Books About Literary Fiction · 71 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.

To Kill a Mockingbird
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%
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%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1943

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

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%
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%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1886

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

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%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2002

The Lovely Bones

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%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

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%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

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%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1966

Flowers for Algernon

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%
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Literary Fiction Picture Books

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

The Cremation of Sam McGee

Ages 5–8 · 1986

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

No Clean Clothes

Ages 3–8 · 2009

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

Smelly Socks

Ages 3–8 · 2004

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

Just One Goal!

Ages 3–8 · 2008

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

The Tear Thief

Ages 4–7 · 2007

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

Sometimes You Barf

Ages 5–8 · 2014

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

The Best Project

Ages 4–9 · 2014

Can Billie save her school project from her mischievous brother?

Mr. Miller The Dog

Ages 6–8 · 1979

Man and dog ponder swapping lives as they grow alike.

There Once Was a Woman Who Married a Man

Ages 4–8 · 1979

A wife struggles to break her husband's silence.

The Magic Tears

Ages 4–8 · 1971

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

Good as New

1982

Can Grandpa truly restore Grady's ruined teddy bear?

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.

A Separate Peace

Ages 12–18 · 1959

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

Alice-Miranda at Sea

2011

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

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.

Usborne Illustrated Stories for Girls

2006

Discover enchanting tales of princesses, fairies, and mermaids.

Ayiti
Sale price
$900

Ayiti

2011

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

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.

Thursday's Children

Ages 8–18 · 1984

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

Until We Meet Again

Ages 12–+ · 2002

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

Pirates Don't Change Diapers

2007

Pirates must babysit a crying baby before finding treasure.

Persuasion

Ages 18–+ · 1817

A past love resurfaces, challenging regrets and societal expectations.

Keep exploring
Books about povertyBooks about alter egosBooks about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about coming of ageBooks about competitionBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about experimentsBooks about family life

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