Books About Crime-fighting

The Best Crime-fighting Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about crime-fighting? 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 10 Favorite Books About Crime-fighting

Sort of Super
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Sort of Super

By Eric Gapstur · Book #1 in the Sort of Super series

A boy gains superpowers by mistake and must hide them, but can he use them to make a difference?

240 pages· 7,411 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 407 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Eleven-year-old Wyatt Flynn accidentally gains superpowers, but his overprotective dad insists he keeps them secret. Torn between obeying his dad and helping his friends, Wyatt teams up with his sister to secretly fight crime. As they navigate middle school challenges and bullies, Wyatt wonders if his powers could help find his missing mom. Can he balance secrecy with heroism and make a real impact?
Real Pigeons Eat Danger
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Real Pigeons Eat Danger

By Andrew McDonald, Ben Wood (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Real Pigeons series

Ordinary pigeons? Think again. These feathered heroes tackle crime and danger head-on.

224 pages· 9,876 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 541 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where pigeons are more than they seem, a fearless flock takes on crime with humor and daring. As they infiltrate a secret warehouse, these avian heroes face a criminal ostrich, proving that danger is no match for their wits. Can these pigeons save the day and keep the skies safe? Join the Real Pigeons in their hilarious, high-flying adventure where nothing is as it appears, and every feather counts.
Batman (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2405
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2015

Batman (Graphic Novel)

By John Sazaklis, Luciano Vecchio (Illustrator) · DC Super Heroes series

Discover how a young boy becomes the legendary hero of Gotham.

48 pages· 849 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 339 ratings
$25.32Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Uncover the journey of young Bruce Wayne as he transforms into Gotham's Dark Knight. What challenges shape him into the hero known as Batman? Dive into this action-packed tale with vivid comic art.
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2009

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Lunch Lady series

A substitute teacher is suspected of being a robot and a group of kids investigate, leading to a showdown with the Lunch Lady, who fights crime, and an evil plot to replace teachers with robots.

96 pages· 1,844 words· Est. 28 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 13,609 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Hector, Terrence, and Dee are curious about their mysterious school lunch lady. When she's not serving meals, she's battling crime! As danger looms, can the Lunch Lady protect the school with her secret skills? Discover the unexpected hero behind the cafeteria counter and the thrilling adventures that await. What secrets does she hide, and how will her double life unfold?
Super Pete
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Super Pete

By James Dean (Author/Illustrator), Kimberly Dean · Pete the Cat I Can Read series

A cat becomes a superhero to save the city from trouble at the warehouse.

32 pages· 424 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,152 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: When trouble hits town, Pete the Cat transforms into Super Pete, a hero with a jet, goggles, and slingshot. Can he outsmart the bad guys and restore peace? Join Pete on his thrilling adventure, perfect for young readers and aspiring heroes.
Space Taxi
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Space Taxi

By Wendy Mass, Michael Brawer, Elise Gravel (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Space Taxi series

A kid discovers his dad's space taxi and must save the universe.

112 pages· 10,178 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 498 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Archie eagerly joins his dad for Take Your Kid to Work Day, only to find himself aboard an intergalactic space taxi. As copilot, Archie navigates wormholes, dodges planets, and faces a peculiar cat. But when an evil mastermind threatens the universe, can Archie rise to the challenge and save the day? Discover the secrets and adventures that await in this cosmic journey.
Bedtime for Batman
Sale price
$2279
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2016

Bedtime for Batman

By Michael Dahl, Ethen Beavers (Illustrator) · DC Super Heroes series

A young boy prepares for bed while imagining he is a superhero.

32 pages· 131 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,043 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: As night falls over the city, a young hero gears up for his greatest mission: bedtime. With his pajama uniform and trusty bunk bed, he tackles nightly challenges and stands vigilant. Will he conquer the darkness and drift into dreams? This charming tale transforms bedtime into an epic adventure, perfect for young fans of the Dark Knight.
Dinos Are Forever
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2012

Dinos Are Forever

By Greg Trine, Frank W. Dormer (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Adventures of Jo Schmo series

A fourth grader dons a superhero cape to battle reanimated dinosaurs threatening San Francisco.

