Books About Freedom · 103 titles considered

The Best Freedom Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about freedom? 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 Freedom

A Night Divided
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

A Night Divided

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

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

352 pages· 71,577 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 49,732 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a city split by the Berlin Wall, Gerta's family is torn apart. Trapped in East Berlin, she discovers a daring plan to tunnel to freedom. With soldiers watching and trust scarce, Gerta and her brother Fritz must decide if they can risk everything for a chance to reunite their family. Will they succeed, or will the wall claim another victim? This gripping tale of courage and hope unfolds in a world where every move could be their last.
Amal Unbound
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2018

Amal Unbound

By Aisha Saeed · Book #1 in the Amal Unbound series

A young girl's dream is shattered by a powerful family's control. Can she reclaim her freedom?

240 pages· 39,370 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 19,098 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Amal, a twelve-year-old with dreams of teaching, finds her life upended after offending a powerful family in her Pakistani village. Forced into servitude, she must navigate a world of complex hierarchies and hidden dangers. As she uncovers the lengths the Khan family will go to maintain their grip on the village, Amal realizes that her freedom and her family's safety depend on her courage to challenge the status quo. Can she rally the other servants and defy the oppressive rule, or will fear keep them all in chains?
Throne of Glass
Sale price
$2328
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

Throne of Glass

By Sarah J. Maas · Book #1 in the Throne of Glass series

An assassin must win a deadly contest to gain freedom, but a sinister force threatens all.

432 pages· 110,619 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,690,139 ratings
$24.50Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: In a kingdom devoid of magic, assassin Celaena Sardothien is summoned to the castle, not to kill, but to compete for her freedom. Facing twenty-three deadly opponents, she must survive a brutal contest to become the king's champion. As the Crown Prince tests her resolve and the Captain of the Guard offers protection, a dark presence lurks within the castle walls. When fellow competitors start dying mysteriously, Celaena's quest for freedom turns into a battle for survival. Can she uncover the evil before it claims her life and the kingdom's future?
Journey of the Pale Bear
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Journey of the Pale Bear

By Susan Fletcher

A runaway boy must choose between his freedom and saving a captive polar bear.

Golden Kite Honor (2019)
291 pages· 49,102 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 530 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Arthur, a runaway, finds an unlikely ally in a royal polar bear bound for London. As he cares for the bear on a perilous sea journey, their bond grows. But when pirates strike, Arthur faces a life-altering decision: save himself or help the bear find freedom. Will he risk everything for the creature who mirrors his own lost family? This adventure, inspired by true events, explores themes of captivity, freedom, and unexpected friendship.
The Giver
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1993

The Giver

By Lois Lowry · Book #1 in the The Giver Quartet series

A boy uncovers dark secrets in his perfect world.

Newbery Medal (1994)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1993)
246 pages· 43,655 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 2,903,003 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world of conformity, twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen as the Receiver of Memory, unveiling the hidden truths of his seemingly perfect community. As he learns the dark secrets that underpin his society, Jonas faces a choice that could change everything. What will he do with the knowledge that could shatter his world? Discover the haunting journey of discovery and courage in this modern classic.
Elijah of Buxton
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Elijah of Buxton

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to reclaim stolen freedom money leads him into a world of danger and discovery.

Newbery Honor (2008)Coretta Scott King Award (2008)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2008)Odyssey Honor (2009)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2008)
341 pages· 77,916 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 14,469 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1859, young Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, faces a daunting challenge. When a deceitful preacher steals money meant to free a friend's family, Elijah must journey into the perilous American South. As he navigates this treacherous world, he confronts the grim realities his parents escaped. Will Elijah find the courage to return home and bring justice? This gripping tale of bravery and discovery explores the true cost of freedom and the strength found in unexpected places.
All Different Now
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2013

All Different Now

By Angela Johnson, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 280 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 970 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 'All Different Now,' a young girl experiences the first Juneteenth, the day freedom reached the last enslaved people in the South. As dawn breaks, her world transforms, capturing a pivotal moment in history. This beautifully illustrated tale invites readers to reflect on the significance of June 19, now celebrated as African American Emancipation Day. What does freedom truly mean, and how does it change lives? Discover the joy and hope of a new beginning through her eyes, as the story unfolds with vibrant imagery and heartfelt storytelling.
Box
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Box

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Michele Wood (Illustrator)

A man risks everything to escape slavery by mailing himself to freedom.

Newbery Honor (2021)
56 pages· 3,020 words· Est. 24 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 852 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Henry Brown, born into slavery, loses his family to the cruel trade. With nothing left, he devises a daring escape plan: shipping himself in a box to freedom. As he navigates the perilous journey, aided by the Underground Railroad, will he find the liberty he seeks? This powerful narrative, told in poetic stanzas, captures the resilience and courage of a man determined to reclaim his life. Vivid illustrations and historical context enrich this tale of hope and defiance.
1 Zany Zoo
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2010

1 Zany Zoo

By Lori Degman, Colin Jack (Illustrator)

What chaos unfolds when zoo animals roam free before dawn?

32 pages· 398 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 259 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Before the zoo opens, a daring fox snatches the keys, unleashing a wild adventure. Beavers cook chili, hyenas play the blues, and more animals join the fun. What other surprises await as the zoo comes alive in unexpected ways? Count along and discover the zaniest antics in this lively, unpredictable zoo escapade.
Juneteenth for Mazie
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

Juneteenth for Mazie

By Floyd Cooper

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

32 pages· 454 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 985 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mazie eagerly anticipates Juneteenth, a day marking her ancestors' liberation from slavery. As she prepares to celebrate, she reflects on their struggles and triumphs. Will this day of remembrance inspire her own journey toward understanding freedom's true meaning?
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Freedom Picture Books

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

Follow Follow
Series
Sale price
$1799

Follow Follow

Ages 6–9 · 2013

Discover fairy tales with a twist: poems that change meaning when read in reverse.

Freedom Bird
Sale price
$1999

Freedom Bird

Ages 5–9 · 2020

A mysterious bird inspires siblings to escape slavery and seek freedom.

They Call Me Teach
Sale price
$1899

They Call Me Teach

Ages 5–8 · 2024

An enslaved young man secretly teaches others to read, sparking hope for freedom.

The Gettysburg Address
Sale price
$1495

The Gettysburg Address

Ages 4–7 · 1863

Experience the enduring power of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address through striking illustrations.

A Day for Rememberin'
Sale price
$1899

A Day for Rememberin'

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A boy witnesses the first Memorial Day, honoring those who fought for freedom.

My Name Is James Madison Hemings
Sale price
$1799

My Name Is James Madison Hemings

Ages 5–9 · 2016

A child of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings navigates a life of contradictions at Monticello.

Henry's Freedom Box
Sale price
$1999

Henry's Freedom Box

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A slave risks all to mail himself to freedom.

The Oldest Student
Sale price
$1799

The Oldest Student

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl dreams of freedom and learning to read in the midst of slavery and hardship.

Freedom in Congo Square
Sale price
$1799

Freedom in Congo Square

Ages 4–8 · 2016

In 19th century Louisiana, slaves find brief freedom and joy in Congo Square every Sunday.

View all freedom picture books
Browse by age

Freedom Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about freedom for developing and independent readers.

I Am Rebel
Sale price
$1899

I Am Rebel

Ages 9–12 · 2024

A loyal dog braves war to save his human from danger.

The Wildcat Behind Glass
Sale price
$1800

The Wildcat Behind Glass

Ages 8–12 · 1963

A stuffed wildcat's secret note leads Melia into a dangerous adventure amidst political turmoil.

The Eyes and the Impossible
Sale price
$1999

The Eyes and the Impossible

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A dog witnesses mysterious changes in a park, challenging the balance of nature.

One Piece, Vol. 9
#9 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

One Piece, Vol. 9

Ages 13–17 · 1999

A rubber-bodied pirate seeks the ultimate treasure, facing betrayal and ruthless foes.

Freewater
Sale price
$1699

Freewater

Ages 9–12 · 2022

Two siblings escape slavery, finding refuge in a hidden community threatened by outside dangers.

Long Road to Freedom
#3 in Series
Sale price
$699

Long Road to Freedom

Ages 7–10 · 2015

A young girl and her brother escape from slavery in Maryland and travel to Canada with the help of a magical dog.

Harriet Tubman
Series
Sale price
$1499

Harriet Tubman

Ages 6–9 · 2021

Harriet Tubman defies slavery, leading others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Poet
Sale price
$899

Poet

Ages 6–10 · 2015

An enslaved poet's words spark hope and challenge his chains.

January's Sparrow
Sale price
$2399

January's Sparrow

Ages 6–12 · 2009

A family flees slavery, but a mysterious package threatens their newfound freedom.

Brother's Keeper
Sale price
$1799

Brother's Keeper

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Two siblings must escape war-torn North Korea alone. Can they survive the perilous journey?

View all freedom chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about JuneteenthBooks about BerlinBooks about competitionBooks about family problemsBooks about historyBooks about human-animal relationshipsBooks about memoryBooks about Pakistani culture