You might know Michael Buckley from his “Sisters Grimm” books. Those stories are such a fun mix of fairy tales and mystery; they are also really funny.
If you like books with a similar feel, maybe with fairy tale twists, mystery, and humor, here are some authors that could be perfect for you.
Chris Colfer is an author whose imaginative storytelling will appeal to fans of Michael Buckley. In his book “The Wishing Spell,” twins Alex and Conner unexpectedly enter the magical world they’ve known from beloved fairy tales.
Here Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty aren’t just characters—they are living, breathing people with their own fascinating lives. To find their way home, Alex and Conner must gather rare items scattered throughout this enchanted land.
During their journey, they uncover secrets, face surprising challenges, and discover that fairy-tale worlds aren’t always what they appear to be. Colfer mixes humor, adventure, and intriguing twists to bring fairy tales fresh new life.
Rick Riordan is an author known for writing exciting adventure stories filled with humor and mythological elements. Readers who enjoy Michael Buckley’s lively storytelling will find similar enjoyment in Riordan’s novels.
One book to start with is “The Lightning Thief,” the first in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It follows Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
Percy must set out on an urgent quest, joined by two friends, to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent war among the gods. The story mixes modern-day life with ancient mythology in a appealing and humorous way.
Fans of action-packed, witty adventures with great characters will find plenty to appreciate here.
Books by Adam Gidwitz offer readers a fresh dive into fairy tales with an exciting twist. His book “A Tale Dark and Grimm” takes the familiar story of Hansel and Gretel and turns it upside down.
In his retelling, the two siblings step into their own dark adventure through multiple, lesser-known Grimm tales. Gidwitz introduces humorous breaks and playful commentary that remind readers they are sharing in this narrative journey.
Fans of Michael Buckley’s “The Sisters Grimm” will appreciate Gidwitz’s combination of adventure, humor, and imaginative reinterpretations of classic fairy tales.
Readers who enjoy Michael Buckley’s imaginative storytelling may find Shannon Messenger’s books equally captivating. Messenger is known for weaving magic, adventure, and friendship into engaging stories suitable for young readers.
In “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” readers meet Sophie Foster, a twelve-year-old girl who always feels out of place—partly because she can read minds. Her life changes dramatically when she discovers she’s actually an elf from another world.
Sophie must adjust to a new home and new powers, facing secrets, dangers, and the mysteries of her past along the way. The story is full of vivid characters, action, and intriguing mysteries that keep the pages turning.
Books by Lemony Snicket offer mystery, humor, and clever storytelling for readers who appreciate Michael Buckley’s style.
In the first installment of “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” titled “The Bad Beginning,” readers meet the Baudelaire siblings—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—who unexpectedly become orphans after a terrible fire.
Sent to live with the sinister Count Olaf, a distant relative plotting to take their inheritance, the children must rely on their quick thinking, bravery, and resourcefulness to outsmart him.
Snicket’s writing is witty and playful, filled with peculiar but engaging characters, dark humor, and puzzles to solve at every turn.
Readers drawn to Buckley’s “The Sisters Grimm” series, rich with clever child-heroes, quirky villains, and amusing adventures, will find much to enjoy in Snicket’s imaginative storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Michael Buckley’s imaginative stories and charming characters might also appreciate J.K. Rowling’s magical world-building. Rowling is the author of the famous “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the first book in the Harry Potter series.
This book introduces Harry, an ordinary boy who suddenly discovers he’s actually a wizard and has a place waiting for him at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry soon becomes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and they share incredible adventures while uncovering secrets hidden within Hogwarts. Rowling’s characters are complex and relatable, along with plenty of humor, friendship, and suspense.
Books by Brandon Mull offer a fun and magical reading experience, perfect for fans of Michael Buckley. In “Fablehaven,” siblings Kendra and Seth discover that their grandparents secretly guard a hidden preserve filled with mythical creatures.
Fairies, trolls, and even darker beings roam freely in this enchanted sanctuary. But when ancient rules are broken, the siblings must face the consequences and save the preserve—and perhaps even the world.
This story has plenty of humor, exciting adventure, and surprising twists. If you enjoy Michael Buckley’s blend of fantasy and humor, Brandon Mull’s stories might become your next favorite reads.
