Books About Independence

The Best Independence Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about independence? 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 Independence

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished

By Camille Andros, Brianne Farley (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Charlotte the Scientist series

A rabbit scientist seeks space for her experiments amidst a crowded family.

40 pages· 447 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 858 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Charlotte, a dedicated rabbit scientist, faces a unique challenge: her bustling family leaves no room for her experiments. Armed with her lab coat and magnifying glass, she must use her scientific skills to carve out a space of her own. Can Charlotte apply the scientific method to solve her overcrowding dilemma? This whimsical tale introduces young readers to STEM concepts through Charlotte's quest for a solution.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1999

What a Bad Dream

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

A bad dream turns Little Critter into a monster facing loneliness.

24 pages· 294 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,579 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Little Critter becomes a disagreeable monster in a bad dream, refusing school, baths, and healthy food. When his family leaves him alone, he must decide if his choices are worth the loneliness. Will he find a way back to his family? This heartwarming tale explores fears and the comfort of home.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

All by Myself

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

A young critter learns independence through everyday tasks, with charming mishaps along the way.

24 pages· 164 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,473 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Little Critter is eager to prove his independence by tackling everyday tasks like tying shoes and pouring juice. Despite some humorous mishaps, his determination shines through. Will his efforts lead to success, or will he learn that trying is what truly counts? Join Little Critter on this delightful journey of self-reliance and discovery, where every small victory is a step towards growing up.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

When I Get Bigger

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

A little sister dreams of her future adventures.

24 pages· 221 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,911 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Little Critter's sister imagines her future, dreaming of taming lions, healing as a doctor, or soaring as a pilot. Her whimsical journey inspires children to dream big and explore endless possibilities.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

Still Stuck

By Shinsuke Yoshitake

A boy gets stuck in his clothes, sparking fears and funny dilemmas.

32 pages· 247 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 983 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: A little boy faces a hilarious predicament when he gets stuck in his clothes before bath time. As panic sets in, he imagines a life forever trapped in his outfit, unable to play or stop the cat's tickles. Luckily, Mom is there to help, but bedtime brings a new challenge. Will he ever escape his clothing conundrum? This whimsical tale captures a child's frustration and determination, inviting young readers to laugh and wonder about the possibilities of being stuck yet unstoppable.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1971

Mandy

By Julie Andrews Edwards · Julie Andrews Collection series

An orphan's secret hideaway leads to unexpected friendship and danger.

320 pages· 45,299 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 13,914 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ten-year-old orphan Mandy escapes the orphanage to find solace in a hidden cottage in the woods. As she transforms it into her sanctuary, she 'borrows' supplies and guards her secret fiercely. But when a storm leaves her ill and alone, only an unexpected friend can save her. Will Mandy's dream of a home become her downfall, or will it lead to a new beginning?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2005

Judy Moody Declares Independence

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Judy Moody series

A young girl named Judy Moody travels to Boston with her family and learns about American history and independence.

160 pages· 11,414 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,248 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Judy Moody's trip to Boston sparks a revolutionary spirit as she seeks more independence. Inspired by her British friend Tori's freedoms, Judy stages a tea-throwing revolt, only to face her father's disapproval. But when her brother Stink faces a real crisis, Judy's quick thinking might just prove her independence once and for all. Can she rise to the challenge and show her true courage?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1956

The 4th of July Story

By Alice Dalgliesh

Discover the origins of Independence Day before fireworks and parades.

32 pages· 2,650 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 464 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey back to revolutionary times as colonists yearn for freedom and the Declaration of Independence is born. Experience the excitement as news of liberty spreads through the thirteen colonies, transforming everyday lives. What did the Fourth of July mean before the celebrations we know today?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

My Pet Human

By Yasmine Surovec · My Pet Human series

A cat seeks to train a human, but finds he needs her too.

112 pages· 3,772 words· Est. 42 min read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 674 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Oliver, a self-sufficient cat, roams freely until a freckle-faced girl moves in nearby. Seeing a chance to gain some comforts, he decides to train her as his pet human. As they navigate their new friendship, Oliver discovers he might need her companionship as much as she needs his. Will this unlikely duo find a way to help each other? Dive into a whimsical tale of unexpected bonds and mutual need.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1996

The Guide Dog Mystery

Book #53 in the The Boxcar Children series

Mysterious lights and a break-in at a guide dog school spark an investigation.

128 pages· 14,619 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 787 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: The Alden siblings visit a guide dog school, only to encounter strange occurrences. Benny spots mysterious lights at night, and a break-in at the kennel raises suspicions. Are the guide dogs in danger? The Boxcar Children must unravel the mystery before it's too late, uncovering secrets and facing unexpected challenges along the way. Can they protect the dogs and solve the case?

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

Independence Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Peanut Gets Fed Up

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A stuffed penguin seeks freedom but finds loneliness instead.

Series

Sale price

$599

I Was So Mad

Ages 3–7 · 1983

A child navigates a day filled with grumpiness and stubbornness.

Sale price

$1899

Just In Case You Want to Fly

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A parent prepares their child for independence by offering them various items and reassurances.

Series

Sale price

$1695

I Want to Do It Myself!

Ages 3–7 · 2011

A princess embarks on a solo camping adventure.

Sale price

$1299

Calico Kitty

Ages 0–12 · 2023

A young calico kitten born in the wild ventures beyond her sheltered home to discover the world, face dangers, and ultimately find a new life with humans.