Books About Literary Fiction · 70 titles considered

The Best Literary Fiction Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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 Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Literary Fiction

To Kill a Mockingbird
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,113,781 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Little Women
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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,539,381 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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 Goodreads · 532,572 ratings
$19.00Save 5%
Paperback
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?
Beautiful Disaster
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 Goodreads · 712,573 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Paperback
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 Goodreads · 1,632,537 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Paperback
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.
The Lovely Bones
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 Goodreads · 2,488,229 ratings
$7.50Save 5%
Mass Market Paperbound
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.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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 Goodreads · 696,346 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Lord of the Flies
Sale price
$1235
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 Goodreads · 3,311,234 ratings
$13.00Save 5%
Paperback
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?
The House on Mango Street
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 Goodreads · 250,468 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
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.
Flowers for Algernon
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 841,730 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.

No Clean Clothes
Sale price
$899

No Clean Clothes

Ages 3–8 · 2009

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

Smelly Socks
Sale price
$799

Smelly Socks

Ages 3–8 · 2004

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

Just One Goal!
Sale price
$799

Just One Goal!

Ages 3–8 · 2008

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

The Tear Thief
Sale price
$899

The Tear Thief

Ages 4–7 · 2007

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

Sometimes You Barf
Series
Sale price
$999

Sometimes You Barf

Ages 5–8 · 2014

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

Good as New
0

Good as New

1982

Can Grandpa truly restore Grady's ruined teddy bear?

The Magic Tears
0

The Magic Tears

Ages 4–8 · 1971

A boy's quest for bravery leads him into an enchanted forest.

Mr. Miller The Dog
Sale price
$349

Mr. Miller The Dog

Ages 6–8 · 1979

Man and dog ponder swapping lives as they grow alike.

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.

A Separate Peace
Sale price
$1799

A Separate Peace

Ages 12–18 · 1959

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

Ayiti
Sale price
$900

Ayiti

2011

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

Have You Seen Luis Velez?
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
Series
0

The Little Lie

Ages 6–9 · 2011

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

Explorers on the Moon
Series
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?

Alice-Miranda at Sea
Series
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?

Thursday's Children
Sale price
$1595

Thursday's Children

Ages 8–18 · 1984

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

View all literary fiction chapter books
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