It's not hard to see why young readers love Anthony Horowitz's thrilling Alex Rider book series. The series begins with Stormbreaker and continues for more than a dozen books! When they read the end of the series, readers will be asking for more books like Alex Rider.
Whether kids are looking for something to read after they've read the Alex Rider books (including the graphic novel adaptations), seen the feature film or watched the streaming television series, the page-turners on this list will satisfy their need for adventuresome reading.
This list not only contains fast-paced novels about teenage spies and intrigue, but also includes science fiction and historical fiction novels that will appeal to kids looking for books similar to Alex Rider.
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I, Q (series) by Roland Smith
While on a music tour with his new, blended family, 13-year-old Quest is sucked into a world full of suspicions, bumbling agents, and secret identities. Quest uses his magician and tech skills to find out the truth and foil evil plots. Ages 10 and up.
H.I.V.E. The Higher Institute of Villainous Education (series) by Mark Walden
Sure, everyone wants to be a superhero. But this book is about the education of supervillains! 13-year-old Otto Malpense is entering H.I.V.E. where he and is fellow classmates will learn new skills to take over the world. The only problem? Not everyone wants to be there and Otto and some of his genius new friends are determined to break out. Ages 10 and up.
Airman by Eoin Colfer
Colfer's popular Artemis Fowl series would make a good addition to this booklist, but don't overlook Airman, an engrossing tale sent in the late 19th century. Conor hopes to be an aviator, but when he discovers something that threatens the power of the evil Bonvilain, he is sent to toil in the diamond mines. Conor knows his only way to escape is to build an air machine. A thrilling tale full of intrigue, devious characters, high-flying adventure and technological marvels! Ages 11 and up.
MORE: Books like Artemis Fowl
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation (series) by Stuart Gibbs
Charlie Thorne is the world's youngest math and physics genius-thief. If that premise doesn't shout, "Page-turner!" I don't know what does. The CIA needs to prevent the evil group, the Furies, from getting their hands on a secret Einstein equation. They enlist Charlie in their mission, which takes her on a whirlwind, heart-pounding adventure. Ages 9 and up.
Silverfin (Young Bond series) by Charlie Higson
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In the 1930s, James Bond is a student at Eton where he meets George Hellebore. After Bond returns home to Scotland, the action takes off. He and Red begin a search for Red's missing cousin. The clues lead them to George's villainous father, Lord Hellebore. No doubt young readers will be biting their nails as they race to find out how Bond will thwart the madman and solve the mystery of the missing boy. Ages 10 and up.
MORE: Spy Books for Kids
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
This is an exciting adventure story, inspired by historical events. It may not involve the CIA or MI-5, but it is action-packed! In 1841, 14 year old Manjiro and 3 other men are stranded on an island off Japan during a fishing trip. Eventually they are rescued by an American whaling vessel but instead of returning to Japan, Manjiro travels with the Captain, attends school in America - dealing with the prejudice that comes with being an outsider - and heads to California during the gold rush. At the time, Japan was cut off from the world, and no one was allowed back into the country after leaving, but Manjiro risks his life to return. Ages 10 and up.
Grenade by Alan Gratz
Hideki lives on Okinawa and in 1945, he is conscripted into the Japanese army. Just landed on the same island is Ray, an American soldier about to experience his first battle. Told in alternating points of view, this is a harrowing tale of two young men's foray into war, and the effect it has on individuals. Riveting. Ages 9 and up.
Ambassador (series) by William Alexander
A purple blob arrives to tell Gabriel Fuentes he is to be Earth's ambassador to the galaxy. Gabe accepts the post but then he finds out Earth -- and he -- are in trouble. Gabe's home life gets complicated when his undocumented immigrant parents discover they may be deported. Gabe must balance family difficulties with his galactic troubles. Very suspenseful! And your kids will be eager to read the second book, Nomad, to learn how it all gets resolved. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: Science Fiction Books for Middle Grade Readers
The Shadow Cipher (series) by Laura Ruby
In this elaborate story, three friends band together in New York City to solve a cipher that connects their apartment building to a centuries-old mystery of how the city was conceived. This is a hefty, compelling book with stellar writing, and complex, well-rounded characters. Ages 10 and up.
The Mark of the Thief (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen
This incredibly thrilling trilogy is packed full of action and twists behind every corner. Nic and his sister are slaves in mines just outside of Ancient Rome. When Nic discovers an ancient bulla that once belonged to Julius Caesar, the bulla infuses him with a power. He becomes both a target and a pawn in a political conspiracy. This is a excellent selection for kids who like mythology. Ages 10 and up.
The Blackthorn Key (series) by Kevin Sands
This is an incredibly suspenseful and action-packed upper middle grade series. Christoper, an orphaned apprentice in 17th century London, must solve a complex puzzle surrounding the murders of apothecaries. Despite the seriousness of the plot, the well-drawn characters provide some humor. Ages 10 and up.
Evil Genius (series) by Catherine Jinks
A short novel, this is not, but if your young teen is not daunted by long books, it's worth the read. Computer prodigy Cadel is studying for his World Domination degree at the Axis Institute. While, there he discovers a series of deceptions and the possibility that the evil Dr. Darkkon is possibly his father. There are so many plot twists that your kids won't be able to put this one down. Ages 12 and up.
MORE: 50 Upper Middle Grade Books (ages 11-15)
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