Books About Secret Worlds

The Best Secret Worlds Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about secret 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 Secret Worlds

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2007

Skulduggery Pleasant

By Derek Landy · Book #1 in the Skulduggery Pleasant series

A girl and a skeleton sorcerer must stop evil forces threatening the world.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2008)Odyssey Honor (2008)

384 pages· 68,048 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 74,294 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her uncle's estate, only to discover his horror stories were real. Now, pursued by dark forces, she teams up with Skulduggery, a witty skeleton sorcerer. Together, they must unravel a dangerous mystery and save the world. Can this unlikely duo outsmart the sinister powers at play, or will they fall victim to the very horrors they seek to defeat? Dive into a world where magic and danger lurk around every corner, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$2560

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare · Book #1 in the The Mortal Instruments series

A teen witnesses a murder by tattooed strangers and enters a hidden world of demon hunters.

544 pages· 131,222 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,208,850 ratings

$26.95Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray's night at the Pandemonium Club takes a dark turn when she sees a murder by tattooed teens with strange weapons. The body vanishes, thrusting her into the secretive world of Shadowhunters, warriors who battle demons. As Clary's mother disappears and she narrowly escapes a monstrous attack, she must uncover her own mysterious connection to this hidden realm. Can she survive and unravel the secrets of her past?

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema

By Priscilla Shirer, Gina Detwiler · Book #3 in the The Prince Warriors series

Warriors face their ultimate enemy with newfound swords in a battle against unthinkable evil.

312 pages· 64,213 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,386 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: The Prince Warriors finally wield their promised swords as they confront their greatest challenge yet in Ahoratos. With the ultimate enemy amassing dark forces, the stakes have never been higher. Can they overcome the new evil threatening to end their victories forever? The fate of their world hangs in the balance as they prepare for the final showdown.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

Evie Scruffypup's Big Surprise

By Daisy Meadows · Magic Animal Friends series

Can Jess and Lily break a mischievous spell before Blossom Day is ruined?

112 pages· 6,412 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 181 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Best friends Jess and Lily journey to Friendship Forest, a magical realm where animals talk and enchantment thrives. As Blossom Day approaches, the mischievous Grizelda casts a spell on Evie Scruffypup, turning her delightful surprises into chaos. With the celebration at risk, Jess and Lily must race against time to reverse the spell. Will they succeed in restoring harmony, or will Grizelda's trickery prevail? Dive into a world of magic and friendship to find out!

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

By Jessica Townsend · Book #1 in the Nevermoor series

A cursed girl must survive magical trials to escape her deadly fate.

Cybils Award (2018)

461 pages· 89,351 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 78,761 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Morrigan Crow, doomed to die on her eleventh birthday, is whisked away to Nevermoor by the enigmatic Jupiter North. To stay safe, she must compete in perilous trials for a place in the Wundrous Society. But without a known talent, can Morrigan defy her curse and secure her future in this magical world? As she faces extraordinary challenges, the stakes are life and death.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Arlo Finch in the Lake of the Moon

By John August · Book #2 in the Arlo Finch series

Arlo Finch uncovers family secrets and ancient spirits at a mysterious summer camp.

400 pages· 77,672 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,361 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At Camp Redfeather, Arlo Finch and his friends, Indra and Wu, embark on a quest beyond canoeing and hiking. They seek ancient forest spirits and decode cryptic messages in tree bark. As they unravel the mystery of the long-lost Yellow Patrol, Arlo discovers a hidden history tied to his own family. With new faces altering the camp's dynamics and an ancient monster lurking in the lake, Arlo must navigate a world where magic and reality intertwine. What secrets will he uncover, and how will they change his life forever?

Sale price

$997

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2011

The Secret Lake

By Karen Inglis · Book #1 in the Secret Lake Mystery Adventures series

A hidden tunnel leads siblings to a secret lake and a journey back in time.

122 pages· 23,100 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,468 ratings

$10.49Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Stella and Tom's summer turns mysterious when their neighbor's dog vanishes repeatedly. Their search uncovers a hidden tunnel leading to a secret lake, where they meet a terrified boy and hear ghostly voices. Transported 100 years into the past, they must navigate friendships and foes while unraveling the ties between then and now. What secrets does the lake hold, and how will they return home?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

Bella Tabbypaw in Trouble

By Daisy Meadows · Magic Animal Friends series

Can Jess and Lily save a magical kitten from a witch's clutches?

112 pages· 6,288 words· Est. 53 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 355 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where animals talk and magic thrives, best friends Jess and Lily embark on an adventure in Friendship Forest. Their sleepover takes a turn when Bella TabbyPaw, a courageous kitten, falls into danger. With the sinister witch Grizelda and her Boggits on the prowl, the girls must race against time to rescue Bella. Will they outsmart the witch and save their furry friend, or will Grizelda's dark magic prevail? Discover the enchanting challenges that await in this magical tale.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

Lucy Longwhiskers Gets Lost

By Daisy Meadows · Magic Animal Friends series

Can Jess and Lily save a magical bunny from a wicked witch?

112 pages· 6,373 words· Est. 54 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 594 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In Friendship Forest, where magic and talking animals abound, best friends Jess and Lily face their first challenge. A wicked witch named Grizelda has captured Lucy Longwhiskers, an adorable baby bunny. With courage and friendship as their guides, can Jess and Lily outsmart the witch and rescue Lucy? Embark on a whimsical adventure filled with enchantment and danger, where every step could lead to a new discovery or peril. Will the girls' bond be enough to overcome the dark magic threatening their new furry friend?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2008

Stampede of the Edmontosaurus

By Rex Stone · Book #6 in the Dinosaur Cove series

A meteor strikes, causing chaos in Dino World. Can two adventurers save the dinosaurs?

80 pages· 4,600 words· Est. 39 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 228 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Mass Market Paperback

Summary: Tom and Jamie discover a secret portal to a dinosaur-filled world. When a meteor crashes, chaos ensues, and a stampede threatens everything. Can they navigate this prehistoric peril and save the dinosaurs from disaster? Adventure awaits in Dino World!

The Bookroo Book Club