Books About Identity · 1,349 titles considered

The Best Identity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about identity? 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 Identity

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Notorious

By Gordon Korman

On a peculiar island, two teens unravel a dog's murder mystery linked to a gangster past.

307 pages· 57,253 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,829 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Keenan, new to the odd Centerlight Island, teams up with his quirky neighbor ZeeBee to solve the mystery of her dog's death. As they dig into the island's Prohibition-era secrets, they uncover a conspiracy that puts them in danger. With everyone a suspect and a new dog by their side, Keenan and ZeeBee must navigate a web of intrigue. Will they crack the case before it's too late, or will the island's dark past catch up with them?

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

$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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 477 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Goose Girl

By Shannon Hale · Book #1 in the The Books of Bayern series

A princess, betrayed and alone, must embrace her hidden powers to reclaim her destiny.

432 pages· 91,762 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 149,619 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Crown Princess Ani, gifted with the language of birds, faces betrayal by her lady-in-waiting during a journey to a foreign land. Stripped of her identity, she becomes a goose girl, hiding in plain sight. As she navigates this new life, Ani must harness her unique talents to uncover her true voice and reclaim her rightful place. Will she rise from the ashes of betrayal to fulfill her destiny, or remain lost in obscurity? Discover Ani's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in a tale where magic and courage intertwine.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,474 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1967

The Outsiders

A boy's world shatters when a gang rivalry spirals out of control.

214 pages· 48,944 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,670,085 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Ponyboy navigates a harsh world where loyalty is everything. With his brothers and friends by his side, he faces constant threats from the Socs, a gang of wealthy bullies. But when a violent encounter escalates, Ponyboy's life takes an unexpected turn, challenging his beliefs and testing his bonds. Can he find his place in a divided society, or will the chaos consume him? Discover a gripping tale of friendship, identity, and survival in a world where the lines between right and wrong blur.

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 Medal (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2015)

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

With the Fire on High

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young mother finds magic in cooking, but can she turn her culinary dreams into reality?

392 pages· 72,363 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 90,527 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Emoni Santiago juggles motherhood and school, finding solace in her magical cooking. Her dream of becoming a chef seems impossible, but the kitchen is where her true self emerges. As she navigates life's challenges, will Emoni dare to pursue her passion and defy the odds? Discover the journey of a young woman whose culinary creations might just change her destiny.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

They Called Us Enemy

By George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, Harmony Becker (Illustrator)

A boy's childhood unfolds in WWII American camps, questioning identity and resilience.

204 pages· 12,726 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 56,895 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: George Takei's childhood is upended when his family is forced into WWII American camps. As a young boy, he navigates the harsh realities of life behind barbed wire, grappling with questions of identity and justice. His mother's sacrifices and father's unwavering belief in democracy shape his future. How does one find hope in a world of legalized racism? This graphic memoir explores the courage and resilience needed to redefine what it means to be American. Join Takei on a journey through history that challenges the very essence of freedom and belonging.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

The Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young poet battles silence and tradition to find her voice in Harlem.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2018)

357 pages· 32,942 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 145,041 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teen in Harlem, feels trapped by her family's strict expectations and her own unspoken desires. Her secret love for poetry becomes a lifeline, especially after meeting Aman, a boy her family must never know about. When invited to join a slam poetry club, Xiomara faces a choice: stay silent or risk everything to be heard. Will she defy her mother's rules and embrace her true self, or will fear keep her words hidden? In a world that tries to silence her, Xiomara's voice demands to be heard.

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Browse by age

Identity Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1095

Hair Like Mine

Ages 1–12 · 2015

A girl seeks someone with hair like hers, discovering uniqueness along the way.

Sale price

$999

Our Skin

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Start vital conversations on race with young children through engaging stories and vivid art.

Sale price

$799

The Okay Book

Ages 0–3 · 1999

Discover bold, bright stories that captivate preschoolers with humor and reassurance.

Sale price

$895

Skin Like Mine

Ages 1–12 · 2016

Celebrate diversity with a delightful tale that will make you smile and hungry.

Sale price

$1195

The Upside Down Boy

Ages 1–5 · 2006

A boy navigates a new school, feeling upside down in a world of unfamiliarity.

Sale price

$999

Are You My Monster?

Ages 0–4 · 2019

A boy searches for the monster that matches his drawing.

Sale price

$899

Being You

Ages 3–6 · 2021

Start vital conversations on gender with young children through engaging stories and imagery.

Sale price

$799

I Could Be, You Could Be

Ages 2–5 · 2011

Children explore limitless worlds through imagination and play.

Sale price

$1099

I Like Myself!

Ages 0–5 · 2004

Celebrate self-esteem with a girl who embraces her quirks.

Sale price

$699

Are You a Cow?

Ages 1–5 · 2012

A clever chicken asks playful questions, revealing the joy of being yourself.

Sale price

$995

Return of the Jedi

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Introduce your child to Star Wars with a simple, epic retelling.

Sale price

$995

The Empire Strikes Back

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Introduce your child to Star Wars with iconic scenes and simple words for early learning fun.

View all identity board books

Browse by age

Identity Picture Books

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

Sale price

$999

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

Ages 4–7 · 1983

A bunny seeks a new identity among other animals but discovers where he truly belongs.

Sale price

$999

Flap Your Wings

Ages 4–7 · 1969

A boy finds an egg in the path and decides to put it in a nearby nest, leading to unexpected consequences.

Sale price

$1999

The Missing Piece

Ages 6–9 · 1976

A quest for fulfillment leads to unexpected discoveries.

Sale price

$1799

We Dream of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Three siblings face personal struggles as the Challenger launch looms, altering their lives forever.

Sale price

$1500

Daisy-Head Mayzie

Ages 5–9 · 1994

A daisy grows on Mayzie's head, sparking chaos and a quest for true values.

Sale price

$1799

Box

Ages 10–13 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1799

Petra

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A little rock's journey through ever-changing identities challenges her perspective and self-belief.

Sale price

$1899

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

Sale price

$1899

Home

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Explore the endless possibilities of what 'home' can be, from reality to fantasy.

Sale price

$1899

We're All Wonders

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child who feels like they don't fit in embarks on an imaginative journey to explore their identity.

Sale price

$1899

Watercress

Ages 4–7 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1499

Don't Call Me Bear!

Ages 3–5 · 2016

A koala tries to correct people's misconceptions about its identity.

View all identity picture books

Browse by age

Identity Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about identity for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$2499

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Ages 14–18 · 1999

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

Sale price

$1800

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Ages 14–18 · 1969

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

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

$1899

Felix Ever After

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A teen's revenge plan leads to unexpected love and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1799

Far from the Tree

Ages 13–18 · 2017

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

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Sale price

$2499

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Ages 13–17 · 2012

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

Sale price

$1399

An Ember in the Ashes

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A slave and a soldier defy an empire, risking everything for freedom.

Sale price

$1899

Ace of Spades

Ages 14–18 · 2021

Two students face a dangerous game as an anonymous bully reveals their secrets.

Sale price

$1699

The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl with bear legs seeks her true identity in a perilous forest.

Sale price

$1699

Red, White, and Whole

Ages 9–12 · 2021

An Indian American girl faces her mother's illness, torn between cultural worlds and expectations.

Sale price

$899

Song for a Whale

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$699

Restart

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A boy with amnesia must uncover his past and decide his future.

View all identity chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about activism Books about buried treasure Books about coming of age Books about communication Books about cooking and food Books about drawing Books about evacuation and relocation

Our 10 Favorite Books About Identity

Great books, picked for their age.

Identity Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Identity Picture Books

Identity Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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