Books About Alternate Worlds · 37 titles considered

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.

Elsewhere
Firelight
Graphic Nov.
The Double Helix
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Alternate Worlds

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,228 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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 · 225,901 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

My Diary from the Edge of the World

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 · 2,147 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Elsewhere

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 · 73,812 ratings
$22.45Save 5%
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 · 5,043 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Rogue Knight

By Brandon Mull · Book #2 in the Five Kingdoms series

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

466 pages· 110,629 words· Est. 15.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 15,196 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Prince Warriors

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

288 pages· 58,891 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,985 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Firelight

By Kazu Kibuishi · Book #7 in the Amulet series

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

199 pages· 7,757 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 17,504 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Double Helix

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

224 pages· 56,048 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,381 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2013

The Strangers

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%
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Alternate Worlds Picture Books

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

13th Street #3: 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

13th Street #2: The Fire-Breathing Ferret Fiasco
Sale price
$1599

13th Street #2: 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

Monsters, Inc.

Ages 7–11 · 2001

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

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 Ultimate Book Hugger's Guide

Ages 9–12 · 2018

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

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2

Ages 12–17 · 2003

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

The Quillan Games

Ages 8–12 · 2005

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

The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
Sale price
$1999

The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

Ages 8–12 · 2024

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

The Stonekeeper

Ages 9–12 · 2008

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

Spellbound

Ages 10–12 · 2011

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

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
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

Ages 8–12 · 1952

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

The Magician's Nephew

Ages 9–12 · 1955

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

Under Wildwood

Ages 8–+ · 2012

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

The Magic Escapes

Ages 7–10 · 2001

Magic spills into reality, unleashing chaos.

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

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo