Books About Orphanages

The Best Orphanages Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about orphanages? 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 Wolves of Willoughby Chase
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Orphanages

Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,352 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1962

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken, Pat Marriott (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Wolves Chronicles series

Two girls must escape a cruel governess to save their home.

181 pages· 42,609 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 22,708 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Bonnie and Sylvia's world turns upside down when their parents leave, and the sinister Miss Slighcarp takes over Willoughby Chase. Stripped of comfort and sent to a harsh orphan school, the girls face endless toil. With Simon the gooseboy's help, they escape, but can they reclaim their home from Miss Slighcarp's grasp? Adventure and danger await as they fight to restore their once joyful life.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

A masked intruder threatens Winterborne House, revealing secrets and danger. Can the orphans solve the mystery before it's too late?

342 pages· 60,617 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,380 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: April and her fellow orphans at Winterborne House uncover a dangerous secret: their guardian, Gabriel, is a vigilante. But when a masked intruder breaks in, seeking something—or someone—Gabriel's secret isn't the only one at risk. As danger looms, April and her friends must unravel a decades-old mystery to protect their newfound family. With their safety and unity on the line, can they outsmart the threats lurking in the shadows of their mansion? The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in this thrilling adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict

A genius orphan faces bullies, mysteries, and self-discovery at a new orphanage.

496 pages· 118,213 words· Est. 13 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 20,463 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict, a genius orphan with narcolepsy, arrives at a new orphanage. Amidst bullies and selfish adults, he uncovers a life-changing mystery. As he navigates strange circumstances, Nicholas finds unexpected allies and learns that the greatest puzzle is himself. Will his intellect be enough to solve the mystery and change his fate?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls

By Claire Legrand, Sarah Watts (Illustrator)

Kids vanish at a mysterious home. Can Victoria uncover the truth?

352 pages· 67,716 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,880 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Victoria Wright's perfect life is disrupted when her best friend Lawrence disappears. As more children vanish, she suspects the Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls hides sinister secrets. Determined to solve the mystery, Victoria must confront her fears and break the rules. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late?
Billie the Hippo
Picture Book · 2001

Billie the Hippo

A hippopotamus raised by a caretaker at an African animal orphanage grows up torn between human companionship and her instinct to join wild herds.

858 words
3.0/5 Goodreads · 1 ratings
Unknown Binding
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