Books About Illinois · 104 titles considered

The Best Illinois Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about illinois? 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 Illinois

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1978

The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin · Puffin Modern Classics series

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Newbery Medal (1979)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1978)

182 pages· 50,662 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 240,231 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Sixteen strangers gather for the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find themselves embroiled in a mysterious game. With a fortune at stake, they must unravel cryptic clues amidst blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. As alliances form and secrets unravel, the question remains: what is the true nature of Westing's final challenge? In this twist-filled mystery, the dead man's game is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than anyone imagined. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1957

Dandelion Wine

By Ray Bradbury · Book #1 in the Greentown series

A boy's summer of wonder and discovery in a small town hides timeless secrets and marvels.

239 pages· 64,709 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 80,956 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In the summer of '28, twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding experiences a season of enchantment and discovery in Green Town, Illinois. Amidst apple trees and dandelions, he encounters the extraordinary John Huff, a boy who seems to defy the ordinary. As Douglas navigates this magical summer, he faces moments of joy and sorrow, uncovering the mysteries of childhood and the fleeting nature of time. What secrets does this summer hold, and how will it shape Douglas's life forever? Dive into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1998

A Long Way from Chicago

By Richard Peck · Book #1 in the A Long Way from Chicago series

Two siblings face wild summers with their unpredictable grandmother.

Newbery Honor (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1998)

148 pages· 35,326 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,266 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Every summer, Joey and Mary Alice journey to rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Their grandmother, a force of nature, turns each visit into an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and unforgettable lessons. As they navigate her eccentric world, the siblings discover more about themselves and the strength of family bonds. What surprises await them this summer?

Sale price

$2071

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

By David Green, John; Levithan · Book #1 in the Will Grayson, Will Grayson series

Two teens named Will Grayson meet, altering their lives forever.

352 pages· 74,277 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 415,023 ratings

$21.80Save 5%

Summary: In a chance encounter on a cold Chicago night, two teens named Will Grayson meet, each from different worlds. Their unexpected connection sets off a series of life-changing events, leading to surprising friendships and a high school musical like no other. As their stories intertwine, both Wills face challenges that test their hearts and humor, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and transformation. What happens when two lives collide in the most unexpected way?

Sale price

$1140

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

219 pages· 60,305 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 3,290,428 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Summary: A plane crash leaves schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, freedom feels exhilarating, but without rules, chaos ensues. As fear and primal instincts take over, their world spirals into a nightmare. Will they survive the darkness within?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 247,528 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

The House That Jane Built

By Tanya Lee Stone, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

32 pages· 1,243 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,254 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Jane Addams dreams of helping those in need become reality when she opens Hull House in a struggling Chicago neighborhood. As the settlement home grows, it becomes a beacon of hope, offering food, work, and community to thousands. How did one woman's vision change so many lives? Discover the inspiring journey of the first American woman Nobel Peace Prize winner and her lasting legacy.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Love, Amalia

By Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

A girl navigates loss and discovers her heritage's power to heal.

127 pages· 21,203 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 354 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Amalia faces the heartache of her best friend moving away and the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother. Through cherished memories and cultural traditions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can Amalia find strength in her heritage to overcome her sorrow and realize her own worth, even when those she loves are far away? This poignant story explores the resilience found in family bonds and cultural roots.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

Logan Pryce Makes a Mess

By Grace Gilmore, Petra Brown (Illustrator) · Tales from Maple Ridge series

A boy's eagerness risks his father's new job. Can he fix his mistake?

128 pages· 4,471 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 207 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1892 Maple Ridge, young Logan Pryce faces a family crisis as their farm struggles. When his father, Dale, lands a temporary job at the general store, Logan's enthusiasm to help might jeopardize everything. Can Logan correct his blunder before it's too late? Discover how a small-town community and a boy's determination can make all the difference in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

The World Series Curse

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Ballpark Mysteries Super Special series

A World Series mystery threatens the Cubs. Can it be solved before the final game?

144 pages· 12,975 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: At the World Series, young sleuths Mike and Kate face their biggest challenge yet. As the Cubs seem poised for victory, mysterious sabotage strikes, threatening their chances and reviving an old curse. With the Red Sox making a comeback, the duo must unravel the mystery to ensure a fair game. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the ultimate baseball trophy slip away? Dive into a thrilling mix of sports and mystery, where every clue counts and the stakes are as high as the championship itself.

The Bookroo Book Club