Books About Recovery

The Best Recovery Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about recovery? 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 Recovery

The Day I Lost My Superpowers
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

The Day I Lost My Superpowers

By Michael Escoffier, Kris Di Giacomo (Illustrator)

A child discovers her superpowers and her mom's hidden abilities.

32 pages· 242 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 594 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl, thrilled by her newfound superpowers, faces a challenge when they falter. In her moment of need, she uncovers her mother's hidden abilities, forging a deeper bond. Can they navigate this new world of shared powers together? Discover the humor and heart in their extraordinary journey.
The Perfect Star
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Perfect Star

By Rob Buyea · Book #3 in the The Perfect Score Series series

Middle schoolers face family upheavals, friendship rifts, and hidden talents in a year of unforgettable challenges.

384 pages· 73,946 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 761 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Eighth grade at Lake View Middle School is anything but ordinary. Gavin's football dreams are threatened by family turmoil. Natalie tackles big issues on the school news. Trevor's attempts to mend a friendship only deepen the rift. Randi's gymnastics injury and her mom's new boyfriend stir up trouble. Meanwhile, Scott uncovers surprising talents that make him a secret weapon. As they navigate tears, laughter, and surprises, these friends must play hard and smart to make their final year memorable. Will they overcome their challenges and stick together?
Small Steps
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1996

Small Steps

By Peg Kehret

A young girl battles polio, facing fear and finding strength to walk again.

Golden Kite Award (1997)
179 pages· 29,545 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 8,523 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At twelve, Peg Kehret is struck by polio, leaving her paralyzed and terrified. In a gripping journey of resilience, she fights to regain her strength, supported by doctors, family, and fellow patients. Will she walk again, or will the disease claim her dreams? Discover a true story of courage and hope.
Happy New Year, Mallory!
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

Happy New Year, Mallory!

By Laurie Friedman, Jennifer Kalis (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the Mallory McDonald series

Mallory's New Year's Eve plans crumble when illness strikes. Is a surprise in store?

176 pages· 16,946 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 302 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mallory eagerly anticipates a perfect New Year's Eve with her camp friends in Fern Falls. But when illness lands her in the hospital, her festive plans unravel. As she faces the prospect of ringing in the New Year alone, Mallory wonders if this marks the start of her worst year yet. Could an unexpected surprise change everything? Discover how Mallory's night unfolds in this heartwarming tale of friendship and unexpected twists.
Now One Foot, Now the Other
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1981

Now One Foot, Now the Other

By Tomie dePaola

A boy helps his grandfather recover from a stroke, mirroring past lessons learned.

48 pages· 1,036 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 1,202 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Bobby learns to walk with Grandpa Bob's guidance, but when a stroke changes everything, it's Bobby's turn to help. This heartfelt tale explores the bond between generations, as young and old face life's challenges together. Can Bobby's love and support help Grandpa Bob regain his strength? Discover a touching story of resilience and the enduring power of family connections.
Risky Chance
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2011

Risky Chance

By Alison Hart, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Horse Diaries series

A young Thoroughbred horse's life is forever changed when he is claimed by a new owner, a young girl and her father, a former jockey, who help him recover from his injuries and find a new purpose in life.

153 pages· 15,435 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 573 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Depression-era California, Risky Chance, a spirited thoroughbred, lives for the thrill of racing and the affection of his jockey's daughter, Marie. But an accident unveils the harsh realities behind the glamour of the track. Told from Chance's perspective, this tale explores the hidden struggles of a racehorse, challenging the notion of glory and raising questions about the true cost of speed and success. Can Chance find his way back to the life he loves, or will the shadows of the racing world consume him?
Lucky Stars
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

Lucky Stars

By Aron Nels Steinke · Book #3 in the Mr. Wolf's Class series

A boy's bike ride with his friend takes an unexpected turn after he loses control and crashes.

176 pages· 5,554 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 928 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Mr. Wolf's class, every day is an adventure. Sampson struggles to find a story worth telling until a bike ride with Margot ends in an accident, offering him a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, Penny's peculiar friendship with school rats and Stewart and Oliver's recess rivalry add to the classroom chaos. Can these students turn their everyday mishaps into compelling narratives?
Bear Feels Sick
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2012

Bear Feels Sick

By Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman (Illustrator) · The Bear series

Bear is sick, but when he recovers, his friends fall ill. Can friendship heal them all?

34 pages· 351 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 5,049 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Bear is feeling under the weather, stuck in his cave with aches and sneezes. His friends, Mole, Hare, and Mouse, rally around to comfort him. As Bear recovers, a twist of fate leaves his friends sick instead. Will their bond be enough to see them through this cycle of illness? Discover the warmth of friendship in this charming tale.
Bad Dad
Sale price
$2199
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Bad Dad

By David Walliams

Father and son race against time to outsmart a villain and clear a name.

421 pages· 41,915 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 12,232 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Join a father and son duo on a thrilling adventure as they confront the notorious Mr. Big. In a world where dads come in all forms, this pair must navigate a high-speed chase to prove innocence and restore their lives. Will they succeed in their daring mission to break into prison and save the day? This heartwarming tale of courage and laughter will keep you guessing at every turn.
You'd Be Home Now
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2021

You'd Be Home Now

By Kathleen Glasgow

A girl seeks her true self amid her brother's addiction and a town's secrets.

416 pages· 92,195 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 87,493 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Emory's life unravels after a tragic accident exposes her brother Joey's addiction. As Mill Haven grapples with the opioid crisis, Emmy must redefine her identity beyond labels. With Joey's return from rehab and the town's whispers, Emmy questions who she truly is. Can she break free from others' expectations and uncover the hidden truths around her? In a journey of self-discovery, Emmy learns that people are more than they seem, and love means accepting each other as they are. Dive into a poignant tale of family, identity, and resilience in a community shadowed by addiction.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Recovery Picture Books

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

By My Brother's Side
Sale price
$1899

By My Brother's Side

Ages 6–10 · 2004

Twins face setbacks but strive to achieve their football dreams.

Just a Little Sick
Series
Sale price
$599

Just a Little Sick

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A young boy stays home from school due to illness and has various adventures while trying to rest.

A Chair for My Mother
Sale price
$999

A Chair for My Mother

Ages 4–8

A family collects coins and works together to buy a new chair to replace the one they lost in a fire.

Dimity Dumpty
Sale price
$1599

Dimity Dumpty

Ages 3–7 · 2006

A shy soul steps up when Humpty Dumpty falls, saving the day in unexpected ways.

Beans Baker's Best Shot
Sale price
$599

Beans Baker's Best Shot

Ages 5–8 · 2006

A soccer injury sidelines Beans, but can he still help his team win?

The Hospital Book
Sale price
$1899

The Hospital Book

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young girl faces her fears during a hospital visit.

Sick Day
Series
Sale price
$799

Sick Day

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Boy gets sick, friends help him recover. Now it's his turn to care for them.

View all recovery picture books
Browse by age

Recovery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about recovery for developing and independent readers.

Good Enough
Sale price
$1799

Good Enough

Ages 9–11 · 2019

A girl battles her eating disorder and a secretive roommate in a fight for recovery.

Cool!
Sale price
$789

Cool!

Ages 9–12 · 2002

A boy trapped in silence fights to awaken from a coma.

11 Paper Hearts
Series
Sale price
$1199

11 Paper Hearts

Ages 12–+ · 2021

A girl follows mysterious paper hearts to uncover lost memories and a chance at love.

Miracles on Maple Hill
Sale price
$999

Miracles on Maple Hill

Ages 8–12 · 1956

A family finds hope and healing in a farmhouse after war's shadows linger.

Running Rivals
Series
Sale price
$2599

Running Rivals

Ages 8–11 · 2008

Can Amy overcome her fears to race again after an injury?

Speedway Switch
Series
Sale price
$899

Speedway Switch

Ages 8–11 · 2007

A racing champion is sidelined. Can his team win without him?

The Crash
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1099

The Crash

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A virtual-reality game blurs reality, forcing a player to confront fears and save a friend trapped within.

View all recovery chapter books