Books About Abuse · 92 titles considered

The Best Abuse Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about abuse? 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.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Abuse

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1960

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee · Book #1 in the To Kill a Mockingbird series

A lawyer defends an innocent man in a town gripped by prejudice.

323 pages· 99,820 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,078,697 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a Southern town seething with prejudice, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous stand as he defends a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime. As tensions rise, will justice prevail, or will hatred triumph? This poignant tale explores the depths of human morality and the innocence of youth amidst societal turmoil.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1988

Matilda

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against her cruel parents and the evil headmistress of her school.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (1989)Odyssey Honor (2014)

240 pages· 40,056 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,143,402 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Matilda is a brilliant young girl misunderstood by her neglectful parents. At school, she encounters the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, a headmistress who despises children. When Matilda discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities, she sees a chance to stand up against the oppressive Trunchbull. Can Matilda outsmart the tyrant and bring justice to her school? With courage and wit, she might just change everything.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1991

Shiloh

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor · Book #1 in the Shiloh series

A boy risks everything to protect a runaway dog from its abusive owner.

Newbery Medal (1992)

144 pages· 29,820 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 90,828 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Marty Preston discovers a beagle in the hills and names him Shiloh. But Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers, a man known for his cruelty. When Shiloh escapes to Marty, the boy faces a moral dilemma: hide the dog and risk his family's safety or return him to Judd. As secrets unravel, Marty must decide how far he's willing to go to save his new friend. Can he outsmart Judd and keep Shiloh safe, or will his actions bring danger to his doorstep? The stakes are high in this tale of friendship and courage.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Cybils Award Finalist (2017)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Shout

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

304 pages· 27,174 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 22,429 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a powerful memoir, Laurie Halse Anderson uses free verse to confront society's silence on sexual assault. Through personal stories and calls to action, she challenges readers to listen and speak out. As she reflects on her own experiences, Anderson's words become a rallying cry for change, urging everyone to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Will her voice inspire a new wave of courage and truth?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,573 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Star Outside My Window

By Onjali Q. Raúf

A girl believes her missing mum is a star and sets out to prove it.

320 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,646 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ten-year-old Aniyah is convinced her missing mum has become a star. When a new star behaves oddly, she embarks on a daring quest to prove her theory, breaking into the Royal Observatory and encountering unexpected allies. Can Aniyah convince the world of her extraordinary belief, or will her journey reveal something even more profound? Join her on an adventure filled with hope and discovery.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2020

Fighting Words

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

Newbery Honor (2021)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2021)Golden Kite Honor (2021)Odyssey Honor (2021)

272 pages· 49,943 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 14,338 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ten-year-old Della relies on her sister Suki for protection. But when Suki attempts suicide, Della's world shatters. As secrets unravel, Della must decide if it's time to speak out. Can the sisters find their voices and heal from the past?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

By Padma Venkatraman

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Golden Kite Award (2020)

208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,993 ratings

$16.99

Hardcover

Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Honor (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,035 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

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Abuse Picture Books

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

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

Series

Sale price

$1695

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

Ages 3–6 · 1994

Empower children to say 'no' to unwanted touch.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Yes! No!

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Introduce kids to consent with engaging, clear language.

Series

Sale price

$899

Do You Have a Secret?

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Discover which secrets are safe to keep and which need to be shared.

Sale price

$1895

The Big Bad Wolf in My House

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A girl faces danger as her mom's new friend reveals a dark side.

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

Sale price

$1995

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

Ages 4–10 · 2017

Discover the power of personal space and consent through engaging scenarios.

Sale price

$1899

What Is a Refugee?

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Discover what it means to be a refugee through simple, bold illustrations.

Sale price

$1574

Our Gracie Aunt

Ages 6–8 · 2002

Two siblings face uncertainty and discover family with a mysterious aunt.

Sale price

$1699

Hey, Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy's love helps a stray dog trust again.

Sale price

$1395

Your Body Belongs to You

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Learn to say 'no' to unwanted touch and understand body boundaries.

Sale price

$1799

Ugly Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A mean fish faces a bigger, meaner rival in his tank.

White Fang

2010

No book description provided.

Sale price

$1799

Tell Someone

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Feeling overwhelmed? Find someone you trust and share your secret.

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Browse by age

Abuse Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about abuse for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$999

The War That Saved My Life

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

Sale price

$1999

Speak

Ages 12–18 · 1999

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$2180

Touching Spirit Bear

Ages 12–15 · 2001

A violent teen faces a life-changing encounter with a mystical bear on a remote island.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

The Life I'm In

Ages 14–17 · 2021

A young woman fights to escape the dark world of human trafficking.

Sale price

$1799

The Hungry Place

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A neglected pony and a determined girl find hope and healing together.

Sale price

$799

Forever, or a Long, Long Time

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Adopted siblings fear a new baby will divide love, sparking a journey to uncover their past.

Sale price

$1699

The Best Worst Summer

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A buried box links two summers, revealing secrets that change everything.

Sale price

$1999

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Ages 10–+ · 2023

A summer with Dad, a secret to reveal. Can Maudie find the courage before it's too late?

Sale price

$999

Rising Above

Ages 10–14 · 2017

Athletes defy odds, proving perseverance and passion lead to greatness.

Sale price

$1799

A List of Cages

Ages 14–17 · 2017

A reunion uncovers dark secrets that could endanger two foster brothers' lives.

Sale price

$1699

Dust

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl must uncover the mystery behind dust storms linked to a new friend to save her life.

Sale price

$1799

The Fort

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Five friends find a hidden shelter, but secrets and danger threaten their bond.

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Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about sexual abuse Books about prejudice and racism Books about animal abuse Books about animal rescue Books about courage Books about cystic fibrosis Books about diseases

Our 10 Favorite Books About Abuse

Great books, picked for their age.

Abuse Picture Books

Abuse Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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