112 pages· 8,712 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 126 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Fourth-grader Jo Schmo's life flips when her uncle's superhero cape lands on her doorstep. With Grandpa Joe's guidance and her dog Raymond by her side, Jo must tackle the ultimate challenge: stopping Dr. Dastardly and his resurrected dinosaur gang from wreaking havoc in San Francisco. Can this young hero rise to the occasion and save the city from prehistoric peril?
April Fools
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2147
Picture Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

April Fools

By Sholly Fisch, Darío Brizuela (Illustrator) · DC Super Friends series

Six villains unite against the Super Friends.

23 pages· 1,307 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 18 ratings
$22.60Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: The Super Friends face their toughest challenge yet as they confront the Jester’s League of America, a secretive group of six formidable villains. Can they outsmart this sinister alliance, or will chaos reign supreme? With the odds stacked against them, the Super Friends must use all their wits and powers to prevent disaster. Will they succeed, or is this the end of their heroic journey?
Nick the Sidekick
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Nick the Sidekick

By Dave Whamond

A sidekick overhears a heist plan. Can he save the day and finally get credit?

48 pages· 1,635 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
3.5 Goodreads · 65 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Nick, a superhero's assistant, is tired of doing all the work without recognition. When he overhears a bank heist plot, it's his chance to shine. But can he outsmart the criminals and prove his worth? With humor and unexpected twists, this adventure explores themes of initiative and perseverance, resonating with anyone who's ever felt overshadowed.
The Bookroo Book Club

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Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
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Browse by age

Crime-fighting Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about crime-fighting for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Amazing Powers
Sale price
$1699

Amazing Powers

Ages 7–9 · 2019

Uncover the secrets of Marvel heroes' powers and face lurking villains.

Ace!
Series
Sale price
$2532

Ace!

Ages 6–8 · 2017

Uncover how Ace became Batman's loyal Bat-Hound in this thrilling origin tale.

Batman
Sale price
$399

Batman

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A boy's tragic loss leads him to become Gotham's masked hero.

I Am Batman
Series
Sale price
$399

I Am Batman

Ages 4–8 · 2016

By day, a tech genius; by night, Gotham's protector. Discover Batman's dual life.

The Batman
Sale price
$1499

The Batman

Ages 4–7 · 2022

Batman races to save Gotham from chaos. Can he outsmart his foes?

Save the Day!
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$399

Save the Day!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

LEGO Batman and Superman unite to face iconic villains in an epic showdown.

Going Bananas
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$399

Going Bananas

Ages 4–6 · 2009

A rogue gorilla threatens chaos. Can heroes stop his wild plans?

Team Batman
Sale price
$1499

Team Batman

Ages 5–7 · 2016

Discover LEGO Batman's world and learn to read with fun minifigures and vehicles.

Brave Batgirl!
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1840

Brave Batgirl!

Ages 4–6 · 2017

Batgirl joins forces with DC Super Friends to save the day in an exciting adventure for young readers.

Too Much Ooze!
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1580

Too Much Ooze!

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Can the Turtles stop a citywide mutation threat?

View all crime-fighting picture books
Browse by age

Crime-fighting Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about crime-fighting for developing and independent readers.

Fashion Victims!
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3422

Fashion Victims!

Ages 7–11 · 2007

Spider-Man faces tech villains and needs a stealthy new suit.

Cat's Claw
#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Cat's Claw

Ages 7–10 · 2023

A hero cat faces ninja rivals, unexpected allies, and a high-stakes race.

Batman 5-Minute Stories
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Batman 5-Minute Stories

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Join Batman for quick, thrilling adventures perfect for bedtime.

My Frozen Valentine
Series
Sale price
$2665

My Frozen Valentine

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A chilling threat looms over Gotham on Valentine's Day. Can Batman stop it?

Wanted
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Wanted

Ages 7–10 · 2022

Heroes and villains reveal their hilarious tales and unexpected transformations.

View all crime-fighting chapter books