Books About Chicago · 74 titles considered

The Best Chicago Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about chicago? 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 Chicago

The Westing Game
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1978

The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin · Puffin Modern Classics series

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Newbery Medal (1979)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1978)
182 pages· 50,662 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 241,399 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sixteen strangers gather for the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find themselves embroiled in a mysterious game. With a fortune at stake, they must unravel cryptic clues amidst blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. As alliances form and secrets unravel, the question remains: what is the true nature of Westing's final challenge? In this twist-filled mystery, the dead man's game is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than anyone imagined. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?
Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Sale price
$2071
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

By David Green, John; Levithan · Book #1 in the Will Grayson, Will Grayson series

Two teens named Will Grayson meet, altering their lives forever.

352 pages· 74,277 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 415,742 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In a chance encounter on a cold Chicago night, two teens named Will Grayson meet, each from different worlds. Their unexpected connection sets off a series of life-changing events, leading to surprising friendships and a high school musical like no other. As their stories intertwine, both Wills face challenges that test their hearts and humor, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and transformation. What happens when two lives collide in the most unexpected way?
Lord of the Flies
Sale price
$1235
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

219 pages· 60,305 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 3,314,254 ratings
$13.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A plane crash leaves schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, freedom feels exhilarating, but without rules, chaos ensues. As fear and primal instincts take over, their world spirals into a nightmare. Will they survive the darkness within?
The House on Mango Street
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 250,905 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.
The House That Jane Built
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,252 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jane Addams dreams of helping those in need become reality when she opens Hull House in a struggling Chicago neighborhood. As the settlement home grows, it becomes a beacon of hope, offering food, work, and community to thousands. How did one woman's vision change so many lives? Discover the inspiring journey of the first American woman Nobel Peace Prize winner and her lasting legacy.
Love, Amalia
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Love, Amalia

By Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

A girl navigates loss and discovers her heritage's power to heal.

127 pages· 21,203 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 354 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amalia faces the heartache of her best friend moving away and the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother. Through cherished memories and cultural traditions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can Amalia find strength in her heritage to overcome her sorrow and realize her own worth, even when those she loves are far away? This poignant story explores the resilience found in family bonds and cultural roots.
The World Series Curse
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

The World Series Curse

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ballpark Mysteries Super Special series

A World Series mystery threatens the Cubs. Can it be solved before the final game?

144 pages· 12,975 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 189 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At the World Series, young sleuths Mike and Kate face their biggest challenge yet. As the Cubs seem poised for victory, mysterious sabotage strikes, threatening their chances and reviving an old curse. With the Red Sox making a comeback, the duo must unravel the mystery to ensure a fair game. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the ultimate baseball trophy slip away? Dive into a thrilling mix of sports and mystery, where every clue counts and the stakes are as high as the championship itself.
The Windy City
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2013

The Windy City

By Roland Smith, Michael P. Spradlin · Book #5 in the I, Q series

Teens race to stop a deadly plot in Chicago while avoiding boarding school.

240 pages· 49,839 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 801 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Q and Angela, young spies juggling school and international threats, face their toughest challenge yet. As they trail the Match tour to Chicago, a mole threatens their mission. With a chemical attack looming, they must uncover the traitor and stop the Ghost Cell's deadly plan. Can they save the city and themselves from boarding school?
Being Clem
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Being Clem

By Lesa Cline-Ransome · Finding Langston series

Clem's world unravels after his father's death. Can he uphold his legacy?

256 pages· 50,739 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 366 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Clem's life changes when his father dies in the Port Chicago disaster. With his mother working tirelessly for a wealthy family, Clem struggles to find his place in a world he barely recognizes. As he grapples with his identity and the weight of his father's legacy, Clem must navigate the challenges of mid-twentieth century America. Will he find the strength to redefine himself amidst the echoes of history and family expectations?
Leaving Lymon
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Leaving Lymon

By Lesa Cline-Ransome · Finding Langston series

A boy's journey from the South to the North tests his resilience and love for music.

112 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 776 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1946, Lymon is uprooted from the Deep South to the unfamiliar North. With his father imprisoned and his mother distant, he clings to music shared with his grandfather. As his world shifts, Lymon faces a journey through Northern cities, challenging his identity and revealing a new side of himself. Can his raw talent and resilience guide him toward redemption, or will the anger within consume him? Discover the story of a boy whose devotion to music might just be his saving grace.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Chicago Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about chicago for the youngest readers and listeners.

123 Chicago
Sale price
$895

123 Chicago

Ages 0–4 · 2009

Count to ten with Chicago's iconic landmarks and symbols.

Chicago
Series
Sale price
$999

Chicago

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Explore Chicago's landmarks and culture through a child's eyes.

View all chicago board books
Browse by age

Chicago Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about chicago for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Fiona's Lace
Sale price
$1799

Fiona's Lace

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A family's bond is tested by separation, but a unique lace leads them back together.

Coming on Home Soon
Sale price
$1799

Coming on Home Soon

Ages 5–8 · 2004

A girl and her grandma await a letter during wartime, hoping for Mama's return.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Sale price
$1999

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Discover how George Ferris defied odds to create the iconic Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Fair.

I'm Fast!
Series
Sale price
$1799

I'm Fast!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A freight train races against time and obstacles to reach Chicago.

Illinois
Series
Sale price
$3095

Illinois

Ages 8–13 · 2021

Discover Illinois beyond Chicago, exploring its landscapes, history, and unique culture.

Michelle Obama
Sale price
$599

Michelle Obama

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Discover how a determined girl from Chicago became a trailblazing First Lady.

Chicago Bears
Sale price
$3564

Chicago Bears

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Explore the Chicago Bears' legendary highs and lows in NFL history.

Edward and Annie
Sale price
$1799

Edward and Annie

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Penguins explore their aquarium home, discovering new friends and surprises.

Chicago ABC
Series
Sale price
$1499

Chicago ABC

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Explore Chicago's iconic sites from A to Z with a curious pup.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Series
Sale price
$1899

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A daring day off in Chicago tests friendship and freedom. Can they outsmart the watchful teacher?

View all chicago picture books
Browse by age

Chicago Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about chicago for developing and independent readers.

Who Is Michelle Obama?
Series
Sale price
$599

Who Is Michelle Obama?

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A biography of Michelle Obama, from her childhood to her time as First Lady of the United States

Sparky
#9 in Series
Sale price
$899

Sparky

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A fire dog and a rescue horse face Chicago's greatest blaze.

Cinders
#13 in Series
Sale price
$799

Cinders

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A horse recounts her life from her idyllic childhood on a farm to her work as a fire horse in Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871

Becoming
Sale price
$1899

Becoming

Ages 10–13 · 2021

From Chicago roots to the White House, discover a journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Ghost Boys
Sale price
$1699

Ghost Boys

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy's ghost seeks justice and understanding after a tragic police shooting.

Finding Langston
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Finding Langston

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy finds solace in a library and a poet's legacy amidst the chaos of a new city.

Firestorm!
Sale price
$899

Firestorm!

Ages 8–12 · 2010

An orphaned pickpocket and a jeweler's son face the Great Chicago Fire. Can they survive and find a new life?

The Ambrose Deception
Sale price
$1699

The Ambrose Deception

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Three unlikely students uncover a mysterious truth behind a scholarship competition in Chicago.

View all chicago chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about identityBooks about inheritancesBooks about LGBTQBooks about Mexican cultureBooks about movingBooks about povertyBooks about problem solving