Books About Illness · 376 titles considered

The Best Illness Books for Kids

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.

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A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,775 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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

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

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

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 · 2,053,469 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

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 · 83,202 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

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

$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 Award (2019)

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 37,811 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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 · 4,125 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

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 · 582 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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 · 3,853 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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 · 65,586 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

When You Trap a Tiger

By Tae Keller

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2020)Newbery Medal (2021)

297 pages· 53,745 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,930 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Lily's world changes when a magical tiger from her grandmother's Korean folktales appears, demanding the return of a stolen treasure. In exchange, her grandmother's health hangs in the balance. With her sister and friend Ricky, Lily must navigate this mystical challenge, uncover family secrets, and find her courage. Will she risk everything for a deal that might not be what it seems? Dive into a tale where folklore and reality intertwine, and the power of stories could be the key to saving her family.

The Bookroo Book Club