Books About Disasters · 465 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.

Where the Watermelons Grow
#12 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Disasters

Sale price
$1797
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 · 101,730 ratings
$18.99Save 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where the Watermelons Grow

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 · 3,008 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18

Nation

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 · 38,786 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

Ninth Ward

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

224 pages· 32,698 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,136 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

Life As We Knew It

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 · 134,763 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1996

Twisters!

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.
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Planet Earth

Explore Earth's wonders through intricate paper cutouts.

30 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 30 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into 'Paper World: Planet Earth,' where stunning paper cutouts unveil Earth's secrets. From fiery volcanoes to deep rivers, each page is a visual journey. Discover the planet's mysteries with interactive flaps and die-cuts, making learning an adventure for all ages. What hidden wonders will you uncover?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

On Noah's Ark

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 · 1,233 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.
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

The Little Green Hen

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

32 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 190 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Little Green Hen tends to her apple tree, nurturing it with care. But as the work becomes overwhelming, she seeks help. Dog, Sparrow, and Squirrel eagerly assist, while Peacock, Fox, and Cat dismiss her pleas. When storms and rising waters threaten, will they realize the importance of her mission in time? Discover a tale of cooperation and environmental awareness in this fresh twist on a classic story.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 (Graphic Novel)

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

160 pages· 3,254 words· Est. 37 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 767 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Japan, Ben's visit turns into a nightmare when a massive earthquake triggers a tsunami. Separated from his family, he must navigate the chaos alone. Will he find the strength to survive this epic disaster? Dive into this gripping graphic novel adaptation of a true event, blending history with high-stakes drama.
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Disasters Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

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

Supertruck

Ages 2–6 · 2014

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

Firehouse!

Ages 2–4 · 2010

A day at the firehouse turns into an unexpected adventure.

Super Storms

Ages 0–12 · 2007

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

I'm Silly!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

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

I'm Sunny!

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A cheerful sun learns the impact of emotions on friendships.

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.

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

Ages 4–7 · 2023

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

Noah's Ark

Ages 1–12 · 2002

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

Sale price
$2110

Clifford, the Firehouse Dog

Ages 2–5 · 1994

A firehouse visit turns heroic when Clifford saves the day.

Hurricane

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

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

I Am the Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Voyage to the Volcano

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A class trip to Hawaii turns explosive when a volcano erupts.

The Librarian's Stories

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Blaze and the Forest Fire

Ages 5–8

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

Outside, Inside

Ages 3–6 · 2021

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

Fireboat
Sale price
$999

Fireboat

Ages 5–8 · 2002

An old fireboat is called back to action during a city crisis.

Browse by age

Disasters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about disasters for developing and independent readers.

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.

Away

Ages 10–13

Kids uncover a conspiracy behind a mysterious evacuation threat.

The Rivers of Zadaa

Ages 10–14 · 2005

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

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.

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Ages 10–+ · 2023

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

Tornado Terror
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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.

Nowhere Better Than Here

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

Winterkill
Sale price
$799

Winterkill

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

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.

Sale price
$999

The Unforgettable Logan Foster

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A boy discovers his new foster parents are superheroes hunted by villains. Can he save them and the world?

Snow Day: A Graphic Novel

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A group of students and their teacher are stranded at school during a blizzard.

Two Degrees

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Four kids face wildfires, polar bears, and hurricanes. Can they survive nature's fury?

Keep exploring
Books about natural disastersBooks about survival storiesBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about diariesBooks about Earth scienceBooks about family problemsBooks about farm life and ranch lifeBooks about floods

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