Books About Family History · 178 titles considered

The Best Family History Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Family Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about family history? 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 Family History

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel

By Natasha Lowe · Poppy Pendle series

A young witch seeks the truth about her mysterious origins and discovers the true meaning of family.

304 pages· 50,334 words· Est. 7 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a baby witch is found in a flowerpot, Nora's life changes forever. Named Mabel, the girl grows up with magical talents and a rebellious spirit. At Ruthersfield Academy, Mabel excels but faces trouble for her inventive potions. A shocking revelation about her origins sends her on a quest to uncover her true family. As Mabel, now Magnolia, searches for answers, she must decide if family is defined by blood or by those who love and care for her. Will she find her roots, or something even more profound?
Half Upon a Time
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Half Upon a Time

By James Riley · Book #1 in the Half Upon a Time series

A boy and a girl from different worlds must rescue a kidnapped grandmother in a fractured fairy tale adventure.

385 pages· 74,852 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,521 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jack, son of the infamous beanstalk thief, seeks redemption by helping May, a girl from another world. When May's grandmother, possibly the missing Snow White, is kidnapped, they embark on a wild quest. With a huntsman on their trail and a Wicked Queen in the shadows, Jack and May must navigate a world where fairy tales collide. Can they unravel the mystery and save her grandmother before it's too late? This thrilling adventure blends humor and magic, challenging everything they thought they knew about fairy tales.
Always Neverland
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Always Neverland

By Zoe Barton

A new girl in Neverland faces unexpected chores instead of adventures.

320 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 254 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ashley dreams of mermaids and pirate battles when Peter Pan whisks her to Neverland. But instead of adventure, she's tasked with spring cleaning by Peter and the Lost Boys. Can Ashley defy expectations and carve her own path in this magical world? Discover if she can transform her role from housekeeper to hero in a land where anything is possible.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)
366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,951 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
Sale price
$1994
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2022

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

By Axie Oh

Mina must awaken the Sea God to stop deadly storms and save her world.

325 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 103,217 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mina sacrifices herself to save her brother, plunging into the sea to become the Sea God's bride. In the Spirit Realm, she discovers the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep. With time running out, Mina, aided by the enigmatic Shin and a band of spirits, must awaken him to end the storms ravaging her homeland. Can she succeed before it's too late, or will dark forces thwart her quest?
The Fountains of Silence
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

The Fountains of Silence

By Ruta Sepetys

In 1957 Madrid, a young photographer uncovers dark secrets beneath a sunny facade, risking everything for truth and love.

512 pages· 100,174 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 86,894 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1957 Madrid, Daniel Matheson, an aspiring photographer, seeks to connect with his heritage. His lens captures more than just the vibrant city; it reveals the haunting shadows of Franco's dictatorship. Meeting Ana, whose family bears the scars of the Spanish Civil War, Daniel is drawn into a web of secrets and danger. As his photographs raise unsettling questions, Daniel faces a perilous choice: protect those he loves or expose the truth. In a city where silence hides violence, can love and courage illuminate the darkness? Discover a gripping tale of identity, love, and the echoes of war.
The Parker Inheritance
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Odyssey Honor (2019)
368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 9,379 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Candice stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her grandmother's attic in Lambert, South Carolina. It hints at a long-buried injustice and a hidden fortune. With Brandon, the boy next door, she embarks on a quest to unravel the town's dark past. As they delve into history, they uncover secrets that could change their lives. Will they solve the puzzle before time erases the truth?
Some Places More Than Others
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Some Places More Than Others

By Renée Watson

A birthday trip to Harlem reveals family secrets and unexpected connections.

208 pages· 32,642 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 3,395 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amara's birthday wish is to visit her father's family in Harlem, hoping to understand her roots. But New York City is overwhelming, and her father is distant. As she navigates the bustling streets and family tensions, Amara uncovers hidden stories and discovers unexpected ties to her heritage. Will she find the connection she's seeking, or will the city's chaos overshadow her journey?
The Wishing Spell
Sale price
$2469
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The Wishing Spell

By Chris Colfer · Book #1 in the The Land of Stories series

Twins enter a magical realm of fairy tales, facing challenges to return home.

496 pages· 98,274 words· Est. 13.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 165,388 ratings
$25.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twins Alex and Conner Bailey stumble into a magical land where fairy tales come alive. Armed with a mysterious book, they navigate encounters with witches, wolves, and trolls. As they journey through this enchanting yet perilous world, the path home becomes increasingly treacherous. Will they find their way back, or remain trapped in a land of stories forever? Discover the twists and turns in this captivating adventure that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
The Land
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2001

The Land

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A boy of mixed heritage seeks his own land in a divided post-Civil War world.

