The 10 Best Children's Action and Adventure Literature Books
Book RaiderMeet the courageous heroes, daring explorers and cunning detectives of children's literature - the characters that add zest to our bedtime storytelling and send our young ones off to dreamland filled with the excitement of grand quests and adventures. Oh, we're talking about a whole universe of action, escapades and exploration here, where pirates rule the high seas, hidden treasures wait to be discovered, and dragons exist (friendly or not, that's a different debate).
Just imagine the thrill your child would experience when they join these characters in the middle of a medieval battlefield or aboard a spaceship racing through galaxies. And let's not forget about those secret missions and spy games they'll navigate through the pages of children's adventure books. Strap yourself in, folks. We're embarking on a ride through some of the best action and adventure literature books for children. No seatbelts required, but a wild imagination is a must.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Why Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief is on this list: This book ticks all the boxes for an action-packed adventure that will keep your child thrilled. Not only does it has Greek mythology embedded in it, but it also has a modern twist which makes it an absolute fit for our top picks.
The book is about a boy named Percy Jackson who is no ordinary kid. He discovers he's in fact the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the Sea. That's not where his troubles end though, as he's accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. Percy has to embark on an exhilarating quest to clear his name and prevent a war amongst the gods.
What readers like: Aside from the super engaging storyline, kids love this book because they learn loads about Greek mythology without even realizing it. It’s like sneaking veggies into a smoothie - they are learning but they enjoy it. The book has a compelling main character, Percy, who's brave, funny, and easy for kids to relate with. This besides a healthy dose of suspense and constant action has made this book a favorite read for many young readers.
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Why Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is on this list: To kick off, this book is absolutely loaded with action and adventure. See, it has this young boy, Harry, who dodged death as a baby and somehow ended up marked as the chosen one. He's ushered off to a magical school named Hogwarts, unearthing very real dangers lurking behind every enchanted corner. Talk about an adventure.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is really the childhood we all wish we'd had (minus the whole 'evil wizard trying to kill me' thing). Harry, an orphaned boy living in utter misery with his horrid relatives, suddenly finds out he's not only a wizard, but a famous one. Invited to join the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventurous journey, unlocks secrets from his past and battles against the Dark forces. Plus, there's also a massive, three-headed dog. Because...why not?
What readers like: Readers enjoy Harry Potter for its fast-paced action and magical world full of wonder and danger. It's easy to fall in love with Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they navigate friendship and puberty while simultaneously trying to save the world. J.K. Rowling's imaginative storytelling and vivid characters make the book incredibly relatable, despite its fantastical setting. Warning: Expect to develop a mild obsession with Butterbeer and Quidditch after reading.
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The Ice Monster
by David Walliams
Why The Ice Monster is on this list: Adventure on Frozen Lands! Isn't that enticing? The Ice Monster has everything that qualifies it for an action-packed children's adventure literature. Set in snowy vicinities with wild escapades and a mysterious humongous Ice Monster. Indeed an enjoyable read for the young explorers.
This captivating story is of a 10-year old orphan named Elsie, who lives in Victorian London. With just enough luck, she encounters an Ice Monster - 'Woolly', the mammoth. The journey this unconventional duo embark on is full of exhilarating ventures and unforeseen encounters, testing the heroism, courage, and friendship of this little lady and her giant friend. This imaginatively quirky tale is something not to miss.
What readers like: Readers have loved how David Walliams has so effortlessly woven an adventurous journey with a heartfelt friendship story. Subtly laced with humor and vividly expressive illustrations, this tale of bravery and friendship is adored by readers. So pack your gloves, as you might experience the chill of the Ice Monster time and again.
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Holes
by Louis Sachar
Why Holes is on this list: Holes seamlessly melds the wild ride of adventure with whodunit charm of an action-packed detective story for kids. Plus, if your kiddo's ever wondered whether digging holes as a punishment could be fun, well, this book has some answers - just saying.
Holes tells a tale of a young lad named Stanley Yelnats, mistakenly convicted for a crime he didn't commit. He's sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, known more for its dusty, arid emptiness, and lack of Lakes than greenery. The daily grind here? Digging holes - big ones. This gritty routine unearths the camp's massive secret that traces back to Stanley's great-great-grandfather. Oh, did we mention that there involves a long lost treasure, a deadly curse, and a tale of forbidden love, too?
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique storytelling, which layers and interweaves different timelines and plots in an intricate tapestry of mystery. Our young hero Stanley is relatable, making it an absolute magnet for kids. The sharp and spot-on humor of Sachar keeps the plot from diving into deep melancholy, making it the perfect balance of light-hearted and gripping. No wonder it's got a Newbery Medal under its belt.
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I Am Number Four
by Pittacus Lore
Why I Am Number Four is on this list: It's an amazing children’s action and adventure book that lets kids dream of being not just the hero, but a super-powered alien hero. Who can resist that charm?
I Am Number Four tells a thrilling story of a young alien posing as a human teenager, who survives the annihilation of his people by an enemy species and is now hiding on Earth. He is Number Four, and nine, like him, are scattered across the globe, all hoping to survive long enough to grow into their superhuman abilities and take back their planet. But Four is next on the enemy's list, and he realizes that his time is swiftly ticking away. It's a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat kind of adventure, filled with secrets, romance, and friendship, against a backdrop of end-of-the-world stakes.
