Books About Family Drama

The Best Family Drama Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about family drama? 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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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Drama

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$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 · 9,039 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.

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2013

Counting by 7s

By Holly Goldberg Sloan

A young genius seeks connection and family after a tragic loss.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2014)

416 pages· 62,679 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 89,133 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old genius, finds solace in counting by 7s. Her world shatters when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, leaving her alone. As she navigates her grief, Willow embarks on a journey to find a new family. Along the way, she encounters a diverse group of individuals who challenge and support her in unexpected ways. Can Willow rebuild her life and discover the true meaning of family amidst her loss? This poignant tale explores resilience, community, and the bonds that unite us.

Graphic Nov.

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$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 · 35,692 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?

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

The Seventh Most Important Thing

By Shelley Pearsall

A boy's punishment leads to unexpected discoveries in a world of discarded treasures.

288 pages· 54,074 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,200 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After a reckless act lands Arthur in trouble, he's sentenced to work for the mysterious Junk Man. Tasked with collecting seemingly worthless items, Arthur uncovers a hidden world where trash transforms into treasure. As he delves deeper, he learns that redemption and beauty can emerge from the most unlikely places. What secrets does the Junk Man hold, and how will they change Arthur's life forever?

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

One Crazy Summer

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Book #1 in the Gaither Sisters series

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Newbery Honor (2011)Coretta Scott King Award (2011)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2011)

218 pages· 45,472 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,131 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1968, Delphine and her sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland to reunite with their estranged mother, Cecile. Expecting a summer of fun, they instead find themselves at a Black Panther day camp. As Delphine navigates this unexpected world, she learns about family, identity, and the turbulent times they live in. Will the sisters find the connection they seek, or will Cecile's radical life keep them apart? Discover the transformative journey of three girls in a summer that changes everything.

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$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

We Were Liars

By E. Lockhart · Book #1 in the We Were Liars series

A private island, a secretive family, and a friendship that turns destructive. What truth lies beneath the lies?

242 pages· 49,420 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,471,864 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: On a secluded island, a brilliant but troubled girl and her friends, known as the Liars, face a summer of secrets and betrayal. As their friendship unravels, a mysterious accident and hidden truths threaten to shatter their world. What really happened, and who can be trusted? Dive into a suspenseful tale where love and lies intertwine, leaving you questioning everything.

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$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2009

I'm So Sure

Book #2 in the A Charmed Life series

Prom queen candidates are blackmailed, and a school reporter must uncover the truth before it's too late.

280 pages· 72,192 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,733 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In a small town, a school reporter is thrust into the spotlight when her stepdad joins a reality show. As prom queen candidates face blackmail, she teams up with her charming editor, Luke, to solve the mystery. But with an accidental kiss and rising stakes, can they uncover the truth before someone silences her for good? Amid scandals and secrets, prom night could turn deadly.

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Sincerely Sicily

By Tamika Burgess

A girl faces prejudice at school and home, challenging her identity and voice.

304 pages· 61,358 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 287 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Sicily Jordan, a Black Panamanian fashionista, faces a new school where her identity is questioned. As she struggles with prejudice and family tensions, Sicily must find her voice. Can she redefine herself and prove her pride in who she is, or will silence prevail? Her journal might hold the key.

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$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2015

Code of Honor

By Alan Gratz

Kamran races to clear his brother's name amid terror accusations.

288 pages· 67,953 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,784 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Kamran Smith's world shatters when his brother, Darius, is accused of terrorism. Determined to prove Darius's innocence, Kamran embarks on a perilous quest, deciphering cryptic clues that could prevent a deadly attack. As friends turn against him, Kamran must confront the possibility of betrayal and danger. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late, or will his loyalty cost him everything?

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$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Jawbreaker

By Christina Wyman

Max faces bullies, family strife, and a daunting video contest—all while wearing embarrassing headgear.

320 pages· 67,107 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,264 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Max Plink's life is a whirlwind of challenges: her parents' constant arguments, relentless school bullies, and her sister's harshness. But the real kicker? Her severe overbite requires awkward headgear, earning her the nickname 'jawbreaker.' As if that weren't enough, Max dreams of winning a journalism competition with a video component, forcing her to face her fears of going viral. Can Max overcome her insecurities and follow her dreams, or will her dental drama hold her back? Dive into this humorous and heartfelt tale of resilience and self-discovery.

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Family Drama Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family drama for developing and independent readers.

#2 in Series

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$1699

Football Hero

Ages 8–12 · 2008

A young boy must outsmart a mob boss to save his brother's NFL dreams and his own future.

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967

#17 in Series

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$499

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A grizzly attack shatters peace in Glacier Park. Can Melody survive the terror?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Beetle & the Hollowbones

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A young goblin named Beetle befriends a ghost trapped in a mall and together they try to find a way to free the ghost before the mall is demolished, while also navigating Beetle's complicated relationships with her gran and her friend Kat, who is now an apprentice to a powerful sorceress.