With a reboot series coming and no sign of the author shutting up about her trans-hating (and often racist and even misogynist) views, the most commonly known wizard-school story is still being pushed hard by news orgs and of course by Warner Bros. Surrounding all that talk, I hear a lot of base assumptions that HP is somehow uniquely good or influential, when in fact much of its popularity was originally (if I may) astro-TERFed. (For more on the myth of the books’ original impact, check out Caelan Conrad’s excellent deconstruction here.) It really wasn’t until the movies that the series became a pop culture phenomenon, and even those were unable to conceal many of the horribly flawed storytelling and world-building decisions of the books.

I try to stay on top of children’s media, especially for the middle grades, and it always makes me sad how much the specter of the TERF-slop wizard books overshadows much better books, movies, and television. For that reason, I wanted to compile a list of lesser-known works that I consider vastly superior in writing, production, and creator non-bigotry. I’m sure many people would have other favorites to add, but each of these are things that I would personally recommend to anyone willing to try them.

B. B. Alston – The Supernatural Investigations Series (aka Amari)

This is my go-to “read this, not that” recommendation for anyone that asks me about HP. With four books out and a fifth on the way, there is plenty of action, worldbuilding, and character exploration to sink your teeth into. It is ultimately a magic school story, but one that actually considers the implications of the world elements being added. Amari is an excellent main character, and the supporting cast is great too. (Elsie Rodriguez feels a lot like Enid from Wednesday, although Elsie came first.)

Why it’s better: A relatable protagonist who does not have everything handed to her. A school that really cares about safety, maybe even a bit too much. A mystery that matters, involving real moral dilemmas and complex characters.

Nicki Pau Preto – The Last Hope School Duology

If you want your magic school with slightly older protagonists, try The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents. This story has a strong New Mutants vibe, and some cool approaches to magic (and magic schooling). Also it has the best flame-sprite side character since Howl’s Moving Castle.

Why it’s better: One of the few magic-school stories that really succeeds at the “being really powerful feels like a curse” theme. It’s also succinct – it’s a duology that wraps up the story quite nicely, so it’s perfect if you want something shorter but satisfying.

Dana Terrace – The Owl House

Even if you’re not as deep into Middle Grade media as I am, you may have heard this series mentioned. Still, I think there are probably a lot of people who haven’t yet watched it, and that’s just not okay. Its final season was cut short and relegated to web releases as a result of being too queer for Disney, but even with the abruptness of its finale it remains one of my favorite series of all time. Not just favorite animated series – favorite series.

Why it’s better: A much darker take on an Isekai story, with a world that is gross and scary as often as it is whimsical. Nevertheless, extremely funny – holy crap this show is funny – but with consistent emotional depth beyond even a fair amount of adult media. And did I mention queer? Honestly, it’s a testament to the show’s quality that Disney let its non-binary characters and burgeoning sapphic romance stay on the channel for as long as it did.

Marieke Nijkamp/Sylvia Bi – Ink Girls and Clock Hands

Switching things up a bit – this pair of graphic novels by Marieke Nijkamp and Sylvia Bi isn’t fantasy per se, but rather a form of quasi-alt-history? The setting is a semi-realistic but fictionalized version of a European (probably Italian) commercial town in the early to mid Renaissance, and the characters are a diverse mix of young people whose lives are variously affected by the stifling control of the powerful merchant class. Ink Girls tells a story of censorship and press freedom, while Clock Hands delves into worker exploitation and solidarity.

Why it’s better: You know how in that other series the “smart” character was constantly ridiculed for trying to free the slaves, and she eventually just gave up? Well, this pair of stories actually supports and inspires activism. Also, solid disability representation.

Radford Sechrist – Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

Kipo is partially fantasy and partially post-apocalyptic. There is some sci-fi mixed in, but mostly it’s a world returned to nature in a big (ha!) way, with mutated animals of many varieties and sizes accounting for a large portion of the population. The characters are great, and the writing is excellent. This series is one of the others that I just wish more people would watch.

Why it’s better: As a main character, Kipo is constantly upbeat and optimistic, but not in ways that feel forced or destructively naive. She sees people’s true cynicism, but she is clever enough to work around it and find ways to improve things despite the tension. Things don’t just fall into place for her, though. She has to put a lot of effort towards achieving these positive outcomes, and they often take time and struggle. But her enthusiasm is infectious, not only to the other characters but to the viewer as well.

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Every single one of these selections is vastly superior to HP. The characters are better, the worldbuilding is better, the stories are better, and the messages are better. But also, the creators are better. These are people I feel comfortable supporting, and I would love to see their work grow in popularity. So help me spread the word!