Books About Los Angeles

The Best Los Angeles Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to California Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about los angeles? 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.

#1 in Series

#8 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Los Angeles

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Any Day with You

By Mae Respicio

A girl uses filmmaking to keep her great-grandfather from leaving for the Philippines.

216 pages

4.2 Goodreads · 564 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Kaia, a creative young filmmaker in California, faces a heart-wrenching challenge: her beloved great-grandfather, Tatang, plans to return to the Philippines. Determined to keep him close, Kaia enters a filmmaking contest, crafting a movie inspired by his cherished Filipino folktales. As she and her friends dive into the world of special effects and storytelling, Kaia hopes their film will be enough to convince Tatang to stay. Will her creative vision be powerful enough to change his mind, or will she have to say goodbye to the man who brings magic to her life?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

The Black Kids

By Christina Hammonds Reed

A teen's life unravels amid the chaos of the 1992 LA riots.

400 pages· 91,156 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 11,513 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1992 Los Angeles, Ashley Bennett's privileged life shatters when the Rodney King verdict ignites citywide riots. As violence erupts, Ashley grapples with identity, family secrets, and a rumor threatening a classmate's future. Can she navigate a world divided by race and class, or will the chaos consume her? As her sister spirals into danger and her family's facade crumbles, Ashley must confront the harsh realities of her world. Who is the 'us' and who is the 'them' in a city on fire?

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

Lady Midnight

By Cassandra Clare · Book #1 in the The Dark Artifices series

A young Shadowhunter seeks vengeance and uncovers a deadly plot threatening her world.

688 pages

4.3 Goodreads · 248,926 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Emma Carstairs, a determined Shadowhunter, seeks to avenge her parents' mysterious deaths. With her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, she delves into a demonic conspiracy in Los Angeles. As they navigate treacherous alliances, Julian's brother Mark returns from the faerie realm, unchanged and unrecognizable. Can Emma balance her quest for justice with the tangled emotions of her heart? And will Mark find his place in a world that moved on without him? The stakes are high as the Shadowhunters race against time to stop a killer targeting faeries, risking everything in a city where magic and danger collide.

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2017

Armstrong & Charlie

By Steven B. Frank

Two boys from different worlds face sixth grade's challenges, forging an unexpected bond amidst rivalry and change.

304 pages· 59,502 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 567 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1970s Los Angeles, Charlie dreads sixth grade, fearing he'll outgrow his late brother. Armstrong faces a new school, far from home, due to integration. Seated together, their initial rivalry transforms into a friendship as they navigate racial tensions, loss, and first crushes. Can these boys from opposite worlds find common ground and redefine what it means to be brothers?

Graphic Nov.

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$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Parachute Kids

By Betty C. Tang

A young Taiwanese girl navigates her new life in America, dealing with challenges in school, cultural differences, and her complicated relationship with her family

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2024)

286 pages· 12,586 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 4,951 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Feng-Li's dream trip to America turns into a nightmare when her parents leave her and her siblings to fend for themselves. Struggling with a new school, language, and household, the siblings face constant bickering and escalating tensions. As they navigate this strange world, can Feng-Li hold her family together amidst bad choices and loneliness? Discover the heartwarming and humorous journey of resilience and family bonds in this compelling tale of undocumented immigrants.

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$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

At First Bite

By Ruth Ames · Book #8 in the Poison Apple series

A young vampire must uncover who's behind mysterious attacks before her secret is exposed.

192 pages· 34,055 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 2,208 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ashlee Lambert, a newly turned vampire, relocates to Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start. But mean girls and relentless sunburns complicate her life. When mysterious attacks plague her school, Ashlee realizes she's not the only vampire around. Can she unmask the culprit before her secret is revealed, or will her new life crumble under the weight of suspicion? As tensions rise, Ashlee must decide whether to use her powers for good or risk everything to protect her identity.

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$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

My Life as a Meme

By Janet Tashjian, Jake Tashjian (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the My Life series

A viral meme turns Derek into the joke. Can he confront the creator?

256 pages· 25,506 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 165 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Derek Fallon, a meme enthusiast, becomes the target of a viral joke. As a fire evacuation forces him into close quarters with the meme's creator, Derek must navigate the chaos to confront his bully. Will he find a way to turn the tables, or will he remain the punchline? This adventure tests Derek's humor and resilience in unexpected ways.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

My Life as a Joke

By Janet Tashjian, Jake Tashjian (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the My Life series

Twelve-year-old faces mishaps and middle school chaos, seeking to feel grown-up amidst comedic disasters.

