Books About Based On A True Story · 82 titles considered

The Best Based On A True Story Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about based on a true story? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Based On A True Story

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

When the World Was Ours

By Liz Kessler

Three friends torn apart by war seek hope and reunion.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2022)

352 pages· 64,837 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,871 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1936 Vienna, Leo, Elsa, and Max share a perfect day, unaware of the looming darkness of war. As Europe descends into chaos, their lives are shattered, scattering them across Germany, England, Prague, and Poland. Will they find their way back to each other, or has the war changed them forever? This poignant tale, inspired by true events, explores the enduring power of friendship and hope amidst the devastation of the Holocaust.

Sale price

$1786

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1990

Woodsong

By Gary Paulsen

Survive wild adventures that inspired unforgettable stories.

144 pages

3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,145 ratings

$18.80Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Experience the thrilling real-life adventures of Gary Paulsen, who faced near disasters on a dogsled, braved a bear's wrath, and endured the grueling Iditarod. Discover the true tales behind his captivating novels.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Harriet Tubman

By Nadia L. Hohn, Gustavo Mazali (Illustrator) · I Can Read History series

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

32 pages· 674 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman risked everything for freedom, leading daring escapes on the Underground Railroad. As the Civil War raged, she recruited soldiers, served as a spy, and even led a battle. This early reader biography unveils her incredible life, filled with courage and determination. Young readers will explore her milestones through engaging stories and historical illustrations, learning about the woman who defied the odds to change history. What secrets did she uncover, and how did she inspire others to fight for freedom? Dive into the life of this extraordinary freedom fighter.

Sale price

$1498

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2015

Audrey Hepburn

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Amaia Arrazola (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.

32 pages

6.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,093 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Audrey Hepburn's journey from a war-torn childhood in the Netherlands to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a tale of resilience and dreams. After enduring World War Two, she pursued ballet in London, eventually captivating audiences on stage and screen. This enchanting story, filled with stylish illustrations, invites young readers to explore how a dream can transform a life. What challenges did Audrey face, and how did she become an icon? Dive into her inspiring story and discover the power of dreams in shaping extraordinary lives.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · 2020

The Lady with the Books

By Kathy Stinson, Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)

In post-war Germany, two children find hope in a hall of books, changing their lives forever.

32 pages· 946 words

6.2/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 377 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the aftermath of World War II, Anneliese and Peter, wandering the devastated streets of Munich, stumble upon a hall brimming with children's books. Expecting food, they instead find a world of stories and a woman who encourages them to read. This unexpected discovery offers them a glimmer of hope and a path to healing. As they return day after day, the books and the mysterious lady with them begin to transform their lives in unimaginable ways. What impact will these stories have on their future, and how will they bridge the gap between despair and hope?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Trombone Shorty

By Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Bryan Collier (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Trombone Shorty series

A young boy from New Orleans discovers his passion for music and becomes a renowned trombone player.

Coretta Scott King Award (2016)Caldecott Honor (2016)Odyssey Honor (2018)

40 pages· 989 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,023 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the vibrant Tremé neighborhood, young Troy dreams of music despite lacking an instrument. Nicknamed 'Trombone Shorty' for his oversized trombone, he captures the crowd's attention and rises to the stage with Bo Diddley. This inspiring journey follows Troy Andrews from a determined child to a Grammy-nominated musician, leading his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, around the world. Will his story ignite hope and dreams in the next generation of New Orleans musicians?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ida, Always

By Caron Levis, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

40 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,775 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a bustling city park, polar bears Gus and Ida share an unbreakable bond. When Ida falls gravely ill, Gus must confront the heartache of losing his dearest friend. As they navigate this painful journey together, Gus discovers that Ida's presence lingers in the echoes of their shared world. Inspired by a true friendship, this poignant tale explores the enduring power of love and memory, leaving readers to ponder: How do we hold onto those we've lost?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

The House That Jane Built

By Tanya Lee Stone, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

32 pages· 1,243 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,254 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jane Addams dreams of helping those in need become reality when she opens Hull House in a struggling Chicago neighborhood. As the settlement home grows, it becomes a beacon of hope, offering food, work, and community to thousands. How did one woman's vision change so many lives? Discover the inspiring journey of the first American woman Nobel Peace Prize winner and her lasting legacy.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1998

Thank You, Mr. Falker

By Patricia Polacco

A young girl struggles to learn to read despite her love for books and learning.

