While the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling have fallen from their once beloved status due to the ignorant actions of Rowling herself, it is hard to deny that the Hogwarts house paradigms help people to identify their personalities and interests. The traits listed for each Hogwarts house can be limiting when trying to sort and label people (or witches and wizards) as a whole, but I have found that they are useful for finding books that appeal to your interests.
Today, I will act as the Sorting Hat and organize some book recommendations based on the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin! The recommendations will all be dependent on the general vibes of the novels, as well as the main characters and what house they would most likely be sorted into based on their personality and values.
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Content Warning: Violence, racism, police brutality
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas is a modern classic, but why have I sorted it into Gryffindor? This novel takes a stand for what is right and is unafraid in its commentary and message. The main character, Starr, embodies the Gryffindor house with her unwavering courage and determination to speak the truth only she knows, despite the increasing danger she is in. The book’s message on the importance of breaking the silence shows the bravery and courage expected from a true Gryffindor. Additionally, the book contains plenty of basketball scenes, and we all know that Gryffindors are jocks on the quidditch field.
Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
A recent read for me, Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen encapsulates the Gryffindor house through and through. While the main character, Ying, is intelligent and cunning throughout the novel, it is her courage that truly shines. Of Jade and Dragons is a retelling of the classic Mulan story. Within the novel, Ying musters the courage to avenge her father’s death by concealing her femininity and entering the esteemed Engineering Guild. She is out of her element, but never shows fear against the emperor’s High Command, an assassin that won’t stop chasing her, or even the other brutish men in the Engineering Guild. Much like Hermione, Ying is smart, but it is her tenacity in the face of death that truly sets her apart.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Content Warning: Graphic violence, drinking
Another modern classic and one surely every reader has gotten around to at some point, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins radiates the bravery and pride of the Gryffindor house. Katniss Everdeen sets off a revolution in this dystopian novel. She is honest, courageous, and, of course, “the girl on fire.” While The Hunger Games is a dark read, Katniss lights the way through the novel with her fearlessness, especially against those in power, much like a Gryffindor would.
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Renegades by Marissa Meyer is a novel about superheroes, villains, overthrowing the government, and burning the remains to the ground. This anarchical novel is the true essence of Gryffindor. Despite the main character, Nova, being labeled as a stereotypical villain, it is her bravery and determination that stand out in this story. This book is a true Gryffindor read, with values on changing the status quo and fighting for justice.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Content Warning: Later installments contain graphic sexuality
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a popular YA read and has amassed quite a fanbase overtime. Celaena is a veracious Gryffindor; despite her harrowing past, she is brave, courageous, and values love above all else. The novel is full of nonstop action and passionate characters, making this YA read perfect for Gryffindor readers looking to be transported into a world of magic and competition.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Content Warning: Sexuality, infanticide
Laini Taylor’s book Strange the Dreamer might be the most Ravenclaw book to exist! This novel is eloquently written and is breathtaking from start to finish. The junior librarian, Lazlo Strange, is a true Ravenclaw with his intelligence and scholarly obsessions. Within this novel, Lazlo Strange receives an opportunity to find the blue-skinned goddess of his dreams and learn more about the lost city of Weep. This novel takes complex issues like race and acceptance and transforms them into a fantastical world that is more beautiful than anything I have ever read. This is all without mentioning the moths that swarm this novel with celestial Ravenclaw vibes!
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard is a rich fantasy novel with unique characters and magic that is bursting with creativity. This novel is a perfect recommendation for Ravenclaw readers due to its complex worldbuilding, confident female characters, and the beautiful imagery used for the characters’ powers. The main characters, Safiya and Iseult, are forced to flee their homes and conceal their rare powers after running into trouble with a Bloodwitch, but all they want is their freedom back. This fantasy novel values intelligence and wisdom over fighting and bravery, making it an excellent selection for Ravenclaw readers.
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Nothing embodies a Ravenclaw more than a passion for a creative hobby and an interest in history. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken is a true Ravenclaw read with time travel, history, and a journey that relies on solving clues rather than hand-to-hand combat. The main character, Etta Spencer, is a violin prodigy thrust into the past to solve clues left by a traveler who will stop at nothing to keep a special artifact hidden. This historical fiction novel is smart and complex in its writing, taking the reader through beautiful passages and a creative world. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers who need a break from constant, confusing battle scenes.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Content Warning: Gore, profanity, death
While I saved many of my “dystopian, overthrowing the system” reads for the Gryffindors, Illumiae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is different in how it handles the strange world the readers are transported into. Told through a series of files, documents, medical reports, interviews and more, this novel takes the reader into the future. This is a Ravenclaw read, not only because of its epistolary format, but also because of the complex enemy. The world is on the brink of its end, and our main characters, Kady and Ezra, must come together to overthrow a sentient AI and face off against a mutating plague. The novel is futuristic, spacey, and above all, perfect for quirky Ravenclaw readers.