Jennifer A. Nielsen writes adventurous fantasy stories that blend humor, mystery, and strong, relatable characters. If you enjoyed Michael Buckley’s “The Sisters Grimm,” you might appreciate Nielsen’s “The False Prince.”
This novel follows a clever orphan named Sage who is pulled into a dangerous plot against the kingdom. To survive, Sage must convincingly impersonate a long-lost prince.
Filled with witty dialogue, surprising twists, and intriguing politics, the story will keep you guessing who to trust until the very end.
Readers who enjoyed Michael Buckley’s imaginative stories and fast-paced adventures might appreciate Tui T. Sutherland’s fantasy novels. Sutherland offers vivid and enchanting worlds filled with strong friendships, mysteries, and unexpected twists.
In her book “The Dragonet Prophecy,” five young dragons hatch under a prophecy that claims they can end a devastating war among dragon tribes.
The main characters, each unique and relatable, grapple with their destinies, their complicated pasts, and the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and courage.
Filled with action, humor, and heart, this novel kicks off the “Wings of Fire” series and introduces readers to an exciting and magical adventure.
Tony Abbott is an author known for inventive fantasy and adventure stories that appeal to younger readers. His book “The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet” kicks off the exciting “The Secrets of Droon” series.
Three friends, Eric, Julie, and Neal, discover a hidden staircase in Eric’s basement. It leads them into Droon, a magical world filled with wizards, mysterious creatures, and thrilling dangers.
They soon find themselves involved in adventures, puzzles, and quests to save this enchanted land. Fans of Michael Buckley who enjoy imaginative worlds and lively characters might find Abbott’s storytelling style equally engaging.
Pseudonymous Bosch is an author known for humor, mystery, and clever storytelling, perfect for readers who enjoy books by Michael Buckley.
Bosch’s book, “The Name of This Book Is Secret,” kicks off a mysterious adventure when two curious friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, find a cryptic box filled with mysterious vials and a notebook.
Soon, they’re caught up in puzzles, strange clues, and a secret society while trying to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a magician. This book combines quick wit, quirky characters, and enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the page.
If you enjoy Michael Buckley’s lively stories full of humor and unusual situations, Gordon Korman might be perfect for you. Korman’s books offer plenty of humor, adventure, and twists you’ll never see coming.
In his novel “Restart,” Chase Ambrose wakes up with no memory after falling off a roof. Everyone at school knows Chase—some see him as a hero, others as a bully.
Without knowing who he used to be, Chase has to piece together his past using clues from the very people who fear or adore him. This fresh start leads to unexpected friendships and discoveries, making Chase rethink who he wants to become.
The characters are realistic and the story moves fast, packed with moments that are both hilarious and meaningful.
David Walliams is a British author known for funny and imaginative children’s books that blend humor with adventure, mysteries, and quirky characters. If you enjoy Michael Buckley’s “The Sisters Grimm,” you might like Walliams’ book “Gangsta Granny.”
It’s about Ben, a young boy who finds his grandma boring until he discovers her surprising secret life as an international jewel thief. Soon Ben is swept into one hilarious and adventurous night that changes how he sees his granny forever.
Walliams combines sharp wit, surprising twists, and heartfelt storytelling, creating a fun adventure perfect for fans of Buckley’s playful style.
Cornelia Funke is a German author known for her vivid storytelling and imaginative worlds. Her book, “Inkheart,” introduces readers to Meggie, a girl whose life changes when she discovers her father’s extraordinary gift.
He can bring characters from stories to life simply by reading aloud. But this power has consequences; after one such character emerges into reality, Meggie and her father become entangled in adventure, danger, and unexpected friendships.
If you enjoyed Michael Buckley’s creative characters and exciting plots, Cornelia Funke’s imaginative adventures may appeal to you as well.
Readers who enjoy Michael Buckley’s energetic storytelling and imaginative worlds might find Jeanne DuPrau’s books appealing. Especially notable is her novel “The City of Ember.”
In this story, DuPrau takes readers into an underground city built to protect humanity from disaster. Ember’s inhabitants have forgotten their past, and as resources dwindle, two young heroes named Lina and Doon attempt to uncover secrets that could save their city.
DuPrau’s book features the kind of adventure, mystery, and brave characters that fans of Buckley appreciate.