Books About Heists

The Best Heists Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Law and Crime, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about heists? 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.

#1 in Series

#1 in Series

#7 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Heists

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2015

Six of Crows

By Leigh Bardugo · Book #1 in the Six of Crows series

Six outcasts. One impossible heist. Can they survive each other and save the world?

465 pages· 134,876 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,204,472 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In the bustling city of Ketterdam, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles a crew for a heist that promises untold riches. Joined by a vengeful convict, a gambling sharpshooter, a runaway, a stealthy spy, a magical Heartrender, and a cunning thief, Kaz faces a mission fraught with danger. As tensions rise, can these six outcasts pull off the impossible without tearing each other apart? Dive into a world where the stakes are high, and the line between survival and destruction is razor-thin. Will they succeed, or will their differences lead to their downfall?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1980

The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

By David A. Adler, Susanna Natti (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Cam Jansen series

A young girl with a photographic memory helps solve a jewelry store robbery with her friend and her friend's baby brother

58 pages· 4,761 words· Est. 53 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,580 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Cam Jansen, with her photographic memory, witnesses a jewelry store heist at the mall. The police arrest the wrong suspect, leaving Cam and her friend Eric to solve the mystery. Can Cam's keen eye and quick thinking uncover the true thief before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every detail counts, and justice hangs in the balance. Perfect for young readers transitioning to chapter books, this story promises excitement and a clever heroine who never backs down from a challenge.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Swindle

By Gordon Korman · Book #1 in the Swindle series

A kid plans a daring heist to reclaim a stolen treasure.

256 pages· 34,722 words· Est. 5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 19,828 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Griffin Bing, an 11-year-old mastermind, assembles a quirky team to retrieve his stolen baseball card from a cunning collector. Facing a fierce guard dog, advanced security, and their own inexperience, can they outsmart the odds and reclaim what's theirs? Join this thrilling caper where every twist brings laughter and suspense. Will Griffin's plan succeed, or will the obstacles prove too great?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Thief Lord

By Cornelia Funke, Christian Birmingham (Illustrator)

Two brothers flee to Venice, pursued by a detective, uncovering a magical treasure that alters time.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award (2003)

368 pages· 86,063 words· Est. 12 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 103,613 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the shadowy alleys of Venice, orphaned brothers Prosper and Bo find refuge with a band of street children led by the enigmatic Thief Lord. As they embrace their new life of petty crime, their past catches up with them—a relentless detective and a magical treasure capable of bending time threaten their newfound freedom. Can they outwit their pursuers and protect their secret haven, or will the allure of the treasure unravel everything? Dive into a world where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Europa

By James Ponti · Book #7 in the City Spies series

Spies race to stop a criminal's escape and prevent attacks across Europe.

384 pages· 61,693 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,761 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: The City Spies face their toughest mission yet as a criminal mastermind threatens chaos unless freed. Racing through Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, they must solve cryptic codes and unravel clues to prevent disaster. Can they outsmart the villain and keep Europe safe?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

War Games

By Alan Gratz

An Olympic gymnast uncovers a dark secret in 1936 Berlin, risking everything to thwart a sinister plot.

368 pages· 68,845 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,635 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1936 Berlin, young gymnast Evie Harris is thrilled to compete in the Olympics. But beneath the spectacle, she uncovers a chilling secret: the Nazis' grip on the city is tightening. As war looms, Evie is drawn into a daring plot to steal Nazi gold. Navigating treacherous alliances and hidden dangers, she must decide between her Olympic dreams and confronting evil. With her family's future at stake, can Evie outmaneuver the shadows before time runs out?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2016

Crooked Kingdom

By Leigh Bardugo · Book #2 in the Six of Crows series

A crew's survival hinges on outsmarting powerful foes in a city of secrets.

536 pages· 160,962 words· Est. 15 hour read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 802,130 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Kaz Brekker and his crew, fresh from a daring heist, find themselves betrayed and vulnerable. With powerful forces closing in on Ketterdam, they must navigate treacherous streets to uncover secrets of a potent drug. As old rivals and new foes test their fragile loyalties, a battle for revenge and redemption looms, threatening the fate of the Grisha world. Can Kaz outwit his enemies and protect his team, or will the city's shadows consume them all?

The Bad Guys in The Serpent and the Beast

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

The Bad Guys in The Serpent and the Beast

By Aaron Blabey · Book #19 in the The Bad Guys series

Villains turn heroes in a quest to do good, despite their reputation.

