Need more books like Wings of Fire for your voracious readers? This read alike book list will help.
Chances are, if your kids are 9 years or older, they've come across the popular middle grade series, Wings of Fire. Fortunately, there are a gazillion books and graphic novels in the series to keep them reading.
Although several of these books feature dragons, they are not all about violent dragon warrior clans. As I have done with all of my read-alike book lists, I chose books that have some of the reading elements of the book in question, but not the same plot points. So these books for kids who like Wings of Fire are thrilling adventures filled with conflict and moral dilemmas.
If a reader truly just wants more dragon books, our list of favorite dragon books and series for tweens will help.
Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.
The Mad Wolf's Daughter (series) by Diane Magras
I quite enjoyed this 13th-century tale set in Scotland about a strong girl warrior learning about what sets her apart from her brothers and father, even as she embarks on a treacherous mission to rescue them. Along her journey she must make choices based on her code of honor but she learns not all is as it seems and she has to decide what her values are. Ages 8 and up.
Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell
Aspiring author Princess Tilda is an independent-minded princess who has never even considered slaying dragons because of her disfigured foot. However, her cousin, Ivo, wishes to steal her kingdom and she ends up fleeing her home. The ensuing adventure involves magic, capture, a menacing Blue-beard character, and (of course) dragon slaying.
Dragon Rider (series) by Cornelia Funke
Kids who like Wings of Fire will like this dragon series, too. The last silver dragons are hiding in a remote region of Scotland. The dragon, Firedrake, and brownie, Sorrel, set out to find the Rim of Heaven, the ancient home the dragons where it is supposed that dragons will live in peace. On their journey a young boy, Ben, joins them and they go up against a silver dragon hunter who tries to thwart them at every turn. A page-turning adventure.
The Adventurers Guild (series) by Zack Loran Clark
Zed and Brock, who would have preferred to join more profession-based guilds, are instead conscripted in the adventurer's guild, a ragtag group of humans and sprite-creatures that must guard the city against dangers. Their initiation into the guild is to spend the night outside of the city walls, a daunting prospect. I like the way the narrative shifts between the third person and first person recounting of the action, it keeps the reader on his toes! Highly suspenseful.
Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart
When a freak (and I mean freak!) accident leaves all the adults of Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys dead, the boys look forward to finally getting away from the wretched place of misery. But some of the boys decide they would prefer a few days alone on the island before coming under the thumb of adults again. As you can imagine, things go awry in the power vacuum, and secrets previously kept hidden are revealed. It is a very compelling read and your child will have a hard time putting it down.
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Princess Violet is not exactly the most traditional of princesses in the kingdom but she finds her way, anyway. When she and her best friend Demetrius discover a mysterious book and accidentally release a malignant spirit, Violet must reverse the magic. The court story-teller narrates the book, giving it an interesting narrative viewpoint, which comments on the nature of storytelling, and how we decide how stories are told and authenticated. Ages 9 and up.
The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitz
Third person narration alternates among several viewpoints, one being the thoughts and snarky humor of the sword itself! The demon sword, Asperides, has been hoping to spend the rest of eternity in retirement, but is called to present itself to the hopeful knight, Nack. Nack is trying to win back the respect of his family and sees the sword, which he believes to be an angel blade, as his salvation. Asperides has his own agenda, not least of which is thwarting the mission of an evil, undead villain who just happens to be his former master. A gripping and magical adventure. Ages 9 and up.
Forest of Wonders (Wing and Claw trilogy) by Linda Sue Park
Raffa, an apothecary, discovers a sinister government plot to enslave animals. Raffa, with his knowledge of botanical magic gets caught up in a secret web that involves a family member. Suspenseful and full of moral dilemmas, kids who are looking for Wings of Fire read alikes will love this trilogy, even if it doesn't involve dragon battles.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (series) by Kwame Mbalia
Tristan Strong is grieving the loss of his best friend and reluctantly headed for Alabama to stay with his grandparents. While tussling with a strange creature he punches a tree, opening up a passage between his world and MidPass. Adventures and struggles follow as Tristan meets persons and creatures from African-American and West African myth and folklore. Young readers who love epic adventures, wily foes and heroic legends will love this tale. Highly recommended.
The Mark of the Thief (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen
This incredibly thrilling trilogy is packed full of action and twists behind every corner. Nic and his sister are slaves in mines just outside of Ancient Rome. When Nic discovers an ancient bulla that once belonged to Julius Caesar, the bulla infuses him with a power. He becomes both a target and a pawn in a political conspiracy. This is a excellent selection for kids who like mythology and will appeal to readers who thrive on stories about the take down of sinister government powers. MG/YA - Ages 10 and up.
More books lists your kids will love:
Paige says
Thank you! One of our kids loves Wings of Fire so we’re going to try books on the list. I’m not a fan of Wings of Fire for the same reasons.
Erica says
I hope the list helps you find some winners. Happy reading.
Stephanie says
Thanks for creating this list! There is a new member of my in-laws family who reads Wings of Fire and I’m searching for a Christmas present for her. This list is EVERYTHING I was going to ask for help with at Chapters but you’ve saved me a step and lots of time 🙂 - much appreciated, from an Aunt completely out of the loop!
Erica says
Yay! I hope she loves the books!
Wings of Fire is the best says
As a Wings of Fire FanWing I am a little hurt that you explained Wings of Fire as a violate book. That’s not what Wing of Fire is about. It’s about friends going on quest to save the world. Plus, their dragons not bunnies they are going to use claws, Fire, frostbreath, teeth, and (if they have it) animus powers. Also the war in the first 5 books ends and after that there are no serious wars.
WOF fan says
I totally agree with wings of fire is the best wings of fire is about teamwork, friendship, trust, and much more. there is violence but that isn't what the books are about
Liam says
Yes, the books are about so much more than violence and wars. Also, these books are great reads for kids.
Norah says
Our family has been gripped by the Wings of Fire series (we stumbled into it not knowing it was super popular). I must admit when I started reading the first book aloud, I had trouble getting into it (I couldn't care about the characters right away and had trouble keeping track of all the info thrown at us in the first chapter), but then we did get into and now we're 6 books in. I think what is most powerful about these books (and why I'm glad my son is enjoying them) is the way they highlight seeing the same situations from different perspectives (humans even get to see themselves from a new vantage point!). The issues in the books concerning inclusion and exclusion and issues of difference (diversity) and identity and battling your own "demons" have given us the opportunity to talk about many real world issues involving these same issues.
Norah says
I forgot to add that the gender twist (it's a world in which the hierarchy is topped by queens rather than kings) is refreshing. The strong - and even aggressive - female characters are plentiful (while also including funny, sensitive, nurturing ones too) and male characters include those who doubt themselves, feel afraid and question the idea that they are aggressive by nature. I really appreciated that my son was hearing a story in which guards, soldiers, royalty and fighters were just as likely to be female as male, while every character seems to be trying to balance their strengths and weaknesses.
WoF FanWing says
I agree. I love Wings of Fire AND Warriors and am a little upset that the description suggests both series to be no good.
WoF FanWing says
Oops I meant that as a reply to Wings of Fire is the Best's comment