Books About Appalachian

The Best Appalachian Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about appalachian? 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.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Appalachian

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1995

The Rag Coat

By Lauren A. Mills

A mountain girl's coat weaves a tale of love and friendship.

32 pages

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,818 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of Appalachia, a resourceful young girl finds her world transformed by a special coat. As she navigates the challenges of mountain life, this coat becomes a symbol of love and friendship. Will it help her uncover the true meaning of connection in a place where beauty and hardship intertwine? Discover how one garment can change everything in this touching tale.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Willa of Dark Hollow

By Robert Beatty · Willa of the Wood series

Can Willa save her forest from destruction by unleashing a mysterious force?

368 pages· 77,755 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,817 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1901, Willa, the last of the Faeran, faces a dire threat as humans destroy her beloved forest. Discovering a dark hollow filled with strange creatures, she must decide if unleashing its terrifying power is the key to saving her world. As the forest's fate hangs in the balance, Willa grapples with the forces of nature and the darkness within. Will she find a way to protect her home and those she loves, or will the consuming darkness prevail? Dive into a tale of magic, mystery, and the fight for survival in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

A Dog's Way Home

By Bobbie Pyron

Separated by fate, can a girl and her dog find their way back to each other across mountains and time?

336 pages· 61,634 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,333 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abby's world shatters when a tragic accident separates her from Tam, her beloved Shetland sheepdog. As weeks turn into months, both face dangers and changes that test their bond. Abby's heart aches for her 'north star,' while Tam navigates the wild, driven by loyalty. Will their unbreakable connection guide them home, or will the miles and mountains prove too great? This tale of friendship and resilience asks: can love truly conquer all obstacles?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1987

Silver Packages

By Cynthia Rylant, Chris K. Soentpiet (Illustrator)

A boy's hope for a special gift reveals the true meaning of Christmas.

28 pages· 1,177 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 848 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of Appalachia, young Frankie eagerly awaits the Christmas Train, hoping for a special gift that will change everything. As the train rolls through coal towns, it brings more than just presents—it carries the promise of understanding and kindness. Will Frankie's enduring hope be rewarded, and what deeper truths will he uncover about the season's spirit? Journey with Frankie as he discovers that sometimes the greatest gifts are those we least expect, and the true meaning of Christmas lies beyond the material.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Cattywampus

By Ash Van Otterloo

A forbidden hex unleashes chaos. Can rivals unite to save their town?

288 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 672 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Howler's Hollow, magic is forbidden, but Delpha McGill can't resist breaking the rules. When she and rival Katybird Hearn unleash a disastrous hex, they must unite to stop their resurrected ancestors from destroying everything. Can these feuding witches mend their ways in time to save their town from rampaging zombies?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1982

When I Was Young in the Mountains

By Cynthia Rylant, Diane Goode (Illustrator)

Experience the cherished simplicity of mountain life through a child's eyes.

Caldecott Honor (1983)

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,530 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the mountains, a child's world is filled with simple joys and family warmth. Grandfather returns from the coal mine, his dusty face a testament to hard work, while Grandmother's kitchen offers the comfort of hot cornbread. Days are spent at the swimming hole and visiting Crawford’s store, each moment a cherished memory. This gentle tale, enriched with vivid illustrations, captures the essence of a life deeply connected to family and place. What makes these mountain memories so unforgettable?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1988

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

By Gloria Houston, Barbara Cooney (Illustrator)

A family must find the perfect Christmas tree amidst wartime challenges.

32 pages· 2,464 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,771 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ruthie and her mother face a daunting task: finding the perfect Christmas tree for their town's celebration while Papa is away at war. As they navigate this challenge, they discover the true meaning of courage and family. Will they manage to uphold their tradition and bring joy to their community despite the odds? This heartwarming story, beautifully illustrated, captures the spirit of resilience and love during difficult times.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Willa of the Wood

By Robert Beatty · Willa of the Wood series

An orphaned girl with forest powers must confront her beliefs to save her world.

384 pages· 86,486 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,962 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the Great Smoky Mountains of 1900, Willa, a young night-spirit and master thief, faces a life-altering challenge. Trained to despise humans, her world shatters when she discovers not all are enemies. Stranded among the day-folk, Willa must harness ancient powers and question her clan's teachings. As destruction looms over her forest home, she must choose between loyalty and truth. Can Willa protect her newfound family and uncover the secrets threatening her people? Her journey is one of courage, compassion, and the search for identity in a world on the brink of change.

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2018

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

By Jennifer Thermes

At 67, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, defying odds and inspiring a nation.

48 pages· 1,101 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 516 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old grandmother from Ohio, embarks on an extraordinary journey across the Appalachian Trail. With only canvas sneakers and sheer determination, she faces storms and rugged terrain. As her story captures national attention, Emma's resilience and spirit inspire countless others. Can she conquer the trail's challenges and prove that age is just a number?

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1991

Appalachia

By Cynthia Rylant, Barry Moser (Illustrator)

Discover the timeless beauty and life of Appalachia through vivid prose and art.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1991)

32 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 238 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Journey into the heart of Appalachia, where lyrical prose and watercolor illustrations reveal the essence of a timeless landscape. Experience the rich tapestry of life and culture, as two artists share their heartfelt connection to this unique region. What stories and secrets does this enchanting place hold?

The Bookroo Book Club