Books About Alternate Worlds

The Best Alternate Worlds Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about alternate worlds? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
Elsewhere
The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
Series
The Quillan Games
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Alternate Worlds

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

By Julie Andrews Edwards

Three children embark on a magical quest to find a legendary creature in a hidden land.

209 pages· 52,540 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,250 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Professor Savant and the Potter children, Lindy, Tom, and Ben, embark on a magical journey to Whangdoodleland. Their quest to find the elusive Whangdoodle is fraught with challenges, especially from the cunning Prock, who will stop at nothing to protect his king. Can they outwit Prock and fulfill the Whangdoodle's deepest wish? Discover a world of wonder and whimsy where imagination reigns supreme.
The Neverending Story
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1979

The Neverending Story

By Michael Ende, Ralph Manheim (Translator)

A boy discovers a book that pulls him into a magical world he must save.

396 pages· 111,803 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 226,516 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Bastian stumbles upon a mysterious book that transports him to Fantastica, a realm teetering on the brink of destruction. As he becomes part of the story, Bastian must navigate a world filled with dragons, giants, and monsters. The fate of this enchanted land rests on his shoulders, but can he save it without losing himself forever? Dive into a tale where reality and imagination blur, and one boy's courage could change everything.
My Diary from the Edge of the World
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

My Diary from the Edge of the World

By Jodi Lynn Anderson

A girl races to save her brother from a mysterious threat in a world of mythical creatures.

432 pages· 79,814 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,148 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where dragons and mermaids roam, Gracie Lockwood's life turns chaotic when a Dark Cloud targets her brother, Sam. Her family embarks on a daring journey in a Winnebago, seeking the fabled Extraordinary World, a place of safety that may not even exist. As they traverse a land filled with mythical wonders, Gracie must confront the unknown and discover the power of belief and family. Will they find sanctuary, or is the Extraordinary World just a myth? Join Gracie on an adventure where the stakes are life and death.
Elsewhere
Sale price
$2133
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Elsewhere

By Gabrielle Zevin

In a world where life runs backward, can Liz embrace a future she never wanted?

288 pages· 59,918 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 74,020 ratings
$22.45Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Liz Hall finds herself in Elsewhere, a place where life moves in reverse. As she ages backward, Liz struggles with letting go of her dreams of turning sixteen, getting a driver's license, and going to college. Living with a grandmother she never knew, Liz must navigate this strange afterlife. Can she find meaning in a life lived backward, or will she forever yearn for the life she left behind? Discover a world where the past becomes the future and every moment is a chance to redefine what it means to live.
The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1999

The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet

By Tony Abbott, Tim Jessell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Secrets of Droon series

Three friends discover a magical staircase in a basement that leads to a fantastical world where they must help a princess defeat an evil sorcerer.

7,566 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,051 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Neal, Julie, and Eric stumble upon a rainbow staircase to another world while cleaning a basement. Caught in a battle, they meet Princess Keeah, who needs their help against the evil Lord Sparr. With a cape of invisibility and a talkative spider-troll, they embark on a daring rescue mission. As they return home on a magic carpet, they find no time has passed, but Keeah's secret message hints at future adventures. Will their dreams call them back to Droon?
The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

By Jordan Lees, Vivienne To (Illustrator) · The Whisperwicks series

A boy's disbelief in magic is tested in a perilous realm of secrets and danger.

384 pages· 71,436 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,766 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Benjamiah Creek, a boy who trusts only in science, receives a mysterious doll that transforms into a bird, leading him into the magical world of Wreathenwold. Here, danger lurks in every shadow, from prowling magi to the terrifying Minotaur. Teaming up with the determined Elizabella, Benjamiah must navigate this labyrinthine realm to uncover a conspiracy and find her missing brother. As secrets unravel, will Benjamiah find his way back home, or be lost forever in the maze of magic and mystery?
The Quillan Games
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

The Quillan Games

By D.J. MacHale · Pendragon series

Survive deadly games or face destruction. Can one boy change fate?

512 pages· 146,414 words· Est. 20.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 23,739 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a land teetering on the brink, Bobby Pendragon faces the perilous Quillan Games. Ruled by the enigmatic Veego and LaBerge, these lethal contests decide life or death. As Bobby battles through brutal challenges, he must outwit the game masters to save Quillan and uncover the secrets of his destiny as a Traveler. Will he triumph and transform a doomed world, or fall victim to the games' deadly grip?
Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2003

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2

By Akira Toriyama · Book #2 in the Dragon Ball Z series

Goku faces a powerful Saiyan threat to Earth, but even his allies may not be enough.

