Books About 20th Century · 1,547 titles considered

The Best 20th Century Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 20th century? 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 20th Century

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 experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 24,793 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,284 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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)

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

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 131,484 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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)

245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,544 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,611 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,438 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1977

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson, Donna Diamond (Illustrator)

A friendship forged in imagination faces a tragic test, altering two worlds forever.

Newbery Medal (1978)

128 pages· 32,911 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 600,665 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Jess Aarons dreams of being the fastest runner, but new girl Leslie Burke changes everything. Their friendship blossoms in the magical land of Terabithia, a refuge from reality. When tragedy strikes, Jess must navigate loss and find strength in the memories they created. Can he honor Leslie's spirit and embrace the courage she inspired? This poignant tale explores the depths of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome life's unexpected challenges.

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,139 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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)

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

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 633,364 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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

$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 Medal (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (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?

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Browse by age

20th Century Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about 20th century for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$1599

Audrey Hepburn

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.

Sale price

$1599

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

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

Sale price

$899

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

Sale price

$1099

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

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

Sale price

$1599

Dolly Parton

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young dreamer defies expectations to become a country music icon and philanthropist.

Sale price

$1599

David Bowie

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover the journey of a musical icon who transformed rock and roll with his unique sound.

Sale price

$1599

Maria Montessori

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1599

Mahatma Gandhi

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$999

Ali

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover how a stolen bike led to a boxing legend's rise.

Sale price

$1599

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young martial artist defies Hollywood's barriers to become a film legend.

Sale price

$1599

Vivienne Westwood

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover how a working-class girl revolutionized fashion with her bold designs.

Sale price

$1499

Rudolf Nureyev

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young dancer defies odds to become a ballet legend.

View all 20th century board books

Browse by age

20th Century Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 20th century for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1700

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

Sale price

$799

The Parker Inheritance

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Sale price

$1799

We Dream of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2020

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

Sale price

$599

Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt!

Ages 4–7 · 2015

Discover how a determined leader defied odds to protect nature.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Sale price

$499

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover how peaceful protest changed history.

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

$1799

Diana's White House Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young girl living in the White House during World War II wants to do her part to help with the war effort

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

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

Sale price

$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013

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

Sale price

$1999

I Have a Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1973

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

View all 20th century picture books

Browse by age

20th Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 20th century for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Language of Spells

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A dragon and a child unravel Vienna's forgotten mystery: the fate of missing dragons.

Sale price

$1899

The Fountains of Silence

Ages 12–18 · 2019

In 1957 Madrid, a young photographer uncovers dark secrets beneath a sunny facade, risking everything for truth and love.

Sale price

$1999

Shout

Ages 13–18 · 2019

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

Sale price

$1800

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Ages 14–18 · 1969

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

Sale price

$1899

Between Shades of Gray

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Sale price

$1900

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Ages 12–18 · 1943

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

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Catherine's War

Ages 7–12 · 2012

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

Sale price

$899

Full Cicada Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2015

In 1969, Mimi battles prejudice and dreams of space in a new town.

Sale price

$899

A Night Divided

Ages 9–13 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1699

Rebound

Ages 10–12 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1999

Echo

Ages 10–14 · 2015

A harmonica links three children across time, each facing life-altering challenges.

Sale price

$899

Out of the Dust

Ages 10–15 · 1997

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

View all 20th century chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about family life Books about prejudice and racism Books about World War II Books about accidents Books about activism Books about books and libraries Books about coming of age Books about death, grief, and bereavement

Our 10 Favorite Books About 20th Century

Great books, picked for their age.

20th Century Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

20th Century Picture Books

20th Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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