Books About 1990s

The Best 1990s Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about 1990s? 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.

Rebound
Series
World in Between
Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About 1990s

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 · 14,380 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.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

The Wolves of Yellowstone

Can wolves save Yellowstone's dying ecosystem?

48 pages· 4,285 words· Est. 33 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 335 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the 1930s, wolves vanished from Yellowstone, leading to ecological chaos. Elk thrived unchecked, bears starved, and rivers changed course. By 1995, experts dared to ask: could reintroducing wolves restore balance? Follow the gripping journey of fourteen wolves relocated from Canada, and discover how their return transformed the park. This tale of nature's resilience reveals the intricate connections within ecosystems and the power of a single species to heal a landscape. Will the wolves succeed in reviving Yellowstone's lost harmony?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

World in Between

By Kenan Trebincevic, Susan Shapiro (Author/Illustrator)

A boy's life is upended by war, leading to a perilous escape and a new beginning.

375 pages· 84,129 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 297 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Kenan's world shatters when war engulfs Bosnia, trapping his family with dwindling supplies and constant danger. After ten harrowing months, they escape with the help of allies, but their journey is far from over. As Kenan navigates a new life in the United States, he must confront the challenges of exile and the hope of starting anew. Will resilience and community be enough to rebuild his dreams? Discover a gripping tale of survival and the enduring power of hope.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

On the Court with... LeBron James

Explore the rise of a basketball legend from local prodigy to global icon.

176 pages· 21,851 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 220 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the life of LeBron James, from his early days in Akron to becoming a global basketball icon. Experience the suspense of pivotal games and uncover the triumphs and challenges he faced both on and off the court. This biography offers a captivating glimpse into the journey of one of the sport's greatest players, complete with career highlights and exclusive insights. What drives LeBron's relentless pursuit of greatness?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

All the Way to the Top

A young girl climbs the Capitol steps to fight for disability rights.

Schneider Family Book Honor (2021)
32 pages· 1,003 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,510 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jennifer Keelan, a determined young activist, faces a world not built for her wheelchair. When the Americans with Disabilities Act is proposed, she takes a bold stand. Climbing the Capitol steps without her wheelchair, Jennifer fights for accessibility and equality. Will her courageous act help change the world?
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Flowers for Sarajevo

In war-torn Sarajevo, a boy finds hope through music after a tragic bombing.

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 426 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Sarajevo, young Drasko faces the chaos of war alone at his family's flower stand. After a devastating bakery bombing kills twenty-two, a cellist plays daily at the site, honoring each victim. Inspired by this act of defiance and beauty, Drasko seeks his own way to restore hope and beauty to his shattered city. Can music and resilience triumph over violence? Discover the power of art in the face of despair in this moving tale based on true events from the Bosnian War.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Proud

A fencer breaks barriers, defying odds to achieve Olympic glory.

304 pages· 61,632 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 710 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ibtihaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim, defies expectations in the world of fencing, a sport dominated by affluent white athletes. Facing prejudice and doubt, she perseveres, becoming the first American to compete in a hijab at the Olympics and winning a medal. Her journey from a New Jersey outsider to an international icon is a testament to faith, family, and resilience. Discover how she overcame obstacles to achieve her dreams and inspire others in this powerful narrative of determination and triumph.
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2019

The Story of Rap

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

24 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: Introduce your little one to the vibrant world of rap, from Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar. This charming book takes toddlers on a rhythmic journey through the history of rap, celebrating the voices that have shaped generations. Will your child bop along with the greats and develop their own swagger? Perfect for tiny music lovers, this book promises to entertain and educate, sparking curiosity about the powerful beats and stories behind the music.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2001

Iqbal

A boy's courage sparks hope and defiance among child slaves.

120 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,885 ratings
$18.25Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In a grim carpet factory, young Iqbal's arrival ignites a spark of hope among enslaved children. Through Fatima's eyes, witness Iqbal's bravery as he reveals their master's deceit and inspires a daring quest for freedom. Can they escape the chains of oppression and find a future beyond the loom? This powerful tale of courage and resilience is based on the true story of Iqbal Masih, whose fearless spirit transforms the lives of those around him. Will they seize the chance to break free, or remain trapped in a cycle of despair?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein

A boy's world is upended by war, facing bombings and uncertainty in 1991 Iraq.

176 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,495 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1991 Iraq, eleven-year-old Ali's life of soccer and TV is shattered as war erupts. Amid bombings and scarcity, he navigates fear and hope on Basra's deserted streets, anxiously awaiting his father's return from the front lines. Will his family endure the chaos?
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1990s Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 1990s for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sisters

Ages 3–8 · 2019

Two sisters rise from Compton courts to tennis greatness.

Game Changers

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two sisters defy odds and prejudice to become tennis legends.

To the Stars!

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A girl defies norms to become the first woman to walk in space.

River Friendly, River Wild

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A family flees a rising river, leaving behind their cat. Will they find safety and a home to return to?

The True Story of Zippy Chippy

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A racehorse destined for greatness never wins, but captures hearts instead.

Gervelie's Journey

Ages 7–18 · 2008

A family's escape from war to find peace in a new land.

The Cat Who Ruled the Town

Ages 5–7 · 2019

Discover the tale of a cat who became mayor in Alaska.

Neymar

Ages 2–6 · 2018

Discover Neymar's journey from dreamer to soccer superstar.

View all 1990s picture books
Browse by age

1990s Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 1990s for developing and independent readers.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1695

A Year Without Mom

Ages 10–14 · 2015

A girl navigates life in Moscow without her mom, facing a life-changing move to America.

The Future of Us

Ages 12–+ · 2011

Two teens discover their future on Facebook before it exists, altering their present with every click.

Sincerely, Harriet
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Sincerely, Harriet

Ages 9–14 · 2019

A summer of boredom, secrets, and a quest for storytelling power.

Kerri Strug and the Magnificent Seven

Ages 7–10 · 2016

Can one gymnast's determination lead Team USA to historic Olympic gold?

The Unabomber

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A lone bomber eludes capture for years. Can the FBI crack his mind and end the terror?

Serena Williams

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A tennis legend overcomes adversity to become the world's best.

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