Books About Literary Fiction · 70 titles considered

The Best Literary Fiction Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about literary fiction? 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 Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Literary Fiction

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1960

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee · Book #1 in the To Kill a Mockingbird series

A lawyer defends an innocent man in a town gripped by prejudice.

323 pages· 99,820 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,063,933 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a Southern town seething with prejudice, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous stand as he defends a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime. As tensions rise, will justice prevail, or will hatred triumph? This poignant tale explores the depths of human morality and the innocence of youth amidst societal turmoil.

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1868

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Women series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.

816 pages· 184,747 words· Est. 17 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,522,143 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a world where their father is away at war, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—must rely on each other to face life's trials. As they grow from childhood to womanhood, they grapple with dreams, ambitions, and the hope of their father's safe return. Will their bond withstand the pressures of society and personal aspirations? Discover the heartwarming journey of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity in a time of uncertainty.

Sale price

$1805

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1943

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith

A young girl navigates hardship and family drama in early 20th-century Brooklyn.

496 pages· 145,092 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 527,995 ratings

$19.00Save 5%

Summary: In the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn, young Francie Nolan faces the challenges of a tumultuous family life. With a father prone to drink and an aunt with a string of marriages, Francie must find strength and resilience. Amidst the chaos, she discovers the simple joys of childhood, from trading junk for pennies to the thrill of holiday celebrations. As she comes of age, Francie's journey is a poignant exploration of survival, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in a world that demands fortitude. What will Francie learn about life and herself in this vibrant, challenging world?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2011

Beautiful Disaster

By Jamie McGuire · Book #1 in the Beautiful series

A good girl faces a risky bet with a notorious bad boy. Who will win?

432 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 711,706 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Abby Abernathy, determined to leave her past behind, starts college with a clean slate. But her resolve is tested by Travis Maddox, a tattooed charmer known for his wild ways. Drawn into his world by a daring bet, Abby must navigate the dangerous allure of Travis. If she loses, she moves in with him; if he loses, he must abstain for a month. As their lives intertwine, both discover unexpected depths in each other. Can Abby resist the pull of the ultimate bad boy, or will she find herself in deeper than she ever imagined?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Sale price

$1520

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon

A boy with autism investigates a dog's murder, uncovering hidden truths.

226 pages· 61,939 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,624,946 ratings

$16.00Save 5%

Summary: Christopher, a boy with autism, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death. Armed with his love for facts and numbers, he navigates a world that often confounds him. As he delves deeper, Christopher uncovers unexpected truths about himself and the world around him. Can he piece together the clues without unraveling his own carefully structured life? This journey of discovery challenges his perceptions and reveals the complexities of human emotions, making for a poignant and humorous tale.

Sale price

$713

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2002

The Lovely Bones

By Alice Sebold

A girl watches from heaven as her family seeks justice and healing.

372 pages· 97,914 words· Est. 9 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,482,720 ratings

$7.50Save 5%

Summary: In 1973, 14-year-old Susie Salmon finds herself in heaven after her mysterious disappearance. From this ethereal vantage point, she observes her family grappling with grief and searching for her killer. Her father is relentless in his quest for justice, while her sister takes bold risks, and her brother honors her memory in his own way. As Susie navigates her new existence, she witnesses the family's struggle to heal and move forward. This poignant tale weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that connect us beyond life and death.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1886

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By Robert Louis Stevenson

A sinister figure haunts London, hiding a shocking secret.

100 pages· 25,583 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 689,002 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In the shadowy streets of 19th Century London, the sinister Mr. Hyde leaves a trail of terror. Yet, his crimes are mysteriously shielded by the esteemed Dr. Jekyll. As the city whispers of their connection, a dark secret looms. What binds these two men, and what will happen when the truth emerges? Dive into a tale where the boundaries of good and evil blur, and the human soul is tested.

