The 10 Most Thrilling Children’s Books for Young Adventurers
Book RaiderWhen it comes to children, the phrases, 'stuck indoors' and 'all quiet', are hardly part of their programming code. More often than not, they're like exclamation in human form, zipping around the house with seemingly boundless energy - often an exhausting but amusing sight. That is why their voracious appetites need to be satiated with tales of thrilling adventure, mysterious characters, and far-off lands located smack in the middle of nowhere.
Hand your child a book that feeds their imagination and there you have it - a kindergartener hooked on Tolkien or expeditions to the center of the earth. So, in celebration of these young, indefatigable explorers, we've compiled a list of hair-raising children's books guaranteed to transport them from the comfort of their living rooms to the heart-stopping terrains of jungles, deserts, and undiscovered islands. Dive in, but remember - tread carefully, and keep the lights on - these adventures are not for the faint-hearted.
The Explorer
by Katherine Rundell
Why The Explorer is on this list: Hey, you know when you're a kid and you think about going on crazy adventures and discovering uncharted places? Well, let's say this book has got your inner child covered!
Meet our main characters, four kids surviving a plane crash in the Amazon Rainforest. Guess, they're not just for survival, they're also uncovering the secrets of an old, lost city. Trust me, it's full of nail-biting moments of danger and new, thrilling discoveries. Do they survive? Do they find the lost city? Only one way to know, really.
What readers like: Our dear readers love the realistic thrill mingled with a sense of raw adventure. They adore Rundell's ability to walk the boundary of reality and fiction, making our own world somehow more magical and mysterious. Plus, the resilience and camaraderie among the kids, their journey of self-discovery, makes it hard to put this book down. Kid or grown-up, you'll be rooting for these little adventurers all the way through.
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The Apprentice Witch
by James Nicol
Why The Apprentice Witch is on this list: Because who hasn't dreamed of a magical adventure filled with unexpected twists, bold characters, and mystery? This tale of an apprentice witch is bound to enchant your young adventurers right out of their socks!
The Apprentice Witch revolves around Arianwyn, a young witch in training who's been flunked out of her witch's assessment. Shipped off to a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere, Arianwyn learning magic on her own and eventually becomes the defender of her town, overcoming dangerous beasts and nefarious plots. The story is a concoction of bravery, friendship, and the magic within us all.
What readers like: Readers, especially young ones, are captivated by the story's blend of magic, adventure, and personal growth. They relate to the strong yet vulnerable Arianwyn, who tackles issues we all face - fear, failure, friendship, and finding one's place in the world. Nicol's vivid world-building and captivating storytelling have charmed young adventurers, making them want to hop on a broomstick and join the journey right away.
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The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown
Why The Wild Robot is on this list: This book takes young readers on a high-voltage adventure in the wild just like our blog title promised.
Meet Roz, the friendly robot who crash lands on a deserted island. Instead of waiting for rescue, Roz decides to embrace the wilderness. She learns to survive, adapt, and even befriends the island's harsh residents - the wild animals. But when humans arrive to reclaim Roz, she must make a tough choice between her adopted wild family and her makers. It's pure survival, adventure and thrilling discovery packed into a single book.
What readers like: Readers love Roz's thrilling journey of adapting to an unknown world. Her unconventional friendships with the wild animals keep them guessing what might happen next. They admire the blend of technology and nature, as well as the beautiful illustrations peppered throughout the book.
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Serafina and the Black Cloak
by Robert Beatty
Why Serafina and the Black Cloak is on this list: A small adventure-loving girl, a supernatural mystery, an enormous luxurious mansion, all colliding in a nail-biting experience. Definitely a must-read for all the young explorers out there.
Serafina is not your usual girl. She lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate. Our young heroine has no idea of her unique identity or why she's not allowed be seen by others. One day, Serafina encounters a strange man in a black cloak who devours the children of the estate, one by one. The journey of exposing the truth and her own identity takes her into the creepy woods where the action really begins.
What readers like: Readers often praise the book for its unique blend of mystery and historical fiction, as well as its strong, brave, and relatable young female protagonist. They also appreciate the spooky vibes created by the setting and the storytelling, which make it extra exciting for young adventurers.
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Ghost
by Raina Telgemeier
Why Ghost is on this list: This book is perfect for young adventurers because it deals with the supernatural, explores the mysteries of a new town, and features courageous young characters.
The story follows Catrina and her family who move to the coast Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Catrina is not happy about leaving her friends, and to top it off, Bahía de la Luna, their new town, is obsessed with ghosts. Maya wants to meet one, but Catrina wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Catrina must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake, and her own.
