Books About Near-death Experiences

The Best Near-death Experiences Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about near-death experiences? 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 Saturdays
#1 in Series
Woodsong
Houdini and Me
There Will Be Lies
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Near-death Experiences

Because of Mr. Terupt
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

Because of Mr. Terupt

By Rob Buyea · Book #1 in the Mr. Terupt series

A teacher's accident tests if his students can uphold the lessons he taught them.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2011)
336 pages· 36,797 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 46,916 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At Snow Hill School, seven fifth graders, each with their own struggles, are united by Mr. Terupt, an inspiring teacher. Jessica, Alexia, Peter, Luke, Danielle, Anna, and Jeffrey find strength in his guidance. But when Mr. Terupt faces a life-changing accident, the students must rely on his teachings to navigate their challenges. Can they hold onto the lessons of friendship and resilience, or will they revert to their old ways? Discover how these unlikely friends confront their fears and grow together in this heartfelt tale of transformation and hope.
The Saturdays
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Saturdays

By Elizabeth Enright · Book #1 in the The Melendy Family series

Four siblings create a club to transform their Saturdays into unforgettable adventures.

177 pages· 38,654 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 10,931 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a cozy New York brownstone, the Melendy siblings—Mona, Rush, Randy, and Oliver—form the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club. With pooled allowances, they embark on thrilling Saturday escapades. Each adventure promises surprises and unforgettable memories. What unexpected turns will their club take? Join the Melendys as they discover the magic of shared dreams and the joy of family in this timeless tale.
If I Stay
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2009

If I Stay

By Gayle Forman · Book #1 in the If I Stay series

A young cellist must choose between life and joining her lost family after a tragic accident.

390 pages· 49,666 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 978,495 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Mia, a talented cellist, finds herself in a coma after a devastating car crash that claims her family. As she hovers between life and death, Mia must decide whether to embrace the pain of survival or reunite with her loved ones in the afterlife. With memories flooding back and the weight of her choice pressing down, Mia's journey is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of choice. Will she find the strength to stay, or will the pull of her family prove too strong?
Woodsong
Sale price
$1786
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1990

Woodsong

By Gary Paulsen

Survive wild adventures that inspired unforgettable stories.

144 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,157 ratings
$18.80Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Experience the thrilling real-life adventures of Gary Paulsen, who faced near disasters on a dogsled, braved a bear's wrath, and endured the grueling Iditarod. Discover the true tales behind his captivating novels.
Heaven is for Real for Kids
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Heaven is for Real for Kids

By Todd Burpo · Heaven is For Real series

A child's heavenly journey reveals wonders beyond imagination.

32 pages· 1,327 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,429 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Four-year-old Colton's surgery leads to an extraordinary visit to heaven, where he encounters Jesus, angels, and lost loved ones. His vivid memories offer comfort and hope, sparking questions about life beyond. Through Colton's eyes, discover a world of miracles and love, inviting young readers to explore faith and the promise of an afterlife. This touching tale reassures children about the mysteries of heaven and the enduring love of Jesus, providing solace to those curious or grieving. What truths will Colton's journey reveal, and how will it change the way we see the world?
Shortcut
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1992

Shortcut

By Donald Crews

Seven kids take a risky shortcut home, but danger looms on the tracks.

32 pages· 232 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 558 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Seven children, eager to reach Bigmama's before dark, choose a forbidden shortcut along the train tracks. As they venture forward, the distant rumble of an approaching train threatens their safety. Will they make it home unscathed, or will their daring decision lead to peril? This suspenseful tale invites young readers to explore the thrill of adventure and the importance of heeding warnings, all while celebrating family bonds. Join the children on their heart-pounding journey and discover the lesson hidden within their race against time.
Heaven is for Real
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2010

Heaven is for Real

By Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent

A boy's near-death experience reveals a vivid journey to heaven, challenging his family's beliefs.

162 pages· 38,625 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 342,069 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: After a life-saving surgery, young Colton shares astonishing tales of visiting heaven, leaving his family in awe. He describes meeting relatives he never knew and recounts heavenly visions with childlike clarity. As Colton's stories align with biblical details, his parents grapple with the profound implications of his experience. Could his innocent revelations change their understanding of eternity? Discover the world through Colton's eyes, where angels sing and love knows no bounds. This journey will challenge skeptics and inspire believers, offering a child's perspective on the mysteries of the afterlife.
The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast

By Samantha M. Clark

A boy stranded on a mysterious beach seeks the truth to return home.

256 pages· 43,481 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 583 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A boy awakens on a deserted beach with no memory of his past. Drawn by a mysterious light beyond the ominous trees, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover his identity. As he battles the elements and his own fears, he must confront a terrifying truth to find his way home. Will he survive the revelations that await? This gripping adventure promises a heart-pounding quest for survival and self-discovery.
Houdini and Me
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Houdini and Me

By Dan Gutman

A boy receives texts from Houdini, offering secrets and a time-traveling adventure. Is it real or a trick?

224 pages· 19,301 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 944 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Eleven-year-old Harry Mancini lives in Houdini's old home and knows everything about the escape artist. When mysterious texts claim to be from Houdini himself, offering escape secrets and a chance to time travel, Harry faces a thrilling dilemma. Is this a genuine message from beyond the grave or an elaborate hoax? As Harry contemplates the offer, he must decide whether to embark on a potentially life-changing adventure or dismiss it as a trick. Will he take the leap into Houdini's world, risking everything for the ultimate escape?
There Will Be Lies
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2015

There Will Be Lies

By Nick Lake

A car accident propels Shelby into a journey of secrets and trust, questioning her reality and past.

480 pages· 102,046 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
3.4/5 Goodreads · 3,356 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Shelby Jane Cooper's life changes in an instant when she's hit by a car. Soon, she and her mother embark on a mysterious journey toward the Grand Canyon, fleeing from unseen dangers. As they travel, Shelby's world unravels, forcing her to question her past and the truth of her existence. With each mile, trust becomes a fragile commodity, and Shelby must decide who to believe. Is her mother protecting her, or is there more to the story? This gripping tale of deception and discovery will keep you guessing until the very end.
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