Books About 1900-1949 · 669 titles considered

The Best 1900-1949 Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to 20th-Century Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about 1900-1949? 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

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About 1900-1949

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A Place to Hang the Moon

By Kate Albus

Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.

320 pages· 62,475 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 25,207 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1940, siblings William, Edmund, and Anna are evacuated from London, hoping to find a new family in the countryside. As they navigate foster homes and wartime challenges, they find solace in a village library and its kind librarian, Nora. But with the war's shadow looming and Nora's husband's mysterious absence, can they find the family they long for? Discover a tale of resilience and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Moffats

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Moffats series

A family navigates the challenges of everyday life in a small town.

212 pages· 40,253 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,331 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join the Moffat siblings—Sylvie, Joey, Janey, and Rufus—as they transform everyday mishaps into unforgettable adventures. From getting locked in a bread box to dancing with a dog, their antics promise laughter and surprises. How will they navigate their whimsical world where even the smallest mistake leads to the biggest fun? Discover the charm and chaos of a family where mischief is just the beginning.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1977)

276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 132,759 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.

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 · 116,891 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.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

Echo Mountain

By Lauren Wolk

In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.

368 pages· 78,125 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,522 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: During the Great Depression, Ellie’s family retreats to Echo Mountain after losing everything. When a tragic accident leaves her father in a coma, Ellie is unjustly blamed. Determined to save him, she ventures to find a mysterious healer known as 'the hag.' As Ellie climbs the mountain, she uncovers hidden stories and a chance for redemption. Will she find the cure her father needs, or will the mountain's secrets change her path forever? Discover resilience and self-discovery in this tale of healing and hope.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Story Collector series

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,147 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

Newbery Medal (1990)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1990)Sydney Taylor Book Award (1989)

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 636,642 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.

Sale price

$1805

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1943

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith

A young girl navigates hardship and family drama in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

496 pages· 145,092 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 532,572 ratings

$19.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn, young Francie Nolan faces the challenges of a tumultuous family life. With a father prone to drink and an aunt with a string of marriages, Francie must find strength and resilience. Amidst the chaos, she discovers the simple joys of childhood, from trading junk for pennies to the thrill of holiday celebrations. As she comes of age, Francie's journey is a poignant exploration of survival, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in a world that demands fortitude. What will Francie learn about life and herself in this vibrant, challenging world?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2012

Catherine's War

By Julia Billet, Ivanka Hahnenberger (Translator), Claire Fauvel (Illustrator)

A young girl hides from the Nazis, capturing her journey through the lens of a camera.

Mildred L. Batchelder Honor (2021)

176 pages· 9,214 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 3,354 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Rachel Cohen, a budding photographer at a children's home near Paris, must hide from the Nazis as France falls under their control. Adopting a new identity as Catherine Colin, she leaves behind her friends and safety. With her camera, Catherine documents her perilous journey and the bravery of those who risk everything to save lives. Will her passion for photography help her survive the war and preserve the memories of courage and sacrifice? Inspired by true events, this gripping tale explores identity, resilience, and the power of art in the darkest times.

Sale price

$2133

Picture Book · Ages 5–8

The Bravest Dog Ever

By Natalie Standiford, Donald Cook (Illustrator)

A sled dog races through Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine.

48 pages· 1,229 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 4,134 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Summary: In the harsh Alaskan wilderness of 1925, a brave sled dog leads his team on a perilous 53-mile journey to deliver crucial medicine during a deadly diphtheria outbreak. Will they succeed against the odds?

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1900-1949 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about 1900-1949 for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Sale price

$1099

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A girl and her pony face a drought threatening their family farm.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Maria Montessori

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover a trailblazer who revolutionized education and changed children's lives.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Mahatma Gandhi

Ages 0–3 · 2019

A rebellious youth becomes a symbol of peace, uniting a nation.

Sale price

$899

Black Jack

Ages 2–6 · 2010

A boxer defies odds to break the color barrier and claim the heavyweight title.

Series

Sale price

$1199

Teddy Roosevelt Loved the Outdoors

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Discover how a determined child became a conservationist president.

Series

Sale price

$1199

The Adventures of John Muir

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover nature's wonders through the eyes of a legendary naturalist.

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1900-1949 Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 1900-1949 for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$599

Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt!

Ages 4–7 · 2015

Discover how a determined leader defied odds to protect nature.

Sale price

$1999

The Crayon Man

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A man invents a new kind of colored crayon that brings joy to children all around the world.

Sale price

$899

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Ages 6–10 · 2008

A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.

Sale price

$1999

What Is Given from the Heart

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Sale price

$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A little girl witnesses the first Juneteenth, marking freedom's arrival.

Sale price

$1999

The House That Jane Built

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

Sale price

$1795

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot

Ages 7–9 · 2002

A pilot's candy drop brings hope to children in blockaded Berlin.

Sale price

$1899

A Bowl Full of Peace

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Survive the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and find hope in a miraculous discovery.

Sale price

$1899

Before She Was Harriet

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover the many lives of Harriet Tubman, from slave to spy to liberator.

Sale price

$1899

Josephine

Ages 7–10 · 2013

From poverty to stardom, Josephine Baker's journey defies the odds.

Sale price

$1699

Lumber Jills

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Women take up axes to save Britain during WWII.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Hedy Lamarr's Double Life

Ages 5–10 · 2019

Discover the secret life of a movie star turned wartime inventor.

View all 1900-1949 picture books

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1900-1949 Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 1900-1949 for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

Out of the Dust

Ages 10–15 · 1997

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

Sale price

$999

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Ages 10–15

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.