Adventure/Thriller

The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 6, 2021

15 storytellers each tell a mesmerizing tale for the Raconteur's Commonplace book, a book as clever as any Milford has written. The Raconteur's Commonplace Book ...

Right Cross by Andrew Huff

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2021

John and Christine face the most nefarious villain yet in Right Cross, the conclusion to the Shepherd Suspense Trilogy. Right Cross (Shepherd Suspense #3) by ...

*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2021

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...

Loot and Sting by Jude Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 21, 2021

Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...

City Spies Series, Books 1 and 2 by James Ponti

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 21, 2021

City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...

Atlantis: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 11, 2021

This series-opener promises a clash of civilizations between Earth’s terra firma and the “lost” continent of Atlantis. Atlantis #1: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone. ...

The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel: Bloom, Hatch, and Thrive

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 7, 2021

The fast-paced Overthrow sci-fi series by Kenneth Oppel raises interesting questions for young teens. The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ...

Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray

By Janie Cheaney | May 25, 2021

Jonesy Flux is a spunky space voyager with unsuspected potential, in this action-packed science fiction debut. Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray. ...

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2021

The Accidental Apprentice kicks off this middle-grade fantasy series with a rush of wind and a menagerie of fantastic Beasts. The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore vol. ...

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 8, 2021

An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn't get off? The London Eye ...

Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 5, 2021

In Rescue, a 12-year-old girl joins the French Resistance to free her father from the Nazis. Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2021, 379 pages. ...

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 5, 2021

In The Lion of Mars, when the adults succumb to illness, the kids of the space colony must find a way to survive. The Lion ...

Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2021

Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...

Into the Clouds by Tod Olson

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 2, 2021

Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...

The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 2, 2021

The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...

All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 14, 2021

All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...

The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 28, 2020

Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this ...

The Epic Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2020

The Epic Bible tells the entire story of the Bible in graphic format and dramatic style, with some embellishment. The Epic Bible: God’s Story from ...

Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 23, 2020

Wilson's Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time ...

13 Books for 13 Year Old Boys (and Girls!)

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2020

13 year olds: ready to be done with middle school, but not yet in high school. Officially "teenagers," but plenty of maturing still to do. ...

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2020

A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 26, 2020

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a disappointing prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins ...

The Tripods Series by John Christopher (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 19, 2020

The Tripods: classic science fiction from the 1960s that's still enjoyable for today's young teens. The Tripods Series by John Christopher: The White Mountains, The ...

*Beyonders Trilogy

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2020

Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...

The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2020

Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate's small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the ...

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2020

This latest iteration of the Superman legend by Gene Luen Yang includes familiar faces, social commentary, and historical context--also one big misstep. Superman Smashes the ...

Beast by Watt Key

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 1, 2020

Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot is a chilling, gripping tale of survival in the unknown. Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot by Watt Key. ...

Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2020

Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...

The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 3, 2020

Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...

The Asterix Series, American-style

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 24, 2020

The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...

The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2020

Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...

Shepherd Suspense Novels by Andrew Huff

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 22, 2020

Action-packed thrillers with a conscience and spiritual sensitivity, the Shepherd Suspense novels will hook teen readers. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow by Andrew ...

Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2020

Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...

Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson

By Betsy Farquhar | May 25, 2020

8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...

The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 5, 2020

The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from ...

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2020

In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 20, 2020

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...

Allies by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2020

Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...

Newbery Roundup #2: All the Greys, This Was Our Pact, A Good Kind of Trouble, To Night Owl from Dogfish

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...

Major Impossible by Nathan Hale

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 8, 2020

The true story of John Wesley Powell, "Major Impossible" who mapped the Grand Canyon, told in graphic novel format. Major Impossible (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales ...

Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...

Torpedoed by Deborah Heligman

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 31, 2019

Torpedoed is a gripping saga of disaster, heartbreak, and heroism on the open sea. Torpedoed: the True Story of the World War II Sinking of ...

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 13, 2019

While Artemis Fowl speeds toward Mars, the Fowl Twins step to starring roles in their own adventures in this page-turning series opener. The Fowl Twins ...

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Wildfire is a fast read that will take even reluctant readers into the heart of a fast-moving catastrophe. Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick. Blue Sky (Scholastic), ...

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2019

The Good Thieves combines compelling action and an irresistible “heist” tale with striking prose. The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel. Simon & Schuster, 2019, 272 ...

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

Words on Fire explores a little-known chapter of European history to make a case for the necessity of words, literature, and language to a culture. ...

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2019

A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...

Robin Hood: Twice Told

By Hayley Morell | Oct 8, 2019

There’s something appealing about Robin Hood. —Maybe even more-so to American sensibilities. Granted, we didn’t rob from the rich for the sake of the poor. ...

