Best Action & Adventure Books for 12 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 action & adventure books for 12 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.

1. Catching Fire (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2)

by: Suzanne Collins
Release date: Jun 01, 2010
Number of Pages: 403
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Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

2. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings

by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Release date: Jun 01, 2005
Number of Pages: 544
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The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien’s three-volume epic, is set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth – home to many strange beings, and most notably hobbits, a peace-loving “little people,” cheerful and shy. Since its original British publication in 1954-55, the saga has entranced readers of all ages. It is at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale. Critic Michael Straight has hailed it as one of the “very few works of genius in recent literature.” Middle-earth is a world receptive to poets, scholars, children, and all other people of good will. Donald Barr has described it as “a scrubbed morning world, and a ringing nightmare world…especially sunlit, and shadowed by perils very fundamental, of a peculiarly uncompounded darkness.” The story of ths world is one of high and heroic adventure. Barr compared it to Beowulf, C.S. Lewis to Orlando Furioso, W.H. Auden to The Thirty-nine Steps. In fact the saga is sui generis – a triumph of imagination which springs to life within its own framework and on its own terms.
tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) (Deluxe Edition)

by: J. K. RowlingMary GrandPré
Release date: Jul 21, 2007
Number of Pages: 784
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The thrilling final book in J. K. Rowling’s seven-part saga receives a production treatment as sumptuous as its story, with a special slipcase and art exclusive to this Deluxe edition.

Beyond the excitement of the Book 7 text itself, the Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive insert featuring near-scale reproductions of Mary GrandPré’s interior art, as well as never-before-seen full-color frontispiece art on special paper. The custom-designed slipcase is foil-stamped and contains a full-cloth case book that has been blind-stamped on front and back cover with foil stamping on the spine. The book includes full-color endpapers featuring the jacket art from the trade edition, and a wraparound jacket featuring art created especially for this edition by Mary GrandPré.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > School

4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

by: J. K. Rowling
Release date: Sep 02, 2003
Number of Pages: 1232
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A New York Times Bestseller

It’s the darkest year yet for Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling’s hero in the Harry Potter series. In Rowling’s fifth book Harry finds himself and Dumbdelore under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic which refuses to alert the community and acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort has returned.

Harry’s other challenges include:

• Hogwarts having a High Inquisitor
• Facing an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.L.s)
• Distressing changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup
• Vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors
• Ever-increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar

Harry faces the difficult transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black-and-white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Readers, on the other hand, will be thrilled and eagerly waiting for the next title in the spectacular, magical series.

(AR) For ages 13-18

No Canadian Rights for the Harry Potter Series

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter publishing rights © J. K. Rowling. (s05)

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > School

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)

by: J.K. RowlingKazu KibuishiMary GrandPré
Release date: Aug 27, 2013
Number of Pages: 768
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This special edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has a gorgeous new cover illustration by Kazu Kibuishi. Inside is the full text of the original novel, with decorations by Mary GrandPré.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry Potter’s training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he’s not normal — even by wizarding standards.

And in this case, different can be deadly.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Friendship

6. Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 3)

by: Suzanne Collins
Release date: Aug 24, 2010
Number of Pages: 404
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The greatly anticipated final book in the New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Who do they think should pay for the unrest?

Katniss Everdeen.

The final book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins will have hearts racing, pages turning, and everyone talking about one of the biggest and most talked-about books and authors in recent publishing history!!!!

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

7. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans

by: Rush Limbaugh
Release date: Oct 29, 2013
Number of Pages: 225
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America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a book for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans.

MEET RUSH LIMBAUGH’S REALLY GOOD PAL, RUSH REVERE!

Okay, okay, my name’s really Rusty—but my friends call me Rush. Rush Revere. Because I’ve always been the #1 fan of the coolest colonial dude ever, Paul Revere. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting “the British are coming!” On a horse. Top of his lungs. Wind blowing, rain streaming…

Well, you get the picture. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Meeting the people who made it all happen—people like you and me?

Hold on to your pointy triangle hats, because you can—with me, Rush Revere, seemingly ordinary substitute history teacher, as your tour guide across time! “How?” you ask? Well, there’s this portal. And a horse. My talking horse named Liberty. And—well, just trust me, I’ll get us there.

