Books like 'City of Orphans'
Readers who enjoyed City of Orphans by Avi & Greg Ruth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical mystery action / adventure urban new-york-state historical-fiction family children friendship realistic
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The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a stylish and propulsive novel set in 1950s AmericaIn June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic urban 20th-century -
A Spoonful of Murder by Robin Stevens
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe sixth mystery from the bestselling, award-winning author of Murder Most Unladylike.When Hazel Wong's beloved grandfather passes away, Daisy Wells is all too happy to accompany her friend (and Detective Society Vice President) to Hazel's family estate in beautiful, bustling Hong Kong.But when they arrive they discover something they didn't expect: there's a new member of the Wong family...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement urban -
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsNEW YORK TIMES "BESTSELLER For readers of "The Nightingale" and "Sarah s Key, " inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades. New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon... -
Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Black Death has come to London, spreading disease and fear through town. A mysterious prophet predicts the city's ultimate doom until an unknown apothecary arrives with a cure that actually works. Christopher Blackthorn's shop is chosen to prepare the remedy...Categorized as:
children crime friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure alchemy -
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To Hunt the Hunter by Emma V. Leech
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGirls who dare – Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen.Eleven girls – Eleven dares in a hat. Twelve passionate stories. Who will dare to risk it all?To Hunt the Hunter A doomed love affair..Categorized as:
crime family friendship historical-fiction survival action-adventure adult anti-hero -
The Mersey Mothers by Sheila Riley
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLiverpool 1953January sees the dawn of the Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation year as the mothers of Reckoners Row unite in preparation for the celebration of the new Queen.Meanwhile Evie Kilgaren is dreaming of her summer wedding to Danny Harris, but trouble looms for Skinner & Sons with a new rival trying to put them out of business, but no-one knows why...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement urban 19th-century 20th-century -
The Dance in the Dark by Sophie Cleverly
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSomething is brewing in the halls of Rookwood School... For twin sisters Scarlet and Ivy, boarding school has been a horrid mix of murderous headmasters, painful punishments, and vicious classmates. But it's a new year, and things are looking up. The kindly Mrs. Knight is in charge, their classmates have been civil, and the weather is even brightening up...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure book children-books fiction -
The Whispers in the Walls by Sophie Cleverly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the walls begin to speak, it is unwise to ignore what they have to say...At the bidding of their cold-hearted stepmother, twin sisters Scarlet and Ivy are sentenced to board for a year at Rookwood School. The headmaster is cruel, the hallways are drafty, and there seems to be a thief afoot...Categorized as:
children crime family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure boarding-school -
The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBased on a remarkable true story of Taj Rowland. Seven-year-old Chellamuthu's life is forever changed when he is kidnapped from his village in India, sold to a Christian orphanage, and then adopted by an unsuspecting couple in the United States. It takes months before the boy can speak enough English to tell his parents that he already has a family back in India...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Mission Hindenburg by C. Alexander London
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNever turn your back on the Cahills . . . The most powerful family history has ever known returns with a vengeance in The 39 Clues: Doublecross!The Cahills are the world's most powerful family, but their strength is being tested. A sinister man calling himself The Outcast has targeted the family and set them an impossible test...Categorized as:
children crime family historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure audiobook book -
Bluebird by Sharon Cameron
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA historical novel, set in postwar New York City.In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York City, stepping from the fiery aftermath of one war into another, far colder one, where power is more important than principles, and lies are more plentiful than the truth...Categorized as:
urban new-york-state historical-fiction family survival friendship romance young-adult -
The Traitor's Blade by Kevin Sands
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChristopher’s homecoming takes a sinister turn when a murderous conspiracy is uncovered in this fifth novel of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series.Christopher, Tom, and Sally are back in London at last. Everyone is relieved at their return—the plague has ended, and the king, pleased with their service, offers a surprising reward. But trouble has followed them home..Categorized as:
children crime friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure audiobook book -
A Season for Scandal by Laura Wood
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAn all-female detective agency righting wrongs at the end of the nineteenth century; infiltrating a scandalous upper class world straight out of Bridgerton and using their wit and bravery to unmask a villain... -
Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo comes a story of discovering who you are — and deciding who you want to be.When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship grief historical-fiction realistic survival -
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Pony by R.J. Palacio
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA story about a boy on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion, and a mysterious pony as his guide.Twelve-year-old Silas is awoken in the dead of night by three menacing horsemen who take his father away. Silas is left shaken, scared, and alone, except for the presence of his companion, Mittenwool . . . who happens to be a ghost... -
The Lost Twin by Sophie Cleverly
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIvy, I pray that it's you reading this. And if you are, well, I suppose you're the new me...When shy Ivy's troublemaking twin Scarlet vanishes from Rookwood boarding school, Ivy is invited to "take her place." But when Ivy arrives, she discovers the school's true intention; she has to pretend to be Scarlet. She must think like Scarlet, act like Scarlet, become Scarlet...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic -
Mission Titanic by Jude Watson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe Outcast was banished from the Cahill family, never mentioned again. For years, he’s been lurking, watching, recruiting, waiting for the chance for revenge. And now he strikes, with a diabolical plan. The Outcast recreates four of history’s most infamous disasters, and gives the Cahill kids just days to stop them...Categorized as:
