Books About Family Life · 1,661 titles considered

The Best Family Life Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about family life? 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 Life

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1988

Matilda

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against her cruel parents and the evil headmistress of her school.

240 pages· 40,056 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,140,939 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Matilda is a brilliant young girl misunderstood by her neglectful parents. At school, she encounters the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, a headmistress who despises children. When Matilda discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities, she sees a chance to stand up against the oppressive Trunchbull. Can Matilda outsmart the tyrant and bring justice to her school? With courage and wit, she might just change everything.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 962 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A Place to Hang the Moon

By Kate Albus

Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.

320 pages· 62,475 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 24,793 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1940, siblings William, Edmund, and Anna are evacuated from London, hoping to find a new family in the countryside. As they navigate foster homes and wartime challenges, they find solace in a village library and its kind librarian, Nora. But with the war's shadow looming and Nora's husband's mysterious absence, can they find the family they long for? Discover a tale of resilience and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Moffats

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Moffats series

A family navigates the challenges of everyday life in a small town.

212 pages· 40,253 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,284 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Join the Moffat siblings—Sylvie, Joey, Janey, and Rufus—as they transform everyday mishaps into unforgettable adventures. From getting locked in a bread box to dancing with a dog, their antics promise laughter and surprises. How will they navigate their whimsical world where even the smallest mistake leads to the biggest fun? Discover the charm and chaos of a family where mischief is just the beginning.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Mr. Gedrick and Me

By Patrick Carman

A mysterious nanny arrives to mend a grieving family's broken bonds with a touch of magic.

224 pages· 41,848 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Stanley Darrow's life is in disarray after his father's death, leaving his family struggling to cope. Enter Mr. Gedrick, a peculiar nanny with a knack for transforming chaos into order. As he tidies their home, Stanley wonders if Mr. Gedrick can also heal their hearts. But what secrets does this enigmatic figure hide behind his crooked grin? Can he truly help Stanley, his siblings, and their mother find their way back to each other? Discover the magic and mystery that could reunite a fractured family.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,558 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1932

Little House in the Big Woods

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young girl and her family live in a log cabin in the Big Woods of Wisconsin during the late 19th century.

238 pages· 33,170 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 290,632 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In 1871 Wisconsin, young Laura Ingalls and her family navigate the trials of pioneer life. Amidst harsh winters and self-sufficiency, they find joy in homemade Christmases, spring plantings, and Pa's soothing fiddle. As they prepare for their first trip to town, Laura's story unfolds, capturing the essence of frontier resilience and familial warmth. What adventures and challenges await in the Big Woods?

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1868

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Women series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.

816 pages· 184,747 words· Est. 17 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,522,143 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a world where their father is away at war, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—must rely on each other to face life's trials. As they grow from childhood to womanhood, they grapple with dreams, ambitions, and the hope of their father's safe return. Will their bond withstand the pressures of society and personal aspirations? Discover the heartwarming journey of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity in a time of uncertainty.

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,438 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Year of Billy Miller

By Kevin Henkes · Book #1 in the Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of second grade while dealing with family dynamics and his own self-doubt.

240 pages· 21,830 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 9,073 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a world of challenges. As he tackles school projects, sibling squabbles, and family dynamics, Billy learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love. Will he manage to balance it all and grow up just a little bit more? Dive into this heartwarming tale of childhood adventures and family bonds.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Family Life Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$899

Families Can

Ages 1–3 · 2021

Celebrate the unique differences and shared love in every family.

Sale price

$799

Homemade Love

Ages 0–3 · 2002

A young girl learns from mistakes, embraced by her parents' unconditional love.

Sale price

$999

Somebunny Loves You

Ages 2–5 · 2019

A bunny's day unfolds with a loving message from a mysterious 'Somebunny.'

Sale price

$999

I Can Do It Too!

Ages 0–4 · 2003

A girl discovers her independence by mimicking her family’s daily activities.

Sale price

$499

I Am Sharing

Ages 2–5 · 1992

A young critter learns the joys and challenges of sharing.

Sale price

$899

Families Belong

Ages 1–3 · 2020

Celebrate the joy and warmth of family togetherness through playful rhymes.

Sale price

$1799

Under the Lilacs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl seeks independence but discovers the value of family.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1799

Robobaby

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A robot family struggles to assemble a new baby, but big sister saves the day.

Sale price

$899

What Brothers Do Best

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover what brothers do best in this charming tale of sibling adventures.

Sale price

$999

What Sisters Do Best

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover what sisters do best in this charming tale.

Sale price

$699

Time-Out for Sophie

Ages 1–4 · 2013

A mischievous mouse tests her family's patience, leading to inevitable time-outs.

Sale price

$899

Just Like You

Ages 0–3 · 2024

A toddler's eagerness to help turns a family picnic into a delightful mess.

View all family life board books

Browse by age

Family Life Picture Books

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

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

Sale price

$599

My New Boy

Ages 4–6 · 1986

A puppy finds a new home with a young boy and learns to take care of him.

Sale price

$1795

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

Ages 8–12 · 1903

A spirited girl transforms her strict aunts' lives in rural Maine.

Sale price

$599

Panda Kisses

Ages 4–6 · 2008

A baby panda searches for the perfect kiss, discovering it might be closer than he thinks.

Sale price

$2132

Camila the Baking Star

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Can Camila and her papa overcome chaos to win a baking contest?

Sale price

$1899

This Is How We Do It

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover a day in the lives of kids worldwide, united by shared rhythms despite diverse traditions.

Sale price

$1799

Baby's First Bank Heist

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A baby plans a bank heist to buy a pet. Chaos ensues.

Sale price

$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A little girl witnesses the first Juneteenth, marking freedom's arrival.

Sale price

$1999

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Sale price

$1899

Bunny in the Middle

Ages 3–8 · 2019

Discover the unique joys and challenges of being the middle sibling in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$1899

Watercress

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A roadside discovery reveals a family's hidden heritage and unites past and present.

Sale price

$1700

Mama Seeton's Whistle

Ages 3–6 · 2015

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

View all family life picture books

Browse by age

Family Life Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family life for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

Patron Saints of Nothing

Ages 14–18 · 2019

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

Sale price

$1899

Furia

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A young soccer star must defy family expectations to chase her dreams and navigate a complicated love.

Sale price

$2199

Firekeeper's Daughter

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

Sale price

$1900

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Ages 12–18 · 1943

A young girl navigates hardship and family drama in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

Sale price

$1799

One for the Murphys

Ages 10–13 · 2012

A foster child must choose between her past and a new family life.

Sale price

$699

Ruby Lu, Brave and True

Ages 6–10 · 2004

Ruby's life is magical, until family challenges test her patience.

Sale price

$1999

Maybe He Just Likes You

Ages 9–13 · 2019

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

Sale price

$1799

Starfish

Ages 10–13 · 2021

Ellie battles fat-shaming and seeks freedom in a world obsessed with weight.

Sale price

$1699

Unsettled

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

Sale price

$1699

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

Ages 8–10 · 2020

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

Sale price

$1699

Black Brother, Black Brother

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A boy battles racism and injustice through fencing, seeking redemption and belonging.

Sale price

$1999

Everything Sad Is Untrue

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A refugee boy spins tales to claim his truth in a skeptical classroom.

View all family life chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about individuality Books about responsibility Books about abuse Books about accidents Books about coping with death Books about family problems Books about fishing Books about frontier and pioneer life

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Life

Great books, picked for their age.

Family Life Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Family Life Picture Books

Family Life Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo