Books About Disasters · 225 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.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Disasters

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two Bobbies

By Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery, Jean Cassels (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 1,081 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,414 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In the chaos of Hurricane Katrina, Bobbi the dog and her blind feline friend, Bob Cat, navigate the devastated streets of New Orleans. Chained and abandoned, Bobbi leads the way, her chain guiding Bob Cat through the storm's aftermath. Rescued after months of struggle, their inseparable bond astonishes shelter workers. Will they find their owners or a new home that will keep them together? Discover the heartwarming journey of survival and friendship in this true story of resilience.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2023

Our Roof Is Blue

By Sara E. Echenique, Ashley Vargas (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 955 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 178 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, siblings Antonio and his sister face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in Puerto Rico. With their home damaged and Antonio silent, they find solace under a makeshift blue tarp roof. As they transform their temporary shelter into a world of imagination, the siblings discover resilience and hope. Will Antonio find his voice again as their family and community come together to rebuild? This touching tale explores the power of family, imagination, and healing in the face of adversity.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1990

Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

By Margaret K. Wetterer, Karen Ritz (Illustrator) · On My Own History series

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

48 pages· 1,556 words· Est. 13 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 233 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Kate faces a perilous journey across a storm-battered bridge to stop a speeding train. With lives hanging in the balance, her courage and quick thinking are the only hope. Can she reach the station in time, or will disaster strike? This gripping true story of bravery unfolds in the heart of Iowa, where one girl's determination becomes a beacon of hope against the odds.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Nowhere Better Than Here

By Sarah Guillory

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

256 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 334 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In the flood-ravaged town of Boutin, thirteen-year-old Jillian faces losing her beloved home. With the school closed and bridges condemned, she must rally her community against the relentless tides. Armed with her grandmother's stories and the support of friends, Jillian embarks on a quest to preserve Boutin's spirit. Can she find hope amidst the devastation, or will the rising waters claim everything she holds dear? This is a heartfelt tale of resilience and determination in the face of climate change.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Winterkill

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

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

288 pages· 59,052 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,385 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1930s Ukraine, Nyl faces starvation as Stalin's regime seizes farms, leaving his village to suffer. Alice, newly arrived from Canada, uncovers the grim truth and joins Nyl in a daring plan to save their community. As the Holodomor unfolds, their courage and unity are tested. Will they outlast the famine and oppression, or be consumed by it? This gripping tale of survival and resistance reveals the dark history of a genocide and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to fight back.

Sale price

$2005

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1994

Clifford, the Firehouse Dog

By Norman Bridwell · Clifford series

A firehouse visit turns heroic when Clifford saves the day.

32 pages· 352 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,684 ratings

$21.10Save 5%

Summary: During a visit to his brother at the firehouse, Clifford faces an unexpected challenge when an alarm sounds. With courage and heart, he leaps into action, rescuing those in danger and extinguishing the flames. As Clifford embodies his Big Ideas—like helping others and working together—he shows that even the smallest actions can make a big difference. Will Clifford's bravery inspire others to believe in themselves and take action? Join Emily Elizabeth and Clifford on this exciting adventure where being big is about the size of your heart, not your paws.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2023

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

By Lauren Tarshis, Cassie Anderson (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the I Survived: The Graphic Novel series

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.

160 pages· 4,700 words· Est. 53 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,447 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Oscar Starling's new life in Chicago is upended when a massive fire engulfs the city. As flames threaten everything, Oscar must navigate chaos and danger. Can he and his newfound friends escape the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? This gripping graphic novel blends historical facts with intense storytelling, capturing a young boy's struggle for survival amidst one of history's most infamous disasters.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

I Am the Storm

By Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Kristen Howdeshell (Illustrator), Kevin Howdeshell (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 319 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,043 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In a world of unpredictable weather, children confront tornadoes, blizzards, fires, and hurricanes. Through warm family tales, they learn to find joy in preparedness and resilience. As nature's power looms, discover the strength within to face any storm. Will they find courage amidst chaos? This story offers comfort and empowerment, reminding young readers that while nature is mighty, so are they.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2002

Titanic

By Mary Pope Osborne, Will Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

The Titanic, the largest ship in the world, sinks on its first voyage after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives.

135 pages· 6,765 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,219 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they dive into the mysteries of the Titanic. How did the 'unsinkable' ship meet its fate? Why were lifeboats scarce? Discover the answers and more in this thrilling fact-finding journey. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn the real stories behind their favorite adventures, this book combines engaging facts with captivating illustrations. Will Jack and Annie uncover lessons from history's depths? Embark on this educational quest and find out!

882 1/2 Amazing Answers to Your Questions about the Titanic

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1998

882 1/2 Amazing Answers to Your Questions about the Titanic

By Hugh Brewster, Laurie Coulter, Ken Marschall (Illustrator)

Uncover the Titanic's secrets from its creation to its tragic end.

96 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 768 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Dive into the Titanic's epic tale, from its grand construction to its tragic sinking. Discover real stories of young passengers and explore its rediscovery on the ocean floor. What mysteries will you uncover?

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Browse by age

Disasters Picture Books

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

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.

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.

Sale price

$999

Fireboat

Ages 5–8 · 2002

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

Sale price

$1799

The Bravest Man in the World

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy learns the power of music through a tale of bravery aboard the Titanic.

Sale price

$1895

The Mess That We Made

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Witness the ocean's plight and join the fight against pollution in a rhythmic journey of change.

Sale price

$1799

Titan and the Wild Boars

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A soccer team trapped in a flooded cave faces a race against time for survival.

Sale price

$1995

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A silent boy finds his voice through a mysterious phone booth connecting villagers to lost loved ones.

Sale price

$1799

Luis and Tabitha

Ages 4–8 · 2018

An alley cat risks everything to reunite with his beloved indoor feline, defying all odds.

Sale price

$1899

Wildfire!

Ages 3–8 · 2021

A forest fire threatens wildlife and tests firefighters' bravery on Spruce Mountain.

Sale price

$1699

Saving Eli's Library

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A storm threatens a beloved library. Can the town save it?

Sale price

$1799

Firefighters' Handbook

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the thrilling journey of becoming a firefighter and the challenges they face daily.

View all disasters picture books

Browse by age

Disasters Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about disasters for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

Titanic

Ages 6–8 · 2012

The tragic sinking of the Titanic is told through a combination of historical facts and personal stories.

Sale price

$799

National Hero

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A dog and boy face a flash flood, testing their courage and bond.

Sale price

$1299

Mission Hindenburg

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A mysterious foe recreates history's worst disasters. Can the Cahills stop him in time?

Sale price

$599

What Was the Titanic?

Ages 8–12 · 2018

The story of the Titanic's maiden voyage and its tragic sinking.

Sale price

$799

What Were the Twin Towers?

Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Twin Towers were targeted in a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and a significant impact on the United States and the world.

Sale price

$699

Hurricane Katrina Rescue

Ages 7–10 · 2018

In the midst of Hurricane Katrina, a young girl named Clare and her dog Ranger navigate the dangers of the storm and its aftermath to find Clare's grandmother and father, who have been separated from them.