The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann is a fantasy series best suited to readers aged 9+. Set in a world where creativity is forbidden, 13-year-olds are sorted into Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. The Unwanteds, expected to be eliminated, discover a hidden world full of magic and artistic expression. Blending dystopian ideas with fantasy and sibling dynamics, the series offers plenty of action, character development and moral choices.
It’s particularly appealing to fans of both magical school settings and dystopian stories, though some darker themes make it better for advanced middle-grade readers.
This is a great read for fans of Impossible Creatures , Keeper of the Lost Cities and Wings of Fire. If you read and loved this series, do check out our blog post on the Best Magical and Fantasy Series for 9 and 10 year olds.
All The Unwanteds books in order:
Book 1: The Unwanteds (2011)
Book 2: Island of Silence (2012)
Book 3: Island of Fire (2013)
Book 4: Island of Legends (2014)
Book 5: Island of Shipwrecks (2015)
Book 6: Island of Graves (2015)
Book 7: Island of Dragons (2016)
I liked the magic, but I wanted more of Quil.
I do like it though!...