Books About New Jersey · 62 titles considered

The Best New Jersey Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Northeast United States Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about new jersey? 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 New Jersey

Penny from Heaven
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Penny from Heaven

By Jennifer L. Holm

Penny's summer plans unravel amid family tensions and past prejudices.

Newbery Honor (2007)
304 pages· 46,792 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 9,936 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1953, Penny dreams of a carefree summer filled with ice cream and baseball. But her plans are thwarted by her mother's fear of polio, a favorite uncle living in a car, and a family divided by past prejudices. As Penny navigates these challenges, she discovers unexpected ways to bring her family together. Set in post-war America, this heartfelt tale explores the bonds that both divide and unite us, revealing the extraordinary within the everyday. Can Penny find harmony amidst the chaos and heal the rifts in her family?
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1970

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

By Judy Blume

A girl navigates friendship and faith, seeking her own spiritual path.

153 pages· 30,233 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 260,830 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Margaret Simon, nearly twelve, has just moved to New Jersey and is eager to fit in with her new friends. As they form a secret club to discuss growing up, Margaret faces a unique challenge: she has no religion. While her friends question her beliefs, Margaret confides in her own special connection with God, sharing her thoughts on family, friends, and her secret crush. Will Margaret find where she truly belongs? This heartfelt journey explores the complexities of adolescence and spirituality, inviting readers to ponder their own paths.
Forever...
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1975

Forever...

By Judy Blume

Katherine questions love's permanence when summer brings new feelings.

240 pages· 38,379 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 69,028 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Katherine believes her love with Michael is eternal, especially after they share an intimate moment. But a summer apart stirs unexpected emotions for someone new. As Katherine grapples with her heart's shifting desires, she must confront what 'forever' truly means. Is her bond with Michael the love of a lifetime, or just the start of her journey in love? This exploration of first love and its complexities will leave you questioning the nature of true connection.
Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace

By Nan Marino

A young prodigy hides from fame, seeking solace and rediscovery in a remote pancake palace.

256 pages· 44,159 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 619 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: After freezing on live TV, musical prodigy Elvis Ruby escapes to Piney Pete's Pancake Palace in New Jersey. As he hides from the world, he meets Cecilia, a candid girl who challenges him to rediscover his passion for music. Can Elvis find his way back to the stage, or will he remain lost in anonymity? The stakes are high as he navigates friendship, identity, and the pressure of fame.
Aaron and Alexander
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2015

Aaron and Alexander

By Don Brown

Two patriots' rivalry leads to a historic duel.

32 pages· 1,254 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 750 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the young United States, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, once allies, find themselves at odds. Their political rivalry and personal animosity escalate, culminating in a duel that changes history. Discover how pride and ambition lead these two patriots to a tragic confrontation, forever altering their legacies. What drives them to such a fateful encounter?
16 Words
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

16 Words

By Lisa Rogers, Chuck Groenink (Illustrator)

Discover how a simple wheelbarrow inspired a timeless poem through mindful observation.

40 pages· 666 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 395 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Physical book
Summary: In a world of bustling streets and simple scenes, Dr. William Carlos Williams finds profound inspiration. As a street vendor's wheelbarrow catches his eye, the poet within him awakens. This picture book invites young readers to explore how everyday moments can spark extraordinary creativity. What will you see when you look out your window?
When Washington Crossed the Delaware
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2004

When Washington Crossed the Delaware

By Lynne Cheney, Peter Fiore

A daring Christmas night gamble could change the fate of a nation.

32 pages· 2,380 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 269 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a frigid Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington faces a dire challenge. With his army battered by defeat, he plans a bold, risky attack across the icy Delaware River. Against overwhelming odds, Washington's ragtag troops must muster courage and determination to confront the world's mightiest power. Can their love for country and leader turn the tide of history? This gripping tale of heroism and perseverance invites readers to relive a pivotal moment in America's fight for independence.
Curveball
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Curveball

By Derek Jeter

A summer of baseball and choices tests Derek's idea of role models.

176 pages· 32,132 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 148 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Derek's summer with his grandparents is filled with baseball and new friends near Yankee Stadium. But when a friend tempts him with trouble, Derek must decide who truly inspires him. Will he choose wisely and learn the value of hard work, or will he follow the wrong path? Discover the lessons Derek learns about friendship and responsibility in this engaging tale.
The Chaos Curse
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Chaos Curse

By Sayantani DasGupta · Book #3 in the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series

A girl battles chaos and prophecy to save a prince trapped in a tree.

400 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 1,131 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kiranmala must leave the Kingdom Beyond to rescue Prince Lal, trapped in a tree in her rival's yard. As reality flickers and serpents loom, a prophecy hints at her pivotal role in a looming battle between good and evil. With the multiverse at risk, can Kiran untangle the chaos threatening her world and beyond?
My Life Is a Joke (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

My Life Is a Joke (Graphic Novel)

By James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Betty Tang (Illustrator)

Can Jacky balance work, family, and her dream of performing, or will chaos reign this summer?

248 pages· 16,181 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 362 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jacky Hart dreams of a summer filled with acting and singing, but reality hits hard when she's stuck with a job and babysitting duties in Seaside Heights. As she navigates the chaos of losing her job, embarrassing herself in front of a crush, and ruining a friendship, Jacky must decide if she can juggle her responsibilities and still pursue her passion for the stage. Will she find a way to shine in the summer stock performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, or will her comedic antics lead to a summer of mishaps?
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

New Jersey Picture Books

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

She Loved Baseball
Sale price
$1699

She Loved Baseball

Ages 6–9 · 2010

A woman breaks barriers in baseball, owning a team and making history.

Brothers at Bat
Sale price
$1999

Brothers at Bat

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Twelve brothers form an unbeatable baseball team, defying all odds and challenges.

River
Sale price
$1899

River

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Navigate the Hudson River's beauty and challenges in a daring canoe journey.

After the Worst Thing Happens
Sale price
$1799

After the Worst Thing Happens

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A girl's guilt over a tragic accident drives her to protect a neighbor from looming danger.

Duel!
Sale price
$1695

Duel!

Ages 7–11 · 2008

Two rivals face off in a deadly duel, altering history forever.

Heroes of the Surf
Sale price
$1699

Heroes of the Surf

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Two boys face a stormy shipwreck and await rescue on a perilous night.

G is for Garden State
Series
Sale price
$1795

G is for Garden State

Ages 6–9 · 2004

Explore New Jersey's wonders, from historic figures to natural beauty and unique landmarks.

View all new jersey picture books
Browse by age

New Jersey Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about new jersey for developing and independent readers.

Like Vanessa
Sale price
$1699

Like Vanessa

Ages 10–+ · 2018

A girl enters a pageant, discovering self-worth beyond crowns.

Football Hero
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Football Hero

Ages 8–12 · 2008

A young boy must outsmart a mob boss to save his brother's NFL dreams and his own future.

After Ever After
#2 in Series
Sale price
$799

After Ever After

Ages 12–15 · 2010

A teen in remission faces life's fragility, family secrets, and unexpected love.

The Dream Weaver
Sale price
$1799

The Dream Weaver

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must save her grandfather's bowling alley while navigating friendship and family challenges.

View all new jersey chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about being famousBooks about dating and courtshipBooks about family problemsBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about girls and womenBooks about growing upBooks about identityBooks about musicians