Books About Family Relationships · 184 titles considered

The Best Family Relationships Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about family 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Family Relationships

The Science of Breakable Things
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Science of Breakable Things

By Tae Keller

A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.

320 pages· 52,518 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,819 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Natalie believes winning an egg drop contest can fund a trip to see magical orchids, reviving her depressed mother. With her friends' support, she embarks on a journey of hope and discovery, learning that sometimes, talking about problems is the first step to healing. Can the power of friendship and science bring light to her mother's darkness?
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1958

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

By Elizabeth George Speare

A girl faces witchcraft accusations in colonial Connecticut, torn between belonging and truth.

Newbery Medal (1959)
249 pages· 59,817 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 162,740 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1687 Connecticut, Kit Tyler, a spirited girl from Barbados, battles suspicion and isolation. Her friendship with the mysterious Hannah, rumored to be a witch, challenges her loyalty and courage. As Kit navigates a world of prejudice, she must decide between following her heart or conforming to societal expectations. Will she find her place in this new world, or will the fear of witchcraft consume her? Discover Kit's journey of self-discovery and resilience in a time of fear and superstition.
Song for a Whale
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Song for a Whale

By Lynne Kelly

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

Odyssey Honor (2020)Schneider Family Book Award (2020)
304 pages· 56,953 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 15,050 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Iris, a tech genius and the only deaf student at her school, discovers Blue 55, a whale whose song is silent to his kind. Determined to bridge their shared isolation, Iris devises a plan to communicate with him across three thousand miles. Can her invention reach the lonely whale and make a difference? This poignant tale explores the power of connection and the courage to be heard.
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By Leslie Connor

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Schneider Family Book Award (2019)
352 pages· 66,043 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 9,644 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mason Buttle struggles with learning disabilities and grief after his best friend Benny's mysterious death. As the investigation stalls, Mason and his new friend Calvin face relentless bullying. They find solace in a secret hideout, but when Calvin disappears, Mason is thrust into a desperate search for answers. Can he unravel the mystery of both disappearances and prove his innocence, or will his story go unheard?
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart · Book #1 in the Coyote Sunrise series

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

Cybils Award (2019)
352 pages· 82,710 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 33,921 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have roamed the country in a bus for five years. When Coyote learns her childhood park is being demolished, she hatches a secret plan to return home and retrieve a buried memory box. As they travel 3,600 miles, they gather a quirky group of travelers, each with their own dreams and struggles. Will Coyote's journey lead her to healing and a new beginning, or will the past prove too difficult to face? Discover the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past in this heartwarming adventure.
Where the Watermelons Grow
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where the Watermelons Grow

By Cindy Baldwin

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

256 pages· 51,447 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 3,018 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Della Kelly is desperate to save her mother from a returning mental illness. With her father struggling to keep their farm afloat, Della believes the Bee Lady's magic honey is the answer. But when the Bee Lady suggests the real healing involves Della's own heart, she must confront the true meaning of love and acceptance. Can Della find the courage to embrace her mother as she is, or will her quest for a cure lead her astray?
The Wednesday Wars
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2007

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Newbery Honor (2008)
264 pages· 74,058 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 49,178 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, despises him. Left alone with her on Wednesday afternoons, he delves into Shakespeare's plays, uncovering unexpected wisdom. As the Vietnam War rages and his father's business obsession strains their family, Holling learns to stand up for himself and his sister. Set in 1967 Long Island, this coming-of-age tale explores loyalty, courage, and the surprising lessons found in literature and life. Can Holling find his voice amidst the chaos and discover what truly matters?
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Sale price
$2071
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

By Jenny Han · Book #1 in the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series

Secret love letters are exposed, turning a girl's imaginary romances into chaos.

384 pages· 81,247 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,102,858 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean's world flips when her private love letters to past crushes are mysteriously mailed. As her secret feelings are revealed, she must navigate the chaos of her love life becoming very real. Will she confront her emotions or retreat into her fantasies? With her heart on the line, Lara Jean faces unexpected challenges and potential romance. Can she handle the truth now that her secrets are out?
Piecing Me Together
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

Piecing Me Together

By Renée Watson

A girl seeks her voice in a world that labels her 'at-risk.'

Coretta Scott King Award (2018)Newbery Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2017)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2018)
264 pages· 50,736 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 27,624 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jade navigates the challenges of a private school where she feels like an outsider. Pressured to join a mentorship for 'at-risk' girls, she resists being seen as someone needing help. Instead, Jade yearns to express her true self, to share her joys and struggles, and to make a real impact. Can she find her voice and redefine what it means to succeed on her own terms?
How Not to Start Third Grade
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

How Not to Start Third Grade

By Cathy Hapka, Ellen Titlebaum, Debbie Palen (Illustrator)

A boy navigates the challenges of starting a new school year with his energetic and mischievous little brother by his side

48 pages· 1,715 words· Est. 20 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 466 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Will's excitement for third grade is overshadowed by his little brother Steve's kindergarten debut. Chaos ensues as Steve's antics bring unexpected challenges and embarrassing moments. Can Will survive the school year with his troublesome sibling in tow? Discover the hilarious trials of brotherhood and school life in this engaging tale for young readers.
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 Relationships Picture Books

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

We Love Soccer!
Series
Sale price
$1799

We Love Soccer!

Ages 4–8 · 2016

The cubs must teach Mama the true spirit of soccer amidst a thrilling game.

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Sale price
$1695

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A beginner violinist faces doubt at a talent show. Can practice and inspiration from her grandfather lead to success?

Violet Shrink
Sale price
$1795

Violet Shrink

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A young girl confronts her social anxiety at family gatherings, seeking a solution with her father.

Maple & Willow Together
Series
Sale price
$1899

Maple & Willow Together

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Sisters navigate playful adventures and sibling squabbles, discovering the joy of reuniting after a break.

Little Shaq
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

Little Shaq

Ages 5–7 · 2015

Two cousins work together to start a gardening business and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and responsibility

Rissy No Kissies
Sale price
$1799

Rissy No Kissies

Ages 3–6 · 2021

A lovebird challenges norms by refusing kisses, redefining how to show care.

Patience, Miyuki
Series
Sale price
$1895

Patience, Miyuki

Ages 4–6 · 2019

A young girl learns patience as she waits for a flower to bloom.

View all family relationships picture books
Browse by age

Family Relationships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about family relationships for developing and independent readers.

Spirit Hunters
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Spirit Hunters

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A new home, eerie memories, and a brother acting strange. Can Harper uncover the haunting truth?

Flipped
Sale price
$1099

Flipped

Ages 12–18 · 2001

Childhood crushes collide as perspectives shift, revealing unexpected truths in a comedic tale of young love.

A Wrinkle in Time
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

A Wrinkle in Time

Ages 9–13 · 1962

A stormy night, a mysterious stranger, and a quest through time to find a missing father.

Unplugged
Sale price
$1699

Unplugged

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Kids at a wellness camp uncover strange secrets while forced to unplug.

The Last Straw
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

The Last Straw

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Greg must toughen up or face military school. Can he avoid his dad's plans?

Way of the Warrior Kid
Series
Sale price
$1599

Way of the Warrior Kid

Ages 9–11 · 2023

Can Marc become a warrior and stand up to the school bully before summer ends?

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A twelve-year-old trivia enthusiast wins a mysterious prize from a retro arcade game that sets off a chain of events leading to a cross-country road trip with his estranged older brother.

It All Begins with Jelly Beans
Sale price
$1799

It All Begins with Jelly Beans

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Two girls bond in the nurse's office, confronting hidden struggles and unexpected friendship.

Keeping Pace
Sale price
$1899

Keeping Pace

Ages 10–14 · 2024

Rivals race for redemption, but winning may not be the true victory.

Taming 7
#5 in Series
Sale price
$1499

Taming 7

Ages 16–18 · 2024

Can a sunny girl tame the class clown's hidden storms?

View all family relationships chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about depression and mental illnessBooks about family problemsBooks about missing home and homesicknessBooks about bullyingBooks about Colonial and Revolutionary periodsBooks about communicationBooks about crushesBooks about dating and courtship