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.

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%

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

Picture 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)

368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11 hour read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,331 ratings

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)

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,655 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

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)

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,447 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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)

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,133 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 899 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 808 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,462 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$20.95Save 5%

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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,178 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

21st Century Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$899

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

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

$899

The Story of Rap

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$999

Ali

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1599

Vivienne Westwood

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$999

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.

Sale price

$1895

Cloth Lullaby

Ages 5–7 · 2016

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

Sale price

$1799

The Book Rescuer

Ages 5–8 · 2019

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

Sale price

$2399

The Wolves of Yellowstone

Ages 5–8 · 2022

Can wolves save Yellowstone's dying ecosystem?

Sale price

$1899

Two Bobbies

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two pets survive Hurricane Katrina, bound by an unbreakable bond. Can they find a new home together?

Sale price

$1799

Nour's Secret Library

Ages 6–10 · 2022

In a war-torn city, two children create a secret library, finding hope amid chaos.

Sale price

$1899

The Sweetest Scoop

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Two friends turn a love for ice cream into a sweet success story with a twist of activism.

Sale price

$1799

Brave Ballerina

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A dancer defies racial barriers to achieve her dreams without compromising her values.

Sale price

$1899

Survivor Tree

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A tree survives 9/11's devastation, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Sale price

$1799

Sharice's Big Voice

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young woman defies doubters to become a groundbreaking congressperson.

Sale price

$1999

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A baby hippo finds unexpected friendship after a tsunami changes everything.

Sale price

$1599

Queen Elizabeth

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young girl destined for the throne faces war and duty.

Sale price

$1599

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Discover Ruth Bader Ginsburg's journey from a determined child to a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice.

View all 21st century picture books

Browse by age

21st Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Sale price

$1899

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Ages 7–11 · 2009

Journey from village boy to a nation's leader against apartheid.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

Becoming RBG

Ages 10–13 · 2019

A shy girl rises to challenge injustice and reshape the law.

Sale price

$1099

All We Have Left

Ages 13–+ · 2016

Two teens' lives intertwine across time, revealing hidden truths and hope amidst tragedy.

Sale price

$599

I Am LeBron James

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Discover the journey of a basketball legend and his impact on and off the court.

Sale price

$699

Semper Fido

Ages 10–14 · 2012

A Marine and his playful dog must bond to survive war's dangers.

Sale price

$699

On the Court with... LeBron James

Ages 8–12 · 2008

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

Sale price

$1299

Shoe Dog

Ages 8–12 · 2017

From track star to global brand founder, discover the journey of ambition and perseverance.

Sale price

$1699

A Dog Like Daisy

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A rescued pit bull has ten weeks to prove her worth as a service dog or face the pound again.

Sale price

$899

The Magical Imperfect

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Two outcasts find friendship and hope in a world that shuns them.

Sale price

$1099

Escape from Monticello

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A stolen journal leads kids on a treasure hunt, shadowed by a vengeful figure from their past.

My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Sale price

$599

My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ages 2–6 · 2020

Discover how a young girl became a Supreme Court Justice fighting for equality.

Sale price

$699

The Girl Who Rode the Wind

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A girl races to uncover her family's wartime secrets in Italy's Palio horse race.

View all 21st century chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about survival stories Books about buried treasure Books about culture Books about depression and mental illness Books about drawing Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about family history Books about family problems

Our 10 Favorite Books About 21st Century

Great books, picked for their age.

21st Century Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

21st Century Picture Books

21st Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo