Books About 1950 - 1999 · 294 titles considered

The Best 1950 - 1999 Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 1950 - 1999? 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 1950 - 1999

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,590 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 962 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

A Night Divided

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

A girl risks everything to escape East Berlin and reunite her divided family.

352 pages· 71,577 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 49,273 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In a city split by the Berlin Wall, Gerta's family is torn apart. Trapped in East Berlin, she discovers a daring plan to tunnel to freedom. With soldiers watching and trust scarce, Gerta and her brother Fritz must decide if they can risk everything for a chance to reunite their family. Will they succeed, or will the wall claim another victim? This gripping tale of courage and hope unfolds in a world where every move could be their last.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

Rebound

By Kwame Alexander · The Crossover series

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

416 pages· 27,564 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,361 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Young Charlie Bell, sent to his grandparents for the summer, discovers basketball and unravels family secrets. As he navigates this pivotal time, will he find his path to becoming the legend his sons admire? Experience the rhythm and impact of a life-changing summer in this novel in verse.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2010)

224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 316,859 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Becoming Muhammad Ali

By James Patterson, Kwame Alexander, Dawud Anyabwile (Illustrator)

Discover how a stolen bike led a young Cassius Clay to become Muhammad Ali.

320 pages· 20,312 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,095 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Before he became Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay was a young boy facing everyday struggles. In Louisville, Kentucky, a stolen bike set him on a path to boxing greatness. At twelve, he began training, soon winning his first Golden Gloves bout. This vivid portrayal by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson captures his early life, friendships, and the racism he faced, revealing the budding charisma of a future icon. How did these experiences shape the legend we know today?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

We Dream of Space

By Erin Entrada Kelly

Three siblings face personal struggles as the Challenger launch looms, altering their lives forever.

Newbery Honor (2021)

400 pages· 47,156 words· Est. 6 hour read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,119 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1986, siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas navigate personal challenges in a tense household. Cash risks failing school, Fitch battles an explosive temper, and Bird dreams of commanding a NASA shuttle. As the Challenger launch approaches, their science teacher, Ms. Salonga, inspires them to dream beyond their struggles. When the fateful day arrives, it unites them in unexpected ways, forever changing their paths. Will they find their place in the universe, or remain lost in their own orbits?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2007

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Newbery Honor (2008)

264 pages· 74,058 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 48,738 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, despises him. Left alone with her on Wednesday afternoons, he delves into Shakespeare's plays, uncovering unexpected wisdom. As the Vietnam War rages and his father's business obsession strains their family, Holling learns to stand up for himself and his sister. Set in 1967 Long Island, this coming-of-age tale explores loyalty, courage, and the surprising lessons found in literature and life. Can Holling find his voice amidst the chaos and discover what truly matters?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Inside Out & Back Again

By Thanhha Lai · Inside Out and Back Again series

A young girl flees war-torn Vietnam, seeking hope in America.

Newbery Honor (2012)

262 pages· 14,925 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,447 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1975, Hà's world is upended as she and her family escape war-torn Vietnam for a new life in Alabama. Through poetic verse, Hà navigates the challenges of a foreign land, grappling with loss, identity, and the quest for belonging. Will she find hope and healing in this unfamiliar world, or will the shadows of her past linger? Experience a poignant journey of resilience and transformation as Hà's story unfolds, capturing the heartache and hope of a refugee's path to a new beginning.

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1950 - 1999 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about 1950 - 1999 for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$999

The Life of - La vida de Ritchie

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover the musical journey of Ritchie Valens, whose songs still resonate today.

Sale price

$899

The Story of Rap

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover rap's roots and legends in a playful baby book that inspires swagger.

Sale price

$999

Oprah

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Oprah's inspiring journey and empowering quotes for little ones.

View all 1950 - 1999 board books

Browse by age

1950 - 1999 Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 1950 - 1999 for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1999

I Have a Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1973

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Sale price

$1799

Pies from Nowhere

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A cook's secret efforts fuel a pivotal civil rights movement.

Sale price

$1999

Dream Big

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A young dreamer aims for Olympic gold with perseverance.

Sale price

$1899

Let the Children March

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Children march for civil rights, challenging segregation in 1963 Birmingham.

Sale price

$1599

Rosa Parks

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A brave act on a bus ignites a movement for equality.

Sale price

$2095

Dream Builder

Ages 4–9 · 2020

Discover the architect whose vision shaped a museum celebrating African American history and culture.

Sale price

$1799

Flight for Freedom

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A family risks all to escape East Germany in a homemade balloon.

Sale price

$1999

A Ride to Remember

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A carousel ride becomes a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement.

Sale price

$1799

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

Ages 5–10 · 2017

A young girl's journey with autism shapes her life and inspires her to help others.

Sale price

$1999

Go for the Moon

Ages 5–10 · 2019

Experience the Apollo 11 moon landing through a young enthusiast's eyes.

Sale price

$1699

I am Rosa Parks

Ages 5–8 · 2014

Discover how one woman's courage sparked a movement for equality.

Sale price

$1699

Grandmama's Pride

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A young girl confronts segregation during a summer visit to the South.

View all 1950 - 1999 picture books

Browse by age

1950 - 1999 Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 1950 - 1999 for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A boy's punishment leads to unexpected discoveries in a world of discarded treasures.

Sale price

$799

Penny from Heaven

Ages 8–12 · 2006

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

Sale price

$899

When You Reach Me

Ages 9–12 · 2009

Mysterious notes predict a death. Can Miranda unravel the truth in time?

Sale price

$999

One Crazy Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Sale price

$899

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

Ages 8–12 · 1995

A family's road trip leads them into a pivotal moment in history.

Sale price

$899

Kira-Kira

Ages 12–15 · 2004

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Sale price

$1099

Dead End in Norvelt

Ages 11–15 · 2011

Grounded for life, a boy uncovers secrets in his town's obituaries, leading to unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1595

The Fire-Eaters

Ages 10–15 · 2003

A boy faces school cruelty, family illness, and looming war, seeking miracles to save his world.

Sale price

$999

Criss Cross

Ages 9–12 · 2005

Four teens navigate life's crossroads, seeking identity and connection.

Sale price

$1199

Chinese Cinderella

Ages 12–+ · 1999

An unloved daughter battles family disdain in 1940s China, seeking love and triumph.

Sale price

$899

Cuba in My Pocket

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A boy's journey from Cuba to the U.S. tests his courage and hope for family reunion.

Sale price

$1895

Candy Bomber

Ages 9–12 · 2010

A pilot drops candy to lift spirits in blockaded Berlin.

View all 1950 - 1999 chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about family problems Books about immigration and emigration Books about activism Books about aeronautics, astronautics and space science Books about basketball Books about Berlin Books about boxing

Our 10 Favorite Books About 1950 - 1999

Great books, picked for their age.

1950 - 1999 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

1950 - 1999 Picture Books

1950 - 1999 Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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