The Bug Bandits

By Jenni L. Walsh

A girl and her friends must stop a heist at her dad's insectarium before it's too late.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 227 ratings

224 pages· 39,924 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Liberty Jacobs, a science-loving girl, faces a daunting challenge: a plot to steal rare insects from her dad's museum. With her father away and the police dismissive, Liberty and her friends must use their wits and bug knowledge to thwart the thieves. As the clock ticks towards an investor meeting crucial for saving the museum and her dream butterfly program, Liberty's courage and ingenuity are put to the test. Can they outsmart the burglars and secure the future of the Walnut Street Insectarium? Dive into this thrilling adventure of friendship, mystery, and daring escapades.

From the publisher

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection2026-2027 Tome Society Book Award WinnerA 2026 MIDDLE-GRADE FAVORITE, Children’s Book CouncilHome Alone meets A Night in the Museum in this clever middle-grade heist story by USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh. When a science-loving girl and her friends overhear a plot to rob her dad’s insectarium, they embark on a mission to stop the burglary of the museum’s rarest insects. Inspired by true events, this STEM-based adventure is perfect for fans of hijinks and mysteries.Without a mom and with her dad busy running the museum, Liberty Jacobs was practically raised by the tarantulas, leopard geckos, and rare butterflies of the Walnut Street Insectarium. She loves being the resident “Bug Girl,” but unless Liberty and her dad can snag a big investor, they’ll lose the museum, their home, and the funding Liberty needs to launch her dream business: a butterfly release program called Life &amp; Liberty.The investor meeting is a week away, but there’s a big problem: Liberty has reason to suspect there’s going to be a “buglary” of the museum’s rarest animals. But the police don’t believe her, and with Dad out of town for an insect convention, it’s up to Liberty and her friends (and her vast knowledge of bug defense mechanisms) to thwart the thieves and save the museum.The Bug Bandits is: perfect for readers ages 8 and up who love mystery and suspenseAn empowering story of adventure, friendship, and courageIdeal for fans of Blue Balliett, James Ponti, and Deron Hicks

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