We’ll begin by joining a shipload of brave families journeying on the Mayflower in 1620. Yawn? I don’t think so. 1620 was a pretty awesome time, and you’ll experience exactly what they did on that rough, dangerous ocean crossing. Together, we’ll ask the pilgrims all our questions, find out how they live, join them at the first Thanksgiving, and much more.

So saddle up and let’s ride! Our exceptional nation is waiting to be discovered all over again by exceptional young patriots—like you!

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Horses

8. Ender’s Game (The Ender Quintet)

by: Orson Scott Card
Release date: Oct 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 384
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The worldwide bestseller, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card comes to the screen at last in a major motion picture event in November 2013. Starring Hugo’s Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley, the movie is sure to inspire a new audience of fans to read the book that started it all.

Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?

Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.

Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender’s childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battle School is just a game. Isn’t it?

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

9. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)

by: J.K. RowlingKazu KibuishiMary GrandPré
Release date: Aug 27, 2013
Number of Pages: 368
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This special edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has a gorgeous new cover illustration by Kazu Kibuishi. Inside is the full text of the original novel, with decorations by Mary GrandPré.

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley’s younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone — or something — starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects… Harry Potter himself!

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Friendship

10. Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional Americans

by: Rush Limbaugh
Release date: Mar 11, 2014
Number of Pages: 256
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America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author presents the second book in a series for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans.

Rush Revere rides again! Saddle up with Rush Limbaugh’s really good pal for a new time-travel adventure.

“Whoa there, young historians! Before we go rush, rush, rushing off anywhere, I’d like a moment. I’m Liberty, Rush Revere’s loquacious equine companion—his trusty talking horse! Always at the ready to leap from the twenty-first century into America’s past, that’s me. When he says ‘Let’s go!’ I’m so there. I’m jazzed, I’m psyched, I’m—”

“Ah, excuse me, Liberty?”

“Yeah, Rush?”

“Usually you say ‘oh no, not again!’ and ‘while we’re in colonial Boston, can I try the baked beans?’”

“Okay, fine—you do the talking. I’ll just be over here, if you need me.…”

Well, he’s sulking now, but I couldn’t be your tour guide across time without Liberty! His name says it all: the freedom we celebrate every July Fourth with fireworks and hot dogs (and maybe some of those baked beans). But how did America get free? How did thirteen newborn colonies tell the British king where he could stick his unfair taxes?

Jump into the bustling streets of Boston in 1765, where talk of revolution is growing louder. I said LOUDER. You’ll have to SHOUT to be heard over the angry cries of “Down with the king!” and “Repeal the Stamp Act!” that fill the air. You’ll meet fierce supporters of liberty like Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and my idol, Paul Revere, as they fearlessly defy British rule. It’s an exciting, dangerous, turbulent, thrilling time to be an American…and exceptional young patriots like you won’t want to miss a minute. Let’s ride!

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Horses

11. Rush Revere and the American Revolution: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional Americans

by: Rush LimbaughKathryn Adams LimbaughKathryn Adams Limbaugh
Release date: Oct 28, 2014
Number of Pages: 257
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN—AND RUSH REVERE, LIBERTY THE HORSE, AND THE TIME-TRAVELING CREW ARE READY TO RIDE INTO THE ACTION!

Join us on this incredible time-travel adventure!

Liberty, my wisecracking horse, our old friends Cam, Tommy, Freedom, and I are off to meet some super-brave soldiers in the year 1775. Yep, that’s right. We’ll be visiting with the underdog heroes who fought for American independence, against all odds—and won! But not before eight very real years of danger and uncertainty. Be a part of Rush Revere’s crew as we rush, rush, rush into a time when British rule had become a royal pain, and rebellion was in the air. We’ll be on hand to see two lanterns hung in the Old North Church, prevent a British spy from capturing Paul Revere, and grapple with danger at the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill.

The extra special part of this trip is that right here in the twenty-first century, Cam’s dad is a soldier fighting in Afghanistan, and Cam has been pretty angry that he is away. Visiting with exceptional American heroes like Dr. Joseph Warren and George Washington, racing along after Paul Revere on his midnight ride, and seeing the Declaration of Independence signed make Cam see his own dad in a new and special way.

But don’t worry. Along with the danger, excitement, and patriotism, there will still be time to stop for a delicious spinach, oats, and alfalfa smoothie. No, wait—that one’s for Liberty. The kids and I voted for strawberries.

