Books About Disasters · 606 titles considered

The Best Disasters Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
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· 78,896 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 104,135 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?
The Fire Cat
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 Goodreads · 7,392 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.
Where the Watermelons Grow
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 Goodreads · 3,024 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 Goodreads · 20,758 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.
Nation
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 Goodreads · 39,034 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?
Ninth Ward
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 Goodreads · 7,164 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.
Life As We Knew It
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 Goodreads · 135,209 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?
Twisters!
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 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.
Tonight on the Titanic
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 · 17,513 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.
On Noah's Ark
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 · 1,238 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.

Leah's Pony
Sale price
$1099

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

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

Supertruck
Sale price
$1199

Supertruck

Ages 2–6 · 2014

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

Firehouse!
Series
Sale price
$699

Firehouse!

Ages 2–4 · 2010

A day at the firehouse turns into an unexpected adventure.

Super Storms
Sale price
$799

Super Storms

Ages 0–12 · 2007

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

I'm Silly!
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.

I'm Sunny!
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

I'm Sunny!

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A cheerful sun learns the impact of emotions on friendships.

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Browse by age

Disasters Picture Books

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

The Little Green Hen
Sale price
$1699

The Little Green Hen

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

The Littlest Drop
Sale price
$1899

The Littlest Drop

Ages 3–7 · 2025

A tiny hummingbird faces a fire, proving even the smallest can make a difference.

Two Bobbies
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?

Our Roof Is Blue
Sale price
$1799

Our Roof Is Blue

Ages 4–7 · 2023

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

Noah's Ark
Sale price
$1799

Noah's Ark

Ages 1–12 · 2002

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

Rainbow Crow
Sale price
$899

Rainbow Crow

Ages 3–7 · 1989

A crow sacrifices beauty and song to bring fire to the forest.

Hurricane
Sale price
$1799

Hurricane

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

Story of the Titanic
Sale price
$1899

Story of the Titanic

Ages 8–12 · 1998

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

A Mama for Owen
Sale price
$1999

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

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

I Am the Storm
Sale price
$1799

I Am the Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

The Librarian's Stories
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.

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Disasters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about disasters for developing and independent readers.

Wombat Waiting
Sale price
$1999

Wombat Waiting

Ages 8–12 · 2026

A dog waits in a fire-ravaged town, hoping to find her destined person. Who survived?

A World Without Summer
Sale price
$1999

A World Without Summer

Ages 10–14 · 2025

A volcanic eruption plunges the world into chaos, inspiring a legendary tale of creation and destruction.

Buddy
Sale price
$1099

Buddy

Ages 10–+ · 2012

A boy's quest to find his lost dog after Hurricane Katrina tests hope and resilience.

Away
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Away

Ages 10–13

Kids uncover a conspiracy behind a mysterious evacuation threat.

View all disasters chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about natural disastersBooks about survival storiesBooks about cars and trucksBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about diariesBooks about family problemsBooks about farm life and ranch lifeBooks about firefighters