Books About Family And Relationships

The Best Family And Relationships Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about family and relationships? 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.

Caddie Woodlawn
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family And Relationships

Sale price
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Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1935

Caddie Woodlawn

By Carol Ryrie Brink · Book #1 in the Caddie Woodlawn series

A spirited girl defies norms, befriends outsiders, and challenges her world.

Newbery Medal (1936)
288 pages· 51,591 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 54,427 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Caddie Woodlawn is no ordinary girl. Preferring adventure over domestic duties, she hunts, plows, and takes on her brother's dares. Her friendship with Native Americans sets her apart in a community filled with fear and misunderstanding. Based on true stories, Caddie's courage and zest for life challenge societal norms and captivate readers. Will her bold spirit bridge the gap between her world and the one she dreams of? Discover the timeless tale of a girl who dares to be different.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

Lily's Crossing

A summer friendship hides secrets that could change lives during World War II.

181 pages· 36,127 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 9,874 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the summer of 1944, Lily's world shifts as her father goes to war and her best friend moves away. Alone in Rockaway, she meets Albert, a Hungarian refugee with a mysterious secret. As they bond over shared lies, Lily's deception threatens Albert's safety. Can their friendship withstand the shadows of war and truth?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1949

The Door in the Wall

A young boy named Robin is sent to live with a noble family as a page, but he struggles with his physical limitations and finds solace in his relationships with the people around him.

128 pages· 27,422 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 21,404 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In medieval England, young Robin's life changes when illness robs him of his legs. Abandoned by servants, he's rescued by Brother Luke, who teaches him resilience and woodcarving. As the castle of Lindsay faces peril, Robin must find a new path to heroism, proving that knighthood isn't the only way to serve his king. Can Robin's newfound skills save the day?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

Where Wonder Grows

By Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator)

Discover nature's secrets with a curious grandmother and her granddaughters.

40 pages· 357 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 488 ratings
$20.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a magical garden, a grandmother guides her granddaughters through a world of wonders. As they explore rocks, crystals, and meteorites, they uncover nature's hidden stories. What secrets will they learn from these ancient treasures? This enchanting tale celebrates curiosity and the bond between generations, inviting young readers to see the world with fresh eyes.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The One and Only Ruby

A young elephant navigates her way through life, learning about her past, her family, and herself.

210 pages· 20,552 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,980 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ruby, a young elephant now living in a sanctuary, is visited by her former caretaker from Africa. This reunion stirs memories of her life before the circus, filled with both joy and sorrow. As she shares her past adventures with friends Ivan and Bob, Ruby embarks on a journey of self-discovery. What secrets will her memories reveal, and how will they change her path? Dive into a heartfelt tale of friendship, memory, and the ties that bind us across time and distance.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

My Life as a Joke

By Janet Tashjian, Jake Tashjian (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the My Life series

Twelve-year-old faces mishaps and middle school chaos, seeking to feel grown-up amidst comedic disasters.

272 pages· 27,561 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 441 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon just wants to feel grown-up, but life has other plans. From fainting in science class to a gym class mishap, his middle school experience is a series of comedic disasters. Even his monster-truck party turns into a bouncy house fiasco. As Derek navigates these challenges, he wonders why growing up isn't as great as he imagined. With unexpected help from friends and a Toys for Tots fundraiser, could things finally start looking up? Dive into Derek's world of mishaps and discover if he can turn his life from a joke into something more.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco

By Thea Stilton · Book #25 in the Thea Stilton series

Five mice race against time to find a missing author in icy Iceland.

176 pages· 12,375 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 731 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters embark on a thrilling quest to find a missing mystery writer in Iceland. As they navigate the icy landscapes, they unravel the plot of his latest novel, facing unexpected dangers. Will they solve the mystery before it's too late, or will the chilling secrets of the story trap them in an icy mess? Join the mouselets as they piece together clues in a race against time, where friendship and courage are their only guides.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2017

Journey Through Ash and Smoke

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Ranger in Time series

A young girl named Helga travels through a treacherous landscape to find her father and bring him home to her ailing mother.

160 pages· 14,233 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 529 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, lands in Viking age Iceland. He meets Helga, a brave girl who rescues him. As a volcano threatens to erupt and Helga's sibling arrives early, they must navigate perilous terrain to find her father. But if Helga doesn't need Ranger's help, how will he return home? Adventure and uncertainty await in this thrilling journey through ash and smoke.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the I Survived series

A young boy survives a devastating tornado that destroys his city and must come to terms with the trauma he experienced

112 pages· 11,712 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,028 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Eleven-year-old Dexter seizes the chance to chase tornadoes with TV host Dr. Norman Rays. But when a tornado shifts toward Joplin, Dexter's thrill turns to terror. Can he survive nature's fury and have a story to share with his Navy SEAL brother? As the storm looms, Dexter faces a life-altering challenge, caught in the heart of one of America's deadliest tornadoes. Will his bravery withstand the ultimate test?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The War I Finally Won

Amidst war, Ada faces new challenges and questions of trust and identity.

416 pages· 67,192 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 49,295 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: After surgery changes Ada's life, she and her brother move into a tense household during World War II. With a mysterious German girl arriving, Ada must navigate suspicion and danger. Can she find her true self and protect those she loves as calamity looms? Discover Ada's journey of courage and identity in a world at war.
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Family And Relationships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family and relationships for developing and independent readers.

Duke

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy sacrifices his dog to aid the war effort, but can he bear the cost?

Elsie Mae Has Something to Say

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl fights to save her swamp and become a hero amidst unexpected challenges.

Ugly

Ages 8–12 · 2013

An extraordinary face challenges a boy to redefine beauty and courage.

Night of the Twisters

Ages 8–11 · 1984

A tornado strikes, but surviving the storm is just the beginning of their ordeal.

Slob

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A boy's invention to see the past may solve a mystery and change his present.

Phone-y Friends

Ages 7–9 · 2017

A robot cousin saves the day when a school play goes awry.

View all family and relationships chapter books
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