Now let’s open the magic portal to the past!

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Horses

12. The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, Bk 3) (The Heroes of Olympus)

by: Rick Riordan
Release date: Oct 05, 2012
Number of Pages: 710
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“Thorndike Press Large Print The Literacy Bridge”–Copyright p.
tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

13. Book of Nightmares (Diadem )

by: John Peel
Release date: Mar 08, 2005
Number of Pages: 192
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Destiny is not the innocent girl she pretended to be on Earth. She’s actually a power-hungry magic-user who has kidnapped Pixel and taken him to a terrible planet called Zarathan – where fears come to life and falling asleep means death!

Helaine and Score embark on a risky mission to rescue their friend. Living skeletons, vampire ghosts, and other mythical monsters from Helaine’s imagination attack them mercilessly. But with magic and clever thinking, they manage to fight these ghouls and convince the Fair Folk to lead them to Pixel. But Destiny has blocked their only exit off the planet, and they are exhausted from endless battles. Will the trio find a way off Zarathan before falling into a deadly sleep?

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

14. Sir Sydney Dinkum

by: Martha GoldMarc ReillyPolina Ipatova
Release date: Oct 01, 2015
Number of Pages: 140
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FULL COLOR EDITION OF THE AWARD WINNING HILARIOUS CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE WITH A “COOL FACTOR THAT’S OFF THE SCALE!”  

Sir Sydney Dinkum is a story “WORTH CHEERING FOR” which is filled with “LAUGHTER & ADVENTURE.” 

The page turning tale features “masterful” and “brilliant” full color illustrations.  People of every age can appreciate the fun and charming adventures of Sydney and that folks, is guaranteed!”

THE BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATED EDITION IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

Can you imagine Crocodile Dundee as an animal? Paddington Bear in shining armor? Or Winnie the Pooh on a noble steed? Meet Sir Sydney Dinkum a rascally koala bear from the Outback of Australia who believes he can be The World’s Next Big Hero. Like Dr. Doolittle he has the super power to talk to all animals, including humans! Like Don Quixote, he believes it’s his job to right the wrongs of the world! But is this just an Impossible Dream? Can a koala really be dubbed knight? Can a little marsupial armed with a boomerang make a difference in the world? Or will Sydney make a mess of things, as usual?

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bears

15. The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ: A laboratory dog’s search for love

by: Martha RitterMatt Ryan
Release date: Feb 21, 2015
Number of Pages: 236
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A charming, classic adventure tale about the scary, crazy, and heart-thumpingly joyful plunge into connecting with others

A foxhound has spent her life behind bars, known only by the PZ-5934 tatoo in her ear. In this story inspired by the life of a real lab dog, PZ knows nothing but a laboratory cage. She has never even seen the sun. But a superpowered diva ladybug named Dottie changes all that.

The unlikely pair undertake a hilarious and adventurous road trip through civilization and finally find a home with Olivia, a restless, solitary girl, who has secrets of her own. Unexpected adventures await the dog, the girl, and the ladybug, as a shocking, hidden part of their town reveals itself and everyone must sort out when to trust and when to battle.

The Nearly Calamitous Taming of PZ–lyrical and approachable, with resonant details–has both humor and heart. Although intended for children eight through twelve, its classic unfolding and off-beat characters tickle the fancy of adults as well. It is both an adventure story and a tale with many layers–about overcoming obstacles, mining experience for what matters, and doing what is necessary, though not always desirable, for friendship. Ultimately, it is about the joy of a hard-won connection.

The classic illustrations–with a contemporary edge–reflect this fresh, poignant, wise, and sometimes downright wacky book.

“Not since Kafka has an insect risen to this level of artistic genius.”–Dottie

[email protected]

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bugs & Spiders

16. Avalon: Web of Magic Book 3: Cry of the Wolf (Bk. 3)

by: Rachel Roberts
Release date: May 27, 2008
Number of Pages: 216
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Adriane and Stormbringer the Mistwolf have a unique bond. When Stormbringer is lured into the portal to Aldenmor, Adriane pursues her companion into the magical world, where she must confront the entire mistwolf pack in order to bring Storm home. The strange boy she meets in that land of wonders and terrors may help her, but Adriane will need Emily and Kara’s magic as backup if she’s going to survive this battle.

