10+ Best Adventure Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of reading in your little explorer? Look no further! Our curated selection of adventure books for 7-year-olds is packed with thrilling tales that are sure to captivate their imagination and keep those pages turning. From mysterious quests to wild, imaginative journeys, each book promises to be a gateway to new adventures. Keep reading to discover our top picks for adventure books that are just right for 7-year-old readers!

Fun Adventure Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing kids that they can explore vast new worlds right from their bedrooms. The story also helps in understanding emotions and consequences.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who love letting their imaginations run wild.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two pranksters, George and Harold, hypnotize their mean principal and turn him into Captain Underpants, a superhero of their own creation. The hilariously inept Captain Underpants then faces various outrageous adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action, which are great for engaging young readers and encouraging a love for reading through entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter, superheroes, and a bit of mischief.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to help save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of life and death in a gentle manner suitable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships that overcome challenges.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Siblings Jack and Annie discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them to different times and places around the world. Each book offers a new adventure and a new lesson to learn.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and science through thrilling adventures, making learning fun and memorable. The series also encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love history and mysteries, and who dream of time travel.

• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, and his adventures in the magical world of Neverland with Wendy, John, Michael, and the infamous Captain Hook.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and the timeless desire for freedom and escapism. It also sparks imagination about magical worlds.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and believers in magic, and anyone who wants to stay a child at heart.

Educational Adventure Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  • Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals who all wish to eat him. To avoid this fate, the mouse invents an imaginary monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo later on!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rhymes and witty storytelling to convey messages about quick thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with clever protagonists and a touch of suspense.

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the way, he learns about bravery, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, holiday traditions
  • Why we recommend this book: Its detailed illustrations and enchanting story captivate children, fostering a love for reading and a belief in magic.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Christmas and magical adventures.

• Stella, Star of the Sea by Marie-Louise Gay
  • Illustrator: Marie-Louise Gay
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Nature
  • Synopsis: Stella and her little brother Sam explore the wonders of the seaside. Stella uses her knowledge and imagination to answer Sam’s countless questions about the sea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Curiosity about nature, environmental awareness, sibling bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and learning through a playful sibling dynamic, with beautiful illustrations that capture the ocean's wonders.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are fascinated by the sea and its mysteries.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Illustrator: Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps into another world—a world of adventure, danger, and wonder.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, storytelling, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning wordless story that encourages children to tell their own story, boosting their creativity and narrative skills.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and creative thinkers who love crafting their own stories and adventures.

• The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn by Hergé
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. They soon find themselves on a dangerous quest for a sunken treasure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with rich, detailed illustrations that keep readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Budding detectives and adventurers who thrive on puzzles and mysteries.

Challenging Adventure Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness but covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are drawn together by fate.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's sophisticated structure, which interweaves various storylines and a wide range of emotions, offers a complexity that challenges advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the power of following one's heart. The book's rich language and deep themes will enrich a young reader's vocabulary and emotional understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a deep, thought-provoking story and characters who overcome adversity.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, having nothing better to do, drives through it in his toy car. The tollbooth transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book plays with language and mathematics in a way that requires readers to think critically and creatively, making it a challenging read for younger children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and love of learning, showing how knowledge can turn the mundane into the extraordinary. The story's clever puns and wordplay will delight and challenge young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated novel tells the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique blend of text and full-page illustrations requires readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling, adding complexity to the narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, visually stunning book that combines magic, history, and science, providing a multidimensional reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Visual thinkers and young inventors who are fascinated by machinery and mysteries.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The children must discover the truth behind the institute and its founder to save the world from a dire global threat.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex puzzles and mysteries within the story require logical thinking and attention to detail, making it a stimulating read for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance. The book's intricate plot and charismatic characters will keep readers engaged and eager to solve the puzzles alongside the protagonists.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and thinkers who love solving puzzles and cracking codes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old dive into the thrilling world of adventure books, fostering good reading habits is a great start. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can turn reading from a chore into an exciting quest!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special event and provides a comfortable space that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with pillows, blankets, and their favorite stuffed animals.

• Book-Based Treasure Hunt
  • What it is: Organize a treasure hunt that involves clues related to the story or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading interactive and fun.
  • Tips: Use simple clues that your child can decode with hints from the book, and include small rewards.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings and events of the adventure book.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the sequence of events and the setting.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of colors and symbols to represent different parts of the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging and realistic.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read or the number of pages.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of achievement and motivates continuous reading.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for reaching milestones to keep the motivation high.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only improve their reading skills but also make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Remember, the goal is to make reading an adventure in itself. Happy reading!