Books About 21st Century · 263 titles considered

The Best 21st Century Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 21st 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.

Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About 21st Century

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 · 108,705 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

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

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

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Odyssey Honor (2019)

368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 9,379 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Candice stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her grandmother's attic in Lambert, South Carolina. It hints at a long-buried injustice and a hidden fortune. With Brandon, the boy next door, she embarks on a quest to unravel the town's dark past. As they delve into history, they uncover secrets that could change their lives. Will they solve the puzzle before time erases the truth?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)

320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 35,750 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?

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)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2011)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2012)

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

4.1 Goodreads · 68,804 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

Ninth Ward

By Jewell Parker Rhodes · Book #1 in the The Louisiana Girls Trilogy series

A girl and her grandmother face Hurricane Katrina's fury in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2011)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2011)

224 pages· 32,698 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 7,154 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, gifted with the ability to see spirits, must confront the impending devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With her adopted grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, who foresees the storm's wrath, Lanesha must summon courage and resilience to survive. As the hurricane looms, their bond and the strength of their community are tested. Will Lanesha's unique gifts and Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom be enough to weather the storm? This tale of survival and hope explores the power of love and the unyielding spirit of a young girl in the face of nature's fury.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Maya Angelou

By Lisbeth Kaiser, Leire Salaberria (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

32 pages· 395 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 905 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Maya Angelou's journey from a silent child in Arkansas to a celebrated writer and civil rights activist is a tale of resilience and inspiration. After a traumatic event silenced her for years, Maya found solace in books, eventually becoming a powerful voice for change. This beautifully illustrated biography captures her incredible life, offering young readers a glimpse into her struggles and triumphs. What sparked Maya's transformation, and how did she rise to become a beacon of hope and empowerment? Dive into her story and uncover the dreams that shaped her legacy.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Hello, Neighbor!

By Matthew Cordell

Discover the heartwarming story behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and its creator.

40 pages· 1,226 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 813 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of Fred Rogers, the gentle visionary who created Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. This picture book reveals how he introduced children to art, professions, and tough topics with compassion. Through vibrant illustrations and rare photos, uncover the magic behind the beloved show that taught kindness and understanding. What inspired Fred's mission, and how did he bring comfort to countless families? Dive into this captivating biography to find out.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

Discover Aretha Franklin's journey from church singer to civil rights icon.

Coretta Scott King Award (2021)

48 pages· 357 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,464 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of Aretha Franklin, a musical prodigy from Detroit who became the Queen of Soul. Her powerful voice not only earned her Grammy Awards and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame spot but also became a beacon for civil rights. This vibrant picture book captures her inspiring story of talent and activism, inviting young readers to witness her legacy of music and justice.

Sale price

$1990

Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2020

Dream Builder

By Kelly Lyons, Laura Freeman Hines (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 1,348 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$20.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Philip Freelon, inspired by his family's legacy and a passion for cultural heritage, chose a path in architecture that defied convention. Rejecting casinos and prisons, he focused on creating spaces that connect and inspire. In 2009, his team won the commission for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a project that allowed him to weave his personal history into a national narrative. 'Dream Builder' reveals how Freelon's quiet dedication and innovative spirit crafted an iconic symbol of America's past and future, inspiring the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2017

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

By Julia Finley Mosca, Daniel Rieley (Illustrator) · Amazing Scientists series

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

40 pages· 847 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,183 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Temple Grandin, a visual thinker who turned her autism diagnosis into a strength. Her extraordinary connection with animals led to revolutionary changes in farming. How did she overcome the odds to become a scientific pioneer? Explore her inspiring journey in this captivating tale of innovation and resilience.

The Bookroo Book Club