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Must-Read Adventure Books for Ages 8 – 13

Part of the Children's Adventure Storybook Recommendations for ages 8 and above

Explore must-read adventure books for kids 8–13—exciting stories that spark imagination and love for reading.


Children's Adventure Books

Must-Read Adventure Books for Ages 8 – 13


Book 1 of 3: Rats of NIMH

Author: Robert C. O'Brien

Recommended for ages: 8 - 12 years


What is the story all about?

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, faces a life-threatening problem: she must move her family to a new home before the farmer’s plow destroys their current dwelling. Her youngest son, Timothy, is seriously ill and cannot be moved. In her search for a solution, she meets the rats of NIMH, a group of highly intelligent, scientifically advanced rats. Using their ingenuity, they help her solve the dilemma, while Mrs. Frisby’s bravery and kindness earn their respect and assistance. The story blends suspense, clever problem-solving, and imaginative elements in a tale of courage and cooperation.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Courage

  • Compassion

  • Cooperation

  • Resourcefulness

  • Loyalty


Author: Rick Riordan

Recommended for ages: 10 – 14 years


What is the story all about?

Percy Jackson, a troubled twelve-year-old boy, discovers he is a demigod—the son of Poseidon—after encountering monsters and mythical beings from Greek mythology in the real world. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy is accused of the theft, he embarks on a dangerous quest with his friends Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, to retrieve the bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Their journey takes them across the United States to the gates of the Underworld, facing monsters, puzzles, and betrayals along the way. The story combines humor, suspense, and rich mythology in a fast-paced adventure.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Bravery

  • Friendship

  • Loyalty

  • Responsibility

  • Perseverance


Book 1 of 5: The Dark Is Rising

Author: Susan Cooper

Recommended for ages: 8 – 12 years


What is the story all about?

Three siblings—Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew—stumble upon an ancient map while on holiday in Cornwall, leading them on a quest for a legendary grail. Unbeknownst to them, the world is caught in a timeless struggle between the forces of Light and Dark. As the Dark begins to rise again, the children must navigate dangerous terrain, outwit sinister human agents, and protect the grail, all while discovering their courage and resourcefulness. The story blends magic, mythology, and epic adventure in a suspenseful and imaginative narrative.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Courage

  • Teamwork

  • Perseverance

  • Resourcefulness

  • Moral integrity


Book 1 of 7: Poppy

Author: Avi

Recommended for ages: 8 – 12 years


What is the story all about?

Ragweed, a curious young mouse, leaves his comfortable country home in search of adventure and independence. Traveling to the big city, he discovers a lively world filled with music, new friendships, and unexpected dangers. He soon crosses paths with Silversides, the fierce leader of F.E.A.R., a cat group determined to keep mice at the bottom of the social order. With the help of a spirited group of city mice, Ragweed learns to navigate challenges, stand up to oppression, and find his place in a vast, unpredictable world.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Courage

  • Friendship

  • Independence

  • Teamwork

  • Resilience


Author: Rosanne Parry

Recommended for ages: 8 – 12 years


What is the story all about?

Swift, a young wolf forced to flee his mountain home after a rival pack attacks and scatters his family. Alone for the first time, Swift begins an extraordinary thousand-mile journey across the Pacific Northwest in search of safety, food, and a new place to belong. Along the way, he faces forest fires, dangerous roads, hunters, harsh weather, and hunger, relying on instinct, courage, and the lessons learned from his pack. Based on the real wolf OR-7, this powerful survival story immerses readers in the life of a wild animal and highlights the challenges wolves face in the natural world.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Bravery

  • Resilience

  • Family bonds

  • Respect for nature

  • Determination


Authors: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

Recommended for ages: 6 - 10 years


What is the story all about?

After moving into their great-aunt’s old, creaky house, siblings Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace begin noticing strange and unsettling happenings. When Jared discovers a mysterious field guide in the attic—filled with information about magical creatures—the children soon realize they’ve stumbled into a hidden world of faeries that exists alongside their own. As they explore this enchanted but dangerous realm, they must navigate mischievous creatures, unravel the secrets of the guide, and figure out why the faeries want to keep their world a secret at all costs.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Curiosity

  • Teamwork

  • Courage

  • Responsibility

  • Respect for nature


Author: Cressida Cowell

Recommended for ages: 8 – 12 years


What is the story all about?

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a small and unlikely Viking hero, must complete his tribe’s initiation rite—catching and training a dragon. Instead of a fierce beast, he ends up with Toothless, a tiny, stubborn dragon who refuses to follow commands. As Hiccup tries to prove himself to his clan, he discovers that true leadership is not about being the loudest or strongest but about understanding, intelligence, and courage. His unexpected bond with Toothless leads him on a series of dangerous and hilarious encounters that ultimately reshape what it means to be a hero among the Hairy Hooligans.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Bravery

  • Friendship

  • Compassion

  • Creativity

  • Leadership


Book 1 of 5: The Penderwicks

Author: Jeanne Birdsall

Recommended for ages: 8 – 12 years


What is the story all about?

The Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—spend their summer vacation at the beautiful estate of Arundel, where they explore gardens, befriend rabbits, and uncover hidden treasures. Their days become even more exciting when they meet Jeffrey Tifton, the kind and adventurous son of the estate’s owner. As the children form a deep friendship, they must navigate challenges, especially from Jeffrey’s strict mother, Mrs. Tifton, who disapproves of their lively antics. Through warm, humorous, and heartfelt moments, the sisters experience a summer full of small adventures, friendship, and memorable discoveries that bring them closer together.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Friendship

  • Family bonds

  • Kindness

  • Cooperation

  • Empathy


Book 1 of 4: Kid Normal

Author: Greg James & Chris Smith

Recommended for ages: 9 – 11 years


What is the story all about?

Murph Cooper accidentally ends up enrolled in a school for superheroes—despite having absolutely no powers. Surrounded by classmates who can fly, control weather, or summon tiny magical creatures, Murph feels completely ordinary. But when a dangerous villain—half man, half wasp—threatens the city, Murph discovers that courage, quick thinking, and determination can be just as powerful as any superpower. With plenty of humor, quirky characters, and fast-paced adventure, the story shows that being “normal” doesn’t mean being unimportant.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Self-confidence

  • Friendship

  • Bravery

  • Teamwork

  • Resilience


Book 1 of 7: Harry Potter

Author: J. K. Rowling

Recommended for ages: 8 –11 years


What is the story all about?

Harry Potter, a neglected boy living with his cruel relatives, discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. Invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he enters a magical world filled with spells, mythical creatures, Quidditch, and new friendships. As Harry learns about his past and his parents’ mysterious deaths, he uncovers the existence of the Sorcerer’s Stone and a dark force trying to steal it. Along with Ron and Hermione, Harry must solve clues, face magical challenges, and protect the Stone from falling into the wrong hands. It’s a story of magic, friendship, courage, and the beginning of Harry’s journey to understand his destiny.


What will the child learn from the storybook?

  • Friendship

  • Courage

  • Loyalty

  • Selflessness

  • Integrity


Reference

  • All books are referenced from Amazon.

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