Books About Death · 979 titles considered

The Best Death Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about death? 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.

Echo Mountain
The Hate U Give
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Death

Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1961

Where the Red Fern Grows

By Wilson Rawls · Book #1 in the Where the Red Fern Grows series

A boy's dream of owning two dogs leads to triumph and tragedy in the Ozarks.

282 pages· 76,899 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
6.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 448,708 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Billy finally gets his dream dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, and together they become the best hunting team in the Ozarks. But as their fame grows, so does the shadow of impending tragedy. Can Billy find hope amidst despair and learn the true meaning of friendship and loss? This timeless tale explores the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dogs, promising adventure, heartache, and the enduring power of love.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Mr. Gedrick and Me

A mysterious nanny arrives to mend a grieving family's broken bonds with a touch of magic.

224 pages· 41,848 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Stanley Darrow's life is in disarray after his father's death, leaving his family struggling to cope. Enter Mr. Gedrick, a peculiar nanny with a knack for transforming chaos into order. As he tidies their home, Stanley wonders if Mr. Gedrick can also heal their hearts. But what secrets does this enigmatic figure hide behind his crooked grin? Can he truly help Stanley, his siblings, and their mother find their way back to each other? Discover the magic and mystery that could reunite a fractured family.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

Echo Mountain

In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.

368 pages· 78,125 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,450 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: During the Great Depression, Ellie’s family retreats to Echo Mountain after losing everything. When a tragic accident leaves her father in a coma, Ellie is unjustly blamed. Determined to save him, she ventures to find a mysterious healer known as 'the hag.' As Ellie climbs the mountain, she uncovers hidden stories and a chance for redemption. Will she find the cure her father needs, or will the mountain's secrets change her path forever? Discover resilience and self-discovery in this tale of healing and hope.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1977

Bridge to Terabithia

A friendship forged in imagination faces a tragic test, altering two worlds forever.

Newbery Medal (1978)
128 pages· 32,911 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 601,021 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Jess Aarons dreams of being the fastest runner, but new girl Leslie Burke changes everything. Their friendship blossoms in the magical land of Terabithia, a refuge from reality. When tragedy strikes, Jess must navigate loss and find strength in the memories they created. Can he honor Leslie's spirit and embrace the courage she inspired? This poignant tale explores the depths of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome life's unexpected challenges.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1952

Charlotte's Web

A pig befriends a spider who devises a plan to save his life from slaughter.

184 pages· 32,307 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,093,691 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: In a barn filled with secrets, a pig named Wilbur faces an uncertain fate. His only hope lies in Charlotte, a clever spider weaving words into her web to save him. With the help of a self-serving rat and a girl named Fern who understands their language, they embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship and survival. As the seasons change, will Charlotte's plan succeed in sparing Wilbur's life? Discover the magic of childhood and the power of unlikely alliances in this timeless tale of love and courage.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,151 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,036,978 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

352 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Far from the Tree

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

374 pages· 88,170 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 50,318 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Grace, adopted at birth, discovers she's a middle child after giving up her own baby. She seeks her biological siblings: Maya, a spirited sister questioning her place, and Joaquin, a guarded brother wary of family ties after years in foster care. As they confront their pasts, they must redefine what family truly means. Can they find connection amidst secrets and fears?
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Browse by age

Death Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Día de los Muertos

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, honoring ancestors and celebrating life's cycle.

The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos

Ages 2–5 · 2010

Children guide ancestors home for a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration.

Nevermore!

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Introduce toddlers to Poe's 'The Raven' and its themes of love and loss.

My First Book of Baby Animals

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover baby animals and boost vocabulary with engaging pictures.

Día de Los Muertos
Sale price
$799

Día de Los Muertos

Ages 1–4 · 2022

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with dancing, counting, and playful puppets.

View all death board books
Browse by age

Death Picture Books

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

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

Grandpa's Top Threes

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A boy's game helps his grandpa reconnect with life.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Ages 6–9 · 1995

A woodcarver is commissioned to create a set of Christmas figures for a widow and her son, leading to a transformation in his life.

The Rag Coat

Ages 6–9 · 1995

A mountain girl's coat weaves a tale of love and friendship.

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Ida, Always

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

Wherever You Are

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A parent's love follows their child, no matter the distance.

111 Trees

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A boy transforms his village by planting trees for every girl's birth, challenging tradition and sparking change.

Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead

Ages 2–6 · 2008

Lupita discovers the true meaning of Día de Muertos when her uncle can't join the celebration.

Finding François

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A piglet's bottled message sparks a friendship that transcends distance and loss.

The Rabbit Listened
Sale price
$1899

The Rabbit Listened

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A child tries to build something but it doesn't go as planned.

A Bowl Full of Peace

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Survive the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and find hope in a miraculous discovery.

Browse by age

Death Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about death for developing and independent readers.

Clap When You Land

Ages 13–18 · 2020

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
Sale price
$1099

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Ages 14–18 · 2019

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
Sale price
$1699

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

Ages 8–10 · 2020

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A young girl starts a snack business to fit in and faces unexpected challenges.

The Hunger Games

Ages 12–18 · 2008

Survive a deadly game or face certain death in a dystopian world.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

The Canyon's Edge

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A girl battles nature and inner demons to survive a desert disaster.

Rebound
Sale price
$1699

Rebound

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

Long Way Down
Sale price
$1999

Long Way Down

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

Out of the Dust

Ages 10–15 · 1997

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

The Bad Beginning

Ages 8–12 · 1999

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

Keep exploring
Books about coping with deathBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about family lifeBooks about family problemsBooks about accidentsBooks about adoptionBooks about belongingBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse

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