Books About Economic Depressions

The Best Economic Depressions Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about economic depressions? 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.

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#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Economic Depressions

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1977)

276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 132,607 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)Golden Kite Honor (2000)

245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,691 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

Echo Mountain

By Lauren Wolk

In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.

368 pages· 78,125 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,475 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: During the Great Depression, Ellie’s family retreats to Echo Mountain after losing everything. When a tragic accident leaves her father in a coma, Ellie is unjustly blamed. Determined to save him, she ventures to find a mysterious healer known as 'the hag.' As Ellie climbs the mountain, she uncovers hidden stories and a chance for redemption. Will she find the cure her father needs, or will the mountain's secrets change her path forever? Discover resilience and self-discovery in this tale of healing and hope.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1997

Out of the Dust

By Karen Hesse · Book #1 in the Newbery Medal Book series

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

Newbery Medal (1998)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (1998)

227 pages· 19,706 words· Est. 2 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 80,657 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of the Dust Bowl, fourteen-year-old Billie Jo faces unimaginable loss and hardship. A tragic accident leaves her scarred and unable to play the piano, her only solace. As dust storms ravage the land, Billie Jo's father remains silent, and her mother is gone. While others flee, she must find peace in the desolate Oklahoma landscape and within herself. Can Billie Jo overcome the devastation and find hope in the dust? Discover her journey of resilience and self-discovery in a world where everything seems lost.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

Speak

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1999)Michael L. Printz Honor (2000)Golden Kite Award (2000)

224 pages· 46,607 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 642,671 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Melinda starts high school as an outcast after calling the cops on a party. Isolated and silent, she finds solace in art, which helps her confront the truth: she was raped by a fellow student. As she begins to heal, another encounter with her attacker forces her to fight back and refuse silence. Will Melinda find the courage to speak up and reclaim her voice? This powerful story explores themes of consent and resilience, challenging readers to consider the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Moon Over Manifest

By Clare Vanderpool

A hidden past, a mysterious spy, and a town's secrets await discovery.

Newbery Medal (2011)

384 pages· 81,295 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,852 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Abilene Tucker arrives in Manifest, Kansas, seeking her father's past. Disappointed by the town's faded glory, she stumbles upon a cigar box with letters about a spy called the Rattler. With friends Lettie and Ruthanne, she embarks on a thrilling quest, defying warnings to uncover Manifest's secrets. Guided by the enigmatic Miss Sadie, Abilene unravels tales of colorful characters and hidden truths, determined to find her father's place in this history. As secrets unfold, Abilene's journey intertwines with the town's legacy, revealing a story of loss, redemption, and belonging.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1998

A Long Way from Chicago

By Richard Peck · Book #1 in the A Long Way from Chicago series

Two siblings face wild summers with their unpredictable grandmother.

Newbery Honor (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1998)

148 pages· 35,326 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,301 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Every summer, Joey and Mary Alice journey to rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Their grandmother, a force of nature, turns each visit into an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and unforgettable lessons. As they navigate her eccentric world, the siblings discover more about themselves and the strength of family bonds. What surprises await them this summer?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

Turtle in Paradise

By Jennifer L. Holm · Book #1 in the Turtle in Paradise series

In 1935, Turtle discovers family secrets and buried treasure in Florida.

Newbery Honor (2011)Golden Kite Award (2011)

188 pages· 29,780 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 20,536 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1935, 11-year-old Turtle is sent to live with relatives in Key West. Amidst quirky cousins and hidden secrets, she unravels mysteries and finds unexpected adventures. Will Turtle's world change forever?

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$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

What Is Given from the Heart

By Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

32 pages· 1,095 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,192 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: James Otis faces a dilemma when his church collects donations for a family who lost everything in a fire. With little to give, he must find a way to contribute to the 'love box.' As he searches for something meaningful, James learns a powerful lesson about the true value of giving from the heart. Will he discover that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference? This touching tale of compassion and generosity will warm your heart and inspire you to see the beauty in selfless acts.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Junia

By Kim Michele Richardson, David C. Gardner (Illustrator)

A mule and her librarian traverse treacherous paths to deliver books in Depression-era Kentucky.

40 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 302 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the rugged hills of Troublesome Creek, a determined librarian and her trusty mule, Junia, brave harsh weather and treacherous paths to deliver books to isolated communities. As they journey through the Kentucky wilderness, they face challenges that test their resilience and bond. Will their dedication bring the joy of reading to those who need it most? Discover the heartwarming tale of friendship and perseverance in this tribute to the Pack Horse Library Project during the Great Depression.

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Economic Depressions Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Home in the Woods

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A family moves to a new home in the woods after the father's death.

Sale price

$799

The Babe & I

Ages 4–7 · 1999

Two boys find hope and teamwork with Babe Ruth during the Great Depression.

Sale price

$1799

Saving Strawberry Farm

Ages 5–10 · 2005

Can a single penny save a cherished farm during the Great Depression?

Sale price

$1799

Rocks in His Head

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A man's rock obsession defies doubt, leading to an unexpected museum role.

Sale price

$1799

The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

Ages 4–8 · 2007

During the Depression, Nella learns the true joy of sharing a cherished Christmas gift.

Sale price

$1600

Potato

Ages 6–9 · 1997

A family digs for hope in Depression-era Idaho.

View all economic depressions picture books

Browse by age

Economic Depressions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about economic depressions for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$799

Kit: Turning Things Around

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Can one girl bring hope to homeless kids during the Depression's darkest days?

Series

Sale price

$1299

Young Whit and the Traitor's Treasure

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A young boy uncovers secrets of missing Confederate gold and his family's past.

Sale price

$1095

Rent Party Jazz

Ages 6–9 · 2001

A boy and a jazz musician team up to save his home from eviction.

Series

Sale price

$599

What Was the Great Depression?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

The story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch in a magical kingdom ruled by an evil witch.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$799

Risky Chance

Ages 8–11 · 2011

A young Thoroughbred horse's life is forever changed when he is claimed by a new owner, a young girl and her father, a former jockey, who help him recover from his injuries and find a new purpose in life.