Books About Performing Arts · 1,480 titles considered

The Best Performing Arts Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about performing arts? 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.

Frankly, Frannie
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Performing Arts

Sale price
$1710
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou · Book #1 in the Maya Angelou's Autobiography series

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 594,326 ratings
$18.00Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,000 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

Echo

A harmonica links three children across time, each facing life-altering challenges.

Newbery Medal (2016)
597 pages· 84,078 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 48,387 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Generation Misfits

A girl finds friendship and faces hidden struggles through J-Pop.

352 pages· 71,579 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 180 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2008

Becoming Billie Holiday

A young singer's voice rises above poverty and hardship to become legendary.

120 pages· 11,397 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2010

Frankly, Frannie

By AJ Stern, Doreen Mulryan Marts (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Frankly, Frannie series

Frannie seizes a radio host's absence as her big break, but can she handle the unexpected questions?

128 pages· 11,400 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 613 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

After Tupac & D Foster

A mysterious friend changes everything, revealing life's harsh truths and fleeting connections.

151 pages· 29,251 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 4,360 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2017

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

A boy defies his mother's ban on blues music, seeking freedom and truth on a journey through New York City.

176 pages· 29,441 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,407 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Two teens named Will Grayson meet, altering their lives forever.

352 pages· 74,277 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 414,883 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace

A young prodigy hides from fame, seeking solace and rediscovery in a remote pancake palace.

256 pages· 44,159 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 619 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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Browse by age

Performing Arts Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Audrey Hepburn

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.

Toot! Toot!

Ages 0–3 · 2015

What's making that mysterious noise? Discover the surprise!

Giraffes Can't Dance

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

We Are Music

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore music's journey from beats to diverse genres, discovering the human connection in every note.

Music Is...

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover the vibrant world of music through sight and sound.

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Discover how a girl from humble beginnings became a legendary entertainer and advocate.

My Little Golden Book About Betty White
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

My Little Golden Book About Betty White

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Discover the inspiring journey of television icon Betty White in this delightful biography for young readers.

The Life of - La vida de Ritchie

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover the musical journey of Ritchie Valens, whose songs still resonate today.

Dolly Parton

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young dreamer defies expectations to become a country music icon and philanthropist.

I Love My Tutu Too!
Sale price
$799

I Love My Tutu Too!

Ages 2–4 · 2020

Critters in tutus dance and count to ten. Join the fun!

The Story of Rap

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover rap's roots and legends in a playful baby book that inspires swagger.

Wheels on the Bus

Ages 0–3 · 1988

Join a lively bus ride through town with a cheerful tune and vibrant illustrations.

View all performing arts board books
Browse by age

Performing Arts Picture Books

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

Splat the Cat Sings Flat

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A shy cat must sing in front of his parents on Parents' Night, despite his fear of being embarrassed.

Camila the Baking Star

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Can Camila and her papa overcome chaos to win a baking contest?

Katy Duck Makes a Friend
Sale price
$499

Katy Duck Makes a Friend

Ages 4–6 · 2011

Can a dancing duck and a rough boy find common ground to play together?

The Clown of God

Ages 4–8 · 1978

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau

Ages 3–7 · 1998

Kittens disrupt a Parisian ballet, causing chaos and wonder.

This Magical, Musical Night

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Discover the magic as each orchestra instrument unveils its unique sound in a symphonic journey.

Hello, Neighbor!

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover the heartwarming story behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and its creator.

The Whatifs

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl battles her anxious 'Whatifs' before a crucial piano recital.

What a Wonderful World

Ages 2–6 · 1988

Discover a timeless message of hope through vibrant illustrations.

Pokko and the Drum

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A little frog's drumming leads a forest parade. Can she hear her father's call home?

Penguin Cha-Cha

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A girl tries to join dancing penguins at the zoo.

The Dance of the Realms

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Enter a magical realm where dance and holiday spirit come alive.

Browse by age

Performing Arts Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about performing arts for developing and independent readers.

Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!

Ages 6–10
Nina, Nina Ballerina
Sale price
$499

Nina, Nina Ballerina

Ages 4–7 · 1993

Nina's mom must find her among many butterflies at the dance show. Can she do it?

New Moves

Ages 8–11 · 2019

New dance class, new friend. Can Gabby keep her old friendships intact?

She Loves You

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A girl seeks Beatles fame to win back her social status and distant father.

Long Road to the Circus

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl discovers ostrich riding could be her escape from farm life.

Tune It Out
Sale price
$1899

Tune It Out

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A girl must find her voice after her world is upended.

Drama

Ages 10–13 · 2012

Middle school theater chaos unfolds as Callie tackles set design, teamwork, and unexpected romance.

Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young vampire-fairy girl and her best friend, a pink rabbit, go on a school trip to see a ballet performance of Alice in Wonderland, where they meet the famous ballerina Tatiana Tutu and help her in a time of need.

Red Riding Hood Gets Lost
Sale price
$599

Red Riding Hood Gets Lost

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Lost in Neverwood, Red Riding Hood must confront her fears and a mysterious foe.

The Heat Is On
Sale price
$799

The Heat Is On

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Junior chefs face sizzling challenges in a culinary showdown. Who will rise, and who will crumble?

Mrs. Lane Is a Pain!

Ages 6–10 · 2014

A group of students participate in a talent show at their school, with a secret grand prize at stake

Star-Crossed

Ages 9–13 · 2017

Mattie navigates crushes and chaos in a school play, discovering love's complexities.

Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about making friendsBooks about being famousBooks about clubsBooks about coming of ageBooks about crushesBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about identity

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