Quick: Which children's author is giving J.K. Rowling a run for her money? CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI. The 19-year-old author's first novel, Eragon, has been on the New York Times best-seller list for five weeks. It is ranked higher than every Harry Potter book except one. Eragon is the first book in a trilogy about a magical land called Alagaesia.
Paolini and his family self-published the tale in 2002. But the book didn't hit it big until author Carl Hiaasen's 12-year-old stepson read it. Hiaasen then gave a copy to an editor at a big publishing company. Readers have been spellbound ever since. Paolini says Eragon is for anyone who's "looking for a bit of magic." He should know! Find out more at timeforkids.com/eragon.