Books About 21st Century · 264 titles considered

The Best 21st Century Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

A Long Walk to Water
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.

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%
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

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

Coretta Scott King Award (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2018)
368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11 hour read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,331 ratings
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

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

320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,655 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Inside Out & Back Again

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

262 pages· 14,925 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,447 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

Ninth Ward

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

224 pages· 32,698 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,133 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Maya Angelou

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 899 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Hello, Neighbor!

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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 808 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

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

48 pages· 357 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,462 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2017

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,178 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2016

Cloth Lullaby

Discover how a childhood of weaving inspired a world-renowned artist's iconic sculptures.

40 pages· 1,228 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,329 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
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Browse by age

21st Century Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about 21st century for the youngest readers and listeners.

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

Dolly Parton

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

The Story of Rap

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

David Bowie

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Ali

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

Vivienne Westwood

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Oprah

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

View all 21st century board books
Browse by age

21st Century Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 21st century for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Dream Builder

Ages 4–9 · 2020

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

The Book Rescuer

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A man embarks on a quest to rescue forgotten Yiddish books, preserving a fading culture.

Fly High, John Glenn

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A hero's journey from the skies to space, serving his country with every flight.

Fred's Big Feelings

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A quiet hero fights to save his beloved TV show from government cuts.

David Attenborough

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Discover how a young boy's passion for nature led him to become a world-renowned conservationist.

The 5 O'Clock Band

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young musician seeks leadership wisdom in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

14 Cows for America

Ages 6–10 · 2007

A distant village offers an unexpected gift of hope to a grieving nation post-9/11.

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A silent boy finds his voice through a mysterious phone booth connecting villagers to lost loved ones.

Stephen Hawking

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Curiosity leads a boy to unlock the universe's secrets.

Rise!

Ages 7–10 · 2019

Overcome trauma to inspire the world: Maya Angelou's journey unfolds.

Titan and the Wild Boars

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A soccer team trapped in a flooded cave faces a race against time for survival.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ages 6–9 · 2017

A woman defies societal norms to become a Supreme Court Justice.

Browse by age

21st Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 21st century for developing and independent readers.

I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011

Ages 7–10 · 2015

A young boy survives a devastating tornado that destroys his city and must come to terms with the trauma he experienced

Real Friends

Ages 8–12

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world, struggling with friendships, family, and her own identity

I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001
Sale price
$599

I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001

Ages 8–11 · 2012

A young boy witnesses the 9/11 attacks and struggles to cope with the aftermath

Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest

Ages 7–10 · 2020

A woman returns to a changed homeland and fights to restore its lost forests.

Who Is Bill Gates?

Ages 8–12 · 2013

The life story of Bill Gates, from his childhood to his success as a businessman and philanthropist.

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Sale price
$599

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

Ages 7–10 · 2011

A young boy must navigate the challenges of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath

Book Three

Ages 13–16 · 2016

A young leader faces escalating threats in a fight for justice and equality.

The Island of Lost Horses

Ages 9–12 · 2014

A girl discovers a wild mare, unlocking a centuries-old mystery that could save the world's rarest horses.

Gabby Douglas

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A gymnast's relentless journey to Olympic gold defies all odds.

Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A birthday turns into a fight for survival during Hurricane Katrina.

Harvey Comes Home

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A lost terrier sparks unexpected connections and healing at a retirement home.

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011
Sale price
$599

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A young boy and his family are swept away by a tsunami in Japan, and he must find a way to survive and reunite with his loved ones

Keep exploring
Books about survival storiesBooks about buried treasureBooks about cultureBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about drawingBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuseBooks about family historyBooks about family problems

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