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Best Adventure Books for Kids Ages 8 - 13
- Aria Dana
- Nov 17, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Main Hub: Parents’ Guide to Children’s Books
Genre: Children's Adventure Books
Part of the Children's Adventure Storybook Recommendations for ages 8 and above
Discover top adventure books for ages 8–13—exciting, kid-friendly reads perfect for young explorers and new readers.
Best Adventure Books for Kids Ages 8 - 13
Author: Kevin Sands
Recommended for ages: 10 - 13 years
What is the story all about?
Christopher Rowe, an apothecary’s apprentice in 17th-century London, becomes caught in a string of murders targeting apothecaries across the city. After his master leaves him a mysterious warning, Christopher uses his skills in codes, puzzles, and potions to uncover a dangerous secret connected to a ruthless cult. With the help of his friend Tom, he races against time to solve clues, survive deadly threats, and stop a powerful secret that could cause catastrophic harm.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Loyalty
Problem-solving
Responsibility
Perseverance
Author: Adam Gidwitz
Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
Set in medieval France, the story follows three extraordinary children—William, a kind-hearted monastery oblate with immense strength; Jacob, a Jewish boy with healing abilities; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who experiences prophetic visions. They journey across the country with Gwenforte, Jeanne’s dog who has mysteriously come back from the dead. As they flee persecution and injustice, the children become unlikely heroes, encountering knights, kings, sacred manuscripts, and even a foul-smelling dragon. Told through multiple narrators who meet at an inn, the tale weaves humor, history, and magic into a final confrontation at Mont Saint-Michel, where the children must decide how far they will go to protect knowledge, faith, and each other.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Empathy
Respect for diversity
Friendship
Standing up for what is right
Author: Matthew J. Kirby
Recommended for ages: 9 - 13 years
What is the story all about?
Solveig and her siblings—hidden away in a remote, icy fortress for their safety—wait anxiously for word from their father, a Viking king at war. As winter deepens and escape becomes impossible, fear grows inside the fortress when signs of betrayal appear. Someone among the warriors meant to protect them is secretly working against them. With danger creeping closer, Solveig must rely on her growing inner strength, her wits, and carefully chosen allies to uncover the traitor before disaster strikes. The story blends Norse atmosphere, suspense, and emotional depth as Solveig discovers bravery she never knew she had.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Trust
Inner strength
Loyalty
Critical thinking
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Recommended for ages: 8 - 11 years
What is the story all about?
Will Everett boards The Boundless, the largest and most luxurious train ever built, for its first cross-country journey. When he unexpectedly ends up with a key to a secret railcar filled with priceless treasures, dangerous thieves set their sights on him. Forced to flee for his life, Will hides with a traveling circus aboard the train, teaming up with Maren, a daring escape artist his age, and Mr. Dorian, the circus ringmaster. Together, they navigate dangerous railway cars, outsmart criminals, and race to warn Will’s father before the villains seize control of the train.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Bravery
Teamwork
Resourcefulness
Trust
Determination
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Recommended for ages: 10 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
Set during the 1947 Partition of India, the story follows twelve-year-old Nisha, who is half-Hindu and half-Muslim, as her country is divided into India and Pakistan. Violence and tension erupt, forcing her family to flee their home in the newly formed Pakistan. Their journey—by train and on foot—is dangerous, exhausting, and filled with uncertainty. Told through Nisha’s diary letters to her late mother, the story captures her struggle to understand her identity, her fears about losing her homeland, and her hope to rebuild a sense of belonging. It is a deeply emotional portrayal of family, survival, and finding oneself amid historical upheaval.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Empathy
Courage
Resilience
Family love
Respect for diversity
Book 1 of 3: Crispin
Author: Avi
Recommended for ages: 10 - 13 years
What is the story all about?
Set in medieval England, the story follows Crispin, a thirteen-year-old peasant falsely accused of a crime and declared a “wolf’s head,” allowing anyone to kill him without punishment. Forced to flee his village with only his mother’s lead cross, Crispin struggles to survive while uncovering the truth about his identity. Along the way, he meets Bear, a bold and mysterious man who becomes both master and mentor, challenging Crispin to think, question, and grow. As danger closes in, Crispin is drawn directly into his enemies’ stronghold, where he must summon courage and wit to protect both himself and Bear. The story combines survival, identity, friendship, and suspense within a richly detailed historical setting.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Identity
Loyalty
Critical thinking
Compassion
Author: Avi
Recommended for ages: 10 - 13 years
What is the story all about?
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle embarks on what she expects to be a routine sea voyage from England to Rhode Island in 1832, only to find herself the sole passenger on a ship with a tyrannical captain and a rebellious crew. As tensions rise, Charlotte becomes caught in a dangerous conflict between the captain and the sailors, ultimately facing a life-altering trial for murder. Through courage, quick thinking, and moral growth, she navigates the treacherous waters of the ship, transforming from a naive girl into a resourceful and determined young woman. The story combines high-seas adventure, suspense, and character development.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Integrity
Resourcefulness
Perseverance
Justice
Author: Kelly Barnhill
Recommended for ages: 8 years
What is the story all about?
In the Protectorate, the townspeople leave a baby each year as a sacrifice to a supposedly fearsome witch in the forest. However, the witch, Xan, is kindhearted and secretly rescues the babies, delivering them to loving families. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby, Luna, moonlight instead of starlight, giving her extraordinary magical powers. Raised by Xan, Luna grows up unaware of her abilities until her thirteenth birthday, when her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences. As threats loom from both the townspeople and mystical forces, Luna must navigate her powers, uncover her identity, and protect those she loves. The story weaves magic, adventure, and the triumph of love and courage in a richly imagined world.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Kindness
Courage
Self-discovery
Compassion
Responsibility
Author: Joel Ross
Recommended for ages: 9 - 13 years
What is the story all about?
In a world blanketed by deadly white Fog, humanity survives only on mountaintops, governed by the wealthy Five Families. Thirteen-year-old Chess and his friends—Hazel, Bea, and Swedish—scavenge the dangerous lower slopes from their air raft, risking their lives for survival. When their beloved Mrs. E falls ill with fogsickness, the group must embark on a perilous journey to the fabled city of Port Oro. Along the way, they face treacherous Fog, ruthless enemies like Lord Kodoc, and their deepest fears. The story is filled with imagination, suspense, and courage as the children navigate a unique, fantastical world.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Bravery
Friendship
Loyalty
Resourcefulness
Perseverance
Book 1 of 3: Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates
Author: Caroline Carlson
Recommended for ages: 8 - 11 years
What is the story all about?
Hilary Westfield dreams of being a pirate, but the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to let girls join. Determined to prove herself, Hilary escapes her finishing school and embarks on a wild adventure at sea. Along the way, she encounters a magical treasure, a talking gargoyle, a crew of quirky misfits, and a cunning villain. With courage, cleverness, and humor, Hilary navigates challenges, uncovers secrets, and proves that determination and wit can overcome any obstacle on the high seas. The story is fast-paced, whimsical, and full of swashbuckling fun.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Determination
Resourcefulness
Friendship
Equality
Reference
All books are referenced from Amazon.
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