One of the best decisions I’ve ever made as a parent was to read one-on-one to my kids right before bed, rotating whose day it is to read with me. We sit together in my bed and I read to them for about 15 to 20 minutes. My 10 year-old-and I have been reading this Wilderlore series for about a year now and it is his absolute favorite. I’lI think he even likes it more than Harry Potter, which he loves. l admit, it took me a little while to get into it. However, currently we are on Book 3 and compared to some of the other things I have read recently, I am really enjoying it as well. The story is entertaining and the writing quality is good. Since my son is a Pokemon/fantasy-lover who doesn’t like anything too scary, I can completely understand why he adores this series.
Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice Details
Title: Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice
Author: Amanda Foody
Publication Year: 2022
Website: https://www.amandafoody.com/world-of-wilderlore-1
Age Group: Early Elementary, Mid Elementary, Late Elementary, Middle School
Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link)
As I sit here writing this, my son just walked up and said, “Hey, is that Wilderlore? I really love those books. I’m going to be sad when we finish the last one if the next one hasn’t come out yet.” At the moment, there are 4 books with a 5th book expected to come out in 2025. I think he will be all set for a little while, but he probably will be disappointed when they are done.
The main character of these books is a humble, self-deprecating, yet incredibly talented and hard-working orphan boy named Barclay Thorne. In the first book he is 11 years old, but I believe he gets a year older with each successive books. The world he inhabits is filled with magic and mythical beasts, yet he lives in one of the “Elsewheres,” a place filled with non-magical people (think muggles) who fear all magic and beasts. By accident, Barclay bonds with a beast (think Pokemon) and is expelled from his home. He goes on a journey of self-discovery to learn to accept his magical powers and become a Lore Keeper.
These book are exciting and adventurous, yet not too scary. (This one of my kids in particular is sensitive to anything he thinks *might* be scary.) It is filled with realistic depictions of preteen characters, displaying both positive and negative attributes, yet it remains wholesome and family-friendly. The main character, in particular, is endearing because he remains hard-working and humble despite all of his struggles. I think my 10 year old in particular can relate to him, because he is often in the shadows as a middle child, yet has a strong desire to do what’s right.
My family was lucky to stumble across this series and I hope that the author continues to write more!
Included on Lists:
- Personal Family Favorites: Mid Elementary
- Personal Family Favorites: Late Elementary
- Personal Family Favorites: Middle School
Related Links:
Best Books for Kids
Learning Activities for Kids
Homemade Fun for Kids
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 
The Wilderlore series is my absolute favourite book. The characters, setting, twists, plot, and descriptions are all outstanding. Barclays and his friends have my support the whole way. The storyline is captivating and the action scenes are well described, I can always picture and feel what is happening. The beasts are very interesting and the keeper’s lore is very fascinating. The whole scene that the author has painted is remarkable. I can’t wait for the next book!
I’m so glad to hear that! I love a good book series that draws me in and I’m so glad that I’ve been able to share the Wilderlore series with my kiddos. I think it is one that they will remember for a long time!