Sierra realizes she may have to face an impossible choice as she redefines home.

Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

By Linda MacKillop,

What is this book about?

Home isn’t always what we dream it will be. 

Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.  

When they end up at a shelter for women and children, Sierra is even more aware of what her life is not. The kind couple who run the shelter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin, attempt to show her parental love as she faces the uncertainties of her mom’s emotional health and the challenges of being the brand-new…


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