Books About Disasters · 526 titles considered

The Best Disasters Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about disasters? 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 Disasters

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2022

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

By Axie Oh

Mina must awaken the Sea God to stop deadly storms and save her world.

325 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 102,190 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Mina sacrifices herself to save her brother, plunging into the sea to become the Sea God's bride. In the Spirit Realm, she discovers the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep. With time running out, Mina, aided by the enigmatic Shin and a band of spirits, must awaken him to end the storms ravaging her homeland. Can she succeed before it's too late, or will dark forces thwart her quest?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1960

The Fire Cat

By Esther Averill

A cat with big paws finds his purpose at a firehouse.

64 pages· 1,843 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,379 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Pickles, a cat with oversized paws and dreams, longs to do something meaningful. Adopted by a firehouse, he seizes the chance to prove himself. Can Pickles become the hero he aspires to be? As he learns to jump on fire trucks and assist in rescues, Pickles discovers his true calling. Will his big paws finally make a big difference? Join Pickles on his journey from mischief-maker to firehouse hero, and cheer as he finds his place in the world.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where the Watermelons Grow

By Cindy Baldwin

A girl seeks magic honey to heal her mother's mind, but discovers the true cure lies within her own heart.

256 pages· 51,447 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,011 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Della Kelly is desperate to save her mother from a returning mental illness. With her father struggling to keep their farm afloat, Della believes the Bee Lady's magic honey is the answer. But when the Bee Lady suggests the real healing involves Della's own heart, she must confront the true meaning of love and acceptance. Can Della find the courage to embrace her mother as she is, or will her quest for a cure lead her astray?

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the I Survived series

A ten-year-old is off exploring the parts of the ship he isn't supposed to be in when the Titanic hits the ice.

104 pages· 10,470 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,467 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: George Calder's dream voyage on the Titanic becomes a nightmare when disaster strikes. As the ship begins to sink, George must navigate chaos and danger to save himself and his sister, Phoebe. Will they survive the icy waters and find safety? Dive into a gripping tale of courage and resilience aboard history's most infamous ship.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18

Nation

By Terry Pratchett

Two survivors unite after a tsunami, facing spirits and secrets that could change everything.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2009)Michael L. Printz Honor (2009)Odyssey Honor (2009)

384 pages· 103,128 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 38,831 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After a devastating wave, Mau and Daphne, from opposite worlds, are the sole survivors. As they gather other refugees, they must protect their new community, defy spirits, and uncover a secret that could change their world. Can they forge a new path amidst chaos and mystery?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

Ninth Ward

By Jewell Parker Rhodes · Book #1 in the The Louisiana Girls Trilogy series

A girl and her grandmother face Hurricane Katrina's fury in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2011)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2011)

224 pages· 32,698 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,145 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, gifted with the ability to see spirits, must confront the impending devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With her adopted grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, who foresees the storm's wrath, Lanesha must summon courage and resilience to survive. As the hurricane looms, their bond and the strength of their community are tested. Will Lanesha's unique gifts and Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom be enough to weather the storm? This tale of survival and hope explores the power of love and the unyielding spirit of a young girl in the face of nature's fury.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

Life As We Knew It

By Susan Beth Pfeffer · Book #1 in the Last Survivors series

A meteor shifts the moon, plunging Earth into chaos. Can Miranda's family survive?

337 pages· 95,201 words· Est. 9 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 134,814 ratings

Paperback

Summary: When a meteor shifts the moon closer to Earth, chaos ensues. High schooler Miranda and her family face tsunamis, earthquakes, and darkness. In their sunroom refuge, they battle for survival, clinging to hope. Can they endure the world's collapse?

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1996

Twisters!

By Lucille Recht Penner

Discover the untamed power of nature's fiercest storms.

48 pages· 1,145 words· Est. 13 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 56 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Dive into the heart of nature's fury with 'Twisters,' a gripping exploration of tornadoes. Packed with real-life stories and vivid images, this book reveals the awe-inspiring and terrifying force of these natural disasters. What secrets do these swirling giants hold, and how do they shape the world around us? Uncover the mysteries and marvel at the raw power of the planet's most formidable storms.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999

Tonight on the Titanic

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #17 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel back in time to the Titanic to help a dog under a spell

96 pages· 5,129 words· Est. 57 min read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 17,394 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jack and Annie embark on a perilous journey aboard the doomed Titanic, courtesy of the Magic Tree House. As they navigate the ship's grandeur and impending disaster, they face a daunting challenge: can they alter the course of history and save lives, including their own? With time running out, every decision counts. Will their courage and quick thinking be enough to make a difference, or will they be swept away by the tragedy? Dive into this thrilling adventure where the stakes are as high as the ship's towering decks.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

On Noah's Ark

By Jan Brett

A granddaughter helps animals find peace on Noah's Ark amid rising floodwaters.

