If you binged the Wednesday series on Netflix and found yourself craving more of that deliciously spooky mix of gothic vibes, clever mysteries, quirky schools, and characters who don’t quite fit in…you’re in the right place!
Wednesday Addams has always been iconic, but her Nevermore Academy adventures have brought a whole new wave of readers looking for stories full of secrets, shadows, and a dash of humor.
Here are some fantastic middle grade books that channel the same creepy, clever, and enchanting energy.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
If Wednesday arrived at Nevermore, she’d probably roll her eyes at Morrigan Crow but secretly approve. Morrigan is cursed to die on her eleventh birthday until she’s whisked away to a magical city and thrown into the Trials to earn her place in the Wundrous Society. Think Harry Potter with a gothic twist, full of bizarre challenges, eccentric mentors, and a dark sense of humor.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Wednesday fans will love this one for the puzzles, cleverness, and misfit kids saving the world. Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a mysterious school where the future of the world is at stake. Like Wednesday and her friends at Nevermore, these kids rely on brains, bravery, and their quirks to outwit the adults.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
If you loved the gothic visuals of Wednesday, this series is perfect for you! Jacob discovers a hidden orphanage for children with eerie, supernatural abilities guarded by Miss Peregrine, a shapeshifting headmistress. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and comes with vintage photographs that make the whole thing even more unsettling.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
What if Wednesday ended up in a school designed to churn out fairy tale heroes and villains? This series explores that exact premise! Sophie dreams of being a princess while her best friend Agatha (who’d totally be Wednesday’s BFF) seems destined for villainy. But when their roles are flipped, they uncover the murky gray area between “good” and “evil”.
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
Set in the eerie Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, this Southern Gothic tale follows Serafina, a girl who lives secretly in the basement with her father. When children at the estate begin disappearing, Serafina must face a terrifying figure in a black cloak. It’s chilling, mysterious, and perfect for readers who love Wednesday’s fearless investigations!
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
If you loved how Wednesday balanced mystery with magical competitions, Amari is a must-read. Amari discovers her missing brother was part of a secret supernatural bureau, and then she gets recruited to join. Facing prejudice, magical trials, and sinister secrets, Amari’s journey is both empowering and thrilling.
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
For fans of magical schools and secret societies, Sophie Foster’s story will hit the mark. Sophie learns she’s not just human she belongs to a hidden world of Elves, full of conspiracies, rivalries, and magical schools. The series is sprawling, full of secrets, and blends fantasy and mystery in the perfect Wednesday-esque way.
Why You’ll Love These Books
- Dark, quirky settings with gothic vibes
- Outcast protagonists who learn to find strength in their differences
- Magical or mysterious schools with dangerous secrets
- Twisty plots with just the right amount of creepy
Whether you’re looking for clever mysteries, supernatural twists, or just that cozy-but-creepy fall feeling, these books are the perfect companions for fans of Wednesday.
