Books About Lifestyles · 1,812 titles considered

The Best Lifestyles Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about lifestyles? 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.

Echo Mountain
Long Way Down
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Lifestyles

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1960

The Cricket in Times Square

By George Selden, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Chester Cricket and His Friends series

A cricket's hidden talent may change the heart of New York City.

Newbery Honor (1961)
160 pages· 24,976 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 68,358 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Chester Cricket, lured from his meadow to bustling New York, finds himself in the Times Square subway. Guided by Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat, Chester embarks on city adventures. Rescued by a boy named Mario, Chester discovers a hidden talent that could teach even the toughest New Yorkers a lesson. Can this little cricket make a big impact in the city that never sleeps?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Fortune's Magic Farm

A girl inherits a magical farm and must choose between two worlds.

304 pages· 54,880 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 885 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Isabelle, a ten-year-old orphan from a dreary town, discovers she's the heir to a magical farm where cherries cure and fronds make you fly. As she embraces this enchanting world, a call to save her rain-soaked hometown tests her loyalty. Can she balance the magic of her new life with the needs of the place she left behind? Isabelle's journey is filled with quirky characters and whimsical challenges, leading her to a decision that could change everything. Will she find a way to bring sunshine to both worlds?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1999

Ragweed

By Avi, Brian Floca (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Poppy Stories series

A young mouse named Ragweed leaves his home in the country to explore the city and gets caught up in a world of danger and adventure.

208 pages· 33,837 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,061 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Ragweed, a curious mouse, leaves his country home for the bustling city, seeking adventure and new friends. But lurking in the shadows is Silversides, leader of F.E.A.R., a cat group bent on keeping mice at the bottom. With a band of quirky city mice—Clutch, Dipstick, Lugnut, and Blinker—Ragweed must outsmart these cunning cats. Can they unite to challenge the feline hierarchy, or will they fall prey to their whiskered adversaries? Discover a world where courage and friendship are the keys to survival in this thrilling tale of mice versus cats.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

Echo Mountain

In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.

368 pages· 78,125 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,450 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: During the Great Depression, Ellie’s family retreats to Echo Mountain after losing everything. When a tragic accident leaves her father in a coma, Ellie is unjustly blamed. Determined to save him, she ventures to find a mysterious healer known as 'the hag.' As Ellie climbs the mountain, she uncovers hidden stories and a chance for redemption. Will she find the cure her father needs, or will the mountain's secrets change her path forever? Discover resilience and self-discovery in this tale of healing and hope.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2000

Because of Winn-Dixie

A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.

192 pages· 22,105 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 284,887 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Ten-year-old Opal's life changes when she adopts a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. This scruffy companion helps her forge new friendships and gives her the courage to confront her father's silence about her absent mother. As the summer unfolds, Opal discovers that everything seems to happen because of Winn-Dixie. Will this unexpected friendship help her uncover the truths she's been seeking? Dive into a heartwarming tale of discovery and connection.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

King of the Birds

By Elise Gravel · Book #1 in the Arlo & Pips series

A clever crow and a witty bird form an unlikely friendship through brainy banter.

64 pages· 1,402 words· Est. 21 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 809 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Arlo, a brainy crow, meets Pips, a sharp-tongued bird, sparking a witty rivalry that blossoms into friendship. Their adventures take them from bustling cities to sandy beaches, all while seeking shiny treasures and tasty fries. As they navigate their quirky bond, readers discover fascinating crow facts. Will Arlo's arrogance clash with Pips' sarcasm, or will their differences unite them in unexpected ways? Dive into this charming tale of friendship and discovery, perfect for young readers ready to explore the world of Arlo & Pips.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

Long Way Down

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

306 pages· 10,177 words· Est. 57 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 142,459 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Will is on a mission for revenge after his brother Shawn's murder. Armed with a gun, he steps into an elevator, determined to find his brother's killer. But as the elevator descends, Will is visited by ghosts from his past, each revealing unsettling truths about Shawn and the cycle of violence. With each stop, Will's resolve is tested, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew. Will he follow the rules of revenge, or will the revelations change his path forever? Discover the gripping journey in 'Long Way Down.'
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Some Places More Than Others

A birthday trip to Harlem reveals family secrets and unexpected connections.

208 pages· 32,642 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,389 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Amara's birthday wish is to visit her father's family in Harlem, hoping to understand her roots. But New York City is overwhelming, and her father is distant. As she navigates the bustling streets and family tensions, Amara uncovers hidden stories and discovers unexpected ties to her heritage. Will she find the connection she's seeking, or will the city's chaos overshadow her journey?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Fox Ate My Homework

By David Blaze · Book #1 in the My Fox series

A sixth-grader faces bullies, a mischievous talking fox, and a mission to save his mom's house.

106 pages· 18,043 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,154 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Joe, a sixth-grader, navigates a new school with bullies and a mischievous talking fox that turns his life upside down. As chaos ensues, Joe must also find a way to save his mom's house. Can he handle the challenges of a new school, a troublesome fox, and a family crisis? Dive into this whimsical adventure where friendship and courage are key, and nothing is as it seems.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

Tyrell

By Coe Booth · Book #1 in the Tyrell series

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

310 pages· 85,285 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,088 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Summary: Tyrell, a teen in a homeless shelter, grapples with his father's incarceration, a supportive girlfriend he feels unworthy of, and a complicated attraction to another girl. Desperate to improve his situation, he faces the temptation of quick money. As he teeters on the edge of right and wrong, Tyrell must decide if he will follow his father's path or carve out a new future. Can he break the cycle, or is he destined to repeat it? The stakes are high, and every choice could change his life forever.
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Lifestyles Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

All Through My Town

Ages 2–5 · 2013

Explore your neighborhood through rhymes and vibrant art.

Jane Foster's London
Sale price
$899

Jane Foster's London

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations in this engaging board book.

Opposites

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore opposites with vibrant illustrations in a tactile board book.

Richard Scarry's The Gingerbread Man

Ages 2–5 · 1956

A gingerbread man races to escape capture in a timeless chase.

Autumn Story

Ages 0–5 · 1980

A lost mouse must find her way home before the storm hits.

Wheels on the Bus

Ages 0–3 · 1988

Join a lively bus ride through town with a cheerful tune and vibrant illustrations.

Night Night, Farm

Ages 0–4 · 2016

Farm animals in pajamas say goodnight to their world and God.

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A girl and her pony face a drought threatening their family farm.

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Discover how a girl from humble beginnings became a legendary entertainer and advocate.

Tiny Farm

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore a tiny world with each page turn, ending at home.

Tiny Town

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore a tiny world with each page turn, ending at home.

Charlie Rides
Sale price
$895

Charlie Rides

Ages 3–5 · 2017

A boy's favorite ride isn't a vehicle, but a piggyback with dad.

View all lifestyles board books
Browse by age

Lifestyles Picture Books

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

Charlie the Ranch Dog

Ages 4–6 · 2013

A young dog's day in the snow takes an unexpected turn when his friend gets lost.

Sammy the Seal

Ages 4–8 · 1959

A seal leaves his home at the zoo to explore the outside world and learn about what lies beyond his enclosure.

The Horse in Harry's Room

Ages 4–6 · 1970

A boy's invisible horse sparks a heartwarming dilemma about freedom and friendship.

Pig and Pug
Sale price
$1499

Pig and Pug

Ages 5–7 · 2015

A pig on a farm befriends a new animal.

The Stinky Giant

Ages 5–8

Two siblings try to solve a riddle to save their home from a giant's floods.

The Case of the Missing Monkey

Ages 6–8 · 2000

A glass monkey is missing. Can detectives solve the mystery?

Eloise Throws a Party!

Ages 4–6 · 2008

Eloise plans a surprise party for Weenie with Nanny's help.

Chicks!

Ages 4–6 · 2013

A family raises chickens from chicks.

Farm Dog Martha
Sale price
$399

Farm Dog Martha

Ages 4–7 · 2010

A city dog faces farm life challenges and a lurking coyote threat.

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A girl learns the truth about a classmate's horse.

Christmas Day in the Morning

Ages 4–8 · 1955

A boy seeks the perfect Christmas gift for his father without spending money.

This Is How We Do It

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover a day in the lives of kids worldwide, united by shared rhythms despite diverse traditions.

Browse by age

Lifestyles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about lifestyles for developing and independent readers.

Wolf Hollow

Ages 10–13 · 2016

A girl confronts escalating cruelty in her town, risking everything to defend an innocent outcast.

The Saturdays
Sale price
$899

The Saturdays

Ages 8–11 · 1941

Four siblings create a club to transform their Saturdays into unforgettable adventures.

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.

City of Bones
Sale price
$2695

City of Bones

Ages 12–18 · 2007

A teen witnesses a murder by tattooed strangers and enters a hidden world of demon hunters.

Dandelion Wine

Ages 12–18 · 1957

A boy's summer of wonder and discovery in a small town hides timeless secrets and marvels.

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

Ages 8–11 · 1980

A dog named Hank investigates a murder on a ranch and gets into various misadventures.

As Brave As You

Ages 10–14 · 2016

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

My Year in the Middle

Ages 8–12 · 2018

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

Weekends with Max and His Dad

Ages 7–11 · 2016

A boy and his dad redefine 'home' through weekend adventures post-divorce.

The Boy in the Black Suit
Sale price
$1999

The Boy in the Black Suit

Ages 12–18 · 2015

Matt's life is falling apart until he meets Lovey, who might just help him find hope again.

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Ages 6–10 · 1985

A young girl and her brother await the arrival of a potential stepmother from Maine, who may bring much-needed change to their lives on the prairie.

When You Reach Me
Sale price
$899

When You Reach Me

Ages 9–12 · 2009

Mysterious notes predict a death. Can Miranda unravel the truth in time?

Keep exploring
Books about accidentsBooks about belongingBooks about city and town lifeBooks about city life and urban livingBooks about coping with deathBooks about factoriesBooks about family historyBooks about family life

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