The Best Juvenile Delinquency Books for Kids

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

The Seventh Most Important Thing

By Shelley Pearsall

A boy's punishment leads to unexpected discoveries in a world of discarded treasures.

288 pages· 54,074 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,200 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After a reckless act lands Arthur in trouble, he's sentenced to work for the mysterious Junk Man. Tasked with collecting seemingly worthless items, Arthur uncovers a hidden world where trash transforms into treasure. As he delves deeper, he learns that redemption and beauty can emerge from the most unlikely places. What secrets does the Junk Man hold, and how will they change Arthur's life forever?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1998

Holes

By Louis Sachar, Vladimir Radunsky (Illustrator), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Holes series

A cursed boy digs for secrets at a mysterious camp.

Newbery Medal (1999)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (1998)

233 pages· 47,105 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,395,098 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Stanley Yelnats, plagued by a family curse, finds himself at Camp Green Lake, a detention center where boys dig endless holes. But these aren't just for character building. As Stanley unearths the truth, he must confront the camp's hidden motives and his own destiny. What lies beneath the dry lakebed, and can Stanley break the curse that haunts his family? Dive into this darkly humorous tale of mystery and redemption.

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$2071

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2001

Touching Spirit Bear

By Ben Mikaelsen · Book #1 in the Spirit Bear series

A violent teen faces a life-changing encounter with a mystical bear on a remote island.

241 pages· 56,072 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 37,458 ratings

$21.80Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: Cole Matthews, consumed by anger, faces a choice: prison or a year of Circle Justice on an Alaskan island. After a brutal attack by a legendary Spirit Bear, Cole's survival hinges on confronting his inner demons. Can he transform his rage into redemption, or will his past consume him? As he battles the wilderness and his own soul, Cole's journey raises questions about responsibility, healing, and the power of forgiveness. Will the island's isolation and the bear's mysterious presence lead to his salvation, or is it too late for change?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Surviving the Applewhites

By Stephanie S. Tolan · Book #1 in the Applewhites series

A rebellious boy meets his match in a quirky family's home school. Can he survive the chaos?

Newbery Honor (2003)

240 pages· 44,937 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 11,764 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jake Semple, a notorious troublemaker, lands in the unconventional home school of the eccentric Applewhite family. Among artists and dreamers, he clashes with E.D., the sensible outsider. As chaos ensues, Jake must confront whether he's truly as tough as he believes. Will he adapt or unravel in this whirlwind of creativity and conflict?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

House Arrest

By K.A. Holt · House Arrest series

A boy on probation must navigate family struggles without breaking the rules.

304 pages· 29,318 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 17,061 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Timothy is on house arrest, tasked with staying out of trouble for a year. With a sick brother and a grieving mother, he faces a tough probation officer and weekly check-ins. As he takes drastic steps to support his family, Timothy's journey to redemption becomes a delicate balance between duty and desperation. Can he help his loved ones without crossing the line?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

A Kind of Paradise

By Amy Rebecca Tan

A summer library punishment leads to unexpected discoveries and redemption.

304 pages· 58,304 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,125 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Jamie Bunn faces a summer of library volunteering as punishment for a school mistake everyone knows about. What seems like a wasted summer turns into a journey of unexpected friendships and self-discovery. As Jamie navigates the library's world, she uncovers the true power of community and forgiveness. Will this summer change her perspective and help her find a kind of paradise in the most unlikely place? Dive into a heartwarming tale where mistakes lead to new beginnings and the library becomes a beacon of hope and transformation.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 1999

Hidden Talents

By David Lubar · Book #1 in the Talents series

A troubled teen discovers his friends' hidden powers at a school for misfits.

256 pages· 54,486 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,017 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Martin Anderson lands at Edgeview Alternative School, the last stop for expelled students. Among the misfits, he finds friends with extraordinary psychic abilities. As Martin uncovers their hidden talents, he faces a challenge: can he convince them they're not freaks but special? With everything on the line, Martin must navigate this new world of powers and self-discovery. Will he find his own hidden talent, or will he remain just another reject?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2015

X

By Ilyasah Shabazz, Kekla Magoon

A young man's escape into nightlife leads to a dangerous path and a transformative faith.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2016)

384 pages· 78,943 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 3,672 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Malcolm Little, disillusioned by life's promises, dives into the vibrant yet perilous nightlife of Boston and New York. As he navigates a world of jazz and temptation, his journey spirals into danger, culminating in imprisonment. In confinement, Malcolm discovers a faith that reshapes his destiny, setting him on a path to become the influential figure known as Malcolm X. Will his newfound beliefs guide him to change the world, or will his past continue to haunt him? Explore the pivotal moments that forged a voice that still echoes today.

Sale price

$1634

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Won't Know Till I Get There

By Walter Dean Myers

Teens face unexpected lessons at an old age home.

192 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 136 ratings

$17.20Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: Fourteen-year-old Stephen and his new foster brother are sentenced to community service at an old age home after a graffiti incident. As they navigate this unexpected summer, they encounter wisdom, challenges, and surprising friendships. Will these experiences change their perspectives and futures?

Sale price

$2199

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2006

Small Steps

By Louis Sachar · Book #2 in the Holes series

A risky scheme spirals out of control, threatening Armpit's fresh start.

Schneider Family Book Award (2007)

257 pages· 44,848 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 23,047 ratings

$23.15Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Armpit, striving for a new beginning in Austin, faces a dilemma when his old friend X-Ray proposes a dubious money-making plan. With only his young neighbor Ginny believing in him, Armpit is drawn into a whirlwind involving pop star Kaira DeLeon. As his life teeters on chaos, he must navigate the challenges of trust, fame, and redemption. Can Armpit stay true to his path, or will the allure of quick success derail his future? Discover the unexpected twists that test his resolve and redefine his journey.

The Best Juvenile Delinquency Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Juvenile Delinquency

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Holes

Touching Spirit Bear

Surviving the Applewhites

House Arrest

A Kind of Paradise

Hidden Talents

X

Won't Know Till I Get There

Small Steps

Great books, picked for their age.

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