A Kid’s Guide to Great Adventures: Books and Series for Every Young Reader
If you’re hunting for the next page-turner to spark your child’s imagination (or yours, the picture books get old after a month on repeat, am I right?), look no further! This is our ever-growing list of incredible books and series for kids. From fantastical adventures to heartwarming tales, we’ve broken it down by genre and age recommendation so you can find the perfect fit for every young reader.
Note: You know your reader best! The age recommendations listed are merely suggestions; Myself and many others have read and listened to the books listed for older readers at much younger ages, especially those found on Deseret Bookshelf, as they are typically family friendly.
Early Chapter Books (Ages 6-9)
Dragon Masters by Tracey West
Genre: Fantasy
Discover the magical bond between young dragon masters and their dragons as they train and face challenges to protect their kingdom. Perfect for early fantasy lovers.
Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne
Genre: Historical Adventure
Jack and Annie’s time-traveling treehouse whisks them to key moments in history, blending education with exciting quests.
The Last Firehawk by Katrina Charman
Genre: Fantasy
Tag the owl and his friends embark on a mission to save their world from the Shadow.
Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings
Genre: Humor, Mystery
Monsters are real, and Alexander has the notebook to prove it! A fun mix of laughs and mild spooks.
The Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott
Genre: Fantasy
A hidden staircase leads three friends to the magical world of Droon, where they battle evil sorcerers and help save a kingdom.
A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
Genre: Mystery
Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose tackle a new mystery in every book, keeping young sleuths hooked from A to Z.
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Princess Magnolia has a secret: she fights monsters as the brave and daring Princess in Black!
Middle Grade Books (Ages 8-12)
Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson
Genre: Humor, Mystery
Hank, the self-proclaimed “Head of Ranch Security,” narrates his laugh-out-loud adventures on the ranch.
Believe and You’re There by Ard Hoyt
Genre: Historical Fiction
Follow children as they experience major historical events, bringing history to life through their eyes.
The Enchanted Tunnel by Marion Jensen
Genre: Historical Adventure
Siblings discover a tunnel that transports them to significant moments in American history, blending excitement with learning.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Genre: Mystery, Adventure
Follow the adventures of four orphaned siblings who solve mysteries while living in a boxcar.
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Genre: Historical Fiction
A heartwarming tale of friendship and adventures set in the early 1900s, perfect for young readers who love timeless stories.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Genre: Historical Fiction
Journey with Laura and her family as they settle the American frontier, a classic series about resilience and family.
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol
Genre: Mystery
Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown solves puzzling cases with his quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Genre: Science Fiction
Roz, a robot stranded on a remote island, learns to survive and connect with the wildlife in this touching, imaginative story.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Genre: Fantasy
Tiny people called Borrowers live secretly in human homes, scavenging for what they need to survive.
Advanced Middle Grade & Teen Books (Ages 10-14)
Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger
Genre: Adventure
Time-traveling teens find themselves in ancient times, living out thrilling adventures inspired by the Book of Mormon.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Genre: Fantasy
Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ secret wildlife preserve for magical creatures, full of wonder and danger.
The Beyonders by Brandon Mull
Genre: Fantasy
Jason is pulled into the magical world of Lyrian, where he must join the resistance to defeat an evil emperor.
Alcatraz vs. The Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy, Humor
Alcatraz discovers he’s part of a secret group fighting evil librarians who control the world through misinformation.
ALL are available in audiobook form except:
Knights of Right, Believe and You’re There, The Enchanted Tunnel
We love to find additions and update the list, so if you know of any more, please reach out. Remember to come up for air/food/water/the occasional sign of life, and happy word-adventuring!
