Books About Loneliness · 234 titles considered

The Best Loneliness Books for Kids

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.

#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 · 2,065 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.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

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

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybils Award Finalist (2017)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 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?

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

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

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.

Sale price

$1995

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1943

The Little Prince

By Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Richard Howard (Translator) · Book #1 in the The Little Prince series

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

96 pages· 14,516 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,575,329 ratings

$21.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the Sahara Desert, a stranded pilot encounters the enigmatic Little Prince, a boy from a distant asteroid. As they converse, the Little Prince shares tales of his travels and the rose he left behind. Each story reveals deeper truths about love, loss, and the essence of life. What secrets will the Little Prince uncover, and how will they change the pilot's perspective forever? Embark on a journey across planets in this timeless fable that challenges the way we see the world and ourselves.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 1987

Henry and Mudge

By Cynthia Rylant · Book #1 in the Henry and Mudge series

A lonely boy finds friendship with a giant dog.

40 pages· 796 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,692 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Henry feels isolated on a street with no kids, but everything changes when he meets Mudge, a 180-pound dog. As they form an unbreakable bond, Henry discovers the joy and companionship he's been missing. Will this newfound friendship help Henry overcome his loneliness and bring unexpected adventures?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2005

Bronze and Sunflower

By Cao Wenxuan, Meilo So (Illustrator), Helen Wang (Translator)

Two children find solace and friendship amidst loss and hardship.

400 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,107 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Sunflower, uprooted to a rural village after her father's tragic death, finds herself in the care of a destitute family. There, she meets Bronze, a silent boy scarred by past trauma. Together, they forge an unbreakable bond, navigating the trials of poverty and discovering the strength of love and loyalty. Can their friendship heal old wounds and bring hope to their lives?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Nooks & Crannies

By Jessica Lawson, Natalie Andrewson (Illustrator)

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

320 pages· 73,014 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,962 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Tabitha Crum, a lonely girl with only her pet mouse for company, receives an invitation to a mysterious countess's estate. With five other children, she uncovers secrets in a sprawling mansion where they begin to vanish one by one. As Tabitha channels her favorite detectives, she must solve the mystery to save her new friends and discover the countess's life-altering secret. Will she unravel the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

Speak

By Laurie Halse Anderson

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

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1999)Michael L. Printz Honor (2000)Golden Kite Award (2000)

224 pages· 46,607 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 641,743 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Melinda starts high school as an outcast after calling the cops on a party. Isolated and silent, she finds solace in art, which helps her confront the truth: she was raped by a fellow student. As she begins to heal, another encounter with her attacker forces her to fight back and refuse silence. Will Melinda find the courage to speak up and reclaim her voice? This powerful story explores themes of consent and resilience, challenging readers to consider the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

The Boy in the Black Suit

By Jason Reynolds

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

Coretta Scott King Honor (2016)

272 pages· 67,181 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,085 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Matt, burdened by his mother's death and his father's struggles, works at a funeral home to make ends meet. Life feels bleak until he meets Lovey, a girl who's faced more than he can imagine. Drawn to her resilience, Matt wonders if she holds the key to overcoming his own grief. Can Lovey help him find strength and hope in a world that keeps knocking him down?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1872

The Princess and the Goblin

By George MacDonald · Book #1 in the Princess Irene and Curdie series

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

112 pages· 50,997 words· Est. 7 hour read

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a remote mountain castle, Princess Irene stumbles upon a mysterious stairway leading to a labyrinth of forgotten passages. As she ventures deeper, she must confront the lurking threat of the boglins. With only a magical ring for protection, can Irene unravel the secrets at the top of the stairway and safeguard her kingdom? The stakes are high, and danger lurks in every shadow. Will courage and magic be enough to face the unknown?

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Loneliness Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1699

To the Sea

Ages 3–6 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1200

Great Joy

Ages 4–8 · 2007

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

Sale price

$1899

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1899

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious invitation leads to unexpected friendships.

Sale price

$1999

The Night Gardener

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious gardener transforms a gray town with magical topiaries.

Sale price

$1999

The Scarecrow

Ages 4–8 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$1899

Do You Want to Be My Friend?

Ages 0–6 · 1971

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

Series

Sale price

$1699

Maple & Willow Apart

Ages 3–5 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1899

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A prickly cactus discovers loneliness and seeks an unexpected hug.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Little Elliot, Big Family

Ages 4–8 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1699

Those Pesky Rabbits

Ages 4–7 · 2014

Can persistent rabbits melt a grumpy bear's heart?

Series

Sale price

$1999

Stick and Stone

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A story about the unlikely friendship between a stick and a stone.

View all loneliness picture books

Browse by age

Loneliness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about loneliness for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$799

Among the Hidden

Ages 9–12 · 1998

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

Sale price

$2499

We Are Okay

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A young woman confronts her past and loneliness during a winter break reunion.

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must uncover the truth behind her father's disappearance and the vanishing of magical creatures.

Series

Sale price

$939

Wanted: The Perfect Pet

2009

A boy's greatest wish is for a dog.

Sale price

$1899

A Work in Progress

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy battles self-image and self-acceptance in a world of thin peers.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1199

Naruto

Ages 14–17 · 2000

A mischievous ninja-in-training aims to become the greatest, but his destiny holds unexpected challenges.

Series

Sale price

$799

Sit, Stay, Love

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must save a pug from a life of showbiz while confronting unexpected feelings.

Sale price

$999

Future Friend

Ages 8–13 · 2024

A lonely girl from 3020 meets a boy in 2019. Can they solve time's mysteries and save the world together?

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Hard Court

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Middle school changes test Lori's basketball passion and friendships.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Lonely Lion Cub

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A lonely lion cub needs help, but the plan involves a daring risk.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Forgotten Puppy

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A puppy's quest to find her owner leads to unexpected adventures.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

Second Chances

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A guardian angel must uncover the truth behind a friendship turned sour to help a bullied girl.

View all loneliness chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about pets Books about adolescence Books about adoption Books about belonging Books about coping with death Books about courage Books about cystic fibrosis Books about death, grief, and bereavement

Our 10 Favorite Books About Loneliness

Great books, picked for their age.

Loneliness Picture Books

Loneliness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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