Books About Dystopia

The Best Dystopia Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about dystopia? 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 Dystopia

With the Enemy
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2011

With the Enemy

By Eva Gray · Book #3 in the Tomorrow Girls series

When a friend is kidnapped, runaways risk everything on a daring plan to rescue her.

230 pages· 40,177 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,658 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Maddie has been kidnapped, and now Rosie, Louisa and the boys are finally listening to Evelyn's theories that things are darker than they seem. As the group heads toward war-torn Chicago under constant threat of capture, they settle on their riskiest plan yet: infiltrating the Alliance itself. Can they save Maddie before it's too late?
Run for Cover
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2011

Run for Cover

By Eva Gray · Book #2 in the Tomorrow Girls series

Runaway friends in a dangerous future must survive alone, but secrets threaten their trust.

224 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 2,153 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a frightening future, best friends Louisa, Rosie, Evelyn and Maddie have learned the truth about the danger they're in and run away from their supposedly safe country school. Life on the run is riskier than ever. Rosie's survival skills are top-notch, but she still doesn't know whom she can trust, or how long she can keep her own secrets.
Salvage
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2469
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2026

Salvage

By Renée Nault

In a flooded future, a boy who scavenges sunken skyscrapers sneaks into the privileged Uplands and falls for a girl from a world he doesn't belong to.

256 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 306 ratings
$25.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Paolo lives in the Flats, a water-logged community where families survive by salvaging from skyscrapers beneath the risen sea. When he finds a suitcase of designer clothes, he uses it to spend one night in the Uplands, a place of wealth and freedom. There he meets Jules and her friends, and one reckless night becomes a secret double life. As their romance deepens, Paolo must face who he really is and where he belongs in a sharply divided world.
Among the Free
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Among the Free

By Margaret Peterson Haddix · Book #7 in the Shadow Children series

A hidden third-born sparks rebellion, toppling a tyrannical regime. But is freedom truly within reach?

224 pages· 43,082 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 18,882 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where third-born children are forbidden, Luke Garner risks everything to challenge oppressive laws. His actions ignite a rebellion, toppling the government and promising freedom. But as the dust settles, uncertainty looms. Who will lead in this new era, and can true freedom be achieved? As Luke navigates this uncharted territory, he must confront the reality of his choices and the future of a society on the brink of change. Dive into the thrilling conclusion of the Shadow Children series, where every decision could alter the course of history.
The True Meaning of Smekday
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

The True Meaning of Smekday

By Adam Rex · Book #1 in the Smek series

A girl and an alien mechanic embark on a wild quest to save Earth from invasion.

Cybils Award (2007)Odyssey Award (2011)
423 pages· 86,086 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 10,193 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Gratuity Tucci faces an unexpected adventure when aliens invade Earth, abducting her mother and renaming the planet Smekland. Teaming up with a renegade alien named J.Lo, Gratuity embarks on a daring journey in a hovercar to rescue her mom and thwart another alien threat. Will their unlikely friendship and outrageous plan be enough to save the world?
City Under the City
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

City Under the City

By Dan Yaccarino

In a screen-obsessed city, a girl discovers a hidden world of books and freedom.

68 pages· 639 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 303 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a city dominated by screens and watchful Eyes, young Bix yearns for independence. Fleeing an Eye, she stumbles upon the City Under the City, where a rat guides her to a forgotten library. As Bix uncovers stories of a world without Eyes, she faces a choice: stay in this newfound freedom or return to her family and challenge the Eyes' control. Can Bix inspire her city to rediscover the joy of reading and connection? Embark on a journey of discovery, friendship, and the power of books in this captivating tale.
Gleanings
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2022

Gleanings

By Neal Shusterman

Uncover hidden tales and new Scythes in a world defying death.

423 pages· 107,415 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 29,449 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where death is controlled, new Scythes rise and hidden stories unfold. As humanity thrives without hunger or disease, the balance teeters on the edge. Dive into the secrets of the Scythedom, where past and future collide, revealing new heroes and foes. What mysteries lie in the shadows of immortality?
Four
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2014

Four

By Veronica Roth

Uncover Tobias's journey from Abnegation to Dauntless and his pivotal choices in a world on the brink of chaos.

285 pages· 56,333 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 266,279 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into Tobias's world as he transitions from Abnegation to Dauntless, uncovering secrets that threaten faction stability. Experience his internal battles and pivotal choices of loyalty and love, especially after meeting Tris. This collection reveals the defining moments that shaped him, offering a fresh perspective on the Divergent saga. Will Tobias's decisions alter the course of his world?
Animal Farm
Sale price
$1140
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1945

Animal Farm

By George Orwell, Angelo Ruta (Illustrator) · Baker Street Readers series

Animals seize a farm, but can they maintain their newfound freedom against human threats and internal challenges?

176 pages· 30,361 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 4,839,562 ratings
$12.00Save 5%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In a daring revolt, farm animals overthrow their human owner, Mr. Jones, dreaming of a utopian life. But as they face the harsh realities of running a farm with human tools, their unity is tested. With winter approaching and neighboring farmers plotting to reclaim the land, the animals must confront external threats and internal power struggles. Will their vision of a perfect society survive, or will new dangers shatter their hopes? Dive into this retelling of a classic tale where freedom, power, and survival collide in unexpected ways.
Steelstriker
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2021

Steelstriker

By Marie Lu · Book #2 in the Skyhunter series

A lone warrior becomes a weapon to fight a fallen world.

400 pages· 113,646 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 11,818 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Talin, isolated behind enemy lines, faces a dire choice: become the Federation's ultimate weapon or lose everything. With her mother captive and allies scattered, she transforms into a Skyhunter. Yet, hope flickers as Red, her distant ally, seeks to reconnect. Can they reunite the Strikers and defy the Federation's grip? The battle for freedom is just beginning, and the stakes have never been higher. Will Talin's transformation be her salvation or her undoing?
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