Secondhand Chapter Book (Age 8-12) Bargain Book Box DSH1103

Secondhand Chapter Book (Age 8-12) Bargain Book Box

Ignite the imaginations of young readers with this thrilling collection that seamlessly blends classic adventure, modern fantasy, and laugh-out-loud humor. Featuring multiple entries from the timeless Famous Five series by Enid Blyton, contemporary fantasy from Derek Landy and Alexander Armstrong, and hilarious short story collections, this box offers a perfect mix of mystery, magic, and mayhem. This collection is ideal for middle-grade readers eager to explore different genres, from schoolyard comedy to high-stakes fantasy battles. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Elementals: Scorch Dragons by Amie Kaufman
   Four young elementalists—Anders, Soli, Leo, and Vio—who can control the classical elements of fire, earth, air, and water, are suddenly thrust into a desperate quest to save their world. They must brave the fiery lairs of the dangerous Scorch Dragons in a race against time, testing their newfound powers and their bonds of friendship to the limit. Kaufman delivers a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy adventure set in a richly imagined world threatened by catastrophic magic.

2. Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman
   Continuing their elemental journey, the young heroes must now travel to the frozen wastelands where the fearsome Ice Wolves roam, seeking ancient wisdom that might help them control their unpredictable magic. They face treacherous landscapes, chilling new enemies, and the ongoing threat of a world spiraling out of balance. This book deepens the mythology and heightens the stakes as the quartet battles to master their powers and save the realm.

3. Return to the Secret Garden by Holly Webb
   A contemporary retelling that brings a new generation to the famed Yorkshire estate, focusing on a lonely girl who discovers the hidden, walled garden and begins to uncover its magical, healing power. She learns about the garden’s past and its connection to the original characters, finding friendship and self-discovery amidst the overgrown beauty. Webb offers a gentle, engaging narrative that captures the spirit of the original while introducing new mysteries.

4. Moonshadow: Eye of the Beast by Simon Higgins
   Set in feudal Japan, this is the story of Moonshadow, a highly skilled young ninja haunted by his past and searching for the truth about his heritage. When a series of strange, savage attacks plague the local villages, Moonshadow must use his stealth and martial arts to confront a powerful, terrifying beast rooted in ancient Japanese folklore. Higgins delivers a tense, action-packed historical fantasy rich with cultural detail and thrilling combat.

5. Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
   This graphic novel introduces Emmie, a quiet, perpetually overlooked seventh grader who prefers to remain invisible, and the popular, outgoing girl, Katie. When a highly embarrassing note mistakenly connects the two very different girls, their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, forcing Emmie out of her shell. Libenson uses dual narratives and a mix of prose and illustration to explore self-esteem, social anxiety, and the unexpected challenges of middle school life.

6. Olivia Flies High by Lyn Gardner
   Olivia is a highly imaginative and expressive girl who struggles to fit into her conventional school environment, finding solace only in daydreaming and the theater. When she finally gets a chance to audition for a big role, she must overcome her shyness and the critical eyes of her peers to literally and metaphorically learn how to fly. Gardner delivers an inspiring, emotionally resonant story about finding confidence and embracing unique, artistic passions.

7. The Famous Five: Five Go Down To The Sea by Enid Blyton
   The intrepid Five head to the coast for their holiday, staying at a picturesque but mysterious house with a secret passage that leads straight to the sea. They soon stumble upon a gang of smugglers operating under the cover of a supposedly abandoned lighthouse. The gang must use their wits, teamwork, and resourcefulness to expose the criminals and foil their illegal operation.

8. The Famous Five: Five Run Away Together by Enid Blyton
   The Five are thrilled to spend their break at Kirrin Cottage, but their excitement is dampened by the arrival of a cruel, hostile governess who treats George abominably. In response, the children secretly run away and escape to Kirrin Island, only to find themselves right in the middle of a mystery involving hidden jewels and dangerous adult criminals. Blyton crafts a classic tale of defiance, self-reliance, and thrilling island adventure.

9. The Famous Five: Five On A Secret Trail by Enid Blyton
   During a camping trip, the Five discover a hidden trail marked by cryptic signs and ancient symbols, hinting at a secret known only to a few. Their curiosity leads them deep into the countryside, where they uncover a mystery involving coded messages and suspicious strangers hiding in the desolate ruins. This adventure emphasizes the group's sharp deduction skills and their shared love of exploration.

10. The Famous Five: Five Go to Smuggler's Top by Enid Blyton
    The Five find themselves staying at a bizarre, ancient house on a hill known as Smuggler's Top, which is full of confusing passages, hidden rooms, and secretive residents. When they realize the house is being used as a base for a smuggling ring, they must risk capture to expose the operation and bring the villains to justice. Blyton delivers a tension-filled story featuring hidden tunnels and atmospheric intrigue.

11. The Famous Five: Five on a Hike Together by Enid Blyton
    A planned walking holiday across the moors is interrupted by the discovery of a sinister, abandoned cottage and whispers of a dangerous prisoner on the loose. When a coded message falls into their hands, the Five realize they are close to uncovering a serious crime. Their hiking trip turns into a race against time and the elements to solve the mystery before the criminals can escape.

