Books About Injustice

The Best Injustice Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about injustice? 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.

#2 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Injustice

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

Monster

By Walter Dean Myers · Book #1 in the Monster series

Teen on trial for murder questions identity and truth.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1999)Coretta Scott King Honor (2000)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1999)Michael L. Printz Award (2000)

281 pages· 28,057 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 76,144 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon faces a harrowing trial for murder, accused of being a lookout in a fatal robbery. As he navigates the courtroom and the harsh realities of juvenile detention, Steve copes by scripting his life as a movie. But as the lines between reality and fiction blur, he must confront the truth about himself and the choices that led him here. Will he find clarity, or will the system define him as a monster forever? Dive into this gripping tale of identity, justice, and the power of perception.

Chapter Book · Ages 9–+ · 2015

The Whispers in the Walls

By Sophie Cleverly · Book #2 in the Scarlet and Ivy series

At Rookwood School, secrets whisper through the walls. Can Scarlet clear her name before it's too late?

288 pages· 52,699 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,548 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Twins Scarlet and Ivy face a chilling mystery at Rookwood School. With a cruel headmaster and thefts casting suspicion on Scarlet, they must uncover hidden secrets to clear her name. As they delve into the school's dark past, they discover a crime that threatens their future. Will they unravel the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Ophie's Ghosts

By Justina Ireland

A girl discovers she can see ghosts and uncovers secrets in a haunted manor.

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2022)

336 pages· 67,775 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,248 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1922, young Ophie loses her father and gains the ability to see ghosts. Moving to Pittsburgh, she works at Daffodil Manor, a place teeming with spirits and hidden truths. As she befriends a wronged ghost, Ophie must navigate the manor's mysteries and decide if she can help the restless souls. What secrets will she uncover, and at what cost?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Wizardmatch

By Lauren Magaziner

A magical competition turns into sabotage as Lennie fights for power and family loyalty.

304 pages· 62,692 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 391 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Lennie Mercado dreams of inheriting her grandfather's magical legacy. But when the Prime Wizard announces a competition among his grandchildren, Lennie faces a dilemma. As new rules threaten fairness, Lennie must choose between winning the Wizardmatch and staying true to her family. Will she risk everything for power, or will her plans backfire? Dive into a world of magic, rivalry, and unexpected twists where the stakes are as high as the magic is enchanting.

Sale price

$997

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2011

The Secret Lake

By Karen Inglis · Book #1 in the Secret Lake Mystery Adventures series

A hidden tunnel leads siblings to a secret lake and a journey back in time.

122 pages· 23,100 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,468 ratings

$10.49Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Stella and Tom's summer turns mysterious when their neighbor's dog vanishes repeatedly. Their search uncovers a hidden tunnel leading to a secret lake, where they meet a terrified boy and hear ghostly voices. Transported 100 years into the past, they must navigate friendships and foes while unraveling the ties between then and now. What secrets does the lake hold, and how will they return home?

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

Barbed Wire Baseball

By Marissa Moss, Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator)

In a WWII internment camp, a man uses baseball to inspire hope.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2014)

42 pages· 1,708 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 908 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Kenichi Zenimura, a Japanese-American baseball pioneer, faces internment during World War II. Despite the harsh conditions, he introduces baseball to the camp, igniting hope and resilience among the detainees. Can the spirit of the game overcome adversity and restore dreams?

Sale price

$2071

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2005

Day of Tears

By Julius Lester

A stormy auction tests humanity amidst slavery's darkest days.

Coretta Scott King Award (2006)

177 pages· 25,875 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,348 ratings

$21.80Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: In 1859 Savannah, Emma, a slave, faces a heart-wrenching choice as her owner, Pierce, plans a massive auction to settle debts. As rain pours, Emma strives to teach compassion to Pierce's daughters, one who defies slavery and one who embraces it. The skies weep as lives are torn apart, revealing the struggle for humanity in a world of oppression. Will Emma's lessons of kindness endure amidst the storm?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1995

The Well

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

Tensions rise as pride and prejudice clash during a drought.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1996)

112 pages· 18,910 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,186 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a time of drought, David Logan's family shares their well water with all neighbors, regardless of race. But his brother Hammer struggles to extend kindness to Charlie Simms, who torments them due to their skin color. As Hammer's pride collides with Charlie's cruelty, tensions escalate dangerously. Will dignity prevail, or will the simmering conflict erupt into chaos? Discover a powerful tale of prejudice and the strength of human spirit in this gripping saga.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2012

City of Orphans

By Avi, Greg Ruth (Illustrator)

A newsboy races against time to clear his sister's name amid gang threats in 1893 New York.

368 pages· 59,631 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,666 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the gritty streets of 1893 New York, young newsboy Maks faces danger from the Plug Ugly Gang. With his sister Emma falsely accused of theft, Maks must prove her innocence. Teaming up with Willa, a resourceful homeless girl, they navigate a city teeming with secrets and peril. Can they outsmart the gang and uncover the truth before it's too late? This thrilling adventure unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of tenement life, where every corner holds a new challenge and every ally is crucial. Will justice prevail in a world where survival is never guaranteed?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

By Nizrana Farook

A daring heist leads to a jungle adventure. Can a thief become a hero?

256 pages· 38,442 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,408 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Chaya, a nobleman's rebellious daughter, can't resist stealing the queen's jewels to help her impoverished village. But a botched escape endangers a friend, forcing Chaya to flee on the king's prized elephant. With revolution and danger lurking in the jungle, she leads her companions on a thrilling adventure. Can Chaya return as a hero, or will her thievery spell disaster for her ragtag gang? Discover the twists and turns of this lush, Sri Lankan-inspired tale of friendship, risk, and redemption.

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