Scythe by Neal Schusterman
Content Warning: Violence, child death, mass killings
Neal Schusterman’s acclaimed novel, Scythe, is another futuristic, dystopian read for our Ravenclaws. The world is free of hunger, disease, and war, and only the Scythes have the power to control who lives and who dies. This novel has a strong case for being sorted into Slytherin, with its Scythe-in-training main characters who must accept that killing will soon be a part of their nature, but ultimately, it is the complexity of the technological advancements in this world and how this affects morality that truly make this a Ravenclaw read. The focus on intelligence and humanity makes this an terrific read for Ravenclaws, who like to question everything, including their existence, while reading.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Content Warning: Sex, nudity, suicide, mental health
Normal People by Sally Rooney is incredibly popular, and for good reason. This novel tackles the hardships of romance and friendship expertly, all while crafting two characters that could only be described as perfectly normal. Marianne and Connell are evocative characters full of love and kindness, even when things seem dire for both. This is a perfect book for Hufflepuff readers looking for an emotional read about loyalty, kindness, love, friendship, and even resilience. Normal People is a simple story on the complexities of life, set in the beautiful city of Dublin.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Content warning: Sexual abuse, abortion
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is an obvious choice for the Hufflepuff house. This novel explores themes of passivity and fitting in. Charlie is a quiet and shy student, sucked into friendships and situations that push his comfort and curiosity. The novel is emotional and hinges on the importance of kindness, loyalty, and friendship—all the things a true Hufflepuff values.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Content Warning: Ableism, racism, sexism, misogyny, terminal illness
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a childhood classic that is just as magical now as it was then. While not all the characters in this story radiate Hufflepuff energy, the novel’s aesthetic is something that you might find in the Hufflepuff common room. This book explores the powers of healing, friendship, and nature, as the characters mature and progress from their unlikable personalities at the start of the story. A true tale of wonder and growth, The Secret Garden is an excellent read for Hufflepuffs who love to garden.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
R. J. Palacio’s realistic fiction novel, Wonder, is an authentic look at people’s ability to be mean and nasty, but also kind and accepting. The main character, Auggie, has a different face than other students, which has prevented him from having a normal childhood. The book shares many perspectives as it tells Auggie’s story, exploring themes of growing up and the perceptions of others in a way that feels completely real and, at times, sincerely kind. This is the perfect book for Hufflepuffs looking for a tear-jerking read.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Content Warning: Racism, racial slurs, violence
A favorite amongst English classes and young high schoolers, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic not only for its poignant commentary, but for its compassionate characters and endearing look into loyalty and kindness. The book is important for many reasons and is worth a revisit for those needing to see the best in situations that require hard work and unwavering strength.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Content Warning: Body horror, drug abuse
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake is a dark fantasy about three very different sisters that must kill one another in order to become Queen. Mirabella is an elemental, Katharine is a poisoner, and Arsinoe is a naturalist. With each of their magic abilities, they make attempts to ascend to the throne, despite their blood relation. This story is dark and disturbing in a delectable manner. The sisters within the story are cunning and resourceful, stopping at nothing to get to the top. Three Dark Crowns radiates gothic aesthetics perfect for the Slytherin house.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
Content Warning: Violence, gore
Another twisted fantasy, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White retells the classic Frankenstein tale from the perspective of Elizabeth Frankenstein, who is taken in by the Frankenstein family. The novel is incredibly melancholic and has captivating passages of pure wickedness. This novel follows Elizabeth as she tries to stay alive—no matter the circumstances. A fabulous read for Slytherins who love horror, monsters, and tales of descending into madness.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Content Warning: Violence, sexuality, profanity
Slytherins love heists and causing mischief, which is why Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is the perfect fantasy read for them. This novel has a large cast of characters, all with sneaky and dark backgrounds that have gotten them where they are now. Under the leadership of the conniving Kaz Brekker, this gang of unlikely antiheroes will band together. Six of Crows is full of shifty and cunning characters, lies, and dark aesthetics, making it an excellent fantasy read for Slytherin readers.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Content Warning: Sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, homophobia
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the story of an old Hollywood actress who has been married seven times throughout her career. Evelyn Hugo is tired now and wishes to admit the truth of her past, even the dirtiest and most scandalous parts. A profound LGBTQ+ story that explores the power of femininity, sexuality, and resourcefulness, this story exudes wealth and power, making it a perfect read for the Slytherins who enjoy the finer things in life—even with the costs.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Another Marissa Meyer novel, Heartless tells the story of a darker Queen of Hearts from the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. This novel watches as a young Catherine devolves into the mad Queen of Hearts. The novel is filled with dark romance, conniving tricks, and utter madness from its cast of recognizable characters. I highly recommend this book to any reader, but especially Slytherin’s looking for a dark, romantic retelling.
Jenica Delaney, Pine Reads Review Writer