Books About The Great Lakes · 24 titles considered

The Best The Great Lakes Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

The Star That Always Stays
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 · 247,062 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
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 · 7,046 ratings
$24.50Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1941

Paddle-to-the-Sea

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

64 pages· 7,948 words· Est. 53 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,046 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Star That Always Stays

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

274 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,897 ratings
$17.99Save 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%
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1999

M is for Mitten

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%
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%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Caroline's Secret Message

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 · 1,170 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

The Game of Silence

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

271 pages· 53,684 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,555 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2012

A Surprise for Caroline

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 · 1,000 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
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Browse by age

The Great Lakes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the great lakes for developing and independent readers.

The Michigan Mega-Monsters

Ages 9–12 · 2001

Uncover chilling mysteries lurking in unexpected places.

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry

Ages 8–12 · 2024

An orphan seeks a legendary treasure on stormy Lake Superior, racing against time and rivals.

Invisible Iguanas of Illinois

Ages 7–14 · 2000

Invisible iguanas threaten Springfield. Can they be stopped?

Mr. Chickee's Funny Money

Ages 8–12 · 2005

A boy receives a mysterious bill, sparking a chase with secret agents.

The Case of the Portrait Vandal

Ages 8–11 · 2015

A museum vandal threatens history. Can Raining clear his name and catch the culprit?

Wreck at Ada's Reef

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A summer on Swallowtail Island uncovers a decades-old mystery that could change everything.

Working with Water

Ages 7–12 · 2001

Discover how water shaped Wisconsin's history, from glaciers to shipwrecks.

First Farm in the Valley

Ages 8–10 · 1982

A young girl navigates language barriers and cultural identity in a new land.

Winding Valley Farm

Ages 8–10 · 1982

A young girl faces the uncertainty of leaving her beloved farm.

Caroline's Battle

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A young girl faces a dire choice: save her father's shipyard or destroy it to protect her village.

Changes for Caroline

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A farm thief leads Caroline to an unexpected discovery.

View all the great lakes chapter books
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