Books About Illness · 392 titles considered

The Best Illness Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Books About Illness, Injury & Disability, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about illness? 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.

#1 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Illness

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A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.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 · 4,794 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?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybils Award Finalist (2017)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?

Sale price

$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 · 2,061,205 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

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,726 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 83,289 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Five Feet Apart

By Rachael Lippincott

Two teens fall in love but must stay apart to survive. Can love bridge the distance between them?

304 pages· 61,382 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 264,930 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Stella and Will, both battling cystic fibrosis, must keep a safe distance to protect their fragile health. Stella's life depends on a lung transplant, while Will dreams of freedom beyond hospital walls. As their connection deepens, the mandated six feet apart feels like a cruel barrier. Can they risk everything for a chance at love, or will the distance keep them safe but heartbroken? Discover if five feet apart is worth the risk in this poignant tale of love and survival.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

By Adib Khorram · Book #1 in the Darius the Great series

A trip to Iran transforms Darius, challenging his identity and friendships.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019)

316 pages· 66,781 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 37,900 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Darius Kellner, a self-proclaimed 'Fractional Persian,' embarks on his first journey to Iran, grappling with cultural identity and depression. Struggling to fit in, he meets Sohrab, the boy next door, who calls him Darioush, awakening a sense of belonging. As they bond over soccer and secret rooftop talks, Darius discovers a new version of himself. Will this friendship help him reconcile his dual heritage and find where he truly belongs? Dive into a heartfelt tale of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

Sale price

$2133

Picture Book · Ages 5–8

The Bravest Dog Ever

By Natalie Standiford, Donald Cook (Illustrator)

A sled dog races through Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine.

48 pages· 1,229 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,129 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Summary: In the harsh Alaskan wilderness of 1925, a brave sled dog leads his team on a perilous 53-mile journey to deliver crucial medicine during a deadly diphtheria outbreak. Will they succeed against the odds?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Pete the Kitty Goes to the Doctor

By James Dean (Author/Illustrator), Kimberly Dean · Pete the Kitty series

Pete the Kitty faces his fear of the doctor with his dad's help.

32 pages· 269 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 589 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Pete the Kitty has a tummy ache, and his dad takes him to the doctor. Nervous about his first visit, Pete learns that the doctor isn't scary at all. Will Pete overcome his fear and find comfort in the doctor's office? This charming tale invites young readers to join Pete on his journey of courage and discovery, making it perfect for shared reading and building confidence in emergent readers.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1962

Robert the Rose Horse

By Joan Heilbroner, P.D. Eastman (Illustrator) · I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books series

A city horse's rose allergy leads to unexpected heroics.

72 pages· 1,143 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,855 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: A city horse with a troublesome allergy to roses finds his life full of sneezes and mishaps. But when an unexpected crisis arises, his sneezes might just be the key to saving the day. Can this unlikely hero turn his allergy into an advantage? Discover how a simple sneeze can change everything in this delightful tale filled with vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming twist. Perfect for young readers eager to explore the joys of reading and the surprises life can bring.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Eliza and Her Monsters

By Francesca Zappia

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

420 pages· 76,968 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 65,613 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eliza Mirk, a shy teen, secretly runs a famous webcomic. Her online world is perfect until Wallace, a new student, challenges her to embrace real life. When her identity is revealed, Eliza's carefully crafted world unravels, risking her art, friendships, and sanity. Can she find balance between her digital fame and the real world?

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Browse by age

Illness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1099

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Ages 2–6 · 2010

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Series

Sale price

$799

When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Can you stop an elephant from sneezing and spreading the sniffles?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$995

Jane Eyre (Graphic Novel)

Ages 0–5 · 2013

Discover classic tales through simple words and felted scenes for young readers.

Series

Sale price

$499

Don't You Feel Well, Sam?

Ages 2–5 · 2002

Sam's cough disrupts bedtime. Can Mrs. Bear's care bring comfort?

Sale price

$999

Happy Halloween, Teal Pumpkin!

Ages 0–4 · 2024

Celebrate Halloween with non-food treats and community spirit.

Series

Sale price

$799

No Worries for Whale

Ages 2–5 · 2021

A young whale's worries are soothed by a comforting presence.

Series

Sale price

$699

Get Well Soon, Spot

Ages 3–5 · 2017

A sick puppy learns that illness can bring unexpected joys.

View all illness board books

Browse by age

Illness Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$1999

Madeline

Ages 4–8 · 1939

A young girl named Madeline has her appendix removed and her friends want to have the same experience.

Sale price

$1799

The Tide

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A girl navigates her grandpa's fading memories at the beach.

Sale price

$1999

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Sale price

$899

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A girl's selfless gift transforms a humble flower into a Christmas legend.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Grandma

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A child's diary reveals the emotional journey of a grandmother entering care.

Series

Sale price

$1999

The Trees of the Dancing Goats

Ages 5–8 · 1996

A family finds a way to bring holiday joy to neighbors during an epidemic.

Sale price

$1695

Newspaper Hats

Ages 3–7 · 2015

A child helps her grandpa remember through the art of making newspaper hats, bridging memory gaps with love and creativity.

Sale price

$899

Miss Tizzy

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Children rally to cheer up their ailing friend.

Sale price

$999

The Legend of the Lady Slipper

Ages 4–7 · 1999

A girl listens to nature's whispers to save her people from a deadly disease.

Sale price

$1900

My Elephant Is Blue

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Can anything lift the weight of sadness when it feels like an elephant on your chest?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1799

A Shelter for Sadness

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy befriends his sadness, learning to embrace emotions and find beauty in the world.

Sale price

$1899

Roar-Choo!

Ages 4–7 · 2024

A sneezing dragon learns the value of rest and friendship.

View all illness picture books

Browse by age

Illness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about illness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1799

When You Trap a Tiger

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must decide: make a deal with a magical tiger or risk losing her grandmother.

Sale price

$1899

All the Bright Places

Ages 14–18 · 2015

Two teens meet on a ledge, changing each other's lives forever.

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.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

OCDaniel

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy's secret OCD is exposed by a mysterious note, altering his world.

Sale price

$1099

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Ages 14–18 · 2006

A teen's dream school becomes a nightmare, leading him to a mental hospital where he confronts his deepest fears.

Sale price

$1899

Everything, Everything

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl allergic to the world risks everything for a forbidden love next door.

Sale price

$1299

Harley in the Sky

Ages 12–18 · 2020

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

Sale price

$899

Kira-Kira

Ages 12–15 · 2004

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Sale price

$1799

Mosquitoland

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl's journey to her sick mother reveals unexpected truths and challenges her sanity.

Sale price

$899

Fever 1793

Ages 11–15 · 2000

A deadly fever engulfs 1793 Philadelphia, forcing a young girl to flee and survive.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Ages 8–12 · 1971

A mouse seeks help from intelligent rats to save her sick son.

View all illness chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about cystic fibrosis Books about depression and mental illness Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities Books about helping others Books about heroes Books about making friends Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about allergies

Our 10 Favorite Books About Illness

Great books, picked for their age.

Illness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Illness Picture Books

Illness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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