What readers like: Readers love this book for its good guys/bad guys dynamic, exciting plot twists, and of course, the X-Men-like superpowers. They’re also fond of the charming relationships between the characters and the resolution driving, stay-alive-at-all-costs narrative that makes it the perfect page-turner. Fans often mention they can barely put this book down and it's truly a great escape into an extraordinary world.
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Eragon
by Christopher Paolini
Why Eragon is on this list: Er, dragons? Check. Adventurous quests with unexpected twists and turns? Check. Action-packed scenes with nail-biting suspense? Check check check. Eragon is a potpourri of everything exciting and adventuresome that a child’s (and honestly, an adult's) heart can desire.
Brace yourself for an incredible journey as young farm boy Eragon discovers a blue 'rock' in the spine -that turns out to be a dragon’s egg (talk about rocking one’s world overnight). Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, are plunged into a world of magic, ancient languages, sword-fighting, and prophecies. The mythical world Alagaesia is not as peaceful as it seems, and Eragon is set to face the dark and ruthless King Galbatorix. It’s a coming-of-age story where Eragon must grow up and step into his destiny, with a dragon by his side. (Yeah, you are allowed to be a wee bit jealous of him.)
What readers like: Many readers rave about the complex fantasy world that Paolini creates, filled with its own languages, lore, and variety of creatures. It’s no less than a treat for those who crave details in their fantasy adventure. Others love the deep bond between Eragon and Saphira. Their telepathic conversations and fierce loyalty toward each other is the stuff of every adventurous kid's dreams. Even the side characters are meticulously crafted, making readers feel like they're just another part of this richly layered world.
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Mortal Engines
by Philip Reeve
Why Mortal Engines is on this list: Geared toward young adventurers, 'Mortal Engines' injects relentless action and peculiar adventures into a post-apocalyptic world of moving cities. Yes, you heard it right, cities on wheels! Imagine a hide and seek game in New York while it's whizzing past the Eiffel Tower!
Set in a futuristic landscape where cities actually chase each other around the globe on giant wheels, Mortal Engines tells an epic story of survival, betrayal, and the indomitable spirit of youth. Our plucky heroes, Tom and Hester, have to navigate this wild and woolly world, avoiding the gaping maws of larger predator cities. Reeve engages readers with rich world-building, dynamic characters and a truly unique premise.
What readers like: Kids who enjoyed the thrill of the Harry Potter series or youngsters keen on the quirky world building of 'The Hunger Games' have found a spot in their hearts for 'Mortal Engines'. They love the relentlessly moving plot (see what we did there?), the believable characters and the palpable tension. And just like your kids' room, the action never gets a chance to gather any dust. As a bonus, this novel is part of a series so the adventure goes on, long after the cities have traveled off the page.
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Skulduggery Pleasant
by Landy Derek
Why Skulduggery Pleasant is on this list: Skulduggery Pleasant boldly combines the cool elements of action and adventure, wrapping them in a children's fiction. This book takes youthful readers on a spellbinding journey where they can experience the fusion of suspense, action, and a tad bit of humor at every turn of the page.
The main character, Skulduggery Pleasant, is not just your average hero. He's a detective, a sorcerer and, yeah, he's also dead. The story involves his brave and nervy 12-year-old sidekick, Stephanie Edgley, who inherits her mysterious uncle's estate and gets plunged straight into a world of magic, danger and excitement she never knew existed. They together embark on an adventure to solve a crime involving a secret sect, ancient lore and lots of spells.
What readers like: Fans of children's adventure novels find Skulduggery Pleasant catching their attention for its unique approach of packing action, magic, humor, and a dash of bone-chilling horror. Readers appreciate the dynamic duo of Skulduggery and Stephanie, enchanting character development and the alluring twist of magic in an otherwise realistic setting.
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Mr Penguin and The Lost Treasure
by Alex T. Smith
Why Mr Penguin and The Lost Treasure is on this list: The adventures of Mr Penguin and his remarkable journey to find the lost treasure will have your kids locked in, perfect for our list of the best children's and adventure books.
Mr Penguin, a professional adventurer, and his loyal sidekick Colin (a spider, no less), embark on their first adventure to find the lost treasure in the Museum of Extraordinary Objects. Far from being a walk in the zoo, their quest gets them lost in a labyrinth full of deadly traps and villains, offering an exciting journey that keeps the kids on their toes.
What readers like: Readers love the laugh-out-loud humor, the suspenseful action and adventure, and the memorable, quirky characters. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep children hooked. Plus, the warm dynamic between Mr Penguin and Colin is a hit, inviting young readers to reflect on the true meaning of friendship.
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Aru Shah and the End of Time
by Roshani Chokshi
Why Aru Shah and the End of Time is on this list: Perfect for young adventurers who revel in nail-biting escapades and stories steeped in myth and magic, this book is a wild ride from start to finish.
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has the tendency to stretch the truth. However, when she lights a cursed lamp to impress her friends, she inadvertently frees an ancient demon, initiating the end of time. Now, she has no other option than to embrace her destiny as one of the Pandava brothers from Hindu mythology who are reincarnated as girls and set off on a journey through realms of Hindu folklore to stop the demon, save her friends, and most importantly, the world.
What readers like: Readers love the unexpected twists and wit, the strong, relatable, and slightly quirky central character, Aru Shah, and the vivid descriptions of the mythical world. It's a delightful mixture of action, adventure, humor, and an invaluable introduction to Indian mythology. Plus, it’s comforting to know that even in the face of an ancient curse, we're still allowed to have a good laugh.
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