5 More Must-Read Superhero Books for Young Readers (Part 2)

A.F. Steadman made waves with her debut fantasy novel, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, which turns the familiar concept of unicorns on its head.

Instead of being gentle, glittery creatures, the unicorns in this world are wild, powerful, and bonded to skilled riders who command their magic. The story follows Skandar Smith, a twelve-year-old boy who has always dreamed of becoming a unicorn rider. However, when the long-awaited day of the Hatchery arrives, something goes terribly wrong, and Skandar finds himself thrown into a dangerous adventure involving a stolen unicorn, dark magic, and ancient secrets. Skandar soon discovers that he possesses a rare ability to control forbidden elemental magic, a power that could make him a hero—or a villain.

This book is a perfect blend of high-stakes action, mystery, and magical creatures, making it ideal for fans of mythology, adventure, and coming-of-age stories. Beyond its thrilling plot, it teaches children about bravery, self-discovery, and the importance of forging their own path.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skandar-and-the-unicorn-thief-af-steadman/1139747107

Lisa McMann, a New York Times bestselling author, is known for crafting imaginative worlds with deep emotional resonance.

The Unwanteds is a unique mix of dystopian adventure and magic, often described as Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games. In the world of Quill, creativity is outlawed. Every year, children are divided into two groups—the Wanted, who are trained for prestigious careers, and the Unwanted, who are sentenced to be eliminated. When Alex Stowe, an Unwanted, is taken to what he believes is his execution, he instead discovers Artime, a hidden magical world where creativity is power. Here, Unwanteds train in visual magic, artistic combat, and elemental powers, proving that imagination isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.

This book is perfect for kids who feel different or out of place, as it encourages them to embrace their creativity, think outside the box, and challenge the status quo. With exciting battles, deep friendships, and powerful themes about self-expression, The Unwanteds is a must-read for young readers who love magic-infused superhero stories.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unwanteds-lisa-mcmann/1100398513

Yoon Ha Lee, an award-winning science fiction writer, takes readers on an intergalactic adventure inspired by Korean mythology in Dragon Pearl.

Unlike traditional superhero stories, this book blends mythology, space travel, and magical abilities, creating a completely unique experience for young readers. The story follows Min, a teenage girl with a secret—she is a fox spirit, able to shape-shift and manipulate energy. When her brother disappears under mysterious circumstances, Min embarks on a dangerous journey across the galaxy to find him, using her charm, intelligence, and supernatural abilities to navigate a universe filled with starships, space pirates, and cosmic magic.

With a strong and determined female protagonist, Dragon Pearl offers an exciting mix of sci-fi adventure and ancient folklore, making it an excellent choice for young readers who love stories about destiny, deception, and hidden strength.

Beyond its thrilling plot, this book teaches kids about the power of perseverance, the importance of family, and the courage to embrace one’s identity—even when the world says otherwise.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-pearl-yoon-ha-lee/1128638884

Sage Blackwood’s Jinx is a magical fantasy adventure that blends humor, mystery, and supernatural powers, reminiscent of classic fairy tales.

The story centers around Jinx, a young orphan who grows up in the enchanted—and dangerously unpredictable—Urwald forest. In this world, the trees whisper secrets, the paths constantly change, and dark creatures lurk in the shadows. Jinx, abandoned by his stepfather, is taken in by a reclusive magician named Simon. Over time, he discovers that he possesses a rare ability to see people’s thoughts and emotions as colored auras—a gift that makes him both powerful and vulnerable. As Jinx delves deeper into the forest’s mysteries and his own hidden powers, he must decide who to trust and how to use his abilities for good.

This book is perfect for kids who love quirky fantasy worlds, strong-willed protagonists, and intriguing magical systems. More than just an adventure, Jinx explores themes of loyalty, self-discovery, and the complexities of good and evil, encouraging young readers to question the world around them and forge their own path.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jinx-sage-blackwood/1110155580

James Patterson, one of the world’s most prolific children’s authors, teams up with Chris Grabenstein, the writer behind Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, to create Max Einstein, a story that proves superpowers don’t have to be magical—they can be scientific.

Unlike traditional superheroes, Max Einstein’s power lies in her brilliant mind and ability to solve complex problems. As an orphan with an IQ beyond genius level, Max is recruited by a secret organization that wants to use her intelligence to help save the world. But powerful forces want to control her knowledge, leading Max on an adventure filled with puzzles, thrilling escapes, and scientific breakthroughs.

This book is a great STEM-infused superhero story, encouraging kids to embrace curiosity, think critically, and believe in the power of knowledge. It’s perfect for young readers who love science, engineering, and real-world heroism, showing them that sometimes the greatest superpower of all is intelligence and perseverance.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-genius-experiment-james-patterson/1129800105