Adventure Begins at Your Library: Independent Readers

These are some books we recommend to elementary-aged readers who want to find adventure in a book this summer!

Updated May 2, 2024
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The boy who loved maps
Allen, Kari
Paper Book
This enchanting picture book about a map-making boy who is stumped when a girl asks him for a map of the "perfect place" helps readers appreciate the charms of their own neighborhood--and even shows them how to make a map of it! The Mapmaker loves maps. He loves to collect...
The girl who speaks bear
Anderson, Sophie
Paper Book
The newest heart-expanding, magical adventure from Sophie Anderson, author of the critically acclaimed House with Chicken Legs."They call me Yanka the Bear. Not because of where I was found. Only a few people know about that. They call me Yanka the Bear because I am so big and strong."<...
The adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn
Burleigh, Robert.
Paper Book
Everyone knows the story of the raft on the Mississippi and that ol' whitewashed fence, but now it's time for youngins everywhere to get right acquainted with the man behind the pen. Mr. Mark Twain! An interesting character, he was...even if he did sometimes get all gussied up in linen suits and...
The Adventurers Guild The Adventurers Guild Trilogy, Book 1
Clark, Zack Loran.
Paper Book
In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone's only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly...
The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
A timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love. Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and...
The hike
Farrell, Alison
Paper Book
Snacks, supplies, and a dog. What more do you need for an epic adventure? In this plucky, sweet story, three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer their local forest. The well-written, empowering narrative takes us on a local quest across a river, through the trees, and up a mountain,...
Fortunately, the milk
Gaiman, Neil.
Paper Book
An absolute delight of a madcap story for the young (and young-at-heart) by New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, with equal parts pirates and piranhas, adventure and aliens, oddity and love. "I bought the milk," said my father. "I walked out of the corner shop...
The storm dragon
Harrison, Paula
Paper Book
A group of friends set out to save magical creatures from a cruel queen and her wicked soldiers in the first book in the brand-new Secret Rescuers chapter book series. When Sophy finds a little lost dragon named Cloudy, she knows he's in danger. It will take all the courage she...
Voyage of the Frostheart
Littler, Jamie
Paper Book
A captivating adventure about an unlikely hero's quest to find his parents--and find the home he's always longed for. Filled with whimsy and magical world building that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor. In a snow-covered land where monsters rule the icy tundra, only song...
The ice cream machine
Rubin, Adam
Paper Book
Don't miss the #1 New York Times bestseller everyone is raving about! From the wild and wonderful imagination of the author of Dragons Love Tacos comes this hilarious, irresistible debut collection of six totally different stories with the same exact name. In these...
The adventures of Beekle : the unimaginary friend
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in...

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