Coretta Scott King Award (2002)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2002)
416 pages· 118,586 words· Est. 13 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 7,800 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In post-Civil War Georgia, Paul-Edward Logan, born to a white landowner and a former slave, faces a world that sees him as neither black nor white. Distrusted by both communities and betrayed by family, he embarks on a quest at fourteen to claim land as rich as his father's. Can he overcome the barriers of race and heritage to fulfill his dream? Discover a powerful tale of identity and resilience in a divided world.
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Family History Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about family history for the youngest readers and listeners.

A Wolf's Tale
Sale price
$499

A Wolf's Tale

Ages 2–4 · 2013

A wolf's descendant seeks pigs. Friend or foe?

Día de los Muertos
Series
Sale price
$899

Día de los Muertos

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, honoring ancestors and celebrating life's cycle.

My Lucky Little Dragon
Sale price
$699

My Lucky Little Dragon

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Celebrate your child's unique spirit with a charming zodiac adventure.

Me and the Family Tree
Sale price
$899

Me and the Family Tree

Ages 0–3 · 1997

A girl discovers her unique traits while celebrating family connections.

Crowds of Creatures
Sale price
$799

Crowds of Creatures

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Discover the fascinating family groups of animals in a rhythmic journey.

The Steves
Sale price
$1599

The Steves

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two puffins named Steve clash over who is the 'Stevest.'

Hug a Bull
Sale price
$799

Hug a Bull

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Discover the unique names of animal parents in a playful journey.

Hello, Sweetie Pie
Series
Sale price
$1095

Hello, Sweetie Pie

Ages 2–6 · 2000

Lola's embarrassed by her nicknames until a friend's confession changes everything.

From Mother to Mother
Sale price
$799

From Mother to Mother

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A mother traces her child's ancestry through generations using matryoshka dolls.

From Father to Father
Sale price
$799

From Father to Father

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A father traces his child's ancestry through generations using matryoshka dolls.

View all family history board books
Browse by age

Family History Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about family history for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Penny and Her Doll
Series
Sale price
$599

Penny and Her Doll

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A young girl receives a doll from her grandmother and must decide on a name for it

Brian Wildsmith's Animal Gallery
Sale price
$1899

Brian Wildsmith's Animal Gallery

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Explore the vibrant world of animals through stunning illustrations and surprising collective nouns.

The Matchbox Diary
Sale price
$1699

The Matchbox Diary

Ages 6–10 · 2013

A girl uncovers her great-grandfather's immigration story through matchbox mementos.

The Frank Show
Sale price
$1695

The Frank Show

Ages 5–7 · 2012

A boy's dull grandpa reveals a surprising secret at show-and-tell.

Grandpa Green
Sale price
$1699

Grandpa Green

Ages 5–8 · 2011

A great-grandfather's life story from childhood to old age.

Mama Seeton's Whistle
Sale price
$1700

Mama Seeton's Whistle

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Can a mother's whistle bring her children back from afar?

Alma and How She Got Her Name
Sale price
$1799

Alma and How She Got Her Name

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young girl learns the story behind her long name and the ancestors it represents.

Auntie Claus
Series
Sale price
$1899

Auntie Claus

Ages 4–7 · 1999

Sophie uncovers her aunt's secret holiday adventures. What mysteries lie beyond the Christmas cookies and trips?

Juneteenth for Mazie
Sale price
$1595

Juneteenth for Mazie

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young girl prepares to honor the day her ancestors gained freedom.

A Bowl Full of Peace
Sale price
$1899

A Bowl Full of Peace

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Survive the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and find hope in a miraculous discovery.

View all family history picture books
Browse by age

Family History Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family history for developing and independent readers.

When You Trap a Tiger
Sale price
$1799

When You Trap a Tiger

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must decide: make a deal with a magical tiger or risk losing her grandmother.

Moon Shadow
Sale price
$799

Moon Shadow

Ages 9–13 · 2018

A girl's shadow comes to life, revealing her true self.

The Astonishing Color of After
Sale price
$1099

The Astonishing Color of After

Ages 14–18 · 2018

A girl seeks her mother's spirit in Taiwan, uncovering family secrets and confronting her grief.

Moon Over Manifest
Sale price
$799

Moon Over Manifest

Ages 8–12 · 2010

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

Harley in the Sky
Sale price
$1299

Harley in the Sky

Ages 12–18 · 2020

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

Share Your Smile
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Share Your Smile

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Unleash your creativity and craft your own story with this interactive journal.

View all family history chapter books
Keep exploring
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