Books About Alabama · 51 titles considered

The Best Alabama Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about alabama? 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.

Inside Out & Back Again
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Alabama

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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 68,496 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Year in the Middle

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

288 pages· 51,110 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 817 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1970 Alabama, sixth-grader Lu Olivera navigates a racially divided classroom where her talent for running track sparks tension. As her old friends change and new friendships with fellow runner Belinda Gresham seem impossible due to racial barriers, Lu faces a choice. With political tensions rising, Lu must decide whether to stand up against the racial divide or remain neutral. Can she find the courage to choose friends who share her values and challenge the status quo? Discover Lu's journey as she races against more than just time.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2005

Looking for Alaska

A boarding school adventure leads to love, loss, and life's ultimate questions.

256 pages· 69,004 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,778,588 ratings
$24.50Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Miles Halter leaves his mundane life for Culver Creek, seeking the 'Great Perhaps.' There, he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, whose allure and mystery captivate him. As friendships form and pranks unfold, a tragic event forces Miles to confront profound questions about life, love, and mortality. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will he remain lost in Alaska's labyrinth? This journey of discovery and heartbreak explores the impact one life can have on another, leaving readers pondering the meaning of it all.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

A family's road trip leads them into a pivotal moment in history.

210 pages· 50,367 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 71,764 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join ten-year-old Kenny and the Watson family on a road trip from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. As they journey south, they unknowingly approach a turning point in the civil rights movement. Amidst the laughter and challenges, the Watsons face a world-changing event that tests their resilience and unity. Will their bond be enough to navigate the darkness ahead? Discover how humor and family ties can illuminate even the darkest paths.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Pies from Nowhere

By Dee Romito, Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

A cook's secret efforts fuel a pivotal civil rights movement.

40 pages· 1,253 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 656 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Discover Georgia Gilmore, a cook who secretly fueled the Montgomery Bus Boycott. As boycotters walked, she organized women to cook and fundraise, supporting the cause with her Club from Nowhere. Her home became a hub for civil rights leaders, proving one person's passion can ignite change. What recipe for change will you find?
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Let the Children March

Children march for civil rights, challenging segregation in 1963 Birmingham.

40 pages· 892 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 2,109 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1963 Birmingham, young African Americans, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bravely march against segregation. Facing hostility and danger, these children fight for equality, determined to change their world. Will their courage be enough to dismantle the barriers of hate and fear? Experience this pivotal moment in history through vivid storytelling and powerful imagery.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Rosa Parks

A brave act on a bus ignites a movement for equality.

32 pages· 567 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,207 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rosa Parks, raised in segregated Alabama, learns to stand up for her rights. In 1955, her refusal to surrender her bus seat sparks the Montgomery Bus Boycott, challenging racial injustice. This pivotal moment in history leads to the end of segregation on public transport. Discover how one woman's courage became a catalyst for change, inspiring generations to fight for equality. With engaging illustrations and insightful facts, this story celebrates Rosa's enduring legacy and the power of dreams to transform the world.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

I am Rosa Parks

Discover how one woman's courage sparked a movement for equality.

40 pages· 1,405 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,768 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Rosa Parks, a young girl with a brave heart who stood up against injustice. In this engaging biography, follow her journey as she challenges segregation on public buses, igniting a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. With playful illustrations and inspiring storytelling, young readers will learn about the strength and determination that made Rosa a hero. What will her courage inspire in you?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Rosa

By Nikki Giovanni, Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

A woman's quiet defiance ignites a movement for justice.

40 pages· 1,603 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,888 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Rosa Parks, a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama, faces a pivotal moment when she refuses to surrender her bus seat. Her quiet defiance sparks a powerful movement, challenging racial injustice and inspiring change. As the civil rights movement unfolds, her courageous stand becomes a symbol of resistance and hope. What will her legacy inspire next?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Meow or Never

A secret cat and a school musical test Avery's courage.

256 pages· 39,680 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 327 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Avery Williams discovers a stray cat, Phantom, hidden backstage at her new school. Singing to Phantom calms her nerves, but when her crush, Nic, overhears, Avery is pushed into auditioning for the school musical. Landing the lead role, Avery must confront her stage fright. Can Phantom help her shine, and what happens if her secret pet is discovered?
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Alabama Picture Books

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

Seeds of Freedom

Ages 5–8 · 2015

In Huntsville, Alabama, unity and creativity defy segregation peacefully.

The Youngest Marcher

Ages 5–10 · 2017

A young girl boldly joins a civil rights protest, facing arrest to fight segregation.

Going North

Ages 5–8 · 2004

A family journeys north, facing segregation and uncertainty in search of a better life.

Preaching to the Chickens

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young boy preaches to chickens, dreaming of leading change.

Meet Miss Fancy

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A boy defies segregation to meet an elephant, but chaos ensues when she escapes.

Finding Lincoln

Ages 4–8 · 2009

In 1950s Alabama, a boy defies segregation to access forbidden knowledge in a library.

The Quilts of Gee's Bend

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover the hidden legacy of Gee's Bend quilts, a vibrant testament to African American art and resilience.

Alabama

Ages 7–12 · 2021

Discover Alabama's rich history, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife.

Rosa Parks

Ages 5–6 · 2016

Discover Rosa Parks' inspiring journey in a kid-friendly biography.

Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3132

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A woman's refusal ignites a movement on a Montgomery bus.

Sale price
$2865

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing

Ages 6–10 · 2017

Discover the childhood that shaped a civil rights icon.

View all alabama picture books
Browse by age

Alabama Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about alabama for developing and independent readers.

Who Was Rosa Parks?

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A biography of Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and becoming a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement

Deep Water

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A dive goes wrong, leaving Julie to save herself and two reckless clients from the ocean's deadly grip.

Sale price
$799

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Sisters uncover family secrets in Alabama, testing the strength of their bonds when tragedy strikes.

Wonderland

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A runaway dog unites three lonely souls seeking friendship and belonging.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had

Ages 10–+ · 2009

In 1910s Alabama, two unlikely friends risk everything to save a man from injustice.

Sale price
$1499

Claudette Colvin

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A young girl defies segregation, sparking a fight for justice.

Freedom Walkers

Ages 10–13 · 2006

Discover the boycott that defied segregation and sparked a movement for equality in 1950s Alabama.

Night on Fire

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A girl faces a town's deep-seated racism as the Freedom Riders arrive, forcing her to choose between silence and action.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

Ages 13–18 · 2009

A teenager defies segregation, sparking a pivotal legal battle in the civil rights movement.

Miss Spitfire

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A fierce teacher battles to unlock a silent world.

I Am Rosa Parks
Sale price
$499

I Am Rosa Parks

Ages 8–9 · 1997

A single act of defiance ignites a movement for justice and equality.

Terror at Bottle Creek

Ages 10–13 · 2016

A boy battles a hurricane and wild animals to survive.

Keep exploring
Books about segregationBooks about boarding schoolsBooks about cultureBooks about deathBooks about falling in loveBooks about family historyBooks about immigration and emigrationBooks about missing home and homesickness

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