Books for Young Adventurers Archives

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Book 1)

by Trenton Lee Stuart

“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Scores of children respond to this newspaper ad, but only four are chosen to save the world. Don’t be intimidated by the bulging 400+ pages, your kid will whiz through it. Smart and fun and a thoroughly good read, for kids and grown-ups. (7-13, 10-13)

Liar & Spy

by Rebecca Stead

When his dad spots a notice for a Spy Club meeting in their new apartment building’s laundry room, Georges decides to show up--and becomes the first spy recruit of his new friend Safer, a 12-year-old, self- trained spy. Safer teaches Georges the tricks of the trade and sets him to work tracking Mr. X. This realistic novel delicately explores the nature of truth, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for yourself. (9-13, 11-13)

Around the World in Eighty Days

by Jules Verne

On October 1, 1872, a Londoner named Phileas Fogg gets into an argument at his club because of a newspaper article about a new Indian railway. The argument ends with him accepting a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, using any methods available. Fogg and his French valet Passepartout travel by train, car, boat, sled, and even elephant--but never by balloon (as they do in the movie version). An exciting, fast-moving story. Age 7 and up.

Harriet the Spy

by Louise Fitzhugh

11-year-old Harriet Welsch is a spunky kid with an odd hobby: she’s a spy. She writes down her observations, thoughts, and feelings about everyone she knows in her notebook. But then Harriet loses her notebook, and things don’t go so well when her classmates read what she really thinks about them. Age 9 and up.

The BFG

by Roald Dahl

One night when little Sophie can’t sleep, she looks out her window and sees a giant blowing something (which turns out to be a good dream) into the window of a house down the street. The giant notices her, snatches her out of her room and takes her home with him to Giant Country. The giant turns out to be the world’s only friendly giant, known as the BFG (“Big Friendly Giant). Sophie and the BFG become friends, and set out on an adventure together to convince the Queen of England to protect her fellow humans by capturing all the mean giants. Age 8 and up.

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

by Marjorie Priceman

A young girl doesn’t have the ingredients at home to make an apple pie, so she embarks on a whirlwind tour around the world to gather her (rather common) ingredients. She gets wheat from Italy, and sugar-cane from Jamaica. A fancy French hen delivers the needed egg, the milk comes from a British cow, and the cinnamon comes all the way from Sri Lanka! Age 5 and up.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E. L. Konigsburg

Claudia Kincaid is bored with her suburban life, so she convinces her little brother Jamie to run away with her to nearby New York City. She’s carefully chosen a hideaway that is comfortable, beautiful, and elegant: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Once they’re set up in the museum, Claudia finds herself transfixed by a statue—and the mystery behind it—and her fascination leads the two children on an incredible adventure.

Books for Young Adventurers

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Book 1)

Liar & Spy

Around the World in Eighty Days

Harriet the Spy

The BFG

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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