Time spent at a carnival or amusement park creates treasured memories for kids and teens. These books capture the heart behind a favorite park and its wonder or mystique. Explore these titles that either take place at—or celebrate going to—amusement parks.
By the staff of Frederick County Public Libraries
Picture Books
“I Won a What?”
by Audrey Vernick
In this hilarious and heartwarming story of a boy who tries to win a goldfish and winds up with FAR more than he bargained for, the young boy wins a humongous new pet at the carnival and before long, they become fast friends. But his parents are skeptical. After all, Nuncio doesn’t even fit in the house. Will the gargantuan goldfish have to go? Or will the family find a way to give him the home he deserves?
“Little Elliot, Big Fun”
by Mike Curato
In this third story of Little Elliot and Mouse, the friends head off in search of adventure … and lots of fun. Little Elliot, the polka-dot elephant, and his friend Mouse go to the amusement park to see the sights and ride the rides—water chutes, roller coasters, carousels and more. But Elliot isn’t having much fun. The rides are too wet, too fast, too dizzy and just too plain scary—until Mouse figures out a way to help him overcome his fears. Together, Mouse and Little Elliot can do anything.
Early Readers
“Happy Paws”
by Vicky Fang
Happy Days Amusement Park is closing. Can Layla and her Bots successfully turn it into Happy Paws Amusement Park for dogs? Find out in this colorful early chapter book aimed at newly independent readers.
“On Top of the World”
by Fran Manushkin
Pedro’s family and friends are enjoying a day at the amusement park until Pedro’s brother Paco gets lost! Young readers will enjoy the Pedro series complete with glossaries, readers’ questions and kid-friendly jokes.
Middle Readers
“Tangled Up in Mayhem”
by Merrill Wyatt
Sloane and Amelia’s amateur detective agency has landed its first paid gig! Eccentric millionaire Covington Cooley hires them to solve a mystery: the secret location of a time capsule buried in 1865 somewhere on the grounds of Cedar Point Amusement Park. Their investigation quickly turns ominous when they come up against a cohort of villains determined to stop them.
“Foreverland”
by Nicole C. Kear
Margaret is tired of everything always changing. Middle school has gone from bad to worse. Her best friend is becoming a stranger, and her family—well, it’s not even a family anymore. So, Margaret is running away to Foreverland, her favorite amusement park. Hiding out there is trickier than she expects.
Teen Readers
“The Phantom Twin”
by Lisa Brown
Isabel and Jane are the Extraordinary Peabody Sisters, conjoined twins in a traveling carnival show, until an ambitious surgeon tries to separate them and fails, causing Jane’s death. Isabel has lost an arm and a leg but gained Jane as a ghostly companion. Haunted, altered and alone for the first time, can Isabel build a new life that’s truly her own?
“When the Vibe Is Right”
by Sarah Dass
Tess Crawford is destined to be a great Trinidadian Carnival costume designer and will one day inherit leadership of the family’s masquerade band. Her classmate, the popular social media influencer Brandon Richards, is the bane of her existence, but in the face of a masquerade band rivalry, Tess must team up with Brandon in a desperate attempt to revive the company. Set in lush, gorgeous Trinidad, this is a novel about finding love in the most unexpected places.
These titles are thoughtfully selected by Frederick County Public Libraries. You can find these books and more by visiting fcpl.org.