272 pages· 27,561 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 441 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon just wants to feel grown-up, but life has other plans. From fainting in science class to a gym class mishap, his middle school experience is a series of comedic disasters. Even his monster-truck party turns into a bouncy house fiasco. As Derek navigates these challenges, he wonders why growing up isn't as great as he imagined. With unexpected help from friends and a Toys for Tots fundraiser, could things finally start looking up? Dive into Derek's world of mishaps and discover if he can turn his life from a joke into something more.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2011

The L.A. Dodger

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Ballpark Mysteries series

A scout's secrets are at risk. Can two kids solve the mystery?

112 pages· 10,476 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 409 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: During spring break in Los Angeles, Kate and Mike visit Kate's dad, a Dodgers scout. But when his scouting reports go missing and he receives threats, the kids must unravel the mystery. Is someone after his secrets? With danger lurking, they dive into a puzzling whodunnit at Dodger Stadium. Can they crack the case before it's too late?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Land of the Cranes

By Aida Salazar

A young girl clings to hope and poetry in a detention camp, seeking family unity.

Americas Award (2021)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2021)

256 pages· 22,678 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.5 Goodreads · 2,594 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nine-year-old Betita believes she is a crane, destined to return to her ancestral land. But when her father is deported and she and her pregnant mother are detained in a camp, Betita must find strength in her poetry to endure the harsh conditions. As she navigates the cruelty of the detention center, Betita's imagination and the bonds with fellow detainees become her lifeline. Can her spirit and words keep her family from being torn apart forever? Discover the resilience of a young girl in a world that seeks to cage her dreams.

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Los Angeles Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

A Scarf for Keiko

Ages 5–10 · 2019

In 1942, can Sam prove his friendship to Keiko as war divides them?

Sale price

$1799

Paletero Man

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young boy searches for his friend Paletero José to buy a cool treat on a hot day.

Sale price

$1899

Cougar Crossing

Ages 3–8 · 2021

A cougar's daring journey through LA traffic leads to a fight for survival and a new wildlife bridge.

Sale price

$799

Smoky Night

Ages 6–9 · 1994

A boy and his mother navigate chaos during the Los Angeles riots.

Sale price

$899

Chato's Kitchen

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A cat plans a feast, but the guests have a surprise.

Sale price

$1799

The Colossus of Roads

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A boy battles LA traffic to save his family's catering business.

Sale price

$1295

Los Angeles is...

Ages 0–4 · 2018

Discover Los Angeles through waves, stars, and taco trucks.

Series

Sale price

$3422

Los Angeles Chargers

Ages 7–13 · 2021

Discover the Los Angeles Chargers' NFL journey and legendary players.

Sale price

$2799

Los Angeles Lakers

Ages 8–11 · 2013

Explore the legacy and triumphs of the Los Angeles Lakers, a basketball dynasty.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A lost dog explores Los Angeles, discovering iconic sites while searching for his friend.

Series

Sale price

$2132

Camila the Video Star

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Camila's video contest entry reveals what truly makes Los Angeles home.

View all los angeles picture books

Browse by age

Los Angeles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about los angeles for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1895

Indian No More

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Regina's tribe is erased; she must find her identity in a new world.

Series

Sale price

$599

Lights, Camera . . . Cats!

Ages 6–9 · 2007

A famous cat vanishes on a movie set. Can the Clue Crew solve the mystery?

#5 in Series

Sale price

$1499

My Life as a Gamer

Ages 9–12 · 2015

Derek's dream gaming job turns into a surprising challenge.

Series

Sale price

$599

Top Ten Ways to Die

Ages 8–12 · 2006

Can Frank and Joe stop a murder plot against a rising rock star in LA?

Sale price

$1699

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A mistaken identity at comedy camp forces a shy girl to choose between truth and her dreams.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1599

My Life as a Stuntboy

Ages 9–12 · 2011

A boy becomes a stunt double, faces embarrassment, and risks losing his pet monkey.

Sale price

$799

Pinch Hit

Ages 10–13 · 2012

Two lookalikes swap lives, chasing dreams. But what happens when their game goes too far?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Molly Moon Stops the World

Ages 9–12 · 2001

A young hypnotist battles a billionaire's sinister plot at the Academy Awards.

Series

Sale price

$799

Alvin Ailey

Ages 6–9 · 1993

Discover the journey of a dancer who transformed modern dance forever.

Sale price

$1999

Six Truths and a Lie

Ages 13–17 · 2024

Six teens accused of terrorism must choose: betray each other or reveal secrets to clear their names.

#66 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Vanishing Thieves

Ages 9–12 · 1980

A missing coin leads to a dangerous mystery in Los Angeles.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Eloise in Hollywood

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Eloise takes Hollywood by storm with apes, biplanes, and thrills.

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Books about culture Books about feelings and emotions Books about movies and cinema Books about prejudice and racism Books about protest movements Books about race relations

Our 10 Favorite Books About Los Angeles

Great books, picked for their age.

Los Angeles Picture Books

Los Angeles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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