5 Middle Grade Books to Inspire Future (or Current) D&D Players

Dungeonology, by Matt Forbek
Part of the Ologies series (an amazing series of illustrated fictional encyclopedias aimed at young readers), Dungeonolgy is the perfect introduction to the actual world of Dungeons & Dragons—the Forgotten Realms. With pull-out maps, letters, minibooks, this interactive encyclopedia introduces readers to the idea of an adventuring party, wondrous magic items, and the famed locations and people that make up the Forgotten Realms. The illustrations and narration will draw any young reader in, whether D&D expert or novice.

The Adventurers Guild, by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
This story of magic and adventure may not be set in the Forgotten Realms, but it perfectly captures the spirit of going on an adventure with a party of heroes. With tons of humor and heart (essentials for a good D&D game), The Adventurers Guild follows Zed, a half-elf mage, and Brock as they find themselves recruited into the perilous Adventurers Guild. Along with their allies Liza and Jett, the boys discover a vast conspiracy threatening their land. Complete with kobolds, elves, dwarves, and other mythical creature, this story will make any young reader feel ready for an adventure.

Mighty Jack (Might Jack series #1), by Ben Hatke
This fun graphic novel is a new spin on Jack and the Beanstalk and perfectly captures that adventurous fantasy spirit of D&D. Jack’s normal life is mundane and difficult—his single mom holds down two jobs and he stays home to take care of his autistic sister Maddy. But when Maddy convinces him to get rid of the family car in exchange for a packet of mysterious seeds, things start to get a little more magical…and dangerous. Maddy and Jack are joined by their neighbor Lilly as they conquer the magical creatures flocking to his magical garden, including a dragon. In the sequel, the small party of adventurers takes on the Goblin King. And for even younger children, check out Ben Hatke’s Nobody Likes a Goblin.

The Stowaway (Stone of Tymora Series #1), by R.A. Salvatore and Geno Salvatore
From the author who brought adults the Drizzt series, this story is meant for young readers interested in D&D. Like Dungeonology, this story is set in the Forgotten Realms. However, unlike Dungeonology, The Stowaway is a fictional story following the young Maimun—a twelve-year-old orphan marked for death. With the help of a mysterious stranger, he escapes his village and finds himself stowed away on a pirate hunting ship with none other than the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. With plenty of magical creatures and adventure on the high seas, this is a perfect story to capture the magic of D&D while also introducing young readers to one of D&D’s most famous characters.

All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson
This graphic novel may not be about D&D specifically, but it is a gateway to the world in which D&D is often found. And it perfectly represents the values at the heart of D&D: friendship, belonging, and being true to yourself. Imogene’s parents work at a Renaissance Faire, so she’s spent most of her life in homeschool, helping them. Now Impy wants to become a squire, but to do that, she must show great bravery. She decides the perfect quest will be attending public middle school. The quest is not without its trials, and it may even be more of an adventure than Impy can handle.