Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021
When the World Was Ours
By Liz Kessler
Three friends torn apart by war seek hope and reunion.
352 pages· 64,837 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,846 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Books About Based On A True Story · 82 titles considered
The Best Based On A True Story Books for Kids
By the Bookroo Editors
Looking for excellent children's books about based on a true story? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.
Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.
The Shortlist
Our 10 Favorite Books About Based On A True Story
Sale price
$1786
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1990
Woodsong
By Gary Paulsen
Survive wild adventures that inspired unforgettable stories.
144 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,146 ratings
$18.80Save 5%
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018
Harriet Tubman
Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.
32 pages· 674 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Sale price
$1498
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2015
Audrey Hepburn
Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.
32 pages
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · 2020
The Lady with the Books
By Kathy Stinson, Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)
In post-war Germany, two children find hope in a hall of books, changing their lives forever.
32 pages· 946 words
6.2/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 376 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015
Trombone Shorty
By Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Bryan Collier (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Trombone Shorty series
A young boy from New Orleans discovers his passion for music and becomes a renowned trombone player.
40 pages· 989 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,023 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015
The House That Jane Built
By Tanya Lee Stone, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)
A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.
32 pages· 1,243 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,254 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016
Ida, Always
By Caron Levis, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)
A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.
40 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,775 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1998
Thank You, Mr. Falker
A young girl struggles to learn to read despite her love for books and learning.
40 pages· 2,318 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 17,695 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2016
Cloth Lullaby
By Amy Novesky, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)
Discover how a childhood of weaving inspired a world-renowned artist's iconic sculptures.
40 pages· 1,228 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,329 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Browse by age
Based On A True Story Picture Books
Illustrated read-alouds about based on a true story for preschool and elementary-age readers.
Sale price
$1695
Hosea Plays On
Ages 3–9 · 2020
A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.
Sale price
$1999
Winnie
Ages 4–8 · 2015
A soldier's bear becomes a beloved mascot, but who will care for her when duty calls?
Sale price
$1999
A Poem for Peter
Ages 7–10 · 2016
An artist's dream defies odds, creating a groundbreaking children's book.
Sale price
$1799
Joltin' Joe DiMaggio
Ages 4–8 · 2014
A young boy dreams of Yankee pinstripes, becoming a baseball legend during America's toughest times.
Sale price
$1799
The 5 O'Clock Band
Ages 4–8 · 2018
A young musician seeks leadership wisdom in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
Sale price
$1799
Titan and the Wild Boars
Ages 4–8 · 2019
A soccer team trapped in a flooded cave faces a race against time for survival.
Sale price
$1799
The Quest for Z
Ages 7–10 · 2017
A daring explorer seeks a legendary city in the Amazon jungle.
Sale price
$1799
Sergeant Billy
Ages 4–8 · 2019
A goat becomes a war hero, saving soldiers and facing treason.
Sale price
$1899
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
Ages 5–7 · 2018
At 67, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, defying odds and inspiring a nation.
Sale price
$1799
Malala
Ages 6–9 · 2015
A young girl defies the Taliban to champion education for all, risking everything.
Sale price
$1799
Girl Running
Ages 5–8 · 2018
A woman defies the odds to run the Boston Marathon.
Sale price
$1795
King of the Tightrope
Ages 6–10 · 2019
A daring tightrope walk across Niagara Falls tests courage and ingenuity.
Browse by age
Based On A True Story Chapter Books & Middle Grade
Longer stories about based on a true story for developing and independent readers.
Sale price
$1799
The American Revolution
Ages 10–13 · 2017
Uncover daring acts and secret missions in the American Revolution's thrilling history.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599
Raid of No Return
Ages 8–12 · 2017
A daring WWII mission: bombers launch from a carrier, risking all for a secret strike on Tokyo.
Sale price
$999
The American Civil War
Ages 8–12 · 2014
Uncover daring missions and epic battles of the American Civil War.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2199
Everest
Ages 8–12 · 2020
Two men conquer Everest, battling nature's fiercest elements. Will they survive the ultimate climb?
Sale price
$799
Lost Boys
Ages 9–12 · 2017
A boy's survival is tested in a war-torn land, where music becomes his refuge.
Sale price
$699
Basil and the Cave of Cats
Ages 6–9 · 1971
A mouse detective seeks the truth about miniature cats on a perilous journey.
Sale price
$699
The Unabomber
Ages 8–12 · 2019
A lone bomber eludes capture for years. Can the FBI crack his mind and end the terror?
Sale price
$1999
Missing!
Ages 10–14 · 2019
Unravel the mysteries of history's most baffling disappearances.
Sale price
$1199
Nelson Mandela
Ages 7–11 · 2018
From prisoner to president, Mandela's journey defies adversity.
Sale price
$899
Outside In
Ages 8–12 · 2017
A street boy discovers a secret garden of sculptures, leading to unexpected friendship and a new life.