Books About Small Town Secrets

The Best Small Town Secrets Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about small town 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.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Small Town Secrets

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Fortune's Magic Farm

By Suzanne Selfors

A girl inherits a magical farm and must choose between two worlds.

304 pages· 54,880 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 887 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Isabelle, a ten-year-old orphan from a dreary town, discovers she's the heir to a magical farm where cherries cure and fronds make you fly. As she embraces this enchanting world, a call to save her rain-soaked hometown tests her loyalty. Can she balance the magic of her new life with the needs of the place she left behind? Isabelle's journey is filled with quirky characters and whimsical challenges, leading her to a decision that could change everything. Will she find a way to bring sunshine to both worlds?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

Fuzzy Mud

By Louis Sachar

Two kids take a shortcut through forbidden woods and uncover a world-altering secret.

192 pages· 33,143 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 13,347 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Tamaya and Marshall's routine walk home turns perilous when they detour through forbidden woods to avoid a bully. Lost and in unexpected danger, they stumble upon a secret that draws in authorities and the U.S. Senate. As the mystery deepens, the stakes rise, threatening the future of the world. What have they discovered, and can it be stopped before it's too late? This gripping tale weaves suspense and environmental intrigue, challenging two young students to navigate a crisis far beyond their years.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Three Times Lucky

By Sheila Turnage · Book #1 in the Mo & Dale Mystery series

A girl and her friend investigate a murder to protect their makeshift family in a small town.

Newbery Honor (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)

312 pages· 62,211 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 26,450 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the quirky town of Tupelo Landing, young Mo LoBeau, who washed ashore during a hurricane, is determined to uncover the truth behind a murder. With her best friend Dale, she dives into a mystery that threatens the only family she's ever known: the enigmatic Colonel and the vibrant Miss Lana. As secrets unravel, Mo's fierce loyalty and sharp wit are put to the test. Can she solve the case before it's too late? Join Mo on a thrilling adventure where every secret is fair game and the stakes are as high as her hopes of finding her real mother.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Quintessence

By Jess Redman

A girl must save a fallen star with science and magic.

361 pages· 65,560 words· Est. 9 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,209 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Alma feels lost in her new town, battling panic attacks and loneliness. When a star resembling a child falls into her backyard, she embarks on a quest with new friends from Astronomy Club. Can Alma find the elements, grow the light, and save the starling, using a blend of science and magic? Her journey of self-discovery and friendship might just illuminate her path home.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

Regarding the Fountain

By Kate Klise, M. Sarah Klise (Illustrator)

A school fountain project spirals into chaos, uncovering hidden secrets.

144 pages· 18,510 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 3,873 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: When Dry Creek Middle School's fountain leaks, Principal Russ's simple request for a replacement spirals into chaos. Designer Flo Waters insists on custom creations, sparking a scandal that entangles the school board and water company. As tensions rise, Mr. Sam N.'s fifth graders unearth hilarious secrets buried beneath the fountain. Will they solve the mystery before it overflows?

The Silver Eyes (Graphic Novel)

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2019

The Silver Eyes (Graphic Novel)

By Scott Cawthon, Kira Breed-Wrisley, Claudia Schröder (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Five Nights at Freddy's: Original Trilogy Graphic Novels series

Revisit Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, where animatronics hide a deadly secret.

192 pages· 5,838 words· Est. 44 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 7,757 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Charlie and her friends return to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza a decade after a tragic event. The once-innocent animatronics now harbor a sinister secret. Can they uncover the truth before it's too late? This graphic novel adaptation promises chilling revelations and gripping illustrations.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Minor Third

By Neil Patrick Harris · Book #3 in the Magic Misfits series

Can the Magic Misfits stop a sinister ventriloquist before their group unravels?

352 pages· 46,722 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 3,367 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Theo Stein-Meyer, a Magic Misfit with levitation skills, faces a dilemma when Emily, a mysterious girl, joins their group. As a ventriloquist with a creepy dummy arrives, tensions rise. With their mentor absent, can Theo and his friends unite against the Emerald Ring's latest threat? Theo must decide where his true loyalties lie amidst music, magic, and friendship. Dive into a world of adventure and secrets with the Magic Misfits.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2018

Sadie

By Courtney Summers

A teen sets out alone to find the man she blames for her sister's death.

320 pages· 73,337 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 134,799 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: When her little sister Mattie is found dead, nineteen-year-old Sadie disappears, set on finding the man she believes killed her. Months later, radio host West McCray takes up her story in a true-crime podcast and follows her trail through small towns. Told in alternating chapters of Sadie's journey and the podcast's episodes, this dark, award-winning YA thriller deals with abuse and grief.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Powerless

By Matthew Cody · Book #1 in the Supers of Noble's Green series

Kids with powers face losing them at thirteen. Can Daniel uncover the truth?

288 pages· 61,085 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 4,406 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Daniel discovers his new friends have incredible powers, but they vanish at thirteen, along with their memories. As a mysterious force threatens, Daniel must unravel secrets tied to a meteor strike, a WWII comic, and a hidden cave. Can a seemingly powerless boy become the hero they need?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2016

This Is Our Story

By Ashley Elston

Five boys went hunting and only four came back. Which one is guilty?

320 pages· 82,521 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 20,851 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Kate Marino's senior-year internship at the district attorney's office is supposed to be an easy way to leave school early. Then her boss is handed the biggest case her small town has ever seen: five popular boys went hunting, only four came back, and the evidence shows any one of them could be guilty. When the DA wants the case swept under the rug, Kate becomes determined to uncover what really happened.

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