Best Young Adult Witch Books (2026): 5 Picks for Teen Readers

When a teen reader asks for the best young adult witch books, the right pick depends on the reader: one who wants a romantic plot wants a different book than one who wants a series to follow from the start. We compared witch-centered young adult novels by stated reading age, grade level, page count, series position, and edition.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Rebel Witch by Ciccarelli	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Nature of Witches by Griffin	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	How to Hang a Witch by Mather	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Kingdom of the Wicked by Maniscalco	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Witch of Blackbird Pond by Speare	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Rebel Witch by Ciccarelli

Kristen Ciccarelli·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who want a romantic, plot-driven witch story with a stated reading age of 13 - 18 years.

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Pros

• Book 2 of 2 closes The Crimson Moth duology.
• Lists a reading age of 13 - 18 years and grade 10 - 12.
• 464 pages; publication date February 18, 2025.

Cons

• It is the conclusion, not a series starting point.
• The description states romance and violence; check themes first.
• Book 1 of the duology is not included.

2

The Nature of Witches by Griffin

Rachel Griffin·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who want a standalone witch story about climate magic, with a stated reading age of 14 - 18 years.

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Pros

• Lists a reading age of 14 - 18 years and grade 8 - 12.
• 384 pages with no series position stated.
• Publication date May 3, 2022, from Sourcebooks Fire.

Cons

• The description states romance and the death of people close to the main character.
• No series is stated, so it is one book, not a series.
• Edition details beyond the publication date are not stated.

3

How to Hang a Witch by Mather

Adriana Mather·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who want a series starter about Salem witches, with a stated reading age of 12 years and up.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 2, the entry point of its series.
• Lists a reading age of 12 years and up and grade 7 - 9.
• 368 pages from Ember in the Reprint edition.

Cons

• Published September 12, 2017, the oldest stated date among the picks.
• The description states romance and a deadly curse; check themes first.
• Book 2 of the series is not included.

4

Kingdom of the Wicked by Maniscalco

Kerri Maniscalco·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A three-book paperback set in which a twin hunts her sister's killer, for older teens who want the full trilogy at once.

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Pros

• Reading age 14 years and up and grade 9 and up both match
• Three books in one paperback set, 1296 pages in total
• The description sets the quest for vengeance in a Sicilian witch family

Cons

• The description mentions a brutal murder and sizzling romance, so check for mature content
• At 1296 pages, it is long for a reader who stalls on big books
• Grade 9 and up is listed, so a younger reader is outside the stated range

5

Witch of Blackbird Pond by Speare

Elizabeth George Speare·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A historical novel set in colonial Connecticut, for readers who prefer a story grounded in history over magic.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Newbery Medal
• Its 1687 Connecticut setting gives a clear sense of place
• 272 pages in one volume, with a clear story about belonging and friendship

Cons

• It is historical fiction about witchcraft accusations, not a magic fantasy
• Grade level 7 and up sits above the listed reading age of 10+, so check the level against your reader
• The description mentions prejudice, accusations of witchcraft and a taboo friendship, so check the themes first

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More picks to compare

• Mabon by Kellie M DaviesBook 1 of 1 of The Clandestine Chronicles, for romance-led witch stories.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Three of the five picks list a reading age or grade level; the two backlist titles state none.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best young adult witch books

Match the reading level first

Rebel Witch lists 13 – 18 years with grade 10 – 12, The Nature of Witches lists 14 – 18 years with grade 8 – 12, and How to Hang a Witch lists 12 years and up with grade 7 – 9. For a younger teen, favor the lowest stated ages; the young adult shelves hold more options.

Start at Book 1

How to Hang a Witch is stated as Book 1 of 2, so it works as an entry point. Rebel Witch is stated as Book 2 of 2, so read the first book of The Crimson Moth first. The Nature of Witches states no series position, making it the simplest single-volume choice; more witch titles sit at books about witches.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age and grade level on the listing against the reader; the stated ranges run from 12 years and up to grade 10 – 12.
• Check which book of the series comes first: Rebel Witch is Book 2 of 2, and How to Hang a Witch is Book 1 of 2.
• Check the publication date and edition on the listing; the stated dates run from September 12, 2017 to February 18, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book should a teen start with if they are new to one of these series?

How to Hang a Witch is listed as Book 1 of 2, the entry point of its series. Rebel Witch is listed as Book 2 of 2, so read the first book of The Crimson Moth first.

What reading ages do these books list?

Rebel Witch lists 13 – 18 years, The Nature of Witches lists 14 – 18 years, and How to Hang a Witch lists 12 years and up. The two backlist titles state no reading age.

Which pick works as a single-volume read?

The Nature of Witches states no series position, so nothing in its listing points to another volume. The Kingdom of the Wicked listing is a boxed set with no stated volume count.

Still deciding? Our top pickRebel Witch by Ciccarelli

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Related lists

See every young adult list and all middle grade lists.

More lists: books about witches, paranormal books and books with dragons.