Books About Corruption

The Best Corruption Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about corruption? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Corruption

Firefight
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2015

Firefight

By Brandon Sanderson · Book #2 in the The Reckoners series

David's quest for truth about Epics leads him to a perilous, flooded city.

418 pages· 102,851 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 115,603 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: David Charleston, driven by vengeance, killed the invincible Epic, Steelheart. Now, questioning the nature of superhumans, he follows Prof to a submerged New York. There, secrets threaten his very survival. What truths will he uncover, and at what cost?
Regarding the Fountain
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

Regarding the Fountain

By Kate Klise, M. Sarah Klise (Illustrator)

A school fountain project spirals into chaos, uncovering hidden secrets.

144 pages· 18,510 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 3,864 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When Dry Creek Middle School's fountain leaks, Principal Russ's simple request for a replacement spirals into chaos. Designer Flo Waters insists on custom creations, sparking a scandal that entangles the school board and water company. As tensions rise, Mr. Sam N.'s fifth graders unearth hilarious secrets buried beneath the fountain. Will they solve the mystery before it overflows?
Last Panda Standing
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Last Panda Standing

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #3 in the Platypus Police Squad series

Platypus detectives face a mysterious threat in a heated mayoral race. Can they solve it alone?

256 pages· 29,490 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 207 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In Kalamazoo City, the mayoral race turns dangerous as Frank Pandini Jr. faces threats from an unknown assailant. Detective Rick Zengo is tasked with protecting him, but without his usual partner, O'Malley. Instead, O'Malley teams up with rookie Jo Cooper. As tensions rise, Zengo must unravel the mystery solo. Can he uncover the truth behind the attacks, or will the absence of his trusted partner lead to chaos? Dive into a world of intrigue and humor with these platypus detectives as they navigate unexpected challenges and surprising alliances.
The Piper's Pursuit
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2019

The Piper's Pursuit

By Melanie Dickerson · Fairy Tale Romance Series series

A village plagued by rats and a beast. Can one woman save the children before it's too late?

320 pages· 79,020 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 3,806 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina battles a rat infestation, a deadly beast, and her sinister stepfather. Determined to save the village's children, she plans to slay the Beast of Hamlin. Enter Steffan, a duke's son with a mysterious charm and a talent for music. As they join forces, Katerina must decide if she can trust him. Together, they face a perilous quest to stop the abductions, but their actions might unleash an even greater danger. Will they save Hamlin, or doom it to a darker fate?
The Forgetting
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2016

The Forgetting

By Sharon Cameron · The Forgetting series

In a city of forgotten memories, one girl remembers everything. Can she uncover the truth before it's too late?

403 pages· 109,949 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 13,521 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Canaan, every twelve years, memories vanish in the Forgetting. Nadia, the only one who remembers, must unravel the city's secrets. As chaos looms, she and Gray, a glassblower, face an unseen threat. Can they save their world and each other before everything is forgotten?
Shackled
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2024

Shackled

By Candy J Cooper

Judges profit from sentencing kids to detention. Uncover the scandal.

192 pages· 36,653 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 742 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Pennsylvania, two judges harshly sentenced over 2,500 children to a for-profit detention center, pocketing cash in return. As the center filled, a pattern of corruption emerged. Discover the shocking truth behind one of the largest violations of children's rights in American legal history. What sinister forces allowed this to happen, and who will hold them accountable?
Zootopia 2
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2025

Zootopia 2

The New Adventures of Zootopia series

Unlikely partners tackle quirky cases to save their city.

88 pages· 548 words· Est. 5 min read
4.5 Goodreads · 6 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: ZPD officers Hopps and Wilde, fresh from solving Zootopia's biggest mystery, face new challenges. From explosive packages to mysterious foundlings, they learn that every case, big or small, matters. Can they keep their city safe while navigating these quirky adventures?
Cat on the Run in Hidden Layers!
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Cat on the Run in Hidden Layers!

By Aaron Blabey · Book #3 in the Cat on the Run series

A famous cat must clear her name after being accused of a crime.

192 pages· 1,961 words· Est. 22 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 310 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Beautiful, the world's biggest cat video star, is accused of a crime she didn't commit. Now a fugitive, she must evade capture and prove her innocence. As she navigates a world that sees her as public enemy number one, will she reveal her true strength or remain underestimated? Follow her thrilling journey to uncover the truth and decide if she's a villain or a misunderstood hero. Can she reclaim her reputation, or will she forever be a meme megastar turned outcast? The stakes are high, and the chase is on.
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