Titan and the Wild Boars by Susan Hood and Pathana Sorhiran

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 1, 2019

The true story of the daring rescue of the Thai Soccer team will bring its tension and drama home to young readers. Titan and the ...

The Lady Is a Spy by Don Mitchell

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 27, 2019

This biography of Virginia Hall for young people tells the little-known story of a daring World War II spy. The Lady is a Spy: Virginia ...

When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 20, 2019

This tense survival tale illustrates contrasting forms of leadership as teens struggle to find their way out of the Brazilian jungle. When We Were Lost ...

The Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 15, 2019

A best-selling series for young teens set in a Medieval-esque, pseudo European world that combines adventure, heroism, villains, danger, and a touch of love. The ...

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 15, 2019

Fast-paced and far-out, this series opener mixes theoretical science with human joys and sorrows. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez. Disney (Rick ...

The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 14, 2019

Popular children's author Margaret Peterson Haddix begins another sci-fi/adventure series for middle-graders. The Strangers (Greystone Secrets #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. HarperCollins, 2019, 416 pages ...

*The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 26, 2019

A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan's adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise ...

*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 4, 2019

A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...

The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...

The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...

*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2019

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...

Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Truett

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2019

With Explorer Academy, National Geographic launches an action sci-fi series taking readers to the world's natural wonders. The Nebula Secret (Explorer Academy #1) by Trudi ...

Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2019

A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt (Godwin Books), 2019, 343 pages ...

*Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 18, 2019

Chiko and Tu Reh learn to face challenges and love their enemies in modern day, war-torn Burma in this realistic fiction novel for teens. Starred ...

Literaritea: Classics and new favorites

By Megan Saben | Feb 27, 2019

Literaritea is a fresh series in which Megan offers a taste of her experiences reading picture books and poetry aloud to her five boys, ages 2-12. Ideally we have teatime with our literature, but not always. These are the books that resonate with all of us and if I don't own these titles yet, I ...

*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish

By Hayley Morell | Feb 19, 2019

Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...

Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2018

A teenage girl enlists in the Jewish resistance in Poland during World War II. Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2018, 385 pages. Reading Level: ...

Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 25, 2018

Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom. Paul Dry ...

Five Favorites: Old and New

By Hayley Morell | Sep 6, 2018

With leaves changing and school beginning, our Redeemed Reader intern, Zoe Watters, shares five books that can be enjoyed any time of year. As she ...

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 9, 2018

The Princess Bride is just as delightful in book form as it is in movie form (or vice versa, depending on which you've already experienced!). ...

Retro Reads: The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 25, 2018

Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure classic, The Lost World, a book that has clear links to Jurassic Park! The Lost World by Sir Arthur ...

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Jun 22, 2018

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 18, 2018

The story that inspired the movie chain: Jurassic Park is more complex than the movie in every way--and not for kids. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. ...

Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA

By Hayley Morell | May 30, 2018

Reading YA takes time. Books often stretch to 400 plus pages, and sometimes at the end of the day, those 400 pages aren't worth an ...

The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2018

This YA fantasy adventure places a spunky nobleman’s daughter in the middle of a “traitor’s game” between her corrupt father and a compromised opposition. Ages ...

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2018

A teenage "Mad Wolf's Daughter" in late medieval Scotland stakes her claim to legendary status. Ages 10-14 The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras. Penguin ...

Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2018

Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...

Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2018

The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...

Invictus by Ryan Graudin

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 26, 2018

Invictus takes science-fiction to the max with a wild ride that involves time travel, doppelgangers, and parallel universes. Ages 15-up Invictus by Ryan Graudin. Little, ...

Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 29, 2018

Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 27, 2018

Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...

The Origins Trilogy by Keith Robinson

By Pamela Palmer | Jan 13, 2018

The Origins Trilogy: Christian science fiction that simultaneously delivers good adventure AND reasoned arguments for Creation and the flood? Read on! Ages 16-up The Origins ...

The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 8, 2018

Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...

*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2017

Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork. Scholastic, ...

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 11, 2017

Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. ...

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 5, 2017

Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...

Beneath by Roland Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2017

A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...

The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 7, 2017

A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. Scholastic, ...

Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

By Hayley Morell | Oct 19, 2017

You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, ...

Portrait of a Reader: The Adventurer

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2017

Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...

The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2017

The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...

Refugee by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 21, 2017

Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz. Scholastic, 2017, ...

In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 29, 2017

This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

By Hayley Morell | Aug 17, 2017

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 512 pages. Noemi Vidal will die for her country, but an abandoned spaceship and a ...

Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 2, 2017

Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen. Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...

The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...

Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2017

The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2017

This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...

The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 16, 2017

A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18Recommended ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...