Books About Neighborhood Adventures

The Best Neighborhood Adventures Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about neighborhood adventures? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Neighborhood Adventures

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2006

Mercy Watson Fights Crime

By Kate DiCamillo, Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Mercy Watson series

A pig named Mercy thwarts a thief's plans and leads a wild chase through the neighborhood

70 pages· 1,957 words· Est. 22 min read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,220 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Leroy Ninker dreams of being a cowboy, but he's stuck as a thief. While robbing the Watsons' kitchen, he unwittingly awakens Mercy, a pig with a passion for buttery toast. Chaos ensues as Leroy's heist spirals into a comedic rodeo adventure, involving nosy neighbors, baffled firemen, and a puzzled policeman. Can Leroy's cowboy dreams survive this unexpected twist?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Ghosts of Belle Isle

By Steven K. Smith · Book #3 in the The Virginia Mysteries series

Ghostly lights reveal secrets on Belle Isle. Are the Civil War spirits still fighting?

194 pages· 34,692 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 528 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Brothers Sam and Derek, along with their friend Caitlin, are drawn to Belle Isle by eerie lights rumored to be Civil War ghosts. As they explore the island's dark history, they uncover a mysterious mural and face threats from bullies and a Confederate biker gang. With danger lurking, they must unravel the truth behind the spectral legends. Will they discover that some ghosts are more real than they imagined? Join their thrilling adventure through secret hideouts and historic sites, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12

Curse of the Mystery Mutt

By James Patterson, Richard Watson (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Middle School: Dog Diaries series

A dog investigates a series of mysterious nighttime crimes in his village, only to discover the culprit is closer than he thought.

192 pages· 9,386 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 346 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2008

Ivy + Bean: Bound to Be Bad

By Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Ivy and Bean series

Two friends try to be good and attract animals to them, but things don't go as planned and they end up causing chaos in their neighborhood.

128 pages· 8,291 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,803 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ivy and Bean embark on a quest to be so virtuous that even wild animals will befriend them. When their plan fails, they wonder if a touch of mischief might be the key. As they navigate the fine line between good and bad, their antics lead to unexpected adventures. Will their new approach bring them closer to their goal, or will it unleash chaos? Join Ivy and Bean as they discover the surprising outcomes of their playful experiment with morality.

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Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Dear Beast

By Dori Hillestad Butler, Kevan Atteberry (Illustrator) · Dear Beast series

A cat named Simon gets into humorous misadventures when he runs away from his friend Andy's house and explores the neighborhood

80 pages· 3,386 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 266 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Simon, a loyal cat, faces a new challenge when his owner Andy's dad brings home a rambunctious dog. Determined to drive the intruder away, Simon pens a stern letter. But when the dog replies, an unexpected exchange begins. Can Simon find room in his heart for this rowdy newcomer, or will he succeed in reclaiming his sole pet status? Dive into this heartwarming tale of rivalry and friendship, where unexpected bonds form in the most surprising ways. Perfect for young readers transitioning to chapter books, this story is filled with humor and charm.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

The Better Tree Fort

By Jessica Scott Kerrin, Qin Leng (Illustrator)

A boy learns the true value of his tree fort isn't in its size but in the love it holds.

32 pages· 760 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 330 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Russell and his dad embark on building a tree fort, despite his dad's lack of skills. Their creation lacks the grandeur of the neighbor's fort, complete with turrets and lights. Yet, Russell discovers that the true treasure isn't in the fort's features but in the bond he shares with his father. As he grapples with envy and admiration, Russell learns a heartfelt lesson about love and contentment. Will he realize that the best fort is the one built with love? Dive into this charming tale of family and the joy of simple things.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2003

Henry and Mudge and Mrs. Hopper's House

By Cynthia Rylant, Sucie Stevenson, Carolyn Bracken (Illustrator) · Book #22 in the Henry and Mudge series

Henry and Mudge explore a mysterious house full of surprises on Valentine's Day.

40 pages· 592 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 344 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: While Henry's parents attend a Valentine's Day dance, he and his dog Mudge stay with Mrs. Hopper. Her spooky house hides unexpected delights: a grand piano, a costume room, and eleven playful cats. As the night unfolds, Henry and Mudge discover that Mrs. Hopper's home is full of fun and adventure, challenging their initial fears and sparking a newfound love for creativity and play.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2000

Lucy on the Loose

By Ilene Cooper, Amanda Harvey (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Absolutely Lucy series

A shy boy's search for his runaway beagle tests his courage.

80 pages· 7,145 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 140 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Bobby's life transformed with his beagle, Lucy, who helped him overcome shyness. But when Lucy chases a cat and vanishes, Bobby faces his greatest fear: losing his best friend. As he searches the neighborhood, will Bobby find Lucy and the confidence to face challenges alone? This heartwarming tale explores friendship, courage, and the bond between a boy and his dog.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

The Great Gracie Chase

By Mark Teague (Illustrator)

A quiet dog's life is upended by noisy painters, sparking a town-wide chase.

40 pages· 642 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 707 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Gracie, a small dog who loves her peaceful home, faces chaos when noisy painters invade her space. Barking doesn't work, and she's unexpectedly put outside. As Gracie ventures out alone, her absence sparks a frantic search. Painters, neighbors, and even the garbage man join the chase, but Gracie is determined to stay ahead. Why is everyone after her? Can she find her way back to tranquility? Discover the unexpected adventure that turns a quiet day into a town-wide pursuit.

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Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

Karen's Witch (Graphic Novel)

By Ann M. Martin, Katy Farina (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphic Novel series

A young girl tries to protect her neighborhood from a suspected witch who lives next door

144 pages· 4,430 words· Est. 50 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 22,561 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Karen Brewer is convinced her mysterious neighbor, Mrs. Porter, is actually a witch named Morbidda Destiny. With a black cat and secretive meetings, Mrs. Porter seems to fit the bill. As Karen spies on her, she wonders if a spell is being cast on her. Will Karen's bravery unravel the truth, or will her imagination get the best of her? Dive into this whimsical adventure where curiosity meets courage, and nothing is quite as it seems.

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