Books like 'The Door Before'
Readers who enjoyed The Door Before by N.D. Wilson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure magic children friendship female-mc myths retellings
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Of Witches and Wind by Shelby Bach
12 ratingsIn this second book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy,” it’s up to Rory to save the Ever After School—and deal with her father’s fiancée.After taking part in a successful real-life fairy tale, Rory Landon is now an Ever After School veteran... -
Of Sorcery and Snow by Shelby Bach
12 ratingsRory might be starring in her own fairy tale, but there’s more danger than happily-ever-after in this third book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy.”Life at Ever After School has become familiar for Rory. She’s been on two quests, she’s a great sword fighter, and she has terrific friends... -
Chill of the Ice Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #9) by Tracey West
12 ratingsOnly a Fire Dragon can stop an Ice Giant!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie by William Joyce
14 ratingsThe Man in the Moon has a problem.Most nights, he beams down at the children of Earth, providing them with an inextinguishable nightlight that keeps nightmares at bay... -
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The School for Good and Evil: The Ever Never Handbook by Soman Chainani
16 ratingsWelcome to the School for Good and Evil! The greatest of heroes and villains have come through our classrooms before they ventured into the Endless Woods to find their stories . . . and now you will join their ranks.Use this handbook as a guide to help you navigate through your years at school... -
The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty
8 ratingsNOW IN PAPERBACK!"Splendidly entertaining." —Kirkus Reviews★ "A delightfully quirky story with nuance, depth, and a colorful cast of characters, this book begs for multiple readings."—School Library Journal (starred)★ "Like a middle-grade version of Terry Pratchett's Discworld—fantasy adventure steeped in humor, with a touch of satire, and set in a whimsical secondary world of the highest order... -
The Half Upon a Time Trilogy: Half Upon a Time; Twice Upon a Time; Once Upon the End by James Riley
8 ratingsIt's a fantasy come true: all three books in the hilarious fractured fairy tale trilogy by James Riley, available together in a box set!This complete boxed set of the Half Upon a Time trilogy tells the story of Jack, as in, son of the infamous Jack who stole the magic beans from the giant... -
Peter and the Starcatchers: Peter and the Starcatchers / Peter and the Shadow Thieves / Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson
8 ratingsFollow the adventures of Peter, Molly, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys in all three Peter Pan prequels: Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. Don't even "think" of starting this trilogy unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time...Categorized as:
friendship magic myths retellings action-adventure anthologies audiobook children-books -
Dragon Curse by Lisa McMann
10 ratingsTen years after Alex and Aaron Stowe brought peace to Quill and Artimé, their younger twin sisters journey beyond Artimé in the fourth novel in the New York Times bestselling sequel series to The Unwanteds, which Kirkus Reviews called “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.”At last, after harrowing battles and devastating losses, the three Stowe siblings are reunited... -
Descendants: Mal's Spell Book by Tina McLeef
12 ratingsFor fans of Descendants, this spell book, which formerly belonged to Maleficent before she passed it on to Mal, is full of comments, notes, and inside jokes between Mal and the other villains' kids. Laugh and cry along with Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos as they find their way in the world of Auradon Prep... -
Cursed by Jen Calonita
12 ratingsThe evil Rumplestiltskin is planning to cast a curse that will erase Enchantasia as the world knows it, and a fairy prophecy declares that Gilly Cobbler will play a key role. Never one to shy away from adventure, Gilly and her friends embark on an epic, swashbuckling journey to stop Stiltskin from getting the ingredients he needs before it's too late... -
Outlaws by Jen Calonita
12 ratingsWANTED: ROYAL ACADEMY OUTLAWSThings are not looking great for Princess Devin Nile. In the past 24 hours, she and her four best friends have gotten kicked out of school, banished to the Hollow Woods, and declared as outlaws. (That's what happens when you accuse the Headmistress of Royal Academy of being in league with villains.) But Devin's not about to go down without a fight... -