Sale price

$1140

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

219 pages· 60,305 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 3,286,830 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Summary: A plane crash leaves schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, freedom feels exhilarating, but without rules, chaos ensues. As fear and primal instincts take over, their world spirals into a nightmare. Will they survive the darkness within?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 247,062 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1966

Flowers for Algernon

By Daniel Keyes

A man's quest for genius mirrors a lab mouse's fate. Will he face the same decline?

311 pages· 75,561 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 830,611 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Charlie Gordon, once limited by a low IQ, undergoes a groundbreaking surgery that transforms him into a genius. As his intelligence soars, he surpasses even the scientists who altered his life. But when Algernon, the lab mouse who underwent the same procedure, begins to deteriorate, Charlie faces a haunting question: will his newfound brilliance be fleeting? As he navigates the complexities of his enhanced mind, Charlie must confront the possibility of losing everything he has gained. Can he find meaning in his transformation, or is he destined to follow Algernon's tragic path?

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Literary Fiction Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1895

The Cremation of Sam McGee

Ages 5–8 · 1986

A prospector's chilling fate unfolds in the Yukon wilderness.

Sale price

$899

No Clean Clothes

Ages 3–8 · 2009

Lacey's embarrassing shirt attracts unexpected attention on her way to school.

Sale price

$799

Smelly Socks

Ages 3–8 · 2004

Tina's socks stink, but will she ever learn to wash them?

Sale price

$799

Just One Goal!

Ages 3–8 · 2008

A backyard rink, a determined player, and cracking ice—will Ciara's team triumph?

Sale price

$899

The Tear Thief

Ages 4–7 · 2007

Why does the Tear Thief collect children's tears each night?

Sale price

$999

Sometimes You Barf

Ages 5–8 · 2014

Everyone barfs, even at school. It's embarrassing, but you'll be okay.

Sale price

$499

Sale price

$733

There Once Was a Woman Who Married a Man

Ages 4–8 · 1979

A wife struggles to break her husband's silence.

Sale price

$349

Mr. Miller The Dog

Ages 6–8 · 1979

Man and dog ponder swapping lives as they grow alike.

The Gnu and the Guru Go Behind the Beyond

Sale price

$10472

The Gnu and the Guru Go Behind the Beyond

Ages 10–12 · 1970

A gnu and guru venture to a land where chaos is forbidden.

View all literary fiction picture books

Browse by age

Literary Fiction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about literary fiction for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1799

A Separate Peace

Ages 12–18 · 1959

Two friends' bond shatters, mirroring a world at war.

Sale price

$900

Ayiti

2011

Explore the Haitian diaspora through a tapestry of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Sale price

$2055

Usborne Illustrated Stories for Girls

2006

Discover enchanting tales of princesses, fairies, and mermaids.

Sale price

$500

Until We Meet Again

Ages 12–+ · 2002

Darcy faces loss and mystery as her boyfriend leaves and a stranger arrives.

Sale price

$1495

Have You Seen Luis Velez?

Ages 13–17 · 2019

A boy and an elderly woman bond over a mysterious disappearance, discovering kindness amidst fear.

The Little Lie

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A broken arm and a crocodile make for an unforgettable show-and-tell.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Explorers on the Moon

Ages 8–12 · 1953

A rocket to the moon spirals out of control. Can they return safely?

Dead in the Water

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Bones wash ashore at Midnight Lake, revealing dark secrets Bree must uncover.

Sale price

$1800

Alice-Miranda at Sea

2011

A cruise wedding faces chaos with wild weather and a jewel thief. Can mysteries be solved in time?

Sale price

$1595

Thursday's Children

Ages 8–18 · 1984

A boy uncovers hidden talents at his sister's ballet classes.

Sale price

$695

Pirates Don't Change Diapers

2007

Pirates must babysit a crying baby before finding treasure.

Sale price

$1895

The English Understand Wool

2022

A 17-year-old faces high society's challenges and deceit in New York.

View all literary fiction chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about poverty Books about alter egos Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about coming of age Books about competition Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about experiments Books about family life

Our 10 Favorite Books About Literary Fiction

Great books, picked for their age.

Literary Fiction Picture Books

Literary Fiction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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