Books About Crushes · 73 titles considered

The Best Crushes Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about crushes? 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 Crushes

The Trumpet of the Swan
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1970

The Trumpet of the Swan

By E.B. White, Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)

A mute swan seeks love through a stolen trumpet's melody.

251 pages· 42,200 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,568 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Louis, a mute trumpeter swan, longs for Serena's affection but struggles to express his love. Despite learning to read and write, nothing captures her attention. When his father gifts him a stolen brass trumpet, Louis wonders if music can bridge the silence. Can a melody win Serena's heart, or will Louis remain unheard? Dive into a tale of perseverance and the power of music.
Maybe He Just Likes You
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 Goodreads · 8,645 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?
In a Class by Himself
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

In a Class by Himself

By Lincoln Peirce · Book #1 in the Big Nate series

A sixth-grader navigates the challenges of middle school, including a difficult teacher, a crush on a classmate, and a quest to break a world record.

224 pages· 14,315 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 53,800 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Nate, a middle schooler with big dreams and even bigger mishaps. From surviving his dad's toxic oatmeal to clashing with the principal and his least favorite teacher, Nate's school day is a whirlwind of chaos. Yet, he remains unfazed, convinced he's destined for greatness—after all, a fortune cookie said so. Dive into Nate's world of accidental mischief and see if he can navigate the challenges of school life while keeping his cool. Will Nate's belief in his own potential lead him to triumph, or will trouble continue to find him?
Drum Roll, Please
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,006 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Melly, a shy drummer, finds solace in music at Camp Rockaway. As her parents split and her best friend drifts away, she unexpectedly falls for another girl. Can Melly find her rhythm amidst the chaos and embrace her true self? Discover if she can turn the noise in her heart into a powerful beat.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Sale price
$2199
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

By Jenny Han · Book #1 in the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series

Secret love letters are exposed, turning a girl's imaginary romances into chaos.

384 pages· 81,247 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,105,606 ratings
$23.15Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean's world flips when her private love letters to past crushes are mysteriously mailed. As her secret feelings are revealed, she must navigate the chaos of her love life becoming very real. Will she confront her emotions or retreat into her fantasies? With her heart on the line, Lara Jean faces unexpected challenges and potential romance. Can she handle the truth now that her secrets are out?
The Last Straw
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

The Last Straw

By Jeff Kinney · Book #3 in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Greg must toughen up or face military school. Can he avoid his dad's plans?

224 pages· 21,283 words· Est. 4 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 175,743 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Greg Heffley is in a bind. His father is determined to toughen him up, pushing him into sports and other activities. But Greg's wimpy ways are hard to shake. When the threat of military school looms, Greg must decide whether to change or find a clever way out. Will he rise to the challenge or find a way to stay true to himself? This hilarious adventure explores the lengths one boy will go to avoid growing up too fast, keeping readers laughing and guessing at every turn.
Caveboy Crush
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Caveboy Crush

By Beth Ferry, Joseph Kuefler (Illustrator)

A caveboy's grand gestures to win a cavegirl's heart lead to unexpected twists.

40 pages· 359 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 310 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Neander, a young caveboy, is smitten by Neanne, the perfect cavegirl. He tries everything to catch her eye, from gathering flowers in the Field of the Bees to retrieving a conch shell from the Waves of Salt. Despite his grand efforts, Neanne remains unimpressed. But when Neander devises his most spectacular gesture yet, the tables turn, and Neanne finds herself unexpectedly charmed. Will Neander's persistence pay off, or will his heart remain unrequited? Discover a delightful twist on first love in this charming tale of prehistoric romance.
Entirely Emmie
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Entirely Emmie

By Terri Libenson · Book #9 in the Emmie & Friends series

Shy Emmie and jokester Joe face unexpected friendship on a school camping trip.

304 pages· 15,936 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 861 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Emmie feels less invisible, especially around her crush, Tyler. Joe's jokes fall flat, leaving him isolated. On a school camping trip, Emmie and Joe are unexpectedly paired. As they navigate the wilderness and their own insecurities, they discover that friendship can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances. Will they find common ground or remain worlds apart? This tale of middle school challenges and surprising connections will keep you guessing.
Mallory's Guide to Boys, Brothers, Dads, and Dogs
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

Mallory's Guide to Boys, Brothers, Dads, and Dogs

By Laurie B. Friedman, Jennifer Kalis (Illustrator) · Book #15 in the Mallory McDonald series

A girl navigates crushes, family drama, and a pesky dog. Can she solve her tangled life?

159 pages· 14,780 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 214 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mallory McDonald faces a whirlwind of challenges: a crush who doesn't notice her, a brother's anger, a disappointed dad, and a smelly dog that won't leave her side. As she juggles these tangled relationships, Mallory's journey to understanding boys, brothers, dads, and dogs becomes an unexpected adventure. Will she find a way to untangle her life and become the expert she hopes to be? Dive into Mallory's world and discover the lessons she learns along the way.
Rise of the Red Ninjas
Sale price
$3386
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2013

Rise of the Red Ninjas

By Marcus Emerson, David Lee (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series

A tough week at school tests Chase's resolve as a ninja's enemies close in.

176 pages· 23,190 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 2,033 ratings
$35.64Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Chase faces a challenging week at school, where nothing seems to go right. Despite his struggles, he clings to the ninja code: never quit. But his enemies are just as determined. Can Chase outsmart his adversaries and turn his luck around, or will he be overwhelmed by the chaos? Dive into a tale of resilience and unexpected twists as Chase navigates the perils of school life with ninja tenacity.
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Crushes Picture Books

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

Love, Violet
Sale price
$1899

Love, Violet

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Violet must find the courage to express her feelings to Mira before Valentine's Day.

Love, Splat
Series
Sale price
$1799

Love, Splat

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Splat's valentine faces rivalry and rejection. Can he win Kitten's heart?

Arthur's Valentine
Series
Sale price
$899

Arthur's Valentine

Ages 5–8 · 1980

Arthur must solve the mystery of his secret admirer before Valentine's Day ends in heartbreak.

Pete Likes Bunny
Series
Sale price
$699

Pete Likes Bunny

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Pete's crush on Bunny leads to teasing and a heartfelt plan.

View all crushes picture books
Browse by age

Crushes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about crushes for developing and independent readers.

Jealousy
#17 in Series
Sale price
$899

Jealousy

Ages 9–13 · 2013

Lauren faces rivalry and romance as she vies for a spot on the advanced equestrian team.

Sabotage Season
#2 in Series
Sale price
$799

Sabotage Season

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A soccer team faces sabotage. Can they uncover the truth before their championship dreams vanish?

Alexis's Cupcake Cupid
#24 in Series
Sale price
$699

Alexis's Cupcake Cupid

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A secret valentine cupcake leads to unexpected awkwardness. Will Alexis's crush respond, or is friendship the true gift?

View all crushes chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about being yourselfBooks about coming of ageBooks about dating and courtshipBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about fitting inBooks about karateBooks about letter writingBooks about marriage and divorce