Emily Windsnap and the Ship of Lost Souls by Liz Kessler
14 ratingsEmily and fellow half-mer Aaron stand between land and sea—and like and love—in a dramatic new episode of the New York Times best-selling series.A field trip to a mysterious island quickly turns into an adventure when Emily Windsnap and Aaron discover a secret lookout point from which they spot a ghostly ship that no one else seems to be able to see... -
The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce
14 ratingsAcademy Award winner William Joyce’s Guardians recruit Sanderson ManSnoozy, the sleepy legend also known as the Sandman, to their cause in this fourth chapter book adventure.When the Man in the Moon brought together the Guardians, he warned them that they would face some terrible evils as they strove to protect the children of earth... -
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Athena the Wise by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
16 ratingsThese classic myths from the Greek pantheon are given a modern twist that contemporary tweens can relate to, from dealing with bullies like Medusa to a first crush on an unlikely boy...Categorized as:
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Tricked by Jen Calonita
16 ratingsThings are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly... -
Artemis the Loyal by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
16 ratingsIt's time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddessgirls are not happy! It's boys only--and the girls at MOA are not pleased. Led by Artemis, Athena, Persphone and Aphrodite, the ladies of Mount Olympus hatch a plan to get Zeus to open up the games to everyone... -
Sky Raiders Free Preview Edition: (The First 10 Chapters) (Five Kingdoms) by Brandon Mull
6 ratingsIn a world that lies between reality and imagination, a “fanciful, action-packed adventure” awaits (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Come and claim it in this first book of the Five Kingdoms series, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series... -
Harry Potter: A Magical Year -- The Illustrations of Jim Kay by J.K. Rowling
6 ratingsA unique and beautiful gift book celebrating the art of Jim Kay -- 366 magical moments from J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, evoked in spellbinding brushstrokes, characterful ink work, and illuminating pencil sketches.This irresistible gift book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts...Categorized as:
children friendship magic action-adventure book children-books fiction witches-wizards -
Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi
6 ratingsA middle-grade fantasy about twelve-year-old Rea Chettri, who portals into an otherworldly realm to go on a secret quest to find her missing twin brother Rohan. The clock is ticking in this adventure rife with evil creatures, a ruthless villain, and unforgettable friendships.It all begins on the night Rea turns twelve... -
The Silver Swamp: A Branches Book by Katrina Charman
6 ratingsTag and Skyla must rescue Blaze, in this action-packed fantasy adventure series!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
Abby in Oz (Whatever After Special Edition #2) by Sarah Mlynowski
8 ratingsAbby's not in Smithville anymore!When Abby -- plus her three best friends -- land in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they are ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road to find their way back home. But they'll have to acquire some brains, heart, and courage along the way to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West . . -
The Secret of the Crystal Fairies by Thea Stilton, Geronimo Stilton
8 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with fantasy and friendship!The Thea Sisters are just about to head off on their separate family vacations when they receive a call from Will Mystery. Once again, there is trouble in one of the imaginary kingdoms! A crack has been discovered in one of the maps in the Hall of Roses... -
Switched by Jen Calonita
14 ratingsThe fourth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villainsReform or relapse? Things at Fairy Tale Reform School are great. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted, and everyone is buzzing about the fact that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (aka the Beast) have joined the teaching staff... -
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Once Upon a Time: A Story Collection by Shannon Hale
14 ratingsRead these exclusive introductions to all your favorite characters to find out what their lives are like at home! A new chapter is about to begin at Ever After High, and all the students are preparing to start their Legacy Year...Categorized as:
children friendship magic myths retellings action-adventure anthologies children-books -
Princess Before Dawn by E.D. Baker
6 ratingsPrincess Annie's beloved kingdom is threatened to be overtaken in the seventh book in the Wide-Awake Princess series.Annie's beloved home Treecrest has become a favorite destination for all sorts of magical beings. One new set of guests are particularly strange, and they are ready to take over a new hunting ground. Annie and Liam turn to their only friends who can help, Francis and Zoe... -
Iron Tide Rising by Carrie Ryan, John Parke Davis
6 ratingsMagical worlds and incredible creatures fill the pages of this epic, action-packed finale of the Map to Everywhere series, from John Parke Davis and New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ryan!Intrepid travelers Fin and Marrill have shared countless thrilling and treacherous adventures on the magical waters of the Pirate Stream... -
Cassie Comes Through by Shana Muldoon Zappa, Ahmet Zappa
6 ratingsStarf! The day Cassie has been dreading since she first arrived at Starling Academy is here. She has been chosen to make the journey to Wishworld for the next Wish Mission. Lady Stella, the headmistress, assures her she's going to do a starmendous job. Cassie is so sensitive and perceptive she'll be a natural! But her mission is even harder than she feared.Everything just seems all wrong...Categorized as:
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The Dark Gods by Josepha Sherman
6 ratingsSheila McCarthy, a high school student trapped in a magical land, is the only one who can help when the Unicorn Queen is kidnapped by a handsome, evil king... -
Beyond the Pawpaw Trees: The Story of Anna Lavinia by Palmer Brown
6 ratingsIt all began on a lavender blue day—the kind of day when anything can happen. It was on such a day that Anna Lavinia’s father saw a double rainbow and went chasing after it. And it is on such a day that she and her cat, Strawberry, set off on their journey beyond the walled garden where the pawpaw trees grow, to a place where the buttercups bloom pink and the laws of gravity don’t always apply... -
Attack of the Trolls by Tommy Donbavand
6 ratingsWhy is our trio beset with trolls? The shrieks keep coming as the spine-tingling series surges ahead! Luke, Resus, and Cleo are eager to begin their new quest. First stop, Count Negatov's castle! As the three make their way through the bleak, murky wilds of Transylvania, it looks like this adventure will be dull, but easy. Until they are kidnapped by trolls... -
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The Storm Keepers' Battle by Catherine Doyle
6 ratingsIn the thrilling conclusion to the acclaimed Storm Keeper's Island series, evil sorceress Morrigan rises, and Fionn and his friends must use their wits to save Arranmore Island's future.“Fans of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson can add Fionn Boyle as a generous and brave hero from the Emerald Isle... -
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Piper's Perfect Dream by Shana Muldoon Zappa, Ahmet Zappa
6 ratingsMysterious things continue to happen on Starland every day as the girls wait to see who will go on the next Wish Mission. Piper has a dream that she will be the one and indeed she is. Piper has a lot to learn when she finds herself working at a diner. Confident that she's identified her Wisher's wish, Piper enjoys her time on Wishworld...Categorized as:
children friendship magic myths retellings action-adventure audiobook boarding-school -
Tigerlilja by Erin Michelle Sky, Steven Brown
6 ratingsThe origin of Peter Pan and Tigerlilja, a companion novella to the Tales of the Wendy series.One, cursed by accident. The other, cursed by destiny. But losing everything isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s just the beginning... -
Go for the Gold, Atalanta! by Kate McMullan
8 ratingsAnd that story about Atalanta losing a race because she stopped to collect the golden apples that Melanion threw in her path? Applesauce! The only gold that mattered to Atalanta was the Olympic Gold Medal for the 50-dekameter dash--and all the six-figure endorsements that would be hers--if she won...Categorized as:
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Comet Rising by MarcyKate Connolly
8 ratingsThe thrilling conclusion to MarcyKate Connolly's Shadow Weaver duology follows Emmeline and Lucas as they face the darkness once and for all.Emmeline and Lucas are safe from the evil Lady Aisling and her soldiers for the time being. The only thing that mars their peaceful life is Emmeline's imprisoned former shadow, Dar... -
Sage and the Journey to Wishworld by Shana Muldoon Zappa, Ahmet Zappa
8 ratingsHigh in the sky above Earth is a most beautiful star, inhabited by a race of people who keep the heavens safe - the Starlings. Their job, which they have done for as long as anyone can remember, is to help grant the wishes of humans. Wishes made on birthday candles, shooting stars, dandelions, wishbones, and coins tossed into fountains, just to name a few...Categorized as:
children magic myths retellings action-adventure boarding-school book children-books -
Libby and the Class Election by Shana Muldoon Zappa, Ahmet Zappa
8 ratingsCharming Libby is a people pleaser who is slow at making decisions. She has to learn how to say no, stand up for herself, and feel more confident about her choices.All of the Star Darling roommates have received beautiful bouquets of sparkly flowers welcoming them to Star Academy. The band tryouts begin and many different girls show up to audition...Categorized as:
children magic myths retellings action-adventure boarding-school book children-books -
Nice Shot, Cupid! by Kate McMullan
10 ratingsWhat a myth-o-maniac (old Greek-speak for liar)! Zeus's version of the myths is completely wrong. It's time to set the record straight. For the first time ever, Hades, King of the Underworld, reveals the true story behind the myths.This laugh-out-loud series of fractured Greek myths by best-selling author Kate McMullan is irreverent, irresistible, and totally twisted... -
Pandora Gets Angry by Carolyn Hennesy
10 ratingsPandora and her friends are off to Persia to track the fifth evil: Rage. They have camels to help them cross the desert, but mysterious sandstorms and frightening strangers keep them from moving quickly. Luckily, help arrives in the form of a cute Persian boy who helps Pandy and her friends search for Persia's secret Garden of the Jin... -
Snow White Lucks Out by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams
10 ratingsSnow White might be jinxed -- but at least she has the other grimmtastic girls to count on!Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia. . .No matter how many lucky charms she wears, Snow White can't catch a break. She's especially worried that her stepmom, Ms. Wicked, is a member of the E.V.I.L. Society. Snow and her friends Red, Cinda, and Rapunzel are trying to stop E.V.I.L... -
Peter in Blueberry Land by Elsa Beskow
10 ratingsPeter is looking for blueberries for his mother's birthday but he can't find a single one. Suddenly he feels a light tap on his shoe, and a strange and magical adventure begins.This is one of Elsa Beskow's best-known and best-loved books... -
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CJ's Treasure Chase by Jessica Brody
10 ratingsCJ is the daughter of Captain James Hook. She's fierce. She's swashbuckling. And she has big dreams. . . like finding the treasure she's known about since she was a little girl stranded on the Isle of the Lost. When CJ sneaks out of Auradon Prep with her best friend, Freddie, they go on a wild chase to find it... -
Pandora Gets Heart by Carolyn Hennesy
12 ratingsPandora and her friends Alcie, Iole, and Homer are practically evil-hunting experts. Jealousy, Vanity, and Laziness are all safely in the box and they already know Lust is lurking on Mount Pelion, so this fourth task should be super easy. Just one teeny tiny problem: the evil is hiding at a wedding that took place 1,300 years ago... -
Wished by Jen Calonita
14 ratingsThe fifth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villainsBe careful what you wish for…With big-time villains Rumpelstiltskin and Alva still on the loose and the citizens of Enchantasia on high alert, things at Fairy Tale Reform School have been a little...stressed... -
Vespick The Wasp Queen by Adam Blade
6 ratingsTom has nearly reached the end of his most challenging Beast Quest! The fate of his mother and the land of Kayonia depend on him and his faithful companions... -
Trema the Earth Lord by Adam Blade
6 ratingsThe fifth book in the fifth series of the exciting adventure stories that are as gripping as a computer game! Great for boys, with a huge collectability factor bolstered by the collectors' cards in the back of the books, and links to an excellent interactive website... -
Super Slug of Doom: A Super Happy Magic Forest Story by Matty Long
6 ratingsThe Super Happy Magic Forest is once again thrown into disruption and chaos when Blossom the unicorn accidentally releases the super slug of doom from his hibernation beneath an ordinary rock. Can our five reluctant heroes -- Hoofius, Blossom, Twinkle, Trevor, and Herbert -- once again save their beloved forest from slimy, sludgy, yucky evil? We sure hope so. .
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