Books About Pen Pals · 27 titles considered

The Best Pen Pals Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about pen pals? 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.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Dear Pen Pal
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Pen Pals

Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

By Becky Albertalli · Book #1 in the Simon series

A secret email threatens Simon's quiet life and his chance at love.

303 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 472,300 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1997

The Silver Balloon

A balloon connects two strangers, leading to mysterious gifts and an incredible discovery.

80 pages
3.7/5 Goodreads · 365 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2015

I Will Always Write Back

A letter connects two worlds, changing lives forever.

416 pages· 83,741 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 31,130 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Dear Pen Pal

Eighth grade tests friendships and futures in a book club full of surprises.

416 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,434 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2011

Same, Same but Different

Two pen pals discover their worlds are more alike than different.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2012)
40 pages· 315 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,070 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!

An autistic girl defies odds to pitch baseball, guided by a major-league star's letters.

336 pages· 56,885 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,184 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2008

Four Truths and a Lie

Scarlett must uncover truths and lies to save her reputation at an all-girls school.

272 pages· 56,134 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 910 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2011

Earth to Clunk

By Pam Smallcomb, Joe Berger (Illustrator)

A boy's alien pen pal sends unexpected surprises, sparking an intergalactic friendship.

40 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 396 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2011

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe

By Megumi Iwasa, Jun Takabatake (Illustrator)

A bored giraffe seeks friendship through letters, leading to unexpected discoveries.

104 pages· 4,762 words· Est. 37 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,084 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2013

The Milk of Birds

Two girls, worlds apart, connect through letters, transforming their lives and bridging continents.

384 pages· 81,572 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 567 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
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Pen Pals Picture Books

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

Herman's Letter

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Can friendship survive distance and jealousy?

Dear Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Pen pals discover their true identities: one human, one dragon. What happens next?

Dear Unicorn

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Two pen pals discover their true identities, challenging their friendship and creativity.

Stubby the Fearless Squid

Ages 5–9 · 2019

A timid squid's tall tales lead to real danger. Can he find true courage when it matters most?

From Here to There

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Can a clever idea bridge the gap between Here and There?

View all pen pals picture books
Browse by age

Pen Pals Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about pen pals for developing and independent readers.

Same Sun Here

Ages 10–16 · 2012

Two pen pals bridge cultural divides, finding strength in shared struggles and unexpected friendship.

Extra Credit

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A school project connects two worlds, challenging cultural norms and sparking unexpected friendships.

Arthur's Pen Pal

Ages 4–8 · 1976

A surprise letter reveals unexpected truths about sisters and pen pals.

Karen's Big Joke

Ages 7–9 · 1992

A prank goes too far on April Fools' Day.

Zombie Penpal

Ages 9–12 · 2010

Uncover the mystery of a new girl who resembles a vanished pen pal. Zombies may be involved.

Molly Discovers Magic (Then Wants to Un-Discover It)

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Molly suspects magic is behind her luck and Olive's misfortune. Can she restore balance?

Olive Becomes Famous (and Hopes She Can Become Un-Famous)

Ages 6–8 · 2018

A commercial opportunity tests friendship and secrets unravel. Can honesty mend the rift?

Arthur and the Pen-Pal Playoff

Ages 7–9 · 2001

Arthur helps friends tackle sports challenges in exciting adventures.

Olive Finds Treasure (of the Most Precious Kind)
Sale price
$2199

Olive Finds Treasure (of the Most Precious Kind)

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Two pen pals hatch a risky plan to meet by selling a lost necklace.

Molly Gets a Goat

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Two friends swap lives, facing unexpected challenges in city chaos and farm life.

Molly Meets Trouble (Whose Real Name Is Jenna)
Sale price
$2199

Molly Meets Trouble (Whose Real Name Is Jenna)

Ages 6–8 · 2016

New friendships and deceitful letters test Molly and Olive's bond.

Olive Spins a Tale (and It's a Doozy!)
Sale price
$2199

Olive Spins a Tale (and It's a Doozy!)

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A gift goes unanswered, sparking jealousy and wild tales between pen pals.

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