560 pages· 6,865 words· Est. 51 min read
4.6/5 Goodreads · 801 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku, Earth's ultimate warrior, discovers his true Saiyan heritage when a mysterious visitor arrives. As the elite Saiyan Vegeta threatens to destroy Earth, Goku must fight with all his might. His son Gohan and friends Kuririn and Yajirobe stand by him, but their combined strength may not be enough against this formidable enemy. Can Goku protect his home from the most powerful foe yet, or will the Saiyan legacy prove too strong to overcome? The fate of the planet hangs in the balance as alliances are tested and new powers emerge.
The Ultimate Book Hugger's Guide
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Ultimate Book Hugger's Guide

By Chris Colfer

Unlock secrets and explore the magic of the Land of Stories with this ultimate guidebook.

256 pages· 16,067 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,964 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the enchanting world of the Land of Stories with this ultimate guidebook. Discover the hidden histories of beloved characters, magical places, and treasured items. Uncover insider secrets, enjoy bonus chapters, and explore never-before-seen art. Whether you're a new reader or a devoted fan, this comprehensive compendium offers a captivating journey through the series' magical realms. With vivid illustrations and exclusive insights, this guide promises to thrill and satisfy your curiosity about the Land of Stories.
The Strangers
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2013

The Strangers

By Jacqueline West, Poly Bernatene (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the The Books of Elsewhere series

On Halloween, Olive faces strangers and lost secrets. Can she trust new magic or old foes?

336 pages· 59,585 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,756 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On Halloween night, Olive's world is upended when strangers arrive on Linden Street, and something crucial vanishes. As secrets unravel, Olive must decide whether to trust dangerous new magic or rely on her enemies to protect her home and loved ones. With magical cats and mysterious paintings, Olive's journey through the old stone house reveals deeper mysteries. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late? Dive into a world where magic and danger intertwine, and every choice could be her last.
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Alternate Worlds Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about alternate worlds for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Monsters, Inc.
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3564

Monsters, Inc.

Ages 7–11 · 2001

Monsters must return a child to her world before chaos ensues.

The Fire-Breathing Ferret Fiasco
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1599

The Fire-Breathing Ferret Fiasco

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A group of kids must navigate a mysterious and treacherous world to escape and find their way back home

Clash of the Cackling Cougars
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Clash of the Cackling Cougars

Ages 6–10 · 2020

Three cousins are transported to a mysterious world where they must navigate strange creatures and obstacles to find their way back home

View all alternate worlds picture books
Browse by age

Alternate Worlds Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about alternate worlds for developing and independent readers.

The Prince Warriors
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1299

The Prince Warriors

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Brothers face an unseen battle in a mysterious realm, guided by wisdom against a real enemy.

Rogue Knight
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1999

Rogue Knight

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Trapped in a realm of dreams, Cole must outwit a ruthless king to save his friends.

The Double Helix
#3 in Series
Sale price
$999

The Double Helix

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Cruz races against time to solve a mystery before his 13th birthday changes everything.

Firelight
#7 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Firelight

Ages 9–12 · 2016

Uncovering lost memories reveals a dark secret that could change everything.

The Stonekeeper
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

The Stonekeeper

Ages 9–12 · 2008

Siblings chase a creature into a world of robots and monsters to save their mom.

Spellbound
#2 in Series
Sale price
$899

Spellbound

Ages 10–12 · 2011

A spellbook may free Morton from Elsewhere, but it might find Olive first.

Library of Souls
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1499

Library of Souls

Ages 14–17 · 2015

A boy must unlock his powers to save friends from a sinister Victorian underworld.

A World Without Heroes
#1 in Series
Sale price
$999

A World Without Heroes

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A boy's quest in a magical realm could be the key to returning home and toppling a tyrant.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
#5 in Series
Sale price
$1999

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Ages 8–12 · 1952

A voyage beyond known lands reveals a quest more profound than imagined.

The Magician's Nephew
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1999

The Magician's Nephew

Ages 9–12 · 1955

Two friends enter a magical world where an evil sorceress threatens their freedom.

Under Wildwood
#2 in Series
Sale price
$999

Under Wildwood

Ages 8–+ · 2012

Prue and Curtis face dark forces threatening Wildwood's peace. Can they unite a divided land?

The Magic Escapes
#1 in Series
Sale price
$599

The Magic Escapes

Ages 7–10 · 2001

Magic spills into reality, unleashing chaos.

View all alternate worlds chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about journeys and voyagesBooks about mythical creaturesBooks about imaginary placesBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about enchanted placesBooks about good and evilBooks about new experiencesBooks about quests

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