children crime family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens, Kevin Stillwell
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe summer of 1976 is a turning point for 15-year-old Boady Sanden. He's managed to outrun and outwit the bullying seniors throughout his freshman year at St. Ignatius High; he's working multiple jobs for Wally Schenicker's construction company; and he finally makes a friend his own age--Thomas Elgin, son of the only black family on Boady's side of town...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime family historical-fiction realistic survival 20th-century action-adventure -
They Went Left by Monica Hesse
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsGermany, 1945. The soldiers who liberated the Gross-Rosen concentration camp said the war was over, but nothing feels over to eighteen-year-old Zofia Lederman. Her body has barely begun to heal; her mind feels broken...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship grief historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic -
A Prince Without a Kingdom by Timothée de Fombelle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis was the only treasure that Vango was after: the secret of his life.Vango has been in danger for as long as he can remember. He has spent his life running along rooftops, fleeing to mysterious islands, and abandoning those he loves in order to protect them from the demons of his past. But Vango will not run for much longer...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction 20th-century 21st-century -
The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA captivating story about dark truths and heinous crimes as well as unexpected friendships, with detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout. Perfect for fans of mystery and detective stories. Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she s an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja s turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking butunderstanding everything...Categorized as:
children crime friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement survival 21st-century action-adventure -
The Moonshiner's Daughter by Donna Everhart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPublisher's Weekly STARRED REVIEWBooklist STARRED REVIEWSouthern Literary Review January 2020 Book of the MonthGoodreads Most Popular Releases for December 2019MaryJane'sFarm Book Club PickSheReads Most Anticipated Women's Fiction 2020Southern Lady Book Club Pick for FebruarySet in North Carolina in 1960 and brimming with authenticity and grit, The Moonshiner's Daughter evokes the singular life...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime family friendship grief historical-fiction survival action-adventure -
Sooley by John Grisham
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author John Grisham takes you to a different kind of court in his first basketball novel. Samuel "Sooley" Sooleymon is a raw, young talent with big hoop dreams...and even bigger challenges off the court...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsLondon, 1876 and Hetty Feather is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children - but Hetty must first live with a foster family until she is big enough to go to school.Life in the countryside is hard but with her 'brothers' Jem and Gideon, she helps in the fields and plays imaginary games...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic 21st-century -
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Turn a Blind Eye by Jeffrey Archer
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsTurn a Blind Eye is the third installment in the gripping story of Detective Inspector William Warwick, by the master storyteller and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Clifton Chronicles... -
Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for...Categorized as:
crime historical-fiction friendship survival law-enforcement mystery young-adult horror -
Vespers Rising by Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe Cahills aren't the only family searching for the Clues. . . .The Cahills thought they were the most powerful family the world had ever known. They thought they were the only ones who knew about Gideon Cahill and his Clues. The Cahills were wrong.Powerful enemies --the Vespers-- have been waiting in the shadows. Now it's their time to rise and the world will never be the same...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic survival action-adventure audiobook -
The Velvet Room by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRobin was always wandering off (her mother's words) to get away from the confusion she felt inside her. It was not until Robin's father found a permanent job at the McCurdy ranch, after three years as a migrant worker, that Robin had a place to wander to... -
The Cleric's Vault by Ernest Dempsey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSean Wyatt is back in the thrilling follow up to The Secret of the Stones.What he thought would be a relaxing weekend in Las Vegas turns into a high octane thrill ride through the American Desert Southwest and into the mountains of Ecuador.The journey leads to the discovery of a mysterious ancient power that could change the course of human events... -
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEnola Holmes is the much younger sister of her more famous brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft. But she has all the wits, skills, and sleuthing inclinations of them both. At fifteen, she's an independent young woman--after all, her name spelled backwards reads 'alone'--and living on her own in London...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure audiobook -
Legacy by Clifford Riley
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe first of seven brand new 39 clues stories, leading up to one explosive reveal.Time is running out for Grace Cahill as she struggles to make the most important choice of her life: a decision that will shape the future of the Cahill family... and the world at large...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book children-books fiction -
Operation Trinity by Clifford Riley, David Pittu
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsFor 500 years, the Cahills have been the most powerful family in the world. For 500 years, they've protected the source of their power - the 39 Clues. And for 500 years, they've kept their secrets silent. Until now...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
The Box-Car Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe Boxcar Children is a children's literary franchise originally created and written by American writer and first-grade school teacher,[1] Gertrude Chandler Warner. Today, the series includes well over 100 titles. The series is aimed at readers in grades 2-6...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction realistic survival 20th-century -
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsTwelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift on a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow's only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure -
