Books About Performing Arts · 1,541 titles considered

The Best Performing Arts Books for Kids

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.

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%

Summary: In a small Southern town, Maya and her brother face abandonment and racial prejudice. After a traumatic event in St. Louis, Maya struggles with its lifelong impact. In San Francisco, she discovers self-love, kindness, and the transformative power of literature. Can Maya find freedom in a world that seeks to cage her spirit? This poignant memoir explores the resilience of a young girl navigating a world of pain and wonder.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2021

Violets Are Blue

By Barbara Dee

A young girl faces family secrets and broken trust amidst a fresh start.

304 pages· 50,561 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,547 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Wren, a twelve-year-old makeup enthusiast, hopes for a new beginning in a new town. As she lands a role as the makeup artist for her school's play, her optimism is tested by her mother's mysterious illness and troubling behavior. With her mom's job at risk and their relationship strained, Wren must navigate a world where not everything can be masked. Can she rebuild trust and find her footing in this new reality?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

Echo

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

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%

Summary: In a forbidden forest, Otto encounters three sisters and a mysterious harmonica. Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California find their lives intertwined by this same harmonica. Each faces a daunting challenge: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, or holding a family together. As their stories unfold, destiny pulls them toward a shared fate. What secrets does the harmonica hold, and how will it unite them? Discover a tale where music bridges time and space, weaving a symphony of hope and courage.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 581,958 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

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%

Summary: Melly, a shy drummer, finds solace in music at Camp Rockaway. As her parents split and her best friend drifts away, she unexpectedly falls for another girl. Can Melly find her rhythm amidst the chaos and embrace her true self? Discover if she can turn the noise in her heart into a powerful beat.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Generation Misfits

By Akemi Dawn Bowman

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%

Summary: Millie, a Japanese-American girl, starts at a new school and joins a J-Pop band, hoping for friendship. As she bonds with fellow misfits, she discovers one friend's silent struggle. Can Millie help when words fail? Dive into a tale of music, friendship, and unspoken challenges.

Sale price

$1895

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2008

Becoming Billie Holiday

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

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%

Summary: Born into poverty, Eleanora's voice was her beacon. By fifteen, she was Billie Holiday, destined for greatness despite life's harsh trials. Her journey through pain and the law's shadow led her to the spotlight with the era's top big bands. Discover her fight for survival and the dream she pursued with unwavering passion through evocative poetry.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Kenny & the Dragon

By Tony DiTerlizzi · Book #1 in the Kenny & The Dragon series

A boy must save his dragon friend from a village's deadly misunderstanding.

151 pages· 21,192 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,017 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the quiet village of Roundbrook, young Kenny Rabbit faces a daunting challenge: his new friend, a misunderstood dragon, is marked for extermination. As fear grips the villagers, Kenny must orchestrate a legendary battle reenactment to change their minds. Can he protect his friend without igniting a real conflict? The stakes are high, and Kenny's loyalty will be tested in this tale of courage and friendship.

Sale price

$674

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%

Summary: Frannie Miller, an ambitious third-grader, dreams of a grown-up career. During a school trip to a radio station, the host vanishes, leaving Frannie with a golden opportunity. Should she step in and take the mic? As calls flood in, Frannie faces a whirlwind of questions she might not be ready for. Will this be her moment to shine, or will it spiral into chaos? Dive into Frannie's adventure and discover if her dreams can withstand the reality of live radio.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

After Tupac & D Foster

By Jacqueline Woodson

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%

Summary: When D Foster enters Neeka's life, everything changes. From a safe Queens neighborhood, they glimpse a world of loss and freedom through D's eyes. As they bond over Tupac's music, D's sudden departure and Tupac's tragic end leave Neeka reflecting on the impact of brief but profound connections. What truths will she uncover about friendship and life?

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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.

Sale price

$1599

Audrey Hepburn

Ages 2–4 · 2015

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

Sale price

$999

Toot! Toot!

Ages 0–3 · 2015

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

Sale price

$699

Giraffes Can't Dance

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

Sale price

$899

We Are Music

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

Sale price

$899

Music Is...

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover the vibrant world of music through sight and sound.

Sale price

$799

Wheels on the Bus

Ages 0–3 · 1988

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

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

Sale price

$599

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

Ages 2–5 · 2021

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

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.

Sale price

$799

I Love My Tutu Too!

Ages 2–4 · 2020

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

Sale price

$795

ABC Dance!

Ages 0–4 · 2020

Dance through the alphabet with lively animals and rhymes.

Sale price

$1599

Dolly Parton

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1599

David Bowie

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover the journey of a musical icon who transformed rock and roll with his unique sound.

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.

Sale price

$599

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.

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?

Sale price

$2132

Camila the Baking Star

Ages 5–7 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1999

The Clown of God

Ages 4–8 · 1978

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

Sale price

$1799

This Magical, Musical Night

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1295

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau

Ages 3–7 · 1998

Kittens disrupt a Parisian ballet, causing chaos and wonder.

Sale price

$1899

Hello, Neighbor!

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1799

The Whatifs

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$899

What a Wonderful World

Ages 2–6 · 1988

Discover a timeless message of hope through vibrant illustrations.

Sale price

$1999

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?

Sale price

$1899

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover Aretha Franklin's journey from church singer to civil rights icon.

Sale price

$1699

The Dance of the Realms

Ages 3–5 · 2018

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

View all performing arts picture books

Browse by age

Performing Arts Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about performing arts for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$699

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

Ages 8–11 · 2017

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

Sale price

$2180

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Ages 14–18 · 2010

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

Sale price

$999

Surviving the Applewhites

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A rebellious boy meets his match in a quirky family's home school. Can he survive the chaos?

Sale price

$1699

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace

Ages 8–12 · 2013

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

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?

Sale price

$695

New Moves

Ages 8–11 · 2019

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

Sale price

$699

Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!

Ages 6–10

Sale price

$1699

She Loves You

Ages 10–14 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1699

Long Road to the Circus

Ages 9–12 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1199

Disney Who's Who

Ages 6–8 · 2017

Discover secrets and fun facts about over 600 Disney characters.

Sale price

$699

Isadora Moon Puts on a Show

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A young vampire must face her fears in a talent show.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1099

School Night Fever

Ages 7–12 · 2011

A dance team faces sabotage and a sick teacher before a big competition.

View all performing arts chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about family problems Books about making friends Books about moving Books about clubs Books about coming of age Books about coping with failure Books about crushes Books about dragons

Our 10 Favorite Books About Performing Arts

Great books, picked for their age.

Performing Arts Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Performing Arts Picture Books

Performing Arts Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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