Books About The Great Lakes

The Best The Great Lakes Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Places Around the World, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about the great lakes? 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.

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#2 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Great Lakes

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

3.7/5 Goodreads · 248,521 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.

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,905 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?

Paddle-To-The-Sea (Turtleback School & Library)

Sale price

$2328

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11

Paddle-To-The-Sea (Turtleback School & Library)

64 pages· 7,948 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,071 ratings

$24.50Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 6–12 · 2009

January's Sparrow

By Patricia Polacco

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 · 764 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Sadie and her family escape a brutal plantation, leaving behind a cherished wooden sparrow. Safe in Michigan, their peace shatters when the sparrow reappears with a chilling note: "I found you." As the Crosswhites and their new community confront this ominous message, they must navigate fear and uncertainty. Will they protect their hard-won freedom, or will the past catch up with them? This gripping tale of courage and resilience will captivate readers, leaving them pondering the power of hope and the shadows of history.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1941

Paddle-to-the-Sea

By Holling C. Holling

A toy canoe embarks on a journey from Lake Nipigon to the Atlantic Ocean.

Caldecott Honor (1942)

64 pages· 7,948 words· Est. 53 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,071 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A young boy carves a toy canoe, naming it Paddle-to-the-Sea, and sets it on a journey from Lake Nipigon. As Paddle navigates the Great Lakes toward the Atlantic Ocean, each stop reveals the region's rich geography and history. Will Paddle reach the ocean, or will the journey hold unexpected challenges? Follow this unique adventure that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1999

M is for Mitten

By Annie Appleford, Michael Glenn Monroe (Illustrator) · Discover America State by State series

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

40 pages· 1,987 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 219 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on an alphabetical adventure through Michigan, where each letter reveals a unique aspect of the Great Lakes State. From climbing evergreen trees to paddling birch bark canoes, discover the state's rich history and vibrant culture. Visit iconic sites like the Mackinac Bridge and Detroit, and learn about Michigan's famous figures and firsts. With stunning illustrations, this journey is both educational and entertaining, offering a delightful exploration for curious minds. What secrets will you uncover about Michigan's past and present?

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2019

Nibi Emosaawdang

By Joanne Robertson, Shirley Williams (Translator), Isadore Toulouse (Translator)

A grandmother's journey to protect water challenges us all to safeguard our planet.

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 332 ratings

$14.95Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Join Josephine, an Ojibwe grandmother, as she embarks on a courageous journey to protect water, the essence of life. Walking the Great Lakes' perimeter, she faces challenges that test her resolve. Her mission is clear: raise awareness and inspire others to safeguard our planet's precious resources for future generations. Will her determination ignite a global movement? Discover the power of one woman's love for water and her call to action in this dual-language tale of resilience and responsibility.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Caroline's Secret Message

By Kathleen Ernst · Book #2 in the American Girl: Caroline series

A girl must deliver a secret message to her imprisoned father under a guard's watchful eye.

104 pages· 13,340 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,173 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: Caroline embarks on a perilous journey across Lake Ontario to a British fort where her father is held captive. With her mother denied access, Caroline must secretly deliver a message to him, risking everything under the watchful eyes of British guards. Will her father decipher the message and escape in time? As tensions of the War of 1812 loom, Caroline's courage and quick thinking are put to the ultimate test. Can she outsmart the guards and save her father before it's too late? Discover the untold stories of women and children during this tumultuous era.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

The Game of Silence

By Louise Erdrich · Book #2 in the The Birchbark House series

A young girl faces the threat of losing her home and way of life in 1850.

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2006)

271 pages· 53,684 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,565 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1850, Omakayas, known as Little Frog, lives peacefully on an island in Lake Superior. Her world is shaken when mysterious visitors bring news that threatens her home and way of life. As the white settlers demand her people move west, Omakayas must confront the possibility of losing everything she holds dear. Will she find a way to protect her family and their traditions, or will they be forced to leave the only home they've ever known? Discover the poignant journey of one Ojibwe family in a changing America.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2012

A Surprise for Caroline

By Kathleen Ernst · Book #3 in the American Girl: Caroline series

A winter visit turns risky when hurt feelings lead to a dangerous decision.

96 pages· 11,919 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,004 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: Caroline's winter plans with her friend Rhonda and cousin Lydia take a chilly turn when she feels left out. As the girls bond over indoor activities, Caroline's frustration grows, leading her to make a perilous choice that endangers them all. Can they navigate the icy consequences of her actions? Set against the backdrop of the early 1800s, this tale explores friendship and the perils of impulsive decisions.

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