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Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen Michael is washed up on an island in the Pacific after falling from his parent's yacht, the Peggy Sue, he struggles to survive on his own. But he soon realises there is someone close by, someone who is watching over him and helping him to stay alive...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic survival -
The Black Book of Buried Secrets by Mallory Kass, Rick Riordan
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFor the past five hundred years, the Cahills have silently dominated the world. Their desperate hunt for the 39 Clues lies behind some of history’s biggest enigmas – the curse of the Hope diamond, the race to summit Mt. Everest, the wild life and death of Harry Houdini. And now – finally – the secrets are out...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure book children-books -
Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas by Jonathan W. Stokes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSmooth-talking, refined twelve-year-old Addison Cooke loves a grand adventure, especially one that involves using his vast knowledge of history and archaeology, learned from his aunt and uncle, both world-famous researchers. If that adventure includes an expertly-knotted Windsor tie and an Arnold Palmer on the rocks, all the better.Luckily for Addison, adventure has a way of finding the Cookes... -
The Clockwork Ghost by Laura Ruby
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was only a few weeks ago that the Biedermann twins, Tess and Theo, along with their friend Jaime Cruz, followed the secrets of the Morningstarrs’ cipher further anyone had in its century-and-a-half history—and destroyed their beloved home in the process. But the Old York Cipher still isn’t solved. The demolition of 354 W... -
Moonlocket by Peter Bunzl
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s hard to escape the secrets from the past. Storm clouds gather over Lily and Robert’s summer when criminal mastermind the Jack of Diamonds appears. Jack is searching for the mysterious Moonlocket—but that’s not the only thing he’s after. Suddenly, dark secrets from Robert’s past plunge him into danger. Jack is playing a cruel game that Robert is wrapped up in...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Fireworks by Clifford Riley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe last of seven brand new 39 Clues stories, with an explosive secret revealed!The holidays can be hard for any family, but they're particularly tough for the Cahills. Amy Cahill is exhausted from her training. Dan can't forget the tragedies he witnessed on the Clue hunt. Ian and Natalie Kabra are trying to enjoy the London festivities, but it's hard without their parents...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book children-books fiction -
The Queen of Thieves by Johan Rundberg
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMika will do what it takes to uncover a string of thefts in the city―and keep her fellow orphans safe. After a merciless winter, spring has sprung in 1880 Stockholm, and the city awaits the arrival of the SS Vega , the first ship to have sailed the Northeast Passage...Categorized as:
historical-fiction children crime law-enforcement family mystery middle-grade fiction -
Lemons by Melissa Savage
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe search for Bigfoot gets juicy in this funny and touching story that’s perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses and Katherine Applegate’s Crenshaw! Lemonade Liberty Witt’s mama always told her: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship grief historical-fiction realistic action-adventure -
Invasion by Clifford Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDan Cahill loves hanging out with his new friend, Atticus Rosenbloom, a child prodigy whose genius IQ doesn't stop him from playing video games or practicing ninja moves. It's a relief to get to pretend to be a normal kid for once, and not worry about finding Clues or looking out for Vespers...Categorized as:
children crime family historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic action-adventure book -
Ignition by Clifford Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThink you know what happened at Grace Cahill's funeral? Think again. This top secret report reveals what REALLY occurred on that fateful day. Follow Ian and Natalie Kabra as they travel to Attleboro and discuss their strategy. Discover what the Holts were doing before they started the fire. And learn shocking information about a special guest none of the Cahills knew anything about . .Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book children-books fiction -
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The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLydia has vanished. Lydia, who’s never broken any rules, except falling in love with the wrong boy. Lydia, who’s been Piper’s best friend since they were children. Lydia, who never even said good-bye. Convinced the police are looking in all the wrong places, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail begins her own investigation in an attempt to solve the mystery of Lydia’s disappearance...Categorized as:
coming-of-age crime friendship grief historical-fiction law-enforcement realistic 20th-century -
The Final Deduction by Rex Stout
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the seemingly safe return of an abducted millionaire ends in his murder in his own home, Nero Wolfe sends Archie Goodwin to do his usual legwork, while Wolfe uncovers corruption and greed among Manhattan's elite...Categorized as:
crime law-enforcement new-york-state urban 20th-century action-adventure adult audiobook -
Crushed by Clifford Riley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIan Kabra has an embarrassing secret. It's not that he once accidentally ate at Burger King. It's not that he still has his childhood teddy bear, Mr Buttons. It's that he can't stop thinking about a certain grubby American orphan...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure book fiction historical -
The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe last thing Harry "Dit" Sims expects when Emma Walker comes to town is to become friends. Proper -talking, brainy Emma doesn't play baseball or fish too well, but she sure makes Dit think, especially about the differences between black and white. But soon Dit is thinking about a whole lot more when the town barber, who is black, is put on trial for a terrible crime...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Airman by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOne dark night on the island of Great Saltee, fourteen-year-old Conor is framed for a terrible crime he didn’t commit. Thrown into prison by the dastardly Hugo Bonvilain, Conor is trapped in a seaswept dungeon and branded a traitor. He must escape and clear his name; he wants his old life back – his family, his friends . . . and his princess.Conor knows there is only one way out...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age crime family friendship historical-fiction realistic survival -
Cat Among the Pigeons by Julia Golding
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMYSTERY, DISGUISES, AND A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM.The second episode in the CAT ROYAL ADVENTURE series plunges readers into the underbelly of London in a mission for justice. Pedro’s old slave master wants him back, but his friends on Drury Lane won’t give him up without a fight...
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