Cry of the Wolf is the third book in Avalon: Web of Magic, a twelve-book fantasy series for middle grade readers. Through their magical journey, the teenage heroines discover who they really are . . . and run into plenty of good guys, bad guys, and cute guys.

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

17. The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade

by: Max BrallierDouglas Holgate
Release date: Sep 06, 2016
Number of Pages: 296
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A very funny post-apocalyptic graphic novel, now a New York Times bestseller!

“Terrifyingly fun! Delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs.”–Jeff Kinney, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Diary of a Wimpy Kid
 
The zombies are disappearing. This might seem like a good thing, since zombies eat your brains, but normal human kid Jack Sullivan is suspicious. He keeps hearing an eerie shrieking noise that seems to be almost summoning the zombies—but to where, and for what (probably) foul purpose?
 
Jack, his three best friends (maybe the only people left on Earth), and their pet monster Rover need to get to the bottom of this. Along the way they encounter a lot more than they bargained for, including a giant Wormungulous, a pizza parlor monster hangout, an ancient evil who destroys worlds, and a stereo system that is totally the bomb. Can Jack figure out why the zombies are vanishing . . . before he and his friends are next?

From the Hardcover edition.

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

18. Hot on the Trail of Max Destruction (The Vocabulary Adventures Book 1)

by: Jason Widrich
Release date: Sep 06, 2015
Number of Pages: 126
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Two young boys journey across the world, the galaxy, and multiple dimensions to track down and stop their imaginary friend from causing havoc. A number of scientific concepts and vocabulary words are introduced as the main characters use them to solve the problems put before them. The boys have to learn to rely on and look out for each other in order to succeed. Vocabulary words are underlined so parents and children can go through the story together to discuss the words and concepts.

The book is rated a 6.0 ATOS reading level. A glossary and discussion questions have been added after reader requests.

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

19. Adventures of Rush Revere: Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, Rush Revere and the First Patriots, Rush Revere and the American Revolution

by: Rush LimbaughKathryn Adams Limbaugh
Release date: Dec 01, 2015
Number of Pages: 736
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Saddle up with Rush Limbaugh’s really good pal Rush Revere, his wisecracking horse Liberty, and the whole Time-Traveling Crew for an epic American history adventure with this special boxed set edition of the New York Times bestselling series for young readers.

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Hold on to your pointy triangle hats. We’ll begin by joining a shipload of courageous families journeying on the Mayflower in 1620. Yawn? I don’t think so. 1620 was an awesome time, and you’ll experience that rough, dangerous ocean crossing too. Together, we’ll ask the pilgrims all our questions, find out how they live, and join them at the first Thanksgiving.

Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Jump into the bustling streets of Boston in 1765, where talk of revolution is growing louder. You’ll meet fierce supporters of liberty, such as Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as they fearlessly defy British rule. It’s an exciting, turbulent, thrilling time to be an American.

Rush Revere and the American Revolution: We’re off to meet some super-brave heroes who fought for American independence in 1775, against all odds—and won! We’ll be on hand to see two lanterns hung in the Old North Church, prevent a British spy from capturing Paul Revere, and dodge musket balls at some famous battles.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Horses

20. Treasure at Lure Lake

by: Shari L. Schwarz
Release date: Apr 12, 2016
Number of Pages: 192
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An epic adventure–that’s all Bryce wants this summer. So when he stumbles upon a treasure map connected to an old family secret, Bryce is determined to follow the clues to unearth both, even it means hiking in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere. Bryce must work with his bickering brother, Jack, or they may never see the light of day again!
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Siblings

21. Welcome To Showside

by: Ian McGinty
Release date: Jun 28, 2016
Number of Pages: 176
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From the writer/artist of Adventure Time comes an all ages romp with a horror twist.
Showside is just your average southern town, except that portals to the Nexus realm keep popping up and flooding the town with demons and monsters. The only thing keeping Showside safe is Kit and his friends Belle and Moon. From the writer/artist of Adventure Time Candy Capers and Bravest Warrior comes an all ages romp with a horror twist.
Soon to be an animated series!

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

22. Truth Runner (Son of Angels, Jonah Stone)

by: Jerel Law
Release date: Nov 12, 2013
Number of Pages: 272
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Faced with unparalleled grief, will Jonah return to Elohim?

Parents are looking for fiction that makes Christianity exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle grade series packed with action and adventure. But the message is solidly based in Scripture, conveying that God is always in control.

It has been a trying six months for Jonah, Eliza, and Jeremiah Stone. They have been grieving over the loss of their nephilim mother, who was murdered by Abaddon’s forces. As part angels, the siblings have been in school with other children of nephilim to hone their special powers

In Truth Runner, Jonah has left Angel School and attempts to forget Elohim’s calling by moving back to his hometown and starting high school as a “normal” kid. But Jonah can still see fallen angels—and the evil they’re doing. When Jonah realizes the Fallen are attacking his friends without their knowledge, he is faced with a choice: continue to ignore it and forge his own path, or remember who he really is and fight for his friends.

As Jonah’s story begins to resemble his Biblical character’s namesake, will he turn back to Elohim’s path for his life?

Meets national education standards.

 

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

23. Adventure Hilton Head: The Legend of the Dolphin Locket (Vacation Adventure Girl Book 1)

by: Ginger FoxJules Turknett
Release date: May 30, 2015
Number of Pages: 175
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Looking for some great summer reading material? Then check out Adventure Hilton Head: The Legend of the Dolphin Locket, the first installment in the new “Vacation Adventure Girl” series.

Book Description: School’s out for Maddie Mackenzie, which means it’s time for a vacation to her favorite spot: Hilton Head Island! But when she gets there, she finds that something’s amiss. Strange wildfires breaking out in the forests. Dolphins being driven from the island. And ten-year old Maddie is determined to uncover just what’s behind it.

Join Maddie on a vacation adventure unlike any she’s had. One that takes her to a magical part of the island she never knew existed and puts her right at the center of a battle that threatens to destroy the place she loves so dearly.

Here’s what girls are saying about The Legend of the Dolphin Locket:

“This book was so great! I stayed up all night reading, I couldn’t put it down…If you love mystery, adventure, and magical books then this book is definitely for you!…I’m dying to read the next book.” —- Ella B. (age 10)

“If I had three words to describe The Legend of the Dolphin Locket, I would say ‘Adventurous, fun, and awesome!!!”….I cannot wait for the next Vacation Adventure Girl book to come out!” —- Sofia (age 10)

“I am constantly searching for books with confident, charming female characters for my 7 year old daughter–that don’t involve princesses or fairies…This book does not disappoint…a perfect read for a trip to the beach.” —- A (mom)

“The book is easy to follow, hard to put down, makes you think you are there…Everyone should read it, perfect for the summer!” —- Natalia Sofia

“My daughter (7.5) and I enjoyed reading this book together. Delightful read!” —- ATL Mom

“The book…was hard to put down. It was a book that made you feel like you were there witnessing the adventures unfolded. I can’t wait to read the next adventure!” —- Catherine (age 10)

“‘Awesome, entertaining, great drawings’, were my seven year old daughter’ response after reading the book…She looks forward to the next book of the series!” —- swongtx76 (mom)

“My nine year old daughter loved this book. She was totally into it from the second she started reading which is very hard to do. She liked the mystery of it all and loved telling me a play by play and what was happening. Looking forward to seeing more in this series.” —- Sheila S. (mom)

“We love this book!! My 9 yr. old daughter read this book and she absolutely loved it! My daughter is looking to read more books in this series!!” —- kmw123 (mom)

“This book was packed with mystery, fantasy, and adventure! I can’t wait to read Vacation Adventure Girl #2!!” —- Isabel

“This book is a page turner! Loved the references to Hilton Head. The friendship between the two girls and the mystical creatures of Hilton Head were so magical!” —- Jennifer B.

Head over to vacationadventuregirl.com to learn more about this refreshing new girls chapter book series!

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Mammals

24. The Last Akaway-A Spirit Animal Adventure

by: Gary Karton
Release date: Feb 25, 2014
Number of Pages: 273
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2013 Bronze Moonbeam Award Winner (Pre-Teen Fantasy)

What’s an Akaway?

An Akaway is a rare and magical creature that connects you to your spirit animal. Once you’ve connected, you have all the special powers that your spirit animal possesses.

But those powers are in serious jeopardy when the diabolical Uncle Skeeta tricks 11-year-old Brody Boondoggle into helping him steal the Akaway’s spirit.