192 pages· 1,515 words· Est. 17 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,123 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where appearances deceive, a group of notorious 'Bad Guys' embarks on a mission to prove they're more than their reputation. As they tackle daring deeds, these unlikely heroes face challenges that test their resolve and redefine what it means to be good. Can they overcome their past and change perceptions, or will their efforts backfire? Dive into this laugh-out-loud adventure where the line between villainy and heroism blurs, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Ava & Carol Detective Agency

By Thomas Lockhaven, Emily Chase · Book #1 in the Ava & Carol Detective Agency Series series

Two young detectives race to recover stolen diamonds before they vanish forever.

378 pages· 85,773 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ava and Carol, spirited young detectives, face a thrilling challenge: recover the stolen Ramesses diamonds before they're smuggled out of the country. As they dive into the mystery, they must outsmart cunning criminals and race against time. Will their wit and courage be enough to save the priceless jewels, or will the thieves escape with their treasure? Join Ava and Carol on a high-stakes adventure filled with twists and turns, where every clue could be the key to solving the case and bringing justice to light.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

By Jonathan W. Stokes · Book #1 in the Addison Cooke series

A boy races to outsmart kidnappers and find hidden treasure.

336 pages· 60,276 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,286 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Addison Cooke's life turns thrilling when his uncle is kidnapped after discovering an ancient Incan clue. With treasure at stake, Addison and his friends embark on a daring quest to South America. Can they outwit a shadowy organization and solve the mystery before it's too late? Packed with danger, humor, and relentless action, this adventure promises endless excitement and unexpected twists.

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Browse by age

Heists Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$599

Minnie and Moo: Wanted Dead or Alive

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Two cows mistaken for robbers must outwit the law.

Sale price

$3422

Ant-Man

Ages 0–8 · 2015

A thief-turned-hero shrinks to save the day.

Sale price

$1799

Penguin in Peril

Ages 3–7 · 2013

Three cats kidnap a penguin for fish, but chaos ensues.

Sale price

$599

Minions

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Minions seek a new villainous master at Villain-Con, sparking a comedic quest for the ultimate evil boss.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$3421

Archer

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A master thief faces a mysterious archer. Who will prevail?

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Browse by age

Heists Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about heists for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$999

Arcade Catastrophe

Ages 8–11 · 2012

Magical stamps grant powers, but a hidden secret could change everything. Can Nate and friends uncover the truth?

#8 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Play It Again, Mozart!

Ages 7–11 · 2011

Time-traveling cats aim to steal Mozart's symphony. Can they be stopped?

Series

Sale price

$899

The Fowl Twins Deny All Charges

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Twins crash a jet, face house arrest, and a kidnapping mystery unfolds.

Sale price

$799

Pilfer Academy

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Kidnapped to a school for thieves, George must choose between crime and his conscience.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Sting

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Twins must steal cursed sapphires to escape a deadly heist gone wrong.

Sale price

$899

The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A bored boy joins a band of child pickpockets, uncovering a thrilling world with dangerous stakes.

#16 in Series

Sale price

$599

The Ghostly Mystery

Ages 7–9 · 1996

A ghostly figure causes chaos at a ticket booth. Can Cam solve the mystery?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1399

The Racc Pack

Ages 7–10 · 2024

Raccoons plan a daring heist on a grocery store's trash, facing high-tech defenses.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1099

Heist Society

Ages 12–15 · 2010

A young thief must reclaim stolen art to save her father from a deadly enemy.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1599

The 500 Million Dollar Heist

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Two thieves steal $500 million in art, leaving an unsolved mystery.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Lily the Thief

Ages 10–14 · 2016

A young thief uncovers a world-ending secret. Can she save those who shunned her?

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1399

Dinomighty!

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Dinosaur heroes race to save the Golden Egglettes from danger.

View all heists chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about lost and found possessions Books about loyalty Books about problem solving Books about thieves Books about thieves, robbers, and outlaws

The Best Heists Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Heists

Six of Crows

The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds

Swindle

The Thief Lord

Europa

War Games

Crooked Kingdom

The Bad Guys in The Serpent and the Beast

Ava & Carol Detective Agency

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

Great books, picked for their age.

Heists Picture Books

Minnie and Moo: Wanted Dead or Alive

Ant-Man

Penguin in Peril

Minions

Archer

Heists Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Arcade Catastrophe

Play It Again, Mozart!

The Fowl Twins Deny All Charges

Pilfer Academy

Sting

The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid

The Ghostly Mystery

The Racc Pack

Heist Society

The 500 Million Dollar Heist

Lily the Thief

Dinomighty!

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