B. B. Alston is beloved for fast-paced middle-grade fantasy packed with imagination, humor, and heart. With Amari and the Night Brothers, he introduced readers to a thrilling magical world led by a heroine who is easy to root for.
If you’re looking for more books with hidden worlds, memorable characters, and exciting adventures, these authors are great places to start:
Rick Riordan writes action-packed fantasy with plenty of humor, often drawing on mythology to build vivid and entertaining adventures. His heroes are clever, brave, and usually thrown into extraordinary situations they never saw coming.
If you enjoy B. B. Alston’s blend of magic, mystery, and momentum, try Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, in which a wisecracking boy discovers he’s tied to the world of Greek gods and monsters.
Jessica Townsend builds fantastical worlds that feel playful on the surface but hold real emotional depth underneath. Her stories are full of wonder, unusual magic, and young protagonists trying to understand who they are.
Fans of Alston’s colorful storytelling and inventive worldbuilding will likely love Townsend’s Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, about a girl who escapes her doomed fate by entering a dazzling and dangerous magical society.
J.K. Rowling is known for creating an immersive magical world filled with vivid characters, strong friendships, and a lasting sense of wonder. Her stories balance adventure with emotional stakes in a way that keeps readers deeply invested.
If B. B. Alston’s hidden magic and brave young heroes appeal to you, Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a natural next pick, following a boy who learns he belongs to a secret world of witches and wizards.
Soman Chainani brings a smart, playful twist to fantasy by rethinking familiar fairy tale ideas about heroes, villains, and destiny. His books combine adventure, friendship, and sharp observations about identity and expectations.
Readers who like B. B. Alston’s humor and imaginative plotting should try Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil, where two friends are sorted into fairy-tale roles neither of them expected.
Roshani Chokshi writes richly textured fantasy inspired by myth and folklore, with a strong sense of atmosphere and charm. Her stories often explore belonging, friendship, and the pressure of living up to big expectations.
For readers who enjoy the magical energy and quick wit in B. B. Alston’s books, Chokshi's Aru Shah and the End of Time is an excellent choice. It starts with one impulsive decision and opens into a sweeping adventure inspired by Hindu mythology.
Sayantani DasGupta brings Bengali folklore to life in stories that are funny, fast-moving, and full of magical surprises. Her writing has an easy energy that makes even the wildest adventures feel inviting and fun.
If you liked B. B. Alston’s imaginative settings and lively pace, you’ll probably enjoy DasGupta’s The Serpent's Secret, the opening book in the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series.
Kwame Mbalia writes vibrant middle-grade fantasy inspired by African American mythology and history. His books pair humor and action with heartfelt themes, creating stories that feel both epic and personal.
Try Mbalia's Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, a lively and moving adventure that blends myth, grief, and courage in a way that should resonate with B. B. Alston fans.
Carlos Hernandez creates imaginative, funny stories that often draw from Cuban-American culture and identity. His books have a playful spirit, but they also carry warmth and emotional depth.
Pick up Hernandez's Sal and Gabi Break the Universe for a clever, heartfelt story packed with friendship, humor, and dimension-hopping chaos.
Tracey Baptiste draws on Caribbean folklore to craft eerie, adventurous tales with memorable atmosphere. Her stories have a darker edge at times, but they remain accessible and compelling for younger fantasy readers.
Check out Baptiste's The Jumbies, a gripping novel in which a brave young heroine must confront mysterious supernatural forces rooted in island lore.
Tehlor Kay Mejia writes fantasy with strong character dynamics, vivid settings, and a fresh mythological foundation. Her stories blend adventure and emotion while keeping young readers grounded in the concerns of family and friendship.
Mejia's Paola Santiago and the River of Tears offers an engaging mix of Latinx folklore, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling that should appeal to readers who enjoy Alston’s adventurous style.
Diane Duane is a great choice for readers who like fantasy that brings magic into everyday life. Her books are thoughtful, exciting, and filled with a sense of discovery.
In So You Want to Be a Wizard, two young friends uncover a hidden path into wizardry through a mysterious manual. Duane’s smart, adventurous storytelling makes her a strong match for fans of magical coming-of-age stories.
Cressida Cowell writes lively fantasy that balances humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure. Her books are especially strong on themes of courage, friendship, and finding your own way in a world full of expectations.
Her best-known book, How to Train Your Dragon, follows Hiccup, a young Viking who forms an unlikely bond with a dragon. If you enjoyed Alston’s energetic storytelling and appealing heroes, Cowell is well worth reading.
Jonathan Stroud writes fantasy with sharp wit, memorable voices, and a wonderfully mischievous edge. His stories move quickly and feature characters who are as entertaining as the magical trouble around them.
His book The Amulet of Samarkand follows the ambitious young magician Nathaniel and the sarcastic djinni Bartimaeus. Readers who enjoy Alston’s humor and magical intrigue should find a lot to like here.
Shannon Messenger writes expansive fantasy full of secret worlds, complicated friendships, and constant twists. Her books have a strong emotional core, which helps balance the larger magical mysteries and adventures.
Her novel Keeper of the Lost Cities follows Sophie, a girl who discovers hidden abilities and a world where she may finally belong. If B. B. Alston’s mix of colorful magic and strong character connections worked for you, Messenger is a great next author to explore.
Graci Kim weaves Korean folklore into fast-moving fantasy stories centered on family, identity, and belonging. Her writing is approachable and immersive, with plenty of magic and emotional resonance.
Her book The Last Fallen Star introduces Riley Oh, a girl determined to unlock her family’s powers and save her sister. Like Alston, Kim creates relatable heroes, exciting magical worlds, and stories about discovering inner strength.