32 pages· 238 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,235 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: As floodwaters rise, Noah's granddaughter faces the challenge of settling restless animals on the ark. With giraffes beside pandas and lions near turkeys, chaos reigns. Can the gentle rocking of the ark bring peace before the waters recede? Discover a tale of harmony and survival, beautifully illustrated with every creature imaginable, as the ark becomes a haven for all.

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Browse by age

Disasters Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1099

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A girl and her pony face a drought threatening their family farm.

Sale price

$1199

Supertruck

Ages 2–6 · 2014

A mysterious hero emerges during a city snowstorm, then vanishes. Why?

Series

Sale price

$699

Firehouse!

Ages 2–4 · 2010

A day at the firehouse turns into an unexpected adventure.

Sale price

$799

Super Storms

Ages 0–12 · 2007

Discover the fierce power behind nature's most violent storms.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

I'm Silly!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

A tornado's silliness disrupts a tea party, teaching about emotions' impact.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

I'm Sunny!

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A cheerful sun learns the impact of emotions on friendships.

Series

Sale price

$599

Let's Be Firefighters!

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join a thrilling firefighting adventure with Blaze and friends.

View all disasters board books

Browse by age

Disasters Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1699

The Little Green Hen

Ages 2–5 · 2019

When storms threaten, will anyone help Little Green Hen save the tree?

Sale price

$1899

Two Bobbies

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two pets survive Hurricane Katrina, bound by an unbreakable bond. Can they find a new home together?

Sale price

$1799

Our Roof Is Blue

Ages 4–7 · 2023

Two siblings rebuild their lives and find hope after Hurricane Maria's devastation.

Sale price

$1799

Noah's Ark

Ages 1–12 · 2002

A flood threatens all life; only one man can save it.

Series

Sale price

$2110

Clifford, the Firehouse Dog

Ages 2–5 · 1994

A firehouse visit turns heroic when Clifford saves the day.

Sale price

$1799

Hurricane

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A hurricane threatens a boy's beloved dock. Can the community rebuild together?

Sale price

$1899

Story of the Titanic

Ages 8–12 · 1998

A luxurious ship's maiden voyage turns tragic after hitting an iceberg.

Sale price

$1999

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A baby hippo finds unexpected friendship after a tsunami changes everything.

Sale price

$1799

I Am the Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Face nature's fury with resilience and awe. Discover your power.

Sale price

$1899

The Librarian's Stories

Ages 4–8 · 2020

In a war-torn town, a librarian's stories ignite hope amidst ruins and despair.

Series

Sale price

$2245

Blaze and the Forest Fire

Ages 5–8

A boy and his horse race to warn of a forest fire.

Sale price

$1899

Outside, Inside

Ages 3–6 · 2021

A world goes quiet as everyone moves inside, finding strength and hope amid change.

View all disasters picture books

Browse by age

Disasters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about disasters for developing and independent readers.

#12 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A boy faces a tsunami's wrath in a foreign land. Can he survive alone?

Sale price

$799

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet

Ages 8–12 · 2008

Master survival skills for 100 life-threatening scenarios, from natural disasters to wild animal encounters.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$3564

The Earthquake Challenge

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A compass transports Fatima to a dark, deserted city. Can she conquer her fear?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Away

Ages 10–13

Kids uncover a conspiracy behind a mysterious evacuation threat.

Series

Sale price

$1099

The Rivers of Zadaa

Ages 10–14 · 2005

Two tribes clash as Bobby battles a sinister force and discovers hidden powers.

Series

Sale price

$899

Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

Ages 7–10 · 1990

A storm-damaged bridge, a midnight train, and a race against time to save lives.

Sale price

$1999

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Ages 10–13 · 2023

A summer with Dad, a secret to reveal. Can Maudie find the courage before it's too late?

Tornado Terror

Ages 8–12

A boy in southern Illinois faces the deadliest tornado in U.S. history on the day of his town's marbles tournament.

Sale price

$1699

Nowhere Better Than Here

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl battles rising tides to save her town's spirit.

Sale price

$799

Winterkill

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Two kids defy a deadly famine in 1930s Ukraine. Can they survive Stalin's plan?

#7 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–11 · 2023

A young boy named Oscar travels to Chicago with his mother and new stepfather, but their arrival coincides with the Great Chicago Fire, which forces Oscar to navigate the treacherous city and find his missing mother.