Books About Family Problems · 318 titles considered

The Best Family Problems Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about family problems? 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.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Problems

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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,565 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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

$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 · 116,594 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.

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Nebula Secret

By Trudi Trueit · Book #1 in the Explorer Academy series

A young explorer uncovers a family secret that threatens his future at an elite academy.

216 pages· 52,975 words· Est. 6 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,160 ratings

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Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado leaves Hawaii for the prestigious Explorer Academy, joining kids from around the world to train as future explorers. But Cruz's journey takes a perilous turn when he discovers his family's mysterious ties to the academy, putting his future at risk. Amidst thrilling classes and augmented-reality adventures, Cruz must unravel the enigma of who is targeting him and why. With puzzles and codes to solve, Cruz's quest for answers becomes a race against time. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2000

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.

Newbery Honor (2001)

192 pages· 22,105 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 284,887 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ten-year-old Opal's life changes when she adopts a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. This scruffy companion helps her forge new friendships and gives her the courage to confront her father's silence about her absent mother. As the summer unfolds, Opal discovers that everything seems to happen because of Winn-Dixie. Will this unexpected friendship help her uncover the truths she's been seeking? Dive into a heartwarming tale of discovery and connection.

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.

Sale price

$1710

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou · Book #1 in the Maya Angelou's Autobiography series

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1971)

288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 594,796 ratings

$18.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a small Southern town, Maya and her brother face abandonment and racial prejudice. After a traumatic event in St. Louis, Maya struggles with its lifelong impact. In San Francisco, she discovers self-love, kindness, and the transformative power of literature. Can Maya find freedom in a world that seeks to cage her spirit? This poignant memoir explores the resilience of a young girl navigating a world of pain and wonder.

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$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Far from the Tree

By Robin Benway

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2017)

374 pages· 88,170 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 50,318 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace, adopted at birth, discovers she's a middle child after giving up her own baby. She seeks her biological siblings: Maya, a spirited sister questioning her place, and Joaquin, a guarded brother wary of family ties after years in foster care. As they confront their pasts, they must redefine what family truly means. Can they find connection amidst secrets and fears?

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Sáenz · Book #1 in the Aristotle and Dante series

Two teens form a life-changing friendship, uncovering truths about themselves.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2013)Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature (2013)

390 pages· 64,842 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 690,212 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ari, a troubled teen with a brother in prison, meets Dante, a curious soul with a unique perspective. Their unlikely friendship blossoms at a swimming pool, leading them to explore deep questions about identity and family. As they navigate their complex worlds, Ari and Dante discover profound truths that redefine who they are and who they aspire to be. Will their bond withstand the challenges they face, and what revelations will it bring about their lives?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

The Someday Birds

By Sally J. Pla, Julie McLaughlin (Illustrator)

A boy's cross-country journey to spot birds may heal his fractured family.

327 pages· 62,765 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,264 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Charlie's life unravels after his father is injured in Afghanistan. On a cross-country trip with his siblings and a mysterious friend, Charlie believes spotting birds he and his father dreamed of will mend their world. As they journey from California to Virginia, Charlie, an autistic boy, navigates family chaos and self-discovery. Will this madcap adventure bring healing and understanding, or will it reveal deeper truths about family and resilience? Join Charlie in a tale of humor, heart, and hope as he seeks solace in the skies.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

One for the Murphys

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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

224 pages· 45,214 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 34,491 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Carley, a street-smart foster child, is thrust into the warm embrace of the Murphys, a family unlike any she's known. As she navigates their loving chaos, she grapples with belonging and identity. When her mother reappears, Carley faces a heart-wrenching decision: return to her past or embrace a future she never imagined. Will she find where she truly belongs?

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Family Problems Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Thursday

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl's world shifts after divorce, but a magical friend helps her find hope.

Sale price

$799

Charlie Anderson

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A cat with two families vanishes during a storm, revealing a hidden life.

Sale price

$799

Two Homes

Ages 3–7 · 2001

A child finds love and comfort in two homes after parents' divorce.

Sale price

$1699

One Last Shot

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Malcolm's love for mini golf may be the key to mending his fractured family.

Sale price

$1995

It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear

Ages 3–7 · 1997

A young bear navigates the emotional maze of divorce.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Dinosaurs Divorce

Ages 4–7 · 1986

Navigate the challenges of divorce with understanding and resilience.

Series

Sale price

$1695

The Invisible String

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A parent's love will always be present in a child's life, even when they are not physically there.

Sale price

$1895

Weekend Dad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy navigates life between two homes after his parents separate.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Luna Loves Library Day

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A library visit reveals a book that changes everything.

Sale price

$1699

Here and There

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A boy finds hope in nature's music amid his parents' separation.

Sale price

$1799

I Love You More Than...

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A father expresses love and longing for his son despite their separation.

Sale price

$1799

Emily's Blue Period

Ages 4–7 · 2014

Emily navigates life's changes through art, inspired by Picasso's blue period.

View all family problems picture books

Browse by age

Family Problems Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family problems for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Adventure Is Now

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A boy must solve cryptic clues to save a threatened island.

Sale price

$1799

Fighting Words

Ages 10–+ · 2020

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

Sale price

$899

A Night Divided

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A girl risks everything to escape East Berlin and reunite her divided family.

Sale price

$1799

Genesis Begins Again

Ages 9–13 · 2019

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Sale price

$1799

Drum Roll, Please

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1399

Tyrell

Ages 14–18 · 2006

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1099

Crank

Ages 14–18 · 2004

A perfect daughter spirals into chaos after meeting a dangerous addiction.

Sale price

$899

Blended

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

Sale price

$1699

Where the Watermelons Grow

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl seeks magic honey to heal her mother's mind, but discovers the true cure lies within her own heart.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Hey, Kiddo

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Sale price

$799

Moon Shadow

Ages 9–13 · 2018

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

Sale price

$999

Jasper Jones

Ages 12–18 · 2009

A secret discovery binds two boys in a town gripped by fear and suspicion.

View all family problems chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about belonging Books about self-acceptance Books about adoption Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about codes, ciphers and puzzles Books about coming of age Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities Books about explorers

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Problems

Great books, picked for their age.

Family Problems Picture Books

Family Problems Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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