Six Adventure Books for Grade School Readers

stories to nourish the imagination and cultivate wonder

“Fairy tales say that apples were golden only to refresh the forgotten moment when we found that they were green. They make rivers run with wine only to make us remember, for one wild moment, that they run with water.”

-G.K. Chesterton

This past summer, our daughter Hazel participated in the Kid’s Summer Reading Challenge offered by The Rabbit Room. It featured twelve books with the hook that if you read all twelve by the September 30th deadline, they will send you a prize in the mail! Maybe especially motivated by the allure of the prize, Hazel was determined to complete the challenge, and she did! Along the way, she became a faster reader and discovered that she really enjoys the adventure genre. While she didn’t love the graphic novels (something that varies with each child—Jude, for example, fell in love with reading through Calvin and Hobbes), these six books were her favorites.

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

This whimsical book blends art, creativity, and adventure and it was Hazel’s favorite! She shared that it was the first time she’d ever read 175 pages in a single day! Years ago, we read it as a family read-aloud and the memories still make me smile.

The Angel Knew Papa and the Dog by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

This book is described as “a lyrically-told tale of a little girl’s faith, personal courage, and survival in the wilderness.” Hazel found parts of it sad, but felt it was ultimately redemptive, which is why she loved it so much. It ranks in her top 10 favorite books of all time.

The Light Princess by George MacDonald

I was first introduced to George MacDonald's work through The Princess and the Goblin. Dan read it aloud to us 10 years ago while Indi and I knitted, which serendipitously fit well with the storyline. He read it again to our three youngest girls last year. It’s a family favorite. The Light Princess is equally enchanting. In this fairy tale, a princess’s weightlessness causes her to float away unless anchored by someone or something. Based on a Scottish fairy tale, it includes themes of adventure, responsibility, and love.

C.S. Lewis once famously said that George MacDonald’s writing “baptized” his imagination, and it’s easy to see why.

This particular hardcover copy includes folksy linocut illustrations by Ned Bustard, which break up the text and are also charming.

The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers

This three-part adventure follows Aidan Errolson on a quest filled with mythical creatures, peril, and self-discovery. Hazel loved the themes of loyalty, courage, and calling woven throughout. Each book is its own journey, but together, they form a powerful story about embracing one's destiny in the face of challenges.

Book 1: The Bark of the Bog Owl

Book 2: The Secret of the Swamp King

Book 3: The Way of the Wilderking

A Bonus Picture Book:

The Wishes of the Fish King by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Though not strictly an “adventure” book, The Wishes of the Fish King is a magical tale full of wonder. Its poetical rhythm and painterly illustrations make it a perfect bedtime story, a gentle, imaginative journey to usher little ones to sleep.

I’m curious about your experience! What books have your children enjoyed? My kids and I would love to hear your recommendations!