Families who loved The Specter from the Magician's Museum by John Bellairs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the balance between independence and the need for a support system, especially if they enjoy a 'safe scare.' It is perfect for the middle-grade reader who feels a bit like an outsider and finds comfort in stories where ordinary kids use their wits to face extraordinary, supernatural threats. The story follows Lewis Barnavelt as he embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue his best friend, Rose Rita, from an ancient Egyptian curse. While the plot involves sorcery and spirits, the heart of the book is about the loyalty of friendship and the courage found in teamwork. It is a thrilling, atmospheric mystery that handles themes of anxiety and bravery with a gentle, vintage charm. Parents will appreciate how it models healthy relationships between children and eccentric, supportive adult mentors like Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann.