40 pages· 2,318 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 17,697 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Trisha struggles with dyslexia, seeing only jumbled words on the page. Her artistic talent shines, but reading remains a mystery. Enter Mr. Falker, a teacher who sees her potential and refuses to let her fail. As he guides her through the challenges of her reading disability, Trisha discovers the power of perseverance and the impact of a dedicated mentor. Will she overcome her struggles and find her voice in the world of words? This heartfelt tale celebrates the transformative power of a teacher's belief in a student's potential.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2016

Cloth Lullaby

By Amy Novesky, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,329 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of Louise Bourgeois, a celebrated artist whose towering spider sculptures captivate the world. As a child in France, Louise learned tapestry weaving from her mother, a skill that deeply influenced her art. This beautifully illustrated biography reveals how her nurturing upbringing and the art of weaving shaped her creative journey. What memories are woven into her masterpieces, and how did they inspire her most famous works? Dive into a story of artistry, family, and the threads that connect us all.

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

Based On A True Story Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about based on a true story for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1695

Hosea Plays On

Ages 3–9 · 2020

A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.

Sale price

$1999

Winnie

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A soldier's bear becomes a beloved mascot, but who will care for her when duty calls?

Sale price

$1999

A Poem for Peter

Ages 7–10 · 2016

An artist's dream defies odds, creating a groundbreaking children's book.

Sale price

$1795

King of the Tightrope

Ages 6–10 · 2019

A daring tightrope walk across Niagara Falls tests courage and ingenuity.

Sale price

$1799

Sergeant Billy

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A goat becomes a war hero, saving soldiers and facing treason.

Sale price

$1799

Titan and the Wild Boars

Ages 4–8 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1799

Girl Running

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A woman defies the odds to run the Boston Marathon.

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

Sale price

$1899

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

Ages 5–7 · 2018

At 67, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, defying odds and inspiring a nation.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The 5 O'Clock Band

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1799

The Quest for Z

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A daring explorer seeks a legendary city in the Amazon jungle.

Sale price

$1799

Malala

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young girl defies the Taliban to champion education for all, risking everything.

Sale price

$1799

Joltin' Joe DiMaggio

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young boy dreams of Yankee pinstripes, becoming a baseball legend during America's toughest times.

View all based on a true story picture books

Browse by age

Based On A True Story Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about based on a true story for developing and independent readers.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2199

Everest

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Two men conquer Everest, battling nature's fiercest elements. Will they survive the ultimate climb?

Series

Sale price

$1799

The American Revolution

Ages 10–13 · 2017

Uncover daring acts and secret missions in the American Revolution's thrilling history.

Series

Sale price

$999

The American Civil War

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Uncover daring missions and epic battles of the American Civil War.

#7 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Raid of No Return

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A daring WWII mission: bombers launch from a carrier, risking all for a secret strike on Tokyo.

Sale price

$799

Lost Boys

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A boy's survival is tested in a war-torn land, where music becomes his refuge.

Series

Sale price

$699

Basil and the Cave of Cats

Ages 6–9 · 1971

A mouse detective seeks the truth about miniature cats on a perilous journey.

Series

Sale price

$1199

Nelson Mandela

Ages 7–11 · 2018

From prisoner to president, Mandela's journey defies adversity.

Series

Sale price

$699

The Unabomber

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A lone bomber eludes capture for years. Can the FBI crack his mind and end the terror?

Sale price

$899

Outside In

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A street boy discovers a secret garden of sculptures, leading to unexpected friendship and a new life.

Sale price

$1999

Missing!

Ages 10–14 · 2019

Unravel the mysteries of history's most baffling disappearances.

View all based on a true story chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about Harriet Tubman Books about jazz Books about musicians Books about near-death experiences Books about slavery Books about the Holocaust Books about the Underground Railroad Books about wilderness survival

Our 10 Favorite Books About Based On A True Story

Great books, picked for their age.

Based On A True Story Picture Books

Based On A True Story Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo