Books About Hidden Worlds · 71 titles considered

The Best Hidden Worlds Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about hidden worlds? 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 Hidden Worlds

The Borrowers
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1952

The Borrowers

By Mary Norton, Diana Stanley (Illustrator), Beth Krush (Illustrator), Joe Krush (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Borrowers series

A young girl discovers a hidden world of tiny people living in the walls of her family's old house.

Carnegie Medal for Writing (1952)
180 pages· 35,120 words· Est. 5 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 102,443 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: The Clock family, tiny people living under a manor's floor, face a crisis when Pod is seen by a human boy. As their secret world teeters on exposure, they must decide whether to flee or fight to preserve their hidden life. Can Arrietty and her family outsmart the humans and remain unseen, or will their miniature existence be forever changed?
Dragon Rider
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

Dragon Rider

By Cornelia Funke · Book #1 in the Dragon Rider series

A dragon and a boy seek a hidden sanctuary, pursued by a vengeful foe.

544 pages· 106,397 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 86,283 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Firedrake, a silver dragon, embarks on a perilous quest with Ben, a lonely boy, and a brownie to find the legendary Rim of Heaven. As they soar over mystical lands, they face a relentless enemy with a deep-seated grudge. Can they uncover the secret destiny that holds the key to their survival and the true meaning of home? Adventure, danger, and unexpected allies await in this enchanting tale of courage and discovery.
The Thief Lord
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 · 103,833 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.
Dragonborn
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Dragonborn

A hidden dragon world awakens within Alex, thrusting her into a race against dark forces threatening humanity.

336 pages· 78,274 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,113 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Alex Evans feels trapped by her mother's rules until a fiery outburst reveals her true dragon nature. On Skralla Island, she must learn to harness her powers among skilled young dragons. As dark forces gather, Alex races to awaken her dormant abilities before the legendary Drak Midna rises to threaten the human world. Can Alex embrace her inner dragon in time to save both worlds?
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 11–14 · 2016

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Graphic Novel)

By Akira Himekawa · Book #1 in the The Legend Of Zelda Twilight Princess series

A hero must stop a dark force from uniting realms and seizing ultimate power.

200 pages· 5,286 words· Est. 40 min read
4.3 Goodreads · 5,822 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Link, a skilled swordsman seeking peace, is drawn back into danger when dark forces threaten his village. As an evil menace hunts for the Shadow Crystal's fragments to dominate both the Twilight and Light realms, Link must rise to protect Hyrule. Can he thwart the King of Shadows and save Princess Zelda and Midna, the Twilight Princess? Adventure and peril await as Link battles to prevent a catastrophic union of worlds.
Moongarden
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2022

Moongarden

By Michelle A. Barry · Book #1 in the Plotting the Stars series

A secret garden on the Moon holds the key to an intergalactic conspiracy.

368 pages· 69,482 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 850 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Myra Hodger, struggling at a lunar academy, stumbles upon a secret garden filled with toxic plants. As she uncovers its mysteries, she questions her own abilities and the government's hidden truths. Can she harness her dormant magic to spark a revolution and solve the food crisis? Discover a world where science and magic intertwine, and one girl's courage could alter the fate of humanity.
Flesh of the Zombie
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Flesh of the Zombie

By Tommy Donbavand, Ltd. Cartoon Saloon (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Scream Street series

A zombie rock festival turns chaotic. Can Luke save the day?

128 pages· 16,216 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 463 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: When the zombie rock festival Deadstock hits Scream Street, chaos erupts as the headlining band is banished to the Underlands. Luke and his friends must venture into the dark depths to restore peace and continue their quest for a crucial relic. Will they succeed, or will the Underlands claim them forever?
Naruto
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2000

Naruto

By Masashi Kishimoto (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the NARUTO series

Young ninjas face unexpected peril while guarding a mysterious bridgebuilder.

216 pages· 8,263 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 32,312 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Naruto, a mischievous young ninja, dreams of greatness. Eager for a real challenge, he and his teammates, Sasuke and Sakura, take on a mission to protect Tazuna, a grumpy bridgebuilder. But as danger looms from the shadows, the trio discovers that their task is far more perilous than anticipated. Can they rise to the occasion and safeguard their charge, or will the threats from the Land of the Waves prove too formidable? Adventure, danger, and the quest for ninja glory await in this thrilling tale.
The Desolations of Devil's Acre
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2021

The Desolations of Devil's Acre

By Ransom Riggs · Book #6 in the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series

Jacob races against time to stop an unstoppable enemy and save the peculiar world.

512 pages· 118,992 words· Est. 13 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 25,825 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jacob Portman faces his greatest challenge as Caul returns, threatening the peculiar world with apocalyptic desolations. With Noor, he must decipher the secret location of the seven prophesied ones to thwart Caul's dark agenda. As they navigate dangerous loops and reunite with Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children, the stakes have never been higher. Can they uncover the mystery in time to save their world from destruction?
Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 01
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · 1998

Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 01

By Yoshihiro Togashi · Book #1 in the Hunter x Hunter series

A boy's quest to find his father leads him into a perilous world of Hunters and a deadly exam.

184 pages· 7,160 words
4.5 Goodreads · 70,679 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Gon embarks on a daring quest to find his father by becoming a Hunter, a rare breed of adventurers. To earn this title, he must pass a brutal exam that only a few survive. Alongside new allies Leorio and Kurapika, Gon faces treacherous seas and daunting trials. As they search for the elusive Exam Hall, the stakes rise: will they achieve their dreams or fall victim to the dangers that lie ahead? The journey tests their courage and determination, revealing the true cost of becoming a Hunter.
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Hidden Worlds Picture Books

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

A Bird Is a Bird
Sale price
$1695

A Bird Is a Bird

Ages 3–7 · 2014

Discover what makes a bird truly a bird.

The Lost and Found
Sale price
$1595

The Lost and Found

Ages 4–7 · 1998

Two boys follow a girl into a mysterious lost-and-found bin. What awaits them inside?

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Hidden Worlds Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about hidden worlds for developing and independent readers.

The Emerald Gate
#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

The Emerald Gate

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Oona must light the last beacon to save the 5 Worlds from impending doom.

The Dragon
#9 in Series
Sale price
$1799

The Dragon

Ages 10–13 · 2021

A young adventurer must train a dragon to save her village from illager raids.

Haven's Secret
Series
Sale price
$899

Haven's Secret

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Two sisters must unite their powers to uncover family secrets and face a lurking danger.

The Unicorn Quest
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

The Unicorn Quest

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl must brave a magical land to find her missing sister and uncover a hidden secret.

Exile
#2 in Series
Sale price
$2199

Exile

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A girl must train a mythical creature while uncovering dangerous secrets that threaten her world.

Fairy Ponies

Fairy Ponies

2014

Uncover secrets that could change everything.

The Callers
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

The Callers

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy discovers the dark truth behind magical summoning and must choose between family loyalty and saving another world.

Magicalia
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Magicalia

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl races to save her dad by conjuring magical creatures in a world of hidden powers and guild conflicts.

The Piper's Pursuit
Series
Sale price
$1699

The Piper's Pursuit

Ages 13–17 · 2019

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

The Library of Curiosities
Sale price
$1799

The Library of Curiosities

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A magical library holds secrets to a family's past, but danger lurks as objects vanish and suspicion falls on Rowan.

View all hidden worlds chapter books