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Top 5 YA fantasy adventure books, chosen by children’s novelist PM Perry

Witches, swamp monsters, demons and wizards populate the pages of our top five YA fantasy adventures

Young adult fantasy adventure books provide escapist thrills and magical worlds. If you’re looking for a starting point, check out PM Perry’s top five.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

A young girl accidentally gains extraordinary powers and must uncover her destiny with the help of a kind witch and a misunderstood swamp monster. This spellbinding tale of self-discovery proves that light can shine even in darkness.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

When a dare awakens an ancient demon, 12-year-old Aru navigates mythical realms and confronts her fears to save the world. This thrilling adventure blends humour, heart and Hindu mythology.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Best friends Sophie and Agatha are taken to a magical academy where heroes and villains are made. As their destinies blur, they redefine good, evil, and the strength of their friendship in this captivating fairy-tale twist.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Cursed into old age, Sophie finds herself in the ever-changing home of the enigmatic wizard Howl. Together, they face magical battles and hidden truths in this heartwarming story.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

A wizard boy and a warrior girl from rival worlds unite to defeat an ancient evil. A fantasy adventure packed with magical mishaps, daring quests and surprising friendships.

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PM Perry’s Maya Mysun and the World That Does Not Exist is out now (independently published, £7.50).

Some of these titles are available to buy from the Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support the Big Issue and independent bookshops.

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