Books About Road Trips · 60 titles considered

The Best Road Trips Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Journey and Voyage Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about road trips? 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 Road Trips

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart · Book #1 in the Coyote Sunrise series

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

Cybils Award (2019)
352 pages· 82,710 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 33,921 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have roamed the country in a bus for five years. When Coyote learns her childhood park is being demolished, she hatches a secret plan to return home and retrieve a buried memory box. As they travel 3,600 miles, they gather a quirky group of travelers, each with their own dreams and struggles. Will Coyote's journey lead her to healing and a new beginning, or will the past prove too difficult to face? Discover the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past in this heartwarming adventure.
Mission Unstoppable
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

Mission Unstoppable

By Dan Gutman · Book #1 in the The Genius Files series

Twins on a road trip face mysterious threats and secret codes.

304 pages· 51,368 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 7,802 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald thought their family vacation was ordinary until danger struck. Chased by mysterious foes and decoding secret messages, they must uncover the truth about The Genius Files. From California's quirky museums to Wisconsin's oddities, their journey is a thrilling race