Kait Mae

I grew up reading, and as I’ve aged, I’ve grown to want to re-read my childhood favorites. But there’s only so much nostalgia can give me – so I’ve taken it upon myself not just to collect books I loved as a kid, but to find adult books that are essentially grown-up versions of my childhood favorites. So, take a scroll and see if your favorites are on this list – and try the adult book I’m sure you’d love if you read it.

‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ to ‘The Starless Sea’ Erin Morgenstern

If you loved The Chronicles of Narnia, I’m willing to bet you loved the idea of being swept away to a magical world. Because of that, I think you’ll like The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. It’s a magical realism novel that sees a young man transported to another world.

‘Emily Windsnap’ to ‘The Deep’ by Rivers Solomon

Now, there’s not a lot of mermaid novels for adults. But there are a few. And if you loved (or still do) the Emily Windsnap series like me, I think you’d enjoy a darker tale of mermaids. The Deep by Rivers Solomon is just that.

Read more: Disney Should Bring Back the Disney Fairies Franchise

‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ to ‘Kafka on the Shore’ by Haruki Murakami

If you liked the twisty, winding, fantastical story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, you probably still like that type of story. Am I right? If I am, I think you’re going to love Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ to ‘Less’ by Andrew Sean Greer

I was never big into Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but from what I remember when it was being adapted or the guys in class were talking about it, it’s just a story of this awkward tween. So, why not suggest to you a grown-up version with Less by Andrew Sean Greer?

‘Little House on the Prairie’ to ‘The Four Winds’ by Kristin Hannah

I grew up on the Little House on the Prairie books. And while that’s not my favorite genre anymore, I know there are several adult books out that resonate with the same vibes and storytelling. So, if you loved that series, you’re going to love Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

‘Dear America’ to ‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi

I didn’t know people loved these as kids like I did until I saw someone do a deep-dive on TikTok. The Dear America series followed fictional stories within different eras – my favorite was A Light in the Storm. Regardless, you’re going to love Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi if you loved any of this series.

‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Cloisters’ by Katy Hays

There are hundreds, if not thousands of magical school books. That said, most are targeted to kids and teens. But there are quite a few adult ones that go under the radar. So, if you’re looking to recapture that Harry Potter nostalgia with a less problematic author, try The Cloisters by Katy Hays.

‘Nancy Drew’ to ‘Deja Dead’ by Kathy Reichs

I have always been a Nancy Drew fangirl, and I will always be. I was reading her novels since I was in first grade – and that led me straight to Bones on TV. So, if you’re anything like me, you’re going to love the book series that inspired Bones by Kathy Reichs.

Read more about my love of Nancy Drew in How I Would Make a Nancy Drew Show.

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ to ‘The Ten Thousand Doors of January’ by Alix E. Harrow

I’m going on a limb and saying that if you loved A Wrinkle in Time, you liked the time- and world-blending nature of the story. If you’re looking to find something just as bendy and twisty, you should read The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix. E Harrow.

‘The Tales of the Frog Princess’ to ‘The Seventh Bride’ by T. Kingfisher

The Tales of the Frog Princess started with The Frog Princess, which is called a parody of the German fairytale, “The Frog Prince”. So, if you loved it as a child, you might enjoy other retellings. So, give The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher.

‘Anne of Green Gables’ to ‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman

If you loved Anne of Green Gables as a kid, or just started because of Anne with an E, chances are you just love a fun and bright protagonist. So, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is going to be completely up your alley.

Read more: Like This Romcom? Check Out This Romance Novel

‘The Giver’ to ‘The Unit’ by Ninni Holmqvist

The Giver was a staple of my childhood – I’ve probably read it upwards of 20 times. Most don’t think about it being a dystopian novel, but it is one. And while I could recommend several popular dystopian novels, I’m going to say you should read The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist.

‘The Magic Treehouse’ to ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig

If you loved the staple of many children’s lives, The Magic Treehouse, you probably loved learning on your own terms – like me. Or maybe you liked the time-traveling aspect. Either way, you’re going to love The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

‘Percy Jackson’ to ‘Lore’ by Alexandra Bracken

As one of the biggest juvenile series today, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is all about Greek mythology. Chances are you’re still into mythology of any kind. Because of that, I’m recommending a book I’m currently try to read, Lore by Alexandra Bracken.

Did I miss your favorite from childhood? Let me know, and I might make another one of these.