Books About Ancestors

The Best Ancestors Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about ancestors? 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 8 Favorite Books About Ancestors

Día de los Muertos
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Día de los Muertos

By Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Carles Ballesteros (Illustrator)

Celebrate life and honor the departed with vibrant Day of the Dead traditions.

32 pages· 384 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 466 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join the children of a lively town as they prepare for Dia de Los Muertos, decorating altars with marigolds and sugar skulls. Experience the music-filled streets and learn about this rich cultural tradition. As the community honors their ancestors, discover the beauty and joy of celebrating life and memory. Will you join the parade and festivities?
We Are Here
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

We Are Here

By Tami Charles, Bryan Collier (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the All Because You Matter series

Celebrate the enduring legacy and triumphs of Black and brown history.

40 pages· 343 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 507 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 'We Are Here,' discover a lyrical celebration of Black and brown heritage. This poignant tale invites young readers to embrace their extraordinary legacy and imagine a radiant future. With Tami Charles's empowering words and Bryan Collier's stunning illustrations, this book honors the triumphs of history, instilling pride and joy. What stories of strength and resilience will you uncover?
The Blue Ghost
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2005

The Blue Ghost

By Marion Dane Bauer

A ghost calls Liz's name in the night. What does it want?

96 pages· 6,706 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 359 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: While staying with her grandmother in a secluded Minnesota house, Liz is startled awake by a mysterious voice calling her name. A blue ghost appears, seeking something only she can provide. As Liz unravels the ghost's intentions, she must confront secrets hidden within the woods. What does the ghost want, and why has it chosen her? Dive into this thrilling mystery where the past and present collide, and a young girl must uncover the truth to find peace for both herself and the spectral visitor.
Fancy Nancy: My Family History
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Fancy Nancy: My Family History

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator) · Fancy Nancy: I Can Read series

A school report spirals as exaggerations lead to unexpected truths and consequences.

32 pages· 605 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 520 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Nancy's school report on her ancestors starts with a harmless embellishment, but soon her tales spin out of control. As her stories grow, so do the challenges she faces. Can Nancy navigate the tangled web of her own making and find a way back to honesty? Discover how a simple assignment turns into a lesson on truth and consequences in this delightful tale.
Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek

By Kwame Mbalia · Book #1 in the Jax Freeman series

A boy discovers a hidden world of magic, family secrets, and vengeful spirits.

480 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 126 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Jax Freeman, sent to Chicago after a scandal, stumbles into a world of magic linked to his ancestors. At a new school, he accidentally unleashes a spirit, sparking chaos. As he navigates family secrets and a brewing war between summoners, Jax must clear his name and that of his great-grandfather. With friends, he unravels the mysteries of a powerful Praise House and confronts vengeful ghosts. Can Jax harness his newfound abilities to save his legacy and himself?
The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts

By Linda Trinh, Clayton Nguyen (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the The Nguyen Kids series

In Vietnam, the Nguyen kids face a mysterious, closed room and lost connections. What secrets lie within?

128 pages· 9,467 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 43 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: The Nguyen siblings embark on their first trip to Vietnam, staying in their Grandma Nội's childhood home. But unease settles in as they encounter a perpetually closed room and find their spiritual gifts mysteriously blocked. As they navigate this unfamiliar world, they must uncover the secrets hidden within the house. Why can't they connect with Grandma Nội like before? Told through alternating perspectives, this journey explores Vietnamese culture, identity, and the supernatural. Will the Nguyen kids solve the mystery and restore their connection, or will the past remain locked away forever?
Coco
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3386
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2018

Coco

By Disney/Pixar, Tony Sandoval (Illustrator)

A young musician ventures into the afterlife to lift a family curse.

52 pages· 2,887 words· Est. 33 min read
3.7 Goodreads · 22 ratings
$35.64Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Miguel dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. A journey into the land of the dead brings him face to face with his ancestors as he searches for a way to pursue his dream.
A Family Mystery
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2017

A Family Mystery

By Sarah Hernandez

A boy defies a family ban on music, uncovering secrets in the Land of the Dead.

32 pages· 568 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.8 Goodreads · 83 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Miguel dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's ban on music. His quest leads him to the vibrant Land of the Dead, where he meets the trickster Hector. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth about Miguel's family history. Will Miguel's passion for music bridge the gap between the living and the dead, or will it unravel his world? Discover the secrets and surprises that await in this enchanting tale of dreams, family, and the power of music.
The Bookroo Book Club

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