Books About Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse · 43 titles considered

The Best Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse? 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.

Firekeeper's Daughter
Shouting at the Rain
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse

Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

By Randy Ribay

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

352 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,954 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 210,449 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,726 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 83,202 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2021

Violets Are Blue

A young girl faces family secrets and broken trust amidst a fresh start.

304 pages· 50,561 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,547 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)
370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Shouting at the Rain

Delsie faces life's storms, seeking family and friendship.

288 pages· 52,132 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,404 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2004

Crank

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Crank series

A perfect daughter spirals into chaos after meeting a dangerous addiction.

537 pages· 34,497 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 157,257 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,655 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

A Native American teen seeks a new future at an all-white high school.

320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,034 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1971

Go Ask Alice

A teen's life spirals into chaos after a drug-laced drink leads to addiction.

224 pages· 46,854 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 295,619 ratings
$21.25Save 5%
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Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Bird

Ages 7–10 · 2008

A boy finds solace in drawing as he faces family loss and addiction.

You Are Always Loved

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A bunny lost in a storm finds hope and love with forest friends.

My Parents Have a Drug Problem

Ages 5–10 · 2021

A child's journey to understand a parent's addiction.

NO!

Ages 2–10 · 2017

Empower kids to say no to drugs and peer pressure with courage.

View all drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse picture books
Browse by age

Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse for developing and independent readers.

Learning to Fall

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Can Daphne forgive her father through skateboarding's lessons of falling and rising again?

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Ages 10–14 · 2024

A boy's quest to keep his family together when his mom vanishes.

Across the Desert

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl races against time to save a stranded pilot in the Arizona desert.

Fallout

Ages 14–18 · 2010

Three siblings confront their mother's addiction and their own struggles to break free from its grip.

Kyra, Just for Today
Sale price
$1999

Kyra, Just for Today

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl faces her mother's relapse and questions if being 'just enough' is enough.

The Beautiful Something Else

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Sparrow must confront their true identity while navigating a world of change and uncertainty.

Where We Used to Roam
Sale price
$1799

Where We Used to Roam

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl seeks a fresh start as her brother battles addiction.

Strays Like Us

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl must choose between following rules and rescuing a dog, risking newfound friendships.

The Mending Summer
Sale price
$1699

The Mending Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A magical lake offers hope, but wishes spiral out of control as a girl faces her father's struggles.

Lo & Behold

Ages 10–14 · 2023

A virtual reality adventure offers Addie a new perspective and a chance to change her world.

The Seventh Wish
Sale price
$899

The Seventh Wish

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A wish-granting fish turns Charlie's dreams into chaos, revealing life's true challenges.

Courage

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young diver faces family turmoil and suspicion as his brother returns from prison.

Keep exploring
Books about depression and mental illnessBooks about family problemsBooks about abuseBooks about coming of ageBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about diariesBooks about drawingBooks about feelings and emotions

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