Kids love cheering for the heroes, especially when it’s the young characters who outsmart the adults and save the day.

In Holes and Unplugged, both set in camps, the campers uncover and thwart sinister plans to rescue themselves.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe transports readers to the magical world of Narnia, where the evil White Witch controls the land and four siblings must work together to free everyone. This classic tale is part of a seven-book series and is also available as a movie on Disney+.

Finally, in Frindle, the “villain” is a strict teacher, rather than a truly malevolent character. The story explores how the main character, Nick Allen, challenges her authority and cleverly demonstrates the power of language. 

**Of special note – These books feature adult antagonists who aren’t parents, which is a plot point usually found in more mature reads.