Books About Smuggling

The Best Smuggling Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about smuggling? 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 Smuggling

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1999

The Smuggler's Treasure

By Sarah Masters Buckey · American Girl Mysteries series

A girl seeks a smuggler's treasure to save her father during the War of 1812.

163 pages· 34,049 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,811 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Summary: In the midst of the War of 1812, young Elisabet is sent to New Orleans, where her father is imprisoned. Determined to free him, she embarks on a daring quest to find a legendary smuggler's treasure. As she navigates the treacherous world of pirates and secrets, Elisabet must rely on her wits and courage. Will she succeed in her perilous mission, or will the dangers of the past prove too great? Discover a tale of bravery and adventure as Elisabet faces the unknown to save her family.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Shadows at Jamestown

By Steven K. Smith · The Virginia Mysteries series

A fraudulent artifact threatens an archaeological dig. Can the truth be uncovered?

190 pages· 32,742 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 422 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Sam, Derek, and Caitlin join an archaeological dig at Jamestown, eager to unearth secrets of early settlers. But when a priceless artifact is deemed a fraud, their adventure turns into a race against time. Can they unravel the conspiracy threatening to derail the project, or are they in over their heads? Dive into a mystery that reaches back to America's beginnings.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2009

Halt's Peril

By John Flanagan · Book #9 in the Ranger's Apprentice series

Rangers pursue a deadly outlaw group threatening to divide and conquer the kingdom.

386 pages· 108,587 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 65,732 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Rangers Halt and Will, with young warrior Horace, chase the ruthless Outsiders who have fractured the kingdom and aim to seize Araluen. As they navigate treacherous alliances and deadly traps, survival demands every ounce of their skill and courage. Will they thwart the Outsiders' sinister plans, or will the kingdom fall into chaos? The stakes are high, and not everyone will make it out alive. Dive into a gripping tale of loyalty, strategy, and bravery where the fate of a kingdom hangs in the balance.

Sale price

$2089

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2004

The Cats in Krasinski Square

By Karen Hesse, Wendy Watson (Illustrator)

A Jewish girl defies the Gestapo in WWII Warsaw.

32 pages· 626 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,178 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Summary: In WWII Warsaw, a Jewish girl becomes entwined in the Resistance, using cunning and courage to outsmart the Gestapo. Amidst the terror of the ghetto, her story unfolds with unexpected allies and daring risks. Can she survive the relentless pursuit of those who seek to destroy her world? This gripping tale of resilience and defiance reveals the power of hope in the darkest times.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2023

Wrecker

By Carl Hiaasen

A boy stumbles upon a mysterious speedboat and is drawn into a dangerous web of secrets.

336 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 5,523 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Wrecker, a young boy in Key West, discovers a speedboat aground and is offered hush money by its shady occupants. As these men reappear in his life, demanding more than silence, Wrecker must navigate their dangerous world. Can he outsmart them and escape their grasp, or will he be ensnared in their illicit schemes? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every corner of Florida holds a new surprise.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Star Wars: Pirate's Price

Book #2 in the Flight of the Falcon series

Join a daring space adventure with a pirate, a Wookiee, and a legendary ship.

225 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 586 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Embark on a thrilling journey aboard the Millennium Falcon with the galaxy's most notorious pirate, Hondo Ohnaka. As he recounts his escapades, expect unexpected encounters with Han Solo, Chewbacca, and a host of familiar faces. Will Hondo's tales of heroism and villainy hold up, or is there more to his story? Prepare for lightspeed twists and turns in this wild ride through the stars.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1942

Snow Treasure

By Marie McSwigan

Children risk all to smuggle gold past Nazi guards.

196 pages· 33,820 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,510 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1940, Peter Lundstrom's Norwegian village falls under Nazi control. With a daring plan from Uncle Victor, Peter and his friends must outsmart the enemy. Their mission: smuggle nine million dollars in gold past Nazi guards using sleds. As they risk their lives and their country's treasure, will their courage be enough to succeed? This gripping tale of bravery and cunning will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

The Clue in the Crossword Cipher

By Carolyn Keene · Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series

A stolen relic, a hidden treasure, and a daring detective's quest in Peru.

177 pages· 34,405 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,390 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Nancy Drew and her friends travel to Peru to solve a 'monkey mystery' that promises treasure. When a gang led by El Gato steals a crucial relic, Nancy's quest seems doomed. Yet, her quick thinking recovers the plaque, leading her to the Incan ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu. As Nancy deciphers the ancient clues, she faces dangerous smugglers and uncovers a stunning archaeological find. Will her determination and cleverness be enough to unravel the mystery and capture the criminals?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1927

The House on the Cliff

By Franklin W. Dixon · Book #2 in the The Hardy Boys series

Brothers uncover secrets in a haunted cliffside house linked to a smuggling ring.

192 pages· 34,135 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 12,149 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy investigate a mysterious house on the cliffs of Barmet Bay. A chilling scream and their father's disappearance lead them to a smuggling operation hidden beneath the house. As they delve deeper, the brothers must navigate danger and deception to solve the mystery and find their father. Will they uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1954

The Scarlet Slipper Mystery

By Carolyn Keene · Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series

Refugees receive threats; Nancy faces puzzles and danger to uncover the truth.

179 pages· 34,230 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 7,325 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Nancy Drew meets the Fontaine siblings, refugees running a dance school, who receive a life-threatening note. As Nancy delves into their mysterious past, she questions their ties to the Centrovian underground. When the Fontaines vanish, Nancy and her friends embark on a perilous quest to find them, navigating a web of intrigue and danger at every turn. Can Nancy unravel the mystery before it's too late?

The Bookroo Book Club