Books About California · 302 titles considered

The Best California Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about california? 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 California

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Book Scavenger

By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman · Book #1 in the Book Scavenger series

Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.

368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,218 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Three Pennies

By Melanie Crowder

A foster girl seeks her birth mother before losing her chance at a forever home.

208 pages· 25,848 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Marin, a foster child, clings to her I Ching and three pennies, hoping to find her birth mother and fix her life. As she settles into a promising new home, unexpected news threatens her dreams. Can Marin navigate the shifting ground beneath her feet and find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2013

Saving the Team

By Alex Morgan · The Kicks series

Can Devin transform a struggling soccer team into champions?

192 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 996 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Devin moves to California, leaving behind her chance to be soccer captain. Facing a disorganized team and indifferent coach, she befriends Jessi, Zoe, and Emma. Together, can they revive the Kentville Kangaroos and prove their potential on the field?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Any Day with You

By Mae Respicio

A girl uses filmmaking to keep her great-grandfather from leaving for the Philippines.

216 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 563 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Kaia, a creative young filmmaker in California, faces a heart-wrenching challenge: her beloved great-grandfather, Tatang, plans to return to the Philippines. Determined to keep him close, Kaia enters a filmmaking contest, crafting a movie inspired by his cherished Filipino folktales. As she and her friends dive into the world of special effects and storytelling, Kaia hopes their film will be enough to convince Tatang to stay. Will her creative vision be powerful enough to change his mind, or will she have to say goodbye to the man who brings magic to her life?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Efrén Divided

By Ernesto Cisneros

Efrén's mother is deported, and he must reunite his family.

Pura Belpré Award (2021)

272 pages· 44,601 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,178 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Efrén Nava's life turns upside down when his mother is deported to Mexico. With his father working tirelessly, Efrén must step up to care for his younger siblings, Max and Mía. As he navigates the challenges of school and home, Efrén's determination to reunite his family grows stronger. Can he find a way to bring his mother back, or will the weight of responsibility prove too much? This heartfelt journey explores the bonds of family and the courage needed to overcome adversity.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang · Book #1 in the Front Desk series

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 47,320 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Ten-year-old Mia Tang juggles managing a motel, hiding immigrants, and dreaming of becoming a writer. With her parents' secret at risk of exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao, Mia must summon all her courage and kindness. Can she protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion despite her mother's doubts? Discover Mia's journey of resilience and hope in a world where every choice counts.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

Echo

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

A harmonica links three children across time, each facing life-altering challenges.

Newbery Honor (2016)

597 pages· 84,078 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 48,387 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In a forbidden forest, Otto encounters three sisters and a mysterious harmonica. Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California find their lives intertwined by this same harmonica. Each faces a daunting challenge: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, or holding a family together. As their stories unfold, destiny pulls them toward a shared fate. What secrets does the harmonica hold, and how will it unite them? Discover a tale where music bridges time and space, weaving a symphony of hope and courage.

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

By Laurence Yep, Joanne Ryder, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Dragon's Guide series

A young girl discovers a magical sketchbook that brings her drawings to life, but also attracts a monster that feeds on magic.

192 pages· 29,050 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,256 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In a city teeming with hidden magical creatures, dragon Miss Drake and her 'pet' human, Winnie, face an unexpected challenge. Winnie's sketchbook, filled with drawings of fantastical beings, has unleashed its creations onto the streets. As chaos ensues, the unlikely duo must work together to recapture the mischievous sketchlings. Can they restore order before it's too late, or will the city be forever changed by Winnie's imagination?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

The Black Kids

By Christina Hammonds Reed

A teen's life unravels amid the chaos of the 1992 LA riots.

400 pages· 91,156 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,338 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In 1992 Los Angeles, Ashley Bennett's privileged life shatters when the Rodney King verdict ignites citywide riots. As violence erupts, Ashley grapples with identity, family secrets, and a rumor threatening a classmate's future. Can she navigate a world divided by race and class, or will the chaos consume her? As her sister spirals into danger and her family's facade crumbles, Ashley must confront the harsh realities of her world. Who is the 'us' and who is the 'them' in a city on fire?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2000

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

A privileged girl must adapt to harsh labor camp life during the Great Depression.

262 pages· 41,873 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 117,490 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Esperanza's world shatters when tragedy forces her from a life of luxury in Mexico to a labor camp in California. Facing the Great Depression's harsh realities, she must navigate financial struggles and cultural challenges. As her mother falls ill and labor strikes loom, Esperanza must find strength to overcome adversity and protect her family. Can she rise above her circumstances and forge a new path?

