Books About Kidnapping · 205 titles considered

The Best Kidnapping Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about kidnapping? 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 Kidnapping

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

Inkheart

By Cornelia Funke, Anthea Bell (Translator) · Book #1 in the Inkworld series

A girl must stop a villain brought to life from a book.

576 pages· 145,856 words· Est. 16 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 446,629 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Meggie's quiet life shatters when her father reads a villain out of a book, thrusting them into a perilous adventure. As fictional characters come to life, Meggie must harness her own hidden powers to save her father and rewrite their fate. Can she change the story before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1958

Basil of Baker Street

By Eve Titus, Paul Galdone (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Great Mouse Detective series

A detective must solve the mystery of the missing twins and save the town from the Terrible Three, a gang of notorious criminals.

112 pages· 10,010 words· Est. 2 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,867 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Basil, the clever mouse detective living beneath Sherlock Holmes's house, faces his toughest case yet: the disappearance of twins Angela and Agatha. With scant clues and time running out, Basil must use all his sleuthing skills to unravel the mystery and rescue the twins. Can he outsmart the kidnapper and save the day, or will this case prove too puzzling even for him? Dive into a world of intrigue and adventure as Basil races against the clock in this thrilling tale of mouse-sized detective work.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2011

Zita the Spacegirl

By Ben Hatke · Book #1 in the Zita the Spacegirl series

A young girl's friend is kidnapped by an alien species and she must navigate a strange world to rescue him.

186 pages· 4,260 words· Est. 48 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 19,138 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Zita's world flips upside down when her best friend is snatched by an alien cult. Thrust into a bizarre universe, she encounters humanoid chickens, neurotic robots, and a mysterious con man. As Zita embraces her unexpected role as an intergalactic hero, she faces ancient prophecies and doomed planets. Can she navigate this strange world and rescue her friend before it's too late? Adventure, friendship, and redemption await in this whimsical cosmic journey.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

The Dragon in the Library

By Kate Klimo, John Shroades (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Dragon Keepers series

A dragon's mysterious need leads to a daring rescue mission against a wicked foe.

240 pages· 41,865 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 691 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Jesse and Daisy's dragon, Emmy, is restless, claiming she's missing something. When their dragon expert, Professor Andersson, is kidnapped by the sinister Sadie Huffington, the cousins must act. Sadie's plan threatens Emmy and seeks to capture the legendary St. George. To save the professor and protect their dragon, Jesse and Daisy must brave Sadie's castle, facing magical dangers and vicious dog-men. Can they unravel the mystery of Emmy's longing and thwart Sadie's scheme? Dive into a world of magic, adventure, and friendship in this thrilling Dragon Keepers tale.

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1995

The Golden Compass

By Philip Pullman · Book #1 in the His Dark Materials series

A girl ventures north to rescue a friend, facing betrayal and parallel worlds.

399 pages· 116,792 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,639,235 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a world of animal familiars and parallel universes, young Lyra races north to rescue her friend from the sinister Gobblers. Amidst witch clans and armored bears, her uncle Asriel's dangerous quest to bridge worlds looms. Lyra's fierce determination may save or betray those she loves. Can she navigate the treacherous path between loyalty and betrayal? Discover the thrilling journey in 'The Golden Compass,' where one girl's courage could change everything.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1997

The Absent Author

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A to Z Mysteries series

A famous mystery writer goes missing after being invited to a book signing event in a small town.

96 pages· 8,685 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 10,069 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Dink eagerly awaits the arrival of his favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace, in Green Lawn. But when the big day comes, Wallace is missing. While the police dismiss it as a travel mishap, Dink suspects something more sinister. With his friends Josh and Ruth Rose, he embarks on a quest to find the missing writer. As they delve deeper, they must unravel clues and face unexpected twists. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1903

The Call of the Wild

By Jack London · Puffin Classics series

Kidnapped and thrust into the Yukon wilderness, Buck must fight to survive and reclaim his power.

150 pages· 31,827 words· Est. 3 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 483,950 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Buck, a pampered dog from sunny California, is betrayed and kidnapped, thrust into the brutal Yukon as a sledge dog. In this unforgiving wilderness, he must battle harsh conditions and fierce rivals. Can Buck adapt and rise to become the leader of the pack, or will the wild claim him? Discover his journey of survival and transformation in this gripping tale.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

Artemis Fowl

By Eoin Colfer · Book #1 in the Artemis Fowl series

A young mastermind's plan to ransom a fairy may spark a war.

271 pages· 52,507 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 565,471 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Twelve-year-old genius Artemis Fowl kidnaps fairy officer Holly Short to restore his family's wealth. But these aren't ordinary fairies—they're armed, tech-savvy, and ready to fight back. As tensions rise, Artemis must navigate a world of magic and danger. Will his bold move ignite a war between humans and fairies, or can he outsmart them all? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are high and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1990

The Face on the Milk Carton

By Caroline B. Cooney · Book #1 in the Janie Johnson series

A girl sees her childhood face on a missing child poster. Are her parents kidnappers?

192 pages· 41,588 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 66,259 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Summary: Janie Johnson's world shatters when she sees her childhood face on a missing child poster. Could her loving parents be kidnappers? As she unravels the mystery, her identity and past become a tangled web of secrets. Who is Janie Johnson, really? With every clue, the truth becomes more elusive, and Janie must confront the possibility that her life is built on lies. As she delves deeper, the stakes rise, and Janie must decide whom to trust. Can she uncover the truth before it's too late, or will her past remain a haunting mystery?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2020

Kidnap on the California Comet

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Adventures on Trains series

A missing billionaire's daughter on a train sparks a race against time.

256 pages· 50,747 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,675 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Hal Beck, an amateur sleuth, embarks on a train journey across America with his uncle. When a billionaire's daughter vanishes aboard the California Comet, Hal, alongside new friends Mason and Hadley, must unravel the mystery before reaching San Francisco. Can they solve the case in time?

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Kidnapping Picture Books

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

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

Heroes on the Side

Ages 5–7 · 2014

A hero must save kidnapped sidekicks before time runs out in New Yolk City.

Sale price

$1699

I Won't Go With Strangers

Ages 3–6 · 2009

A child waits in the rain, questioning who is truly safe to trust.

Sale price

$1799

Cats Get Famous

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Three singing cats face a scheming villain on their path to stardom.

Sale price

$3564

Murder of Crows

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A boy's search for his mom leads to unexpected dangers at an abandoned gas station.

Sale price

$3421

Hoodnapped

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Robyn must outsmart a villain to save her missing friends.

Sale price

$3421

Book 3: Vision of a Star

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A psychic vision reveals a theater star's disappearance. Can Olivia and her friend prevent it?

Sale price

$599

Family Harmony

Ages 5–8 · 2023

Trolls embark on a quest to reunite lost brothers, spreading joy and music along the way.

Sale price

$3279

The Locket

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A substitute teacher holds the key to Max's missing mom. Can he uncover the truth?

Sale price

$1695

Space Boy and His Dog

Ages 5–10 · 2016

A daring rescue mission turns into a battle of wits in space.

Sale price

$1795

Space Boy and the Snow Monster

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A boy must rescue his friends from a snow monster on Planet Ice.

View all kidnapping picture books

Browse by age

Kidnapping Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about kidnapping for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea

Ages 9–12 · 2012

Twins kidnapped to force their inventor dad's hand. Can they outsmart their captors?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

My Hero Academia

Ages 14–17 · 2016

A hero's power, a friend's capture, and a daring rescue that risks everything.

Sale price

$999

Charlie Hernández & the Castle of Bones

Ages 10–14 · 2019

A preteen morphling battles sinister forces to rescue a kidnapped queen.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1300

Maximum Ride, Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 13–17 · 2009

A winged girl must rescue her friend and uncover her destiny amidst danger.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1300

Maximum Ride, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 13–17 · 2009

A winged girl must rescue her friend and face a world-altering destiny.

Sale price

$599

The Deadly Race to Space: Russia

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A secret agent races to rescue his kidnapped father before a Mars mission fails.

The Secret of the Sacred Temple: Cambodia

Sale price

$799

The Secret of the Sacred Temple: Cambodia

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A secret agent races to save a missing archaeologist and uncover his brother's fate.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1695

The Iron Hand

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A daring rescue turns into a dungeon escape. Can Dessa outwit her captors alone?

Sale price

$1995

The Pink Motel

Ages 8–12 · 1959

A pink motel inheritance leads to unexpected adventures and quirky residents.

Sale price

$599

Challenge on the Hill of Fire

Ages 7–+ · 2012

Kidnapped by Druids, two cousins face a spiritual showdown in ancient Ireland.

Sale price

$799

The Glass Gauntlet

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A secret society, deadly tests, and a father's betrayal. Who can Ronan trust?

Sale price

$899

Hijack

Ages 10–+ · 2017

A young bodyguard must thwart a pirate attack on a luxury yacht.

View all kidnapping chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Kidnapping

Great books, picked for their age.

Kidnapping Picture Books

Kidnapping Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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