12. The Famous Five: Five on Kirrin Island Again by Enid Blyton
    The Five return to their beloved Kirrin Island, excited for another summer of freedom and exploration, only to find an unwelcome guest—a professor conducting secret experiments in the island’s castle. When the professor's notes and equipment start disappearing, the Five must determine if the thief is among them or if there is a more mysterious, external force at work. The familiar setting provides the backdrop for a new, engaging puzzle.

13. Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen
    This volume collects the essential, timeless stories from the Danish master, including classics such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Snow Queen." Andersen's tales are celebrated for their enchanting fantasy, poignant emotional depth, and often darker moral themes that resonate with readers of all ages. This collection serves as a foundational source for classic fantasy literature.

14. The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl
    A fierce, principled little girl possesses a secret, powerful magic: when she gets angry, her "magic finger" zaps those who commit cruel or selfish acts with a bizarre curse. When her hunting neighbors, the Gregs, shoot several innocent ducks, the girl points her finger, transforming them into small creatures with wings. Dahl delivers a wickedly funny and sharply moralistic story about animal rights and the consequences of senseless cruelty.

15. Paul Jennings' Funniest Stories by Paul Jennings
    A hilarious collection of short stories guaranteed to make readers laugh out loud with their absurd plots, unexpected twists, and uniquely Australian humor. Jennings specializes in tales of embarrassing bodily functions, ridiculous situations, and characters who perpetually find themselves in awkward, impossible predicaments. This volume is perfect for readers who enjoy genuinely funny, slightly gross, and highly imaginative storytelling.

16. Wormworld Explorers: Alien Apocalypse by Lorraine Gregory
    When a quiet, ordinary boy discovers a secret passageway in his garden shed, he stumbles into Wormworld, a fantastical realm populated by giant, talking worms. Now, the Wormworld Explorers must unite to save their subterranean world from a devastating, unexpected alien invasion that threatens to destroy everything. This story is a fast-paced blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy, centered on a highly unusual subterranean civilization.

17. The House that Sailed Away by Pat Hutchins
    An utterly unique and charming adventure about a family living in a peculiar house that, during a terrible storm, detaches from its foundation and sails away into the vast ocean. The family finds themselves encountering bizarre situations, desert islands, and unexpected companions as they drift across the seas. This delightful fantasy is a gentle, imaginative journey about finding magic and humor in impossible circumstances.

18. Paddington in Peru: The Story of the Movie
    This book is a novelization of the hit film, following the universally beloved, marmalade-eating bear, Paddington, as he returns to his native Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy. When he arrives, however, Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared, leading Paddington and the Brown family on an epic quest through the Peruvian jungle and high mountains to find her. The story captures Paddington’s gentle nature, accidental chaos, and enduring optimism.

19. The Hip-Crackingly Funny #1 Bestseller: Peter Helliar's Frankie Fish and the Wild Wild Mess by Peter Helliar
    Frankie Fish and his best friend Drew are accidentally sent back in time via a bizarre and malfunctioning time machine disguised as a washing machine. They land squarely in the Australian gold rush era, causing instant mayhem and struggling to navigate the rough-and-tumble historical setting without destroying the timeline. This is a wonderfully silly, fast-paced comedy packed with historical mishaps and gross-out humor.

20. Middle School: Out of Here! by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
    Rafe Khatchadorian returns to face the next stage of his chaotic education, armed with an absurd amount of self-deprecating humor and a complete inability to follow the rules. This installment chronicles his struggles with teachers, popularity, and navigating the often-ridiculous dynamics of middle school, all told through Rafe's distinctive illustrated narrative style. Patterson delivers another relatable, funny, and engaging story for the reluctant reader.

21. Elementals: Battle Born by Amie Kaufman
    In the thrilling conclusion to the Elementals trilogy, the young heroes must join forces in a massive, final confrontation that will determine the fate of their world. With their elemental powers fully realized, Anders, Soli, Leo, and Vio face their greatest challenge yet, requiring them to make heartbreaking choices and harness the true extent of their abilities. This epic finale delivers high-stakes action, emotional sacrifice, and a spectacular magical showdown.

22. Skulduggery Pleasant: The Haunted House on Hollow Hill by Derek Landy
    The wisecracking, magically powerful skeleton detective, Skulduggery Pleasant, and his apprentice, Valkyrie Cain, are drawn to a sinister, isolated house where something ancient and evil is stirring. This mystery is packed with Landy's signature blend of thrilling action, dark fantasy, and incredibly witty dialogue as the duo investigate paranormal phenomena and confront dangerous magical entities lurking in the shadows.

23. Evenfall: The Golden Key by Alexander Armstrong
    The first book in a sweeping fantasy series, Evenfall introduces a world balanced on the edge of perpetual twilight, where the sun has been setting for centuries. A young hero is propelled into an epic journey to find the legendary Golden Key, the only artifact capable of stopping the endless twilight and restoring the sun's light. Armstrong crafts a richly imagined, high-stakes adventure full of prophecy, peril, and powerful magic.

24. Just Jaime by Terri Libenson
    This graphic novel focuses on Jaime, Emmie’s best friend, as their close-knit relationship hits the turbulent years of eighth grade where social dynamics shift dramatically. Jaime finds herself caught between the desire to hold onto her old friendships and the pull of the popular, more demanding crowd, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths about fitting in and loyalty. Libenson delivers a relatable, insightful story about the shifting, painful landscape of middle school friendships.