Books About Illness · 398 titles considered

The Best Illness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

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

View the guide

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

The Science of Breakable Things
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A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.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 · 4,812 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?
Caleb and Kit
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?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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 Goodreads · 2,070,196 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.
Impulse
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 Goodreads · 83,375 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.
Five Feet Apart
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 Goodreads · 265,778 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.
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
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 Goodreads · 37,985 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.
The Bravest Dog Ever
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 Goodreads · 4,134 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?
Pete the Kitty Goes to the Doctor
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 Goodreads · 591 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.
Robert the Rose Horse
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 Goodreads · 3,864 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.
Eliza and Her Monsters
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 Goodreads · 65,649 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?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Illness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Jane Eyre
#5 in Series
Sale price
$995

Jane Eyre

Ages 0–5 · 2013

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

View all illness board books
Browse by age

Illness Picture Books

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

Madeline
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.

The Tide
Sale price
$1799

The Tide

Ages 4–7 · 2019

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

The Remember Balloons
Sale price
$1999

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

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

Grandma
Series
Sale price
$1999

Grandma

Ages 4–8 · 2013

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

Hospital Friends
Series
Sale price
$599

Hospital Friends

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Join a hospital adventure and discover new friends and fascinating places.

Newspaper Hats
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.

Miss Tizzy
Sale price
$899

Miss Tizzy

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Children rally to cheer up their ailing friend.

My Elephant Is Blue
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?

A Shelter for Sadness
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.

View all illness picture books
Browse by age

Illness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about illness for developing and independent readers.

When You Trap a Tiger
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.

All the Bright Places
Sale price
$1999

All the Bright Places

Ages 14–18 · 2015

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

Where the Watermelons Grow
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.

Hey, Kiddo
#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.

OCDaniel
#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.

It's Kind of a Funny Story
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.

Everything, Everything
Sale price
$1899

Everything, Everything

Ages 12–18 · 2015

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

Harley in the Sky
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.

Kira-Kira
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.

Mosquitoland
Sale price
$1799

Mosquitoland

Ages 12–18 · 2015

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

Fever 1793
Sale price
$899

Fever 1793

Ages 11–15 · 2000

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

View all illness chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about cystic fibrosisBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about helping othersBooks about heroesBooks about making friendsBooks about self-esteem and self-relianceBooks about allergies