What readers like: Readers love the book's captivating illustrations, its blend of humor and seriousness, and the relatable way it tackles themes of change, culture, and coming to terms with fears. They especially appreciate how 'Ghost' turns a potentially scary topic into a heartwarming tale of sisterly love and courage.
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Book Scavenger
by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Why Book Scavenger is on this list: Ever been on a treasure hunt, or dreamed of diving into a gripping mystery? Well, 'Book Scavenger' is pretty much that, but with a literary twist. This book is a thrilling page-turner for young adventurers who love books, mysteries and a good scavenger hunt.
The story follows 12-year-old Emily, moves to San Francisco, home to her book-tracking idol, Garrison Griswold. Griswold runs a nationwide literary scavenger hunt, hiding books all across America. But when Emily finds an unusual book full of cryptic puzzles leading to a hidden object, she ends up in the middle of an unexpected treasure hunt. But she's not the only one after the hidden prize, putting our young heroine in a dash against the clock and secretive villains!
What readers like: Readers rave about the clever literary clues, rich characters, and the fast-paced chases across San Francisco. Parents love that it's an adventurous, yet smart book, that gets their kids interested in reading more. Many readers have also expressed how it’s inspired them to see everyday surroundings in a whole new adventurous way. A bonus for bookworms, the story is filled with nods to famous children's books and authors.
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Anyone But Ivy Pocket
by Caleb Krisp
Why Anyone But Ivy Pocket is on this list: As Ivy Pocket embarks on crazy adventures, she invites young readers to join her on her journey, making it an ideal choice for our young adventurers list.
This book tells the story of Ivy Pocket, a twelve-year-old maid of no importance with a rather lofty opinion of herself. Invited to the funeral of the Countess of Trinity, she ends up with the responsibility of delivering the Clock Diamond to Matilda Butterfield as an inheritance on her twelfth birthday. Her journey is filled with ghosts, disguises, and sarcasm, giving it a unique spin on the traditional children's adventure story.
What readers like: Readers rave about Ivy's hilarious, unreliable narration, and the wacky and unexpected mishaps that happen to her. They appreciate the humor and the mystery in the story. Ivy Pocket's personality, which is larger than life and packed with self-confidence, makes her a relatable and engaging character for young readers.
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A Pocketful of Stars
by Aisha Bushby
Why A Pocketful of Stars is on this list: Dive into 'A Pocketful of Stars' to hitch a thrilling ride on a magical realism train. This delightful book offers the perfect combination of adventure and mystery intertwined perfectly for our young explorers.
This book showcases friendship and courage in a unique way. Join Safiya, our young heroine, as she embarks on a journey through a magic-infused version of her own life. Woven together with elements of fantasy and family mystery, the tale takes an adventurous turn when Safiya's mother slips into an unexplainable coma and Safiya has a great task ahead to save her.
What readers like: Readers particularly adore Safiya's personality that's as effervescent as a fizzy drink. They love the way Bushby skillfully uses magical realism to explain real-world problems. The gripping plot will keep turning pages akin to a hamster on a hyperactive wheel. The soft wrap up at the end leaves readers warm and fuzzy, still buzzing from their adventurous journey through the book.
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The Inquisitor's Tale
by Adam Gidwitz
Why The Inquisitor's Tale is on this list: The Inquisitor's Tale wraps its readers in a cloak of mystery, time-travel, and bursts of laughter-inducing wit. Perfect for mini adventurers with a vast imagination!
This bold, captivating tale takes young readers back to the Medieval ages, centering around three incredible kids and their trusty dog. On a mission to save a martyred saint from an evil decree, they face off with knights, kings, and even a dangerous farting dragon. It's historical fiction with an entertaining twist that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
What readers like: Readers particularly love the laugh-out-loud moments, the unpredictably thrilling narrative, and the book’s unique ability to mix historical facts with enjoyable fiction. The emotional depth of the characters and the veiled wisdom is truly a cherry on the top of this engrossing medieval cake.
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The Last Chance Hotel
by Nicki Thornton
Why The Last Chance Hotel is on this list: It's a wild adventure story packed with mystery and magic, perfect for young readers with an appetite for suspense and thrilling happenings.
This enchanting tale revolves around Seth, a kitchen boy at the remote Last Chance Hotel. The story takes a turn when one special guest dies and Seth becomes the prime suspect. With magical characters, a mysterious hotel, and a touch of witchcraft, kids are guaranteed to get on the edge their seats as Seth tries to uncover the real killer, survive, and clear his name.
What readers like: Readers rave about the immersive world-building, the brilliant touch of whodunit mystery, and the unforgettable characters, especially our brave young hero, Seth. This spooky-magical book keeps the young ones guessing until the end and ultimately leaves them yearning for more.
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