ADVENTURE AWAITS
Chapter Books for Boys (and Girls!) Who Crave Action, Bravery, and Exploration
From jungle treks to pirate ships to secret missions, these adventurous stories will keep your kids turning pages. I’ve included general age recommendations for independent underneath each book, but these would make fantastic read-alouds, too!
The Green Ember (series)
by S. D. Smith (Recommended for ages 7+)
A brave band of rabbits with swords, fighting to reclaim a lost kingdom. Full of loyalty, courage, and hope, this epic series will capture imaginations and stir hearts toward virtue.
Redwall (series)
by Brian Jacques (Recommended for ages 8+)
A series about noble woodland creatures, daring quests, and feasts that make your mouth water. These beautifully written stories brim with bravery, sacrifice, and the classic struggle between good and evil. (This has been our son, Liam's, favorite series and we plan to have our younger boys read it as well!)
The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Edition)
by Daniel James Brown (Recommended for ages 10+)
The powerful true story of nine working-class boys who rowed their way to Olympic gold in Nazi Germany. Suspenseful and inspiring.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell (Recommended for ages 8+)
Based on a true story, this quiet, powerful novel tells of a young girl’s strength and solitude on a remote island. A beautiful story of survival and resilience.
The Sign of the Beaver
by Elizabeth George Speare (Recommended for ages 9+)
In the American frontier, a young settler forms an unlikely friendship with a Native American boy who teaches him how to survive. A thoughtful, respectful story of courage and cross-cultural friendship.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
by Robert C. O’Brien (Recommended for ages 9+)
When a timid field mouse seeks help for her sick son, she discovers a secret society of intelligent rats. Part science fiction, part adventure. (Please note: The story includes depictions of sickness and the passing of a few characters.)
Swiss Family Robinson (Abridged Edition)
by Johann David Wyss (Ages 10+)
After a shipwreck, a resourceful family must build a life on a deserted island, learning to rely on their faith, each other, and the natural world. A classic story of unity and perseverance.
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen (Recommended for ages 10+)
After a plane crash strands him alone in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian must learn to survive with only a hatchet and his wits. A compelling story of endurance, grit, and courage.
Treasure Island
by Robert Louis Stevenson (Recommended for ages 10+ due to the complexity of language)
Full of pirates, buried treasure, and sword fights, this classic has thrilled readers for generations. A bold adventure full of courage and cleverness.
The Adventure Series (8 books)
by Enid Blyton (Recommended for ages 9+)
Join four daring friends and their clever parrot as they chase mysteries across mountains, islands, and hidden lands. These classic adventures are full of courage, friendship, and pure childhood fun!
The Boy Who Biked the World Series (3 books)
by Alastair Humphreys (Recommended for ages 8+)
Follow Tom as he pedals across continents, encountering new people, places, and challenges along the way. A geography-rich adventure that celebrates courage, curiosity, and perseverance.
The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean
by Alastair Humphreys (Recommended for ages 9+)
Inspired by a true story, this adventure follows Lucy as she rows across the Atlantic Ocean, learning what determination, bravery, and belief in herself can accomplish.
