Books about found family

City Spies introduces readers to Sara Martinez, a talented 12-year-old hacker who finds herself in legal trouble after exposing her foster parents' crimes. Just as things look bleak, she is recruited by a mysterious British man known only as Mother. Sara is whisked away to a secret base in Scotland to join an elite team of five kids from around the world. Together, these young agents must use their unique skills—from code-breaking to sleight of hand—to go undercover and stop a dangerous international threat at a youth summit in Paris.

This fast-paced spy thriller is perfect for children who love high-stakes missions, clever puzzles, and stories about found families. James Ponti crafts a world where intelligence and teamwork are the ultimate superpowers, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in mystery and global adventure. Fans of the Spy School series or The Mysterious Benedict Society will find themselves immediately hooked by the witty dialogue and the diverse cast of relatable characters.

Highlights:

• A diverse team of five young spies from different global backgrounds.
• Intricate puzzles and high-tech hacking that challenge the reader's mind.
• Strong focus on the importance of teamwork and finding where you belong.
• Exciting international settings that bring geography and culture to life.

Crooked Kingdom is the pulse-pounding conclusion to Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology, set in the richly imagined Grishaverse. After surviving a death-defying heist, Kaz Brekker and his crew of outcasts find themselves double-crossed and fighting for survival on the dark, winding streets of Ketterdam. This high-stakes fantasy novel is perfect for readers who love complex characters, intricate world-building, and stories where the line between hero and villain is beautifully blurred.

Ideal for fans of the Shadow and Bone Netflix series, this book explores deep themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the search for redemption. As powerful global forces converge to claim the dangerous drug jurda parem, the crew must rely on their wits and each other to change the game and secure their future. It is a great choice for older teens and young adults looking for an epic adventure filled with clever twists and emotional depth.

Highlights:

• A thrilling conclusion to the fan-favorite Six of Crows duology.
• Features a diverse cast of compelling characters with unique backstories.
• Masterful world-building set in the gritty, atmospheric city of Ketterdam.
• Perfect for readers who enjoy high-stakes heists and found-family dynamics.

Lovely Dark and Deep is a captivating YA dark academia novel that transports readers to Ellery West, a hidden school for magic veiled in mist off the coast of Washington. For Faith, this school was the first place she truly felt at home after a childhood of international moves and cultural adjustments. However, her sense of belonging is shattered when a trip into the forbidden forest goes horribly wrong. Faith returns alone, marked with a Red Stripe that labels her as dangerous and turns her into a social pariah. To keep her magic, she must survive her final year without further incident—a task made nearly impossible as dark forces continue to haunt the campus.

This atmospheric story is perfect for readers who love the 'magic school' trope but want something with higher stakes and a darker edge. As Faith teams up with other outcasts to uncover the truth behind the terrifying events at Ellery West, the novel explores deep themes of loneliness, the power of found family, and the fear of losing one's identity. It is an ideal choice for fans of A Scholomance series or The Magicians, offering a thoughtful reflection on the genre while delivering a pulse-pounding mystery.

Highlights:

• An immersive dark academia setting on a mysterious, unmapped island.
• A high-stakes plot where failing means losing your magic forever.
• Strong themes of found family and finding strength in being an outsider.
• A diverse protagonist navigating cultural identity and social isolation.
• A gripping mystery involving dark magic and a dangerous forest.

In the first installment of the beloved Circle of Magic series, four outcasts from vastly different backgrounds are brought together at Winding Circle Temple. Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar each carry the weight of their pasts and a strange, untapped power that traditional mages don't understand. Unlike the flashy magic of wizards, their abilities are tied to everyday crafts: weaving, weather, metalworking, and gardening. As they struggle to fit in, they must learn to trust one another and combine their unique 'ambient' magic to survive a looming disaster that threatens their new home.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about magical schools and the bond of found family. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in unique magic systems and diverse characters who find strength in their differences. Tamora Pierce crafts a rich, immersive world that is a great choice for fans of character-driven fantasy and high-stakes adventure. Readers will be captivated by how these four lonely children transform into a powerful, unified team.

Highlights:

• A unique and creative magic system based on crafts and nature.
• Strong emphasis on the power of friendship and found family.
• A diverse cast of protagonists with distinct personalities and backgrounds.
• An engaging introduction to a long-running and beloved fantasy series.

In Tris's Book, the second installment of Tamora Pierce's beloved Circle of Magic series, readers are reunited with Trisana Chandler and her three companions at Winding Circle Temple. Tris, who has always been seen as difficult or strange, is beginning to understand the true nature of her power: the ability to harness the very elements of the weather. As a deadly plague and the threat of pirate attacks loom over their home, Tris must learn to control the lightning and wind within her to protect those she has come to call family.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about elemental magic and the bond of "found family." Tamora Pierce excels at creating a world where magic is tied to everyday crafts and natural forces, making the fantasy feel grounded and accessible. Ideal for readers interested in strong-willed protagonists and high-stakes adventure, this story emphasizes that being different is often where one's greatest strength lies. It is a great choice for fans of series like Wings of Fire who enjoy seeing young heroes master unique abilities.

Highlights:

• Features a unique system of elemental and craft-based magic.
• Explores the deep, supportive bond between four distinct young mages.
• A compelling coming-of-age story about self-acceptance and power.
• High-stakes action involving pirates and magical defense.