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Browse by age

California Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about california for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$799

San Francisco

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Count vibrant sights in San Francisco's iconic landmarks.

Sale price

$1199

All Aboard! California

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Embark on a global train adventure with your little one.

Sale price

$995

S Is for San Francisco

Ages 0–7 · 2017

Explore San Francisco's iconic landmarks through a playful A-B-C journey.

Sale price

$995

Good Night Redwoods

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore towering redwoods and wildlife in a soothing bedtime journey.

Sale price

$1095

The Wonderful Towers of Watts

Ages 4–8 · 1994

An immigrant's dream transforms discarded scraps into towering art in Los Angeles.

Sale price

$999

Larry Loves San Francisco!

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A curious pup explores San Francisco's iconic sites, but can he find his way home?

Sale price

$999

Larry Loves San Diego!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

A lost pup explores San Diego's iconic sites. Can he find his way home?

Sale price

$799

Los Angeles

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Explore Los Angeles through time and culture in a vibrant journey.

Sale price

$995

Good Night San Francisco

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Explore San Francisco's wonders as bedtime stories lull children to sleep.

Sale price

$795

123 California

Ages 0–4 · 2008

Count to 10 with California's iconic symbols.

Sale price

$999

San Francisco

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover San Francisco's wonders through a child's eyes with this engaging guide.

View all california board books

Browse by age

California Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1795

This is San Francisco

Ages 7–10 · 1962

Explore San Francisco's charm through vibrant illustrations and iconic landmarks.

Sale price

$1899

Pride

Ages 4–9 · 2018

Discover the inspiring journey of the iconic rainbow flag, a global symbol of hope and equality.

Sale price

$699

April Fools' Fiasco

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A bookstore prank turns into a real robbery. Can the kids solve the mystery?

Sale price

$1899

Kamala Harris

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl's quest for justice leads her to the White House.

Sale price

$2499

Mike Mulligan and More

Ages 4–7 · 2002

Discover timeless tales of resilience and change in a classic picture book collection.

Sale price

$1799

Oliver

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A small tree strives to stand out in a forest of giants.

Sale price

$899

Redwoods

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A boy's train ride turns magical as a book transports him to ancient redwood forests.

Sale price

$1799

A Scarf for Keiko

Ages 5–10 · 2019

In 1942, can Sam prove his friendship to Keiko as war divides them?

Sale price

$1899

Holes in the Sky

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A young girl finds hope and friendship in a new town during a drought.

Sale price

$1899

Between Us and Abuela

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A Christmas visit to the border leads to a creative solution for a heartfelt gift exchange.

Sale price

$1895

Separate Is Never Equal

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A family challenges school segregation, changing history.

Sale price

$1699

Tall Tall Tree

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover hidden wildlife in towering redwoods through a playful counting adventure.

View all california picture books

Browse by age

California Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about california for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

White Fang

Ages 11–15 · 1906

A wild creature battles nature and its own instincts to find trust in humans.

Sale price

$999

One Crazy Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Sale price

$1999

Little Brother

Ages 14–18 · 2008

A teen hacker battles a surveillance state after a terrorist attack changes everything.

Sale price

$799

The Call of the Wild

Ages 11–15 · 1903

Kidnapped and thrust into the Yukon wilderness, Buck must fight to survive and reclaim his power.

Sale price

$1199

The Alchemyst

Ages 12–15 · 2007

An ancient alchemist's secrets threaten the world. Can two teens unlock their powers in time?

Sale price

$899

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Ages 10–14 · 2004

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

Sale price

$799

EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken

Ages 6–8 · 2011

An eight-year-old boy navigates the challenges of elementary school and a bully who targets him.

Sale price

$1199

Chinese Cinderella

Ages 12–+ · 1999

An unloved daughter battles family disdain in 1940s China, seeking love and triumph.

Sale price

$1699

Kidnap on the California Comet

Ages 10–14 · 2020

A missing billionaire's daughter on a train sparks a race against time.

Sale price

$799

Eden's Wish

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A genie escapes her lamp, facing a world of hidden dangers and ancient conflicts.

Sale price

$1299

Jailbreak at Alcatraz

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Three inmates vanish from Alcatraz, sparking an unsolved mystery.

Sale price

$1195

A Movie in My Pillow

Ages 8–11 · 2001

A boy navigates new life in San Francisco, cherishing memories of El Salvador.

View all california chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about immigration and emigration Books about feelings and emotions Books about Mexican culture Books about prejudice and racism Books about books and reading Books about culture Books about deportation Books about farms

Our 10 Favorite Books About California

Great books, picked for their age.

California Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

California Picture Books

California Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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