Books About Kentucky · 26 titles considered

The Best Kentucky Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about kentucky? 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.

Light Comes to Shadow Mountain
Lila and Hadley
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Kentucky

Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Junia

By Kim Michele Richardson, David C. Gardner (Illustrator)

A mule and her librarian traverse treacherous paths to deliver books in Depression-era Kentucky.

40 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 295 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Lift Your Light a Little Higher

By Heather Henson, Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

Explore the depths of Mammoth Cave with a guide who defies his chains.

32 pages· 880 words· Est. 15 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 520 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Light Comes to Shadow Mountain

A girl battles tradition to electrify her Appalachian home, facing resistance from her own family.

272 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 320 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

Night Boat to Freedom

By E. B. Lewis (Illustrator), Margot Theis Raven, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A boy's courage is tested as he rows to freedom across a perilous river.

40 pages· 1,663 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 166 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2018

Hope in the Holler

A girl battles scheming relatives to find her courage and rightful place in the world.

224 pages· 46,328 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,221 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–12 · 2009

January's Sparrow

A family flees slavery, but a mysterious package threatens their newfound freedom.

96 pages· 7,372 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 763 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Dream of Night

A broken horse and a troubled girl find hope in their last chance for redemption.

224 pages· 35,914 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 987 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Growing Pangs

By Kathryn Ormsbee, Molly Brooks (Illustrator)

Katie's summer camp changes everything. Can she overcome her worries and save her friendship?

256 pages· 8,481 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,210 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2006

Who Was Daniel Boone?

A legendary pathfinder braves the wild to rescue his kidnapped daughter.

112 pages· 10,220 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 652 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Lila and Hadley

A girl and a dog must overcome their struggles to find hope and a home.

256 pages· 48,055 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,089 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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Browse by age

Kentucky Picture Books

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

Which Side Are You On?

Ages 9–11 · 2011

A family hides from bullets as a mother writes a song that could change their fate.

The Horseback Librarians

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A lone librarian braves the wilds to deliver books in Depression-era Appalachia.

In Coal Country

Ages 4–10 · 1987

A child's life is shaped by the coal mines' challenges and adventures.

Kentucky

Ages 8–13 · 2021

Discover Kentucky's hidden wonders and rich history.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Kentucky

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Explore Kentucky's wonders through a festive journey of unique gifts and traditions.

B is for Bluegrass

Ages 6–8 · 2002

Explore Kentucky's history and beauty from A to Z in a rhyming adventure.

Blue Grass Boy

Ages 7–10 · 2018

Discover how Bill Monroe's Kentucky roots shaped the birth of bluegrass music.

View all kentucky picture books
Browse by age

Kentucky Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about kentucky for developing and independent readers.

Racing Image

Ages 9–12 · 2001

Can an unpredictable filly become a champion racer?

Daniel Boone

Ages 8–12 · 1943

Dive into history with engaging tales of iconic figures.

Gabriel's Horses

Ages 8–12 · 2007

An enslaved boy must protect his beloved horses from a cruel trainer and Confederate raiders during the Civil War.

Trouble the Water

Ages 9–13 · 2016

A black girl and a white boy defy prejudice to solve a ghostly mystery in segregated Kentucky.

River Runs Deep

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy's healing journey leads to a hidden world of danger and secrets underground.

Borrowed Children

Ages 9–12 · 1988

A girl discovers family secrets and her own identity during a life-changing visit.

West
Sale price
$1699

West

2018

A man ventures west seeking ancient giants, leaving his daughter to await his uncertain return.

Journey to Freedom, 1838

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A mother risks everything to cross a frozen river for freedom.

Cole Family Christmas

Ages 8–11 · 2008

In a coal town, nine children learn the true meaning of Christmas gifts.

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