Books About Drugs, Alcohol, And Substance Abuse

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
Violets Are Blue
Shouting at the Rain
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

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

Patron Saints of Nothing
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.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)
352 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?
Impulse
Sale price
$2374
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 · 83,228 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.
Firekeeper's Daughter
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Firekeeper's Daughter

By Angeline Boulley

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

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)Michael L. Printz Award (2022)
494 pages· 130,001 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 210,751 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Daunis Fontaine, caught between her hometown and Ojibwe roots, faces a life-altering choice after witnessing a murder. Drawn into an FBI probe of a dangerous drug, she must navigate hidden truths and old wounds. As deception and danger escalate, Daunis must decide how far she'll go to protect her community and embrace her identity as an Anishinaabe kwe. Will she uncover the truth before it destroys everything she holds dear?
Violets Are Blue
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2021

Violets Are Blue

By Barbara Dee

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 · 1,548 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Wren, a twelve-year-old makeup enthusiast, hopes for a new beginning in a new town. As she lands a role as the makeup artist for her school's play, her optimism is tested by her mother's mysterious illness and troubling behavior. With her mom's job at risk and their relationship strained, Wren must navigate a world where not everything can be masked. Can she rebuild trust and find her footing in this new reality?
Genesis Begins Again
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

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

Newbery Honor (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)
370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,036 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.
Shouting at the Rain
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Shouting at the Rain

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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

288 pages· 52,132 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,414 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Delsie, a weather enthusiast, feels the storms of life brewing as she longs for a 'regular family' while living with her Grammy. Her friend drifts away, but new ally Ronan, also grappling with loss, joins her on Cape Cod adventures. Together, they explore emotions and discover the true meaning of family and friendship, learning to weather any storm.
Crank
Sale price
$1049
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 · 157,331 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kristina Snow, a model student, vanishes during a visit to her father, replaced by her daring alter ego, Bree. Bree's encounter with a boy introduces her to crank, a drug that promises ecstasy but delivers torment. As Bree's life unravels, she battles for control over her mind and soul. Can she escape the grip of addiction, or will it consume her entirely? This gripping tale, told in verse, explores the harrowing journey of a girl caught between two identities and the monstrous lure of drugs.
Hey, Kiddo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)
320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,667 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1994
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2008)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2007)Odyssey Award (2009)
320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,124 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Junior, a young cartoonist from the Spokane Indian Reservation, defies expectations by transferring to an all-white high school. As he navigates this new world, he faces cultural clashes and personal challenges. Will he find his place or be torn between two worlds? With humor and heart, Junior's journey explores identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
Go Ask Alice
Sale price
$2019
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1971

Go Ask Alice

By Anonymous · Anonymous Diaries series

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 · 295,747 ratings
$21.25Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: A teenager's life unravels after a party drink laced with LSD pulls her into addiction. Her diary reveals a harrowing journey from a loving home to the harsh streets, capturing the loss of innocence and youth. As she battles the grip of drugs, her story raises haunting questions about the cost of addiction and the struggle to escape its clutches. Will she find a way back, or is her fate sealed? Enter her world and witness a powerful tale of descent and despair.
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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
Sale price
$1995

Bird

Ages 7–10 · 2008

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

NO!
Sale price
$1699

NO!

Ages 2–10 · 2017

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

My Parents Have a Drug Problem
#1 in Series
Sale price
$2599

My Parents Have a Drug Problem

Ages 5–10 · 2021

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

You Are Always Loved
Sale price
$1799

You Are Always Loved

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

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.

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman
Sale price
$1799

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Ages 10–14 · 2024

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

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.

Learning to Fall
Sale price
$1699

Learning to Fall

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

Strays Like Us
Sale price
$1699

Strays Like Us

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

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.

The Beautiful Something Else
Sale price
$1799

The Beautiful Something Else

Ages 8–12 · 2023

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

Fallout
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Fallout

Ages 14–18 · 2010

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

Across the Desert
Sale price
$1799

Across the Desert

Ages 9–12 · 2021

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

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
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

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
Sale price
$1699

Courage

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

View all drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse chapter books
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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