Now, aided by his skeptical big brother, Jake, and guided by his quirky Grammy, Brody must lead the way on an adventure to defeat Uncle Skeeta, save the last Akaway, and protect the special powers of kids everywhere.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

25. The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

by: Jessica HaightStephanie RobinsonRoman Muradov
Release date: Dec 01, 2015
Number of Pages: 272
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Fans of the classic detective/spy story as well as the popular THE SECRET SERIES will adore this highly illustrated debut middle-grade adventure featuring three young sleuths!

Fear Not the Unexpected.  

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.
As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past. 
         Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure.

“The novel builds to an exciting climax that takes magic in stride and suggests that further mysteries await the DMS trio.”–Publisher’s Weekly 

“This paranormal mystery will be of interest to young readers looking for something spooky but not violent or scary.”–Booklist 

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Moving

26. Eyes of the Sun (Kilenya Series, 5)

by: Andrea Pearson
Release date: Oct 11, 2013
Number of Pages: 284
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This is the fifth book in the Kilenya Series. The first book, The Key of Kilenya, is available as a free download, and the second is available free to subscribers of Andrea’s newsletter at this link: https://kilenyaseriesnewsletter.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!

In this, the fifth installment of the Kilenya Series, Jacob Clark masters his last magical ability to harness energy from the sun, which leads him to the location of the Key of Ayunli. Unfortunately, the Lorkon learn where it is, too, and they race to see who will get to it first. But complications rise as Jacob and his friends are tasked to release Lasia, the Fire Pulser, while Azuriah declares that they must rid the land of Gevkan from Lirone, the sky-dwelling monster.

With so many important and dangerous tasks, Jacob is forced to increase the boundaries of his Shiengol abilities before the Lorkon army arrives. He feels the possibility of failure mounting, knowing that without him, those he loves will suffer or even die. Can he buy more time, or will he be forced to face Keitus and the other Lorkon before he’s ready?

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

27. Of Witches and Wind (The Ever Afters Book 2)

by: Shelby Bach
Release date: Jul 23, 2013
Number of Pages: 417
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In this second book in a series that Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy,” it’s up to Rory to save the Ever After School—and deal with her father’s fiancée.

After taking part in a successful real-life fairy tale, Rory Landon is now an Ever After School veteran. She has better friends than she’s ever had, and she’s stronger, more confident, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Or so she thought. When a nefarious plan from The Snow Queen threatens the entire Ever After School program, it is up to Rory and Chase to save everyone. Between this new adventure and what is happening at home—where a potential stepmom has entered the picture—Rory wonders if she really has what it takes to come to the rescue.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Friendship

28. Impyrium

by: Henry H. Neff
Release date: Oct 04, 2016
Number of Pages: 592
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“A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre.” — Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series

“A magnificent, rich, exhilarating book. I say this with all honesty: I haven’t read about a world so deep, so purely magical, so well-developed, since Harry Potter.” — James Dashner, author of the bestselling Maze Runner series

In the first book of Henry H. Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy series, two unlikely allies confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.

For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.

Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines—and to spy on them.

One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it…or end it for good.

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

29. The Lost Celt

by: A. E. Conran
Release date: Mar 15, 2016
Number of Pages: 264
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Written in the voice of Mikey, a fourth-grader who believes that eating crunchy things will get your neurons to fire, The Lost Celt follows Mikey’s adventures after a chance encounter with what he thinks is a time-traveling Celtic warrior.

With the help of his best friend Kyler, and clues from his military history book, Mikey tracks down the stranger, and in the process learns about the power and obligations of friendship.

Full of heart, The Lost Celt throws a gentle light on some of the issues facing our veterans and their families, but it’s the humor and infectious camaraderie throughout this book that makes it so memorable.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Fiction

30. Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater

by: Michelle PaverGeoff Taylor
Release date: Feb 19, 2008
Number of Pages: 352
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It’s winter, and Wolf, Torak’s beloved pack-brother, has been captured by an unknown foe. In a desperate bid to rescue him, Torak and Renn must brave the frozen wilderness of the Far North.

As they battle for survival amid howling blizzards and the ever-present menace of the great white bear, their friendship is tested to the breaking point, and Torak is forced to get closer to his enemies than ever before. . . .

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Foxes & Wolves

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 8:58 AM