Books About 1950 - 1999 · 362 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.

Series

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.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)

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

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,894 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 964 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1967

The Outsiders

A boy's world shatters when a gang rivalry spirals out of control.

214 pages· 48,944 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,675,028 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Ponyboy navigates a harsh world where loyalty is everything. With his brothers and friends by his side, he faces constant threats from the Socs, a gang of wealthy bullies. But when a violent encounter escalates, Ponyboy's life takes an unexpected turn, challenging his beliefs and testing his bonds. Can he find his place in a divided society, or will the chaos consume him? Discover a gripping tale of friendship, identity, and survival in a world where the lines between right and wrong blur.

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)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)

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

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,620 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

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 · 49,388 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

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 · 14,373 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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 · 317,412 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Odyssey Award (2024)

233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 91,973 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.

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 · 5,102 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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 · 9,141 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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?

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1950 - 1999 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Series

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.

Series

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.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Wilma Rudolph

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Overcome polio to become an Olympic champion. Discover Wilma Rudolph's inspiring journey.

Series

Sale price

$999

Oprah

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

My Little Golden Book About The First Moon Landing

Sale price

$599

My Little Golden Book About The First Moon Landing

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Discover the thrilling journey of Apollo 11's historic moon landing.

Series

Sale price

$899

Moon Landing

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the wonders of the first moon landing in a fun, toddler-friendly board book.

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

$1199

Wilma Unlimited

Ages 4–7 · 1996

A runner defies polio to win Olympic gold.

Sale price

$899

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A young girl integrates a white elementary school in New Orleans in the 1960s.

Sale price

$1899

Let the Children March

Ages 6–9 · 2018

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

Series

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.

Series

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.

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

$999

The Wednesday Wars

Ages 10–12 · 2007

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

Series

Sale price

$1699

Inside Out & Back Again

Ages 8–12 · 2011

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

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

$1599

My Year in the Middle

Ages 8–12 · 2018

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

Sale price

$799

Penny from Heaven

Ages 8–12 · 2006

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

#3 in Series

Sale price

$899

When You Reach Me

Ages 9–12 · 2009

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

#1 in Series

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.

#1 in Series

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.

View all 1950 - 1999 chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about identity Books about activism Books about aeronautics, astronautics and space science Books about basketball Books about Berlin Books about boxing Books about braces (orthodontic appliances)

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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