Books About Loneliness · 264 titles considered

The Best Loneliness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about loneliness? 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.

Wonder
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Loneliness

Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1994

Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea

By Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator) · Mr. Putter & Tabby series

An elderly man seeks companionship in a cat to ease his loneliness.

44 pages· 584 words· Est. 7 min read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,064 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mr. Putter, feeling the weight of solitude, decides a cat might be the perfect companion. As he welcomes this new furry friend into his life, unexpected adventures and heartwarming moments unfold. Will this old cat be the answer to his loneliness, or will it bring more surprises than he anticipated? Discover the charming tale of friendship and the simple joys that can transform a life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)
316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,220,225 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Bookroo Collection Edition: Hardcover
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,609 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

The Tale of Despereaux

A mouse, a rat, and a girl embark on a journey of light and destiny.

272 pages· 32,226 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 218,159 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Despereaux, a mouse enchanted by music and a princess, Roscuro, a rat yearning for light, and Miggery Sow, a girl with an impossible wish, are drawn together. Their paths lead from a dark dungeon to a shining castle, intertwining their fates. What destiny awaits them in this tale of courage and longing?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1952

Charlotte's Web

A pig befriends a spider who devises a plan to save his life from slaughter.

184 pages· 32,307 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,095,363 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a barn filled with secrets, a pig named Wilbur faces an uncertain fate. His only hope lies in Charlotte, a clever spider weaving words into her web to save him. With the help of a self-serving rat and a girl named Fern who understands their language, they embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship and survival. As the seasons change, will Charlotte's plan succeed in sparing Wilbur's life? Discover the magic of childhood and the power of unlikely alliances in this timeless tale of love and courage.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1944

The Hundred Dresses

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator)

A girl claims to own a hundred dresses, but classmates' ridicule leads to regret and a vow for change.

80 pages· 7,306 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,788 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school, is mocked for wearing the same dress daily. She insists she owns a hundred dresses, but no one believes her. When Wanda leaves school, her classmates, especially Maddie, are left with guilt and a powerful lesson. Maddie vows to never remain silent in the face of injustice again. This poignant tale explores the impact of bullying and the courage to stand up for what's right, leaving readers to ponder the cost of silence and the power of empathy.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,299 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 285,068 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?
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Loneliness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Love, Mama

Ages 2–6 · 2018

A young penguin learns the enduring reach of a mother's love.

Little Cub

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Old Bear finds a scared Little Cub. Can they become a family?

Yo! Yes?

Ages 2–4 · 1993

Two strangers meet on a street, sparking an unexpected friendship.

Owl Babies

Ages 0–2 · 1992

Three baby owls wake to find their mother missing. Where is she?

Sale price
$1299

Hug

Ages 0–3 · 2001

A lonely chimp seeks a hug, but will his jungle friends understand his plea?

View all loneliness board books
Browse by age

Loneliness Picture Books

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

Henry and Mudge

Ages 5–7 · 1987

A lonely boy finds friendship with a giant dog.

To the Sea

Ages 3–6 · 2015

A boy befriends a lost blue whale and embarks on a journey to return him home.

The Adventures of Beekle

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young imaginary friend sets out on a journey to find a child to imagine him.

Great Joy

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious invitation leads to unexpected friendships.

The Night Gardener

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious gardener transforms a gray town with magical topiaries.

The Scarecrow

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A scarecrow saves a crow, forming an unlikely bond. Can their friendship endure the seasons?

Do You Want to Be My Friend?

Ages 0–6 · 1971

A mouse seeks friendship, following tails to find the perfect pal.

Sale price
$1699

Maple & Willow Apart

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Sisters find a creative way to stay connected despite being apart.

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A prickly cactus discovers loneliness and seeks an unexpected hug.

Little Elliot, Big Family

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Elliot feels alone in a bustling city until he discovers a family of his own.

Browse by age

Loneliness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about loneliness for developing and independent readers.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Ages 14–18 · 1999

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

Owl at Home

Ages 6–8 · 1975

A series of stories about Owl's adventures and everyday life.

The Little Prince

Ages 9–12 · 1943

A pilot crashes in the desert and meets a mysterious boy from another world.

Frog and Toad Are Friends

Ages 6–8 · 1970

The story of an unlikely yet heartwarming friendship between a frog and a toad.

Bronze and Sunflower

Ages 9–12 · 2005

Two children find solace and friendship amidst loss and hardship.

Nooks & Crannies

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Six children, a mysterious mansion, and a secret that changes everything.

Speak

Ages 12–18 · 1999

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

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.

A Little Princess

Ages 8–12 · 1905

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

Sale price
$1399

The Princess and the Goblin

Ages 8–11 · 1872

A young princess discovers a mysterious old lady living in the tower of her family's castle.

Among the Hidden

Ages 9–12 · 1998

A hidden third child discovers a risky plan to defy oppressive laws. Dare he join the fight?

The Wild Robot

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A robot must adapt to survive on a wild island, but her past threatens her newfound home.

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