If you enjoy reading books by Kate Milford then you might also like the following authors:
Jonathan Auxier is an author known for weaving atmospheric tales that spark curiosity and imagination. One of his books, “The Night Gardener,” tells the story of two orphans who find work at a crumbling manor deep in the woods.
The house hides strange secrets, and the siblings begin noticing mysterious events tied to a shadowy figure and a sinister tree. The book has plenty of eerie moments and a sense of wonder that might remind readers of Kate Milford’s style.
Catherynne M. Valente is known for her rich, imaginative storytelling and vibrant world-building.
Her book, “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,” follows a twelve-year-old girl named September who is whisked away from her ordinary life in Nebraska into the magical and unpredictable realm of Fairyland.
There, she encounters strange creatures, including a wyvern who claims to be part library, and takes on tasks that are far beyond what a child her age should face.
The story weaves together wonder and danger, creating a unique tale full of surprises for readers who enjoy adventures with a touch of whimsy.
Jacqueline West is an author known for her imaginative stories with rich, atmospheric settings. One of her standout works is “The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows.”
In this story, eleven-year-old Olive moves into a mysterious old house and discovers a set of antique paintings that she can step into. These paintings lead her to strange worlds filled with dark secrets and puzzling dangers.
Readers who enjoy Kate Milford’s blend of mystery and adventure may find West’s work a great fit.
Laini Taylor writes stories that feel magical and rich with imagination. One of her books, “Daughter of Smoke and Bone,” introduces Karou, an art student in Prague with blue hair and a mysterious double life.
She runs errands for strange, otherworldly creatures and begins uncovering fragments of her own past. The story pulls you into a world where angels and monsters exist, and centuries-old conflicts shape the fates of many.
Fans of Kate Milford’s vivid worlds and layered mysteries might find Laini Taylor’s work a thrilling discovery.
Edward Eager was a writer who loved stories about magic spilling over into everyday life. His book “Half Magic” is about four siblings who discover a mysterious coin with the power to grant wishes—but only halfway.
When they figure this out, they have to get creative to make their dreams come true, leading to plenty of humorous and unexpected situations. It’s a story full of surprises, with kids trying to make sense of a strange and unpredictable kind of magic.
Cornelia Funke is a beloved author known for creating magical worlds that spark the imagination. One of her standout books is “Inkheart.” It follows a young girl named Meggie, whose father can bring characters to life by reading aloud from books.
When an evil villain escapes from the pages of a story, Meggie must uncover her own hidden power to save her family. With a vivid setting and a story full of adventure, the book pulls you into a reality where books and their characters are far more than they seem.
Elizabeth Goudge was a British author known for her rich, atmospheric storytelling. Her book “The Little White Horse” is a wonderful mix of mystery and whimsy, set in the peaceful yet strange landscape of Moonacre Valley.
It follows a young girl named Maria Merryweather, sent to live with her uncle in a mysterious manor. As she settles into her new home, she uncovers secrets about her family and the magical history of the valley.
The story has quirky characters, hidden problems to solve, and a sense of wonder throughout.
Diana Wynne Jones wrote fantasy stories that are full of imagination and surprises. One great example is her book “Howl’s Moving Castle.” It’s about a young woman named Sophie who is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman.
To break the curse, she ends up working for a mysterious wizard named Howl, who lives in a magical, walking castle. The castle is strange and fascinating, with doors that open to different places. The story is filled with magic, eccentric characters, and unexpected twists.
Fans of rich, adventurous settings might enjoy diving into her world.
Philip Pullman is a storyteller known for creating imaginative worlds with rich characters and intricate plots. One of his most well-known works is “The Golden Compass,” the first book in his “His Dark Materials” series.
It follows a young girl named Lyra as she discovers a mysterious substance called Dust and sets out on a journey across parallel worlds.
Along the way, she befriends armored polar bears, encounters shady organizations, and uncovers secrets that shake the foundations of her reality. It’s a story full of adventure and wonder, with a blend of science, magic, and philosophy woven into the narrative.
Frances Hardinge is an author known for creating richly imagined worlds and stories filled with mystery and adventure. Her book “The Lie Tree” is an eerie Victorian tale about a young girl named Faith who uncovers secrets after her father’s suspicious death.
She discovers a strange tree that feeds on lies and reveals hidden truths. As Faith begins to test the tree’s power, she gets pulled into a dangerous web of deceit, science, and societal expectations.
The mix of gothic atmosphere and clever twists makes it an exciting read for fans of layered, atmospheric stories.
Patricia C. Wrede writes stories filled with wit and adventure, often weaving magic into everyday life. One of her most popular books, “Dealing with Dragons,” follows Princess Cimorene, who decides she’s tired of the usual princess duties and volunteers to live with a dragon.
Unlike most fairy tales, this story flips the usual roles on their heads. Cimorene learns to handle everything from troublesome wizards to entitled knights, showing plenty of resourcefulness along the way.
If you enjoy unique twists on traditional fantasy, her work might be a great fit.
Chris Riddell is an author and illustrator known for creating stories that mix whimsy with a touch of darkness. One of his standout books is “Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse.”
The story follows Ada Goth, the daughter of Lord Goth, who lives in a sprawling and mysterious house full of secrets. When Ada discovers the ghost of a mouse asking for her help, she uncovers hidden truths about her home and the strange goings-on around her.
The book has quirky characters, a vivid setting, and illustrations that bring the world to life. Fans of Kate Milford might enjoy the balance of mystery and charm in Riddell’s work.
William Ritter writes stories that mix mystery and a touch of the supernatural. His series “Jackaby” introduces readers to R. F. Jackaby, a quirky investigator with a knack for spotting bizarre creatures and strange occurrences that others overlook.
In the first book, Abigail Rook joins him as his assistant, and together they work to solve a series of murders in a small New England town. The cases, though grounded in detective work, unfold in a world where fantastical elements feel natural and alive.
Delia Sherman writes stories filled with rich settings and a touch of magic. One of her books, “The Freedom Maze,” tells the story of a girl named Sophie in 1960 Louisiana.
Feeling out of place and lonely, she ends up traveling back in time to 1860, where she is mistaken for a slave on her family’s plantation. Through her journey, Sophie faces harsh realities and learns tough lessons about identity and courage.
The book combines history, fantasy, and a strong, memorable character in a way that feels seamless and heartfelt. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy books that make the past feel alive.
Ellen Renner writes stories full of adventure and mystery. One of her books, “Tribute”, is set in a world where magic is tightly controlled.
The story follows Zara, a young girl trained in magic, as she uncovers secrets about her society and begins to question everything she’s been taught. Zara’s journey is filled with danger and betrayal, making for a tense and exciting read.
If you enjoy layered worlds and characters with tough choices, Renner’s work might be worth checking out.