Armchair Adventure Awaits: A Book List

Published on by notthatrebecca

“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Are you ready for action and adventure? The great thing about this genre is that it can fit pretty much any kind of story and subject. If you search our catalog using “action, adventure” as keywords, you get nearly 1,500 results. Adventure is found in all types of books, both fiction and nonfiction. It could be a Le Carré spy novel, a fantasy adventure like The Hobbit or a true-life exploration adventure like The Lost City of Z.

For those of you working on our Bookworm Challenge, this month’s Action & Adventure theme opens up a roller coaster ride of stories. You can take a dive and easily find something you like. [If you haven’t heard of our Bookworm Challenge, learn all about it here and sign up on Beanstack.]

Below, we’ve compiled a list of Action & Adventure books that you may want to read for the Bookworm Challenge, the Readin’ Rodeo or maybe just to experience living dangerously from your armchair.

“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.’
I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

If you’re working on the Bookworm and Readin’ Rodeo, remember that your reading counts for BOTH challenges (yahoo!). Our list makes sure to include a few titles for each prompt in July’s Bookworm Challenge:

For Youth: (Ages 0-17)

  • Read a graphic novel or comic
  • Read a book with a one-word title
  • Check out a nature guide and visit a local park
  • Read a book that was adapted into a movie or show
  • Read a book about an adventure

For Adults (Ages 18+)

  • Read a book with under 200 pages
  • Read a book with a one-word title
  • Read a graphic novel or comic
  • Check out a nature guide and visit a local park
  • Read a book that was adapted into a movie or show
  • Read a book about an adventure

Ready, Set, Action!

Action & Adventure Book List (a la Bookworm Challenge)

Teenage mutant ninja turtles : half-shell heroes / by Matt Huntley.

When the evil Shredder and his henchmen, Bebop, and Rocksteady, unleash a malevolent robot named Metalhead, it’s up to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to save the day.

Find It on the shelf: JP Cartoon Teenage

Treasures of the Maya / Geronimo Stilton; translated by Anna Pizzelli

When Thea goes missing along with an ancient Mayan necklace, Geronimo Stilton is fast on the case, scouring Chichén Itzà for clues to find them.

Find it on the shelf: J SerieS GeroNIMO #83

You wish [graphic novel] / Jeff Victor

By releasing the power hidden within a dusty old lamp, Avery and her new companion Gribblet are thrust into a stunning supernatural world, to discover her own power, save her family, and find answers to questions that will change her life forever.

Find it on the shelf:
J GRAPHIC Victor v. 1

Lightningborn / Julie Kagawa  

In a world in the clouds where only the rich own dragons, a poor boy named Remy finds a wild baby dragon–believed to be extinct–and becomes the focus of an evil pirate’s vengeance.

Find it on the shelf: J FIC Kagawa #1

Argylle / Elly Conway

Did you see the Argylle movie? Here’s the book that inspired it!

One Russian magnate’s dream of restoring a nation to greatness has set in motion a chain of events which will take the world to the brink of chaos. Only Frances Coffey, the CIA’s most legendary spymaster, can prevent it. But to do so, she needs someone special. Enter Argylle, a troubled agent with a tarnished past who may just have the skills to take on one of the most powerful men in the world.

Find it on the shelf:
FIC Conway

Night flight to Paris / Cara Black  

New York Times bestselling author Cara Black has crafted another heart-stopping thrill ride that reveals a portrait of Paris at the height of the Nazi occupation”

Find it on the shelf: FIC Black

Critical role, Vox machina origins [graphic novel]  

A mysterious curse plagues the coastal town of Stilben. Six would-be heroes traveling different roads meet, fight each other — then fight — as they uncover a plot to destroy the city (and possibly them)!

Find it on the shelf:
GN Critical v.1

A short walk through a wide world : a novel / Douglas Westerbeke

Bonus! This book was written by an Ohio librarian.

Cursed with immortality at the age of 9, but with a requirement that she stays in perpetual motion, Aubry flees Paris and embarks on a century-spanning, globe-trotting odyssey, seeking a cure and discovering a world beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Find it on the shelf:
SF Westerbeke

If you choose the Bookworm prompt to head outdoors with a field guide for your own adventure, here are three suggestions:

Tree, wildflower, and mushroom spotting / Mary Kay Carson ; illustrated by John D. Dawson.  
With 448 full-color, highly illustrated pages, Outdoor School is your indispensable tool for the outdoors.

Find it on the Shelf:
J 582.13 C239		Butterflies of the Midwest field guide / Jaret C. Daniels.  
This handy book by acclaimed author and professional entomologist Jaret C. Daniels makes field identification simple and informative. It features 198 species of butterflies (and common moths) organized by color for ease of use.
Find it on the Shelf:
595.789 D228		Nature spy guide / Shelley Rotner.  
Use all five senses to explore the outdoors. This guide is full of tips and activities to encourage close observation and foster connection with nature!

Find it on the Shelf:
J 508 R749

For more Book Lists, visit this page.