Books About Isolation · 89 titles considered

The Best Isolation Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about isolation? 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

#6 in Series

#3 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Isolation

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1843

The Tell-Tale Heart

By Edgar Allan Poe

Dive into chilling tales of murder, madness, and mystery.

224 pages· 2,188 words· Est. 13 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 245,537 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Enter a world of suspense with tales like 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' where guilt drives a man to madness, and 'The Cask of Amontillado,' a chilling story of revenge. Meet a detective who outsmarts all in 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue.' Each story, from haunted houses to sinister plots, promises to captivate and terrify. Discover the genius of Poe, the master of Gothic horror and suspense, through these timeless, mind-bending narratives.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2002

The House of the Scorpion

By Nancy Farmer · Book #1 in the The House of the Scorpion series

A clone's fight for freedom in a world that fears him.

Newbery Honor (2003)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2002)Michael L. Printz Honor (2003)

432 pages· 100,586 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 97,905 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Matt Alacrán, a clone of the powerful drug lord El Patrón, grapples with his identity in a world that sees him as a monster. As he navigates the treacherous Alacrán Estate, surrounded by sinister forces and a power-hungry family, Matt realizes that escape is his only hope for survival. But even if he breaks free, can he ever truly be free from the shadow of his origins? In a land where his very existence is a threat, Matt must uncover the truth about himself and what it means to be human.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

The 5th Wave

By Rick Yancey · Book #1 in the The 5th Wave series

Survive the alien invasion: trust no one, not even those who look human.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2014)

457 pages· 116,770 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 484,676 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world ravaged by alien invasions, Cassie is on the run, haunted by beings who look human but kill without mercy. Alone, she believes survival means trusting no one. But when she meets the enigmatic Evan Walker, her beliefs are challenged. Can she trust him to help save her brother, or is he another threat? As the 5th wave looms, Cassie faces a choice between hope and despair, life and death. Will she stand alone or risk everything for a chance at salvation?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Everything, Everything

By Nicola Yoon

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

312 pages· 47,826 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 689,563 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Maddy has spent her life confined indoors, allergic to the world outside. Her existence is predictable until Olly moves in next door. Drawn to him, Maddy faces a choice: stay safe or risk everything for love. As their connection deepens, Maddy must decide if love is worth the ultimate gamble. Can she embrace the unknown, or will her condition keep her isolated forever? This heartwarming tale explores the boundaries of love and the courage to step beyond them.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1996

The Moorchild

By Eloise McGraw

A changeling girl must confront her past to right a wrong and find her place between two worlds.

Newbery Honor (1997)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1996)Golden Kite Award (1997)

241 pages· 55,728 words· Est. 6 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,658 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Saaski, a changeling caught between two worlds, is shunned by villagers and haunted by memories of her moorfolk origins. As she uncovers the truth about her past, she faces a heart-wrenching choice: remain with the human family she loves or return their stolen child. Her journey to restore balance leads her back to the dangerous realm that once cast her out. Will Saaski find the courage to bridge the gap between her dual identities and bring peace to those she cherishes? Discover a tale of identity, belonging, and the power of redemption.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · 2024

Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 26

By Gege Akutami · Book #26 in the Jujutsu Kaisen series

A demon's power could save a friend or doom the world.

192 pages· 4,122 words

4.4/5 Goodreads · 6,998 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Yuji Itadori swallows a demon fragment to save his friend, plunging into a supernatural war. As cursed spirits threaten humanity, sorcerers battle to protect the living. The epic clash between Gojo and Sukuna escalates, with the balance of power hanging by a thread. When Sukuna summons Mahoraga, will darkness prevail?

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2025

Watch Me

By Tahereh Mafi · Book #1 in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series

Infiltrate the last refuge of a fallen regime. Can survival outwit surveillance?

368 pages· 70,192 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 76,151 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: James Anderson infiltrates Ark Island, the last bastion of a fallen regime, only to find himself imprisoned. Meanwhile, Rosabelle Wolff, a trained assassin under constant surveillance, faces a deadly mission. As The Reestablishment plots a comeback, James and Rosabelle's paths collide in a world where trust is scarce and danger is omnipresent. Will they defy their roles or succumb to the system's grip? In a landscape of relentless action and forbidden romance, discover who you are when no one is watching.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2013

Light

By Michael Grant · Book #6 in the Gone series

A mutant child seeks to destroy her nemesis and rule a world without adults. Can the kids survive the chaos?

448 pages· 92,561 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 43,495 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where adults have vanished, the children of Perdido Beach face their greatest threat yet. Gaia, a mutant child born from darkness, hungers for power and destruction. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the kids must confront their fears and make unimaginable sacrifices. Will they overcome Gaia's malevolent force, or will they fall in this ultimate battle for survival? The fate of their world hangs in the balance as they fight against an enemy unlike any other.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2014

Cress

By Marissa Meyer · Book #3 in the The Lunar Chronicles series

A hacker's freedom could save Earth from invasion, but at what cost?

552 pages· 137,743 words· Est. 13 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 413,239 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf are fugitives plotting to stop Queen Levana's invasion of Earth. Their hope lies with Cress, a brilliant hacker trapped on a satellite. Forced to track them, Cress's rescue goes awry, splintering the group. As Queen Levana's plans threaten Emperor Kai, Cress gains freedom at a steep price. Can these unlikely heroes save the world from a tyrant's grasp?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2021

Outside, Inside

By LeUyen Pham

A world goes quiet as everyone moves inside, finding strength and hope amid change.

48 pages· 272 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,268 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On an ordinary day, the world shifts as everyone moves inside, leaving the outside quieter and wilder. Inside, communities unite, celebrating essential workers and finding strength in love and hope. As the world changes, they grow stronger, believing in the return of spring. What transformations await when the world reopens?

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Isolation Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$1499

I Spy Treasure Hunt

Ages 6–9 · 1999

Solve riddles and uncover hidden objects in captivating photos.

Sale price

$1899

The Longest Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A family trapped indoors by a mysterious storm must find connection amidst conflict.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

Ages 5–8 · 2021

A witch's quest to find her brother threatens Christmas itself.

Sale price

$1799

Egg

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Three eggs hatch, but one remains a mystery. What surprise awaits?

Series

Sale price

$599

And I Mean It, Stanley

Ages 4–8 · 1974

A girl builds a mystery creation, but where's Stanley?

Series

Sale price

$995

Really, Rapunzel Needed a Haircut!

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Discover the untold truth behind Rapunzel's tower imprisonment.

Sale price

$1699

Smick!

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A big dog, a little chick, and a stick spark an unexpected friendship.

Sale price

$2750

The Raven

Ages 2–6 · 2016

A mysterious raven visits, unraveling a haunting tale of lost love and despair.

View all isolation picture books

Browse by age

Isolation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about isolation for developing and independent readers.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Forgotten Sisters

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Miri must uncover a royal secret while teaching reluctant princesses.

Sale price

$1199

Lizard Music

Ages 9–12 · 1976

A boy investigates mysterious lizard musicians appearing on TV, leading to a surreal adventure.

Sale price

$2999

Challenger Deep

Ages 13–17 · 2015

A teen's mind battles reality and fantasy on a voyage to the ocean's depths.

Sale price

$899

The Old Willis Place

Ages 10–12 · 2004

Two children must break mysterious rules to escape a haunted mansion's grip.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1699

A Warp in Time

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Survival turns perilous when kids discover they're not alone in the rift.

Sale price

$899

Every Soul a Star

Ages 10–13 · 2008

Three strangers' lives intertwine at a campground during a rare solar eclipse, revealing hidden truths and unexpected friendships.

Sale price

$1699

Cleo Porter and the Body Electric

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must break isolation to deliver life-saving medicine in a sealed world.

Sale price

$699

The Yellow Wallpaper

1892

A woman battles confinement and her own mind in a room with haunting wallpaper.

Sale price

$1299

Five Nights at Freddy's

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Survive the night at a haunted pizzeria where animatronics come alive.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Frozen: Anna's Icy Adventure

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A kingdom trapped in eternal winter. Can a daring journey save it?

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1199

Lies

Ages 14–+ · 2010

A dead boy returns, chaos reigns, and escape seems possible only through death.

Series

Sale price

$799

I Am Slappy's Evil Twin

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Two sinister dummies come to life, threatening chaos. Can they be stopped?

View all isolation chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about aliens and extraterrestrial beings Books about allergies Books about father-son relationships Books about genetic engineering Books about guilt and shame Books about identity Books about kids stuck at home Books about new experiences

Our 10 Favorite Books About Isolation

Great books, picked for their age.

Isolation Picture Books

Isolation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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