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Exciting Children’s Adventure Stories for Young Readers Ages 8 and above
- Aria Dana
- Oct 23, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 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
Thrilling children’s adventure stories for readers ages 8 and above filled with courage, magic, and unforgettable journeys.
Best Children's Adventure Books for ages 8 and above
Book 1 of 10: The Last Kids on Earth | The Last Kids on Earth 10 Books Collection Set
Author: Max Brallier
Recommended for ages: 8–11 years
What is the story all about?:
Thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan navigates a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies and monsters. Living in his fortified treehouse, Jack treats survival like a real-life video game, collecting achievements and scavenging snacks while battling terrifying creatures. Along the way, he teams up with his inventive best friend Quint, tough ex-bully Dirk, fearless classmate June, and a friendly pet monster named Rover. Together, they face dangerous enemies—especially the monstrous Blarg—while learning the power of friendship, teamwork, and courage in a chaotic world. Told through a mix of text and comic-style illustrations, the story blends humor, adventure, and heart in an exciting survival quest.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Teamwork
Friendship
Resourcefulness
Resilience
Author: Sid Fleischman
Recommended for ages: 8 - 10 years
What is the story all about?
The Whipping Boy follows the unlikely friendship between Prince Horace, nicknamed “Prince Brat” for his spoiled and mischievous behavior, and Jemmy, a poor orphan forced to take the prince’s punishments. When the prince runs away from the castle and Jemmy is dragged along, the two are captured by outlaws. Through a series of thrilling adventures—filled with mistaken identities, narrow escapes, and daring plans—the boys learn to rely on each other. As they struggle to survive and return safely, they both grow in courage and understanding, discovering the true meaning of friendship, humility, and personal responsibility.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Friendship
Courage
Humility
Responsibility
Empathy
Author: Adrienne Kress
Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
The unlikely friendship between Sebastian, a cautious and curious boy, and Evie, a brave orphan searching for answers about her missing grandfather. When Sebastian stumbles upon a secret society called The Explorers, he is drawn into a world of hidden clues, coded messages, and daring missions. Together, Sebastian and Evie uncover the mysteries surrounding The Explorers Society, face danger from sinister enemies, and embark on a thrilling rescue mission filled with humor, courage, and teamwork.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Curiosity
Friendship
Perseverance
Teamwork
Book 1 of 4: Samantha Spinner
Author: Russell Ginns
Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
11-year-old Samantha Spinner, whose beloved Uncle Paul mysteriously disappears, leaving behind odd gifts for each family member. While her siblings receive extravagant presents, Sam only gets a rusty red umbrella labeled “Watch out for the RAIN.” Determined to uncover the truth behind her uncle’s disappearance, Sam—along with her brother Nipper—sets out on a globe-trotting adventure filled with hidden messages, puzzles, and secret tunnels that connect famous landmarks around the world. As they follow clues and face unusual challenges, they discover that the umbrella is the key to a vast, secret transportation network—and that Uncle Paul’s disappearance is tied to something far bigger than they ever imagined.
What will the child learn from the storybook?:
Curiosity
Bravery
Problem-solving
Perseverance
Family loyalty
Book 1 of 3: The Adventurers Guild
Author: Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
Set in the fortified city of Freestone—one of the few safe havens after monsters overran the world—the story follows best friends Zed Kagari, a half-elf aspiring mage, and Brock Dunderfel, the son of merchants. Both hope to join prestigious guilds to secure their futures, but fate thrusts them instead into the perilous Adventurers Guild, tasked with defending the city from monstrous threats beyond its walls. As they navigate dangerous missions, shifting alliances, and hidden secrets, Zed and Brock uncover a conspiracy that could destroy their city. Alongside new companions Liza and Jett, they must find courage, loyalty, and strength to protect Freestone and discover what true heroism means.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Friendship
Teamwork
Responsibility
Perseverance
Book 1 of 5: Aru Shah | Aru Shah Series Books 1 - 5 Collection
Author:Roshani Chokshi
Recommended for ages: 9 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
A twelve-year-old Aru Shah, a curious and imaginative girl who lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. To impress her classmates, she claims that a mystical lamp in the museum is cursed. When challenged to prove it, Aru lights the Lamp of Bharata—accidentally releasing the Sleeper, an ancient demon destined to awaken the God of Destruction. With her mother and classmates frozen in time, Aru discovers that she is the reincarnation of one of the Pandava brothers from Hindu mythology. Guided by a divine mentor and joined by another Pandava sister, she embarks on a mythic quest through realms of gods, spirits, and monsters to prevent the end of the world.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Honesty
Courage
Friendship
Responsibility
Self-discovery
Author: Grace Lin
Recommended for ages: 7 - 10 years
What is the story all about?
In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives with her hardworking parents, who struggle to make ends meet. Every night, Minli’s father tells her enchanting stories of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who is said to hold the answers to life’s mysteries. Inspired by these tales and determined to change her family’s fortune, Minli embarks on a courageous journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. Along the way, she meets magical creatures, including a talking dragon who becomes her loyal companion. Through courage, kindness, and sacrifice, Minli learns that true wealth is not found in gold or luck, but in love, gratitude, and the connections that bind people together.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Gratitude
Courage
Friendship
Perseverance
Compassion
Author: Christina Soontornvat
Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
A twelve-year-old Sai, the assistant to a famous mapmaker in the kingdom of Mangkon. Though she pretends to be from a respectable family, her father is actually a conman—something that could destroy her reputation in a society obsessed with ancestry. When she joins a royal expedition to chart unknown seas, Sai hopes to escape her past and forge her own destiny. But aboard the ship, secrets run deep, and the journey toward the mysterious Sunderlands—a place rumored to hold dragons and great treasures—forces her to confront who she truly is. Through peril, discovery, and self-reflection, Sai learns that integrity and courage matter more than lineage or status.
What will the child learn from the storybook?:
Honesty
Integrity
Courage
Self-acceptance
Perseverance
Book 1 of 2: Al Chaudhury | Book 2
Author: Ross Welford
Recommended for ages: 9 - 12 years
What is the story all about?
Al Chaudhury receives a mysterious letter from his deceased father on his twelfth birthday, leading him to discover a time machine hidden in their old house. The letter sets him on a mission to travel back to 1984 to prevent a tragic go-kart accident that will claim his father’s life. Along the way, Al navigates the complexities of time travel, faces moral dilemmas like lying and stealing, and ensures the safety of his pet hamster. The story blends humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments as Al experiences a race-against-time adventure, learning courage, responsibility, and the power of love in the process.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Responsibility
Problem-solving
Loyalty
Empathy
Book 1 of 5: The Ascendance | The Ascendance Series 5 Books Set
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Recommended for ages: 10 - 14 years
What is the story all about?
In a kingdom on the brink of civil war, a cunning nobleman, Conner, seeks to secure power by finding an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son. Four orphans, including the clever and defiant Sage, are recruited to compete for this dangerous role. Sage must navigate deception, rivalry, and peril as he tries to outwit his competitors and survive. Moving from a harsh orphanage to a luxurious but treacherous palace, Sage uncovers layers of lies and schemes, ultimately confronting a truth that could threaten his life and the future of the kingdom. The story is a thrilling mix of political intrigue, clever strategy, and daring adventure, keeping readers on edge until the very end.
What will the child learn from the storybook?
Courage
Loyalty
Resourcefulness
Integrity
Perseverance
Reference
All books are referenced from Amazon.
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