Books About Secrets · 885 titles considered

The Best Secrets Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about secrets? 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 Secret Garden
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Secrets

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 2007

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By Trenton Lee Stewart, Carson Ellis (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Mysterious Benedict Society series

Four kids face a secret mission at a ruleless institute. What will they uncover?

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2008)
485 pages· 117,838 words· Est. 13 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 179,046 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Four gifted children, chosen through mind-bending tests, embark on a secret mission at the enigmatic Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. With no rules to guide them, they must navigate hidden tunnels and unravel mysteries that challenge their wits and courage. Can they uncover the truth lurking beneath the surface, or will the institute's secrets remain hidden? Join them on a thrilling adventure where intelligence and creativity are their only allies.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Bookroo Collection Edition: Hardcover
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

A witch raises a magical child, unaware of the looming threats and a young man's quest to end her life.

388 pages· 82,631 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 119,101 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a land where babies are sacrificed to a forest witch, kind-hearted Xan secretly saves them. But when she accidentally imbues a child, Luna, with moonlight magic, chaos looms. As Luna's powers awaken on her thirteenth birthday, a determined young man seeks to kill the witch to free his people. Meanwhile, ominous birds gather, a dormant volcano stirs, and a mysterious woman with a Tiger's heart prowls. Can Xan protect Luna and herself from the unfolding dangers?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Trapped in a library, Kyle must solve puzzles to escape.

336 pages· 47,521 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 63,547 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kyle Keeley, a gamer enthusiast, is thrilled to attend an exclusive lock-in at a new library designed by his idol, Luigi Lemoncello. But when the doors remain locked come morning, Kyle and his friends must unravel a series of intricate puzzles to find their way out. With time ticking and challenges mounting, can they crack the codes and escape the world's coolest library? Discover the twists and turns in this thrilling adventure filled with mystery and excitement.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,783 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1876

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

A murder witnessed, a secret oath, and a perilous cave. Can Tom Sawyer escape danger?

336 pages· 70,131 words· Est. 10 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,040,512 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: Tom Sawyer, ever the adventurer, stumbles upon a murder with his friends by the Mississippi River. Bound by a blood oath to keep the secret, they flee to become pirates, seeking treasure. But when Tom finds himself trapped in a cave with the menacing Injun Joe, his courage and wits are put to the ultimate test. Will he find a way out, or will the shadows of the cave claim him forever? Discover the thrilling escapades and daring escapes in this timeless tale of adventure and friendship.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 634,448 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Book Scavenger

Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.

368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,233 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

The Fountains of Silence

In 1957 Madrid, a young photographer uncovers dark secrets beneath a sunny facade, risking everything for truth and love.

512 pages· 100,174 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 86,165 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1957 Madrid, Daniel Matheson, an aspiring photographer, seeks to connect with his heritage. His lens captures more than just the vibrant city; it reveals the haunting shadows of Franco's dictatorship. Meeting Ana, whose family bears the scars of the Spanish Civil War, Daniel is drawn into a web of secrets and danger. As his photographs raise unsettling questions, Daniel faces a perilous choice: protect those he loves or expose the truth. In a city where silence hides violence, can love and courage illuminate the darkness? Discover a gripping tale of identity, love, and the echoes of war.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 89,166 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.
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Secrets Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about secrets for the youngest readers and listeners.

Little Mouse's Big Secret

Ages 0–3 · 2004

A hidden apple grows into a tree, teaching Little Mouse the joy of sharing.

Stranger Things: Hawkins ABCs

Ages 2–5 · 2025

Explore Hawkins with Funko Pop! characters in an A-Z adventure.

Here, George!

Ages 1–5 · 2018

A dog with a secret life surprises his unsuspecting family.

View all secrets board books
Browse by age

Secrets Picture Books

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

Series
Sale price
$999

The Totally Secret Secret

Ages 6–9 · 2015

Two friends with secrets must decide if honesty will strengthen or break their bond.

Hello, Mr. Dodo!

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A girl befriends a doughnut-loving dodo. Can she keep him secret?

The Secret Subway
Sale price
$1999

The Secret Subway

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the hidden tale of New York's first underground train.

The Angel Tree

2014

A mysterious tree grants wishes every Christmas. Who's behind it?

I Eat Poop.

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A beetle's secret lunch could make him an outcast. Will he stand up for himself and a friend?

Vlad

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A vampire hides his rosy cheeks until a friend's secret changes everything.

The Wednesday Surprise

Ages 4–7 · 1989

A surprise gift reveals the heartwarming bond between generations through shared stories.

Sale price
$899

Do You Have a Secret?

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Discover which secrets are safe to keep and which need to be shared.

Secrets According to Humphrey

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A classroom hamster navigates the challenges of school and friendships while uncovering secrets and learning about ancient Egypt.

The Mystery of the Secret Society

Ages 5–9 · 2016

Twins uncover a secret society in ancient Athens. What mysteries lie beneath the ruins?

The Secret Of Black Rock

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A mysterious Black Rock threatens boats. Can Erin uncover its secrets?

Captain Rosalie

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A young girl embarks on a secret mission as war looms, but an unread letter changes everything.

Browse by age

Secrets Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about secrets for developing and independent readers.

Furia

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A young soccer star must defy family expectations to chase her dreams and navigate a complicated love.

Clap When You Land

Ages 13–18 · 2020

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

Ace of Spades
Sale price
$1899

Ace of Spades

Ages 14–18 · 2021

Two students face a dangerous game as an anonymous bully reveals their secrets.

The Candymakers

Ages 9–12 · 2010

Four kids compete to create the ultimate candy. Who will win?

Sale price
$1199

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A secret email threatens Simon's quiet life and his chance at love.

The Westing Game

Ages 11–15 · 1978

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Greetings from Witness Protection!

Ages 9–13 · 2017

An orphan joins a family in witness protection, facing danger and secrets from her past.

Eliza and Her Monsters

Ages 13–18 · 2017

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

Gone-Away Lake

Ages 8–12 · 1957

Two children uncover secrets at a ghostly lakeside resort.

Love & Gelato

Ages 12–18 · 2016

A journal leads Lina on a Tuscan adventure to uncover family secrets.

Jasper Jones

Ages 12–18 · 2009

A secret discovery binds two boys in a town gripped by fear and suspicion.

The Astonishing Color of After
Sale price
$1099

The Astonishing Color of After

Ages 14–18 · 2018

A girl seeks her mother's spirit in Taiwan, uncovering family secrets and confronting her grief.

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