Books About Michigan

The Best Michigan Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about michigan? 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 Michigan

Bud, Not Buddy
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)Golden Kite Honor (2000)
245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,951 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.
Firekeeper's Daughter
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

By Angeline Boulley

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)Michael L. Printz Award (2022)
494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 212,602 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Daunis Fontaine, caught between her hometown and Ojibwe roots, faces a life-altering choice after witnessing a murder. Drawn into an FBI probe of a dangerous drug, she must navigate hidden truths and old wounds. As deception and danger escalate, Daunis must decide how far she'll go to protect her community and embrace her identity as an Anishinaabe kwe. Will she uncover the truth before it destroys everything she holds dear?
Drum Roll, Please
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,005 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Melly, a shy drummer, finds solace in music at Camp Rockaway. As her parents split and her best friend drifts away, she unexpectedly falls for another girl. Can Melly find her rhythm amidst the chaos and embrace her true self? Discover if she can turn the noise in her heart into a powerful beat.
Christmas Tapestry
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2002

Christmas Tapestry

By Patricia Polacco

A tapestry hides a secret that could bring a Christmas Eve miracle.

48 pages· 3,153 words· Est. 25 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,922 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jonathan Weeks fears Christmas Eve is doomed when a leak damages the church wall. A tapestry seems to save the day, but an old woman's recognition of the cloth reveals a hidden past. As the truth unfolds, will it lead to an unexpected Christmas miracle? Discover the mystery behind the tapestry and its power to transform a community.
The Mermaid's Purse
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

The Mermaid's Purse

By Patricia Polacco

A storm threatens Stella's beloved library, testing her community's bond and love for books.

42 pages· 2,083 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 469 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Stella's passion for books leads her to create a library called the Mermaid’s Purse, sharing stories with her neighbors. But when a tornado scatters her cherished collection, will the community rally to save her dream? As Stella's library faces destruction, the true power of books and community spirit is put to the test. Can the bonds forged through shared stories withstand the storm's fury?
The Legend of Mackinac Island
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999

The Legend of Mackinac Island

By Kathy-jo Wargin

A turtle and friends embark on a journey to discover new lands and forge lasting bonds.

48 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 192 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Makinauk, the wise painted turtle, and his animal companions as they embark on a journey to uncover new lands in a world once covered by water. As they navigate this ancient landscape, friendships are tested and strengthened. Will they find a place to call home, or will the vast waters keep them adrift? Dive into a tale where the past comes alive, and every discovery leads to a new adventure. This enchanting story invites young readers to explore a time when the Earth was a mysterious and uncharted realm.
The Star That Always Stays
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Star That Always Stays

By Anna Rose Johnson

A girl must hide her heritage in a new city, risking her identity for acceptance.

274 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 1,917 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Norvia, a spirited young girl, moves from Beaver Island to the bustling city, where her mother insists she conceal her Ojibwe roots. As she navigates new family dynamics and city life in 1914, Norvia faces the challenge of staying true to herself while adapting to a world that demands she hide her identity. With the threat of world war looming, she and her siblings strive to make this year their best. Can Norvia balance her heritage with her new life, or will the pressure to conform overshadow her true self?
The Legend of Sleeping Bear
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 1998

The Legend of Sleeping Bear

By Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen (Illustrator) · Myths, Legends, Fairy and Folktales series

A mother bear's love guides her cubs across a vast lake to safety.

48 pages· 1,222 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 501 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Amidst a raging forest fire, a mother bear leads her cubs into the waters of Lake Michigan, hoping to reach safety on the distant shore. Her unwavering love and guidance become the heart of a timeless legend. Will they survive the perilous journey? Discover the origins of the Sleeping Bear Dune in this tale of courage and maternal devotion, beautifully brought to life through vivid storytelling and art.
President of the Whole Sixth Grade
Sale price
$1615
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

President of the Whole Sixth Grade

By Sherri Winston · President of the Whole Fifth Grade series

Middle school tests Brianna's resolve as she faces rivals, friendship strains, and unexpected surprises.

320 pages· 52,292 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 417 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Brianna Justice faces her toughest challenge yet: middle school. Determined to fundraise for a class trip to Washington, D.C., she battles deceptive classmates, a new rival threatening her leadership, and the fear of losing her best friends. As hope dwindles, Brianna discovers that unexpected surprises might just be the key to overcoming her obstacles. Can she navigate these challenges and find inspiration in the chaos?
Treasures from Grandma's Attic
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1984

Treasures from Grandma's Attic

By Arleta Richardson, Patrice Barton (Illustrator) · Grandma’s Attic series

Discover timeless lessons from a grandmother's childhood on a 1800s Michigan farm.

159 pages· 27,821 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,153 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Step into Grandma Mabel's world on a 1800s Michigan farm, where childhood adventures unfold with humor and heart. Through tales of mischief and joy, uncover lessons of faith and character that resonate today. Will these stories from the past inspire a new generation?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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

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Browse by age

Michigan Picture Books

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

M is for Mitten
Series
Sale price
$1899

M is for Mitten

Ages 6–8 · 1999

Explore Michigan's wonders from A to Z in a colorful journey through its history and landmarks.

Mrs. Mack
Sale price
$799

Mrs. Mack

Ages 5–8 · 1998

A young girl finds unexpected allies in a rundown stable, transforming her fears into triumphs.

Magic Trash
Sale price
$795

Magic Trash

Ages 5–8 · 2011

Transforming junk into art, one artist inspires a community to rebuild.

Michigan
Series
Sale price
$3850

Michigan

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Discover Michigan's wonders from Mackinac Island to Tulip Time Festival.

Mackinac Bridge
Series
Sale price
$1795

Mackinac Bridge

Ages 6–9 · 2006

A boy faces family loyalty versus progress as a new bridge threatens his father's livelihood.

View all michigan picture books
Browse by age

Michigan Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about michigan for developing and independent readers.

January's Sparrow
Sale price
$2399

January's Sparrow

Ages 6–12 · 2009

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

Poisoned Water
Sale price
$1899

Poisoned Water

Ages 10–+ · 2020

A city poisoned by its own water supply fights for survival and justice.

In Grandma's Attic
Series
Sale price
$799

In Grandma's Attic

Ages 8–12 · 1974

A young girl uncovers timeless life lessons through her grandmother's enchanting tales of mischief and discovery.

Betty Before X
Sale price
$899

Betty Before X

Ages 10–13 · 2018

A young girl finds her voice amidst civil rights struggles in 1945 Detroit.

Melody
Series
Sale price
$799

Melody

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Can Melody's voice shine in the studio and her community?

The Mighty Miss Malone
Sale price
$799

The Mighty Miss Malone

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A family's journey through the Great Depression tests their bonds and hope.

Hidden
Sale price
$899

Hidden

Ages 10–14 · 2011

Two girls confront a shared past and hidden truths at summer camp.

What Lives in the Woods
Sale price
$799

What Lives in the Woods

Ages 10–14 · 2021

A girl in a haunted mansion discovers something sinister in the woods is after her.

Chasing Helicity
Series
Sale price
$1699

Chasing Helicity

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A storm tests Helicity's weather skills and changes her family's future.

View all michigan chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about coming of ageBooks about crushesBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuseBooks about grandparent-grandchild relationshipsBooks about jazzBooks about marriage and divorceBooks about running away from homeBooks about self-discovery