Books About Power And Control

The Best Power And Control Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about power and control? 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 9 Favorite Books About Power And Control

Monsters of Men
Sale price
$2019
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2010

Monsters of Men

By Patrick Ness · Book #3 in the Chaos Walking series

In a war-torn world, two teens face choices that could save or doom humanity.

Carnegie Medal for Writing (2011)
131,813 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 92,187 ratings
$21.25Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In a world on the brink of destruction, Todd and Viola must navigate a war where every choice could mean life or death. As the Spackle seek vengeance and human factions clash, the relentless Noise reveals all thoughts, amplifying chaos. With new settlers arriving, Todd and Viola confront impossible decisions: follow a tyrant or a terrorist, save a loved one or thousands, and question the possibility of redemption. As they race through turmoil, their journey leads to a shocking conclusion that will determine the fate of their world.
Watch Me
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2025

Watch Me

By Tahereh Mafi · Book #1 in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series

Infiltrate the last refuge of a fallen regime. Can survival outwit surveillance?

368 pages· 70,192 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 83,432 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: James Anderson infiltrates Ark Island, the last bastion of a fallen regime, only to find himself imprisoned. Meanwhile, Rosabelle Wolff, a trained assassin under constant surveillance, faces a deadly mission. As The Reestablishment plots a comeback, James and Rosabelle's paths collide in a world where trust is scarce and danger is omnipresent. Will they defy their roles or succumb to the system's grip? In a landscape of relentless action and forbidden romance, discover who you are when no one is watching.
Winter
Sale price
$2754
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Winter

By Marissa Meyer · Book #4 in the The Lunar Chronicles series

A princess and her allies must overthrow an evil queen to end a war.

827 pages· 206,250 words· Est. 19 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 322,200 ratings
$28.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Winter, admired for her grace, secretly defies her stepmother, the ruthless Queen Levana. With the help of Cinder, a cyborg mechanic, and other allies, Winter plans to ignite a revolution. As they unite against the tyrannical queen, the stakes are high: freedom or eternal oppression. Can this unlikely team of heroines overcome Levana's dark reign and secure their futures? Dive into this thrilling finale where fairy tale meets science fiction, and destinies are forged in the stars.
Jolly Foul Play
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Jolly Foul Play

By Robin Stevens · Book #4 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A student is murdered on Bonfire Night. Can two friends solve the mystery before their school unravels?

368 pages· 63,847 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 10,937 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: At Deepdean School for Girls, the new term brings chaos as the Head Girl, Elizabeth, is found murdered after Bonfire Night. Detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong must navigate a web of secrets and scandals, with cryptic notes appearing around the school. As their friendship strains under the pressure, they race against time to uncover the killer. Can they solve the mystery before suspicion destroys the student body?
The Tombs of Atuan
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1971

The Tombs of Atuan

By Ursula K. Le Guin · Book #2 in the Earthsea Cycle series

A priestess guards a dark secret; a wizard seeks forbidden treasure. Will she defy her fate?

Newbery Honor (1972)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Honor (1972)
187 pages· 45,931 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 142,840 ratings
Paperback
Summary: In the shadowy Tombs of Atuan, Tenar, now called Arha, serves as high priestess, stripped of her past. Her duty is to protect the Ring of Erreth-Akbe, a treasure sought by the mysterious wizard Ged. As Ged's magic and stories of distant lands awaken something within her, Tenar faces a choice: remain in darkness or risk everything for freedom. Can she trust the stranger who promises a world beyond her own? Discover the gripping tale of power, destiny, and the courage to change one's path in this captivating Earthsea adventure.
Lies
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2010

Lies

By Michael Grant · Book #3 in the Gone series

A dead boy returns, chaos reigns, and escape seems possible only through death.

464 pages· 95,198 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 73,999 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Seven months after adults vanish, chaos engulfs Perdido Beach. Sam faces Drake, a feared enemy thought dead, as fires rage and battles erupt. Amidst the turmoil, rumors spread that death might be the only escape from the FAYZ. As tensions rise, will the desperate kids risk everything for freedom, or succumb to the darkness closing in?
Storm Siren
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2014

Storm Siren

By Mary Weber · Book #1 in the The Storm Siren Trilogy series

A girl with forbidden powers must choose: become a weapon or face death in a war-torn kingdom.

333 pages· 84,448 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 10,818 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the kingdom of Faelen, Nym is an anomaly—a female Elemental with storm-summoning powers. Sold as a slave, she faces a choice: train as a weapon to win the war or be killed. As she navigates a world of politics and dark secrets, Nym must decide if she wants to be the weapon everyone expects. With a mysterious trainer and rumors of a greater evil, her decision could change everything. Will she control her power, or will it control her? Dive into a world where power determines the victor in this gripping fantasy tale.
Stolen Voices
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2005

Stolen Voices

By Ellen Dee Davidson

In a city of silence, can one voice expose the truth?

188 pages· 49,187 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 160 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Noveskina, harmony reigns, but 15-year-old Miri's lack of Talent threatens her future. As she uncovers the city's dark secrets, Miri must decide if her voice can challenge the sinister peace. Will she risk everything to reveal the truth?
Cold Blood
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Cold Blood

By S.J. Wills · Book #3 in the Bite Risk series

A new illness threatens, and suspicion spreads faster than fever.

288 pages· 60,438 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 51 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sel Archer faces a chilling new threat as a mysterious illness spreads through Tremorglade. With his newfound Ripper abilities, Sel must navigate suspicion and fear to find a cure. As the town turns against him, can Sel and his friends stop the Frozen Fever before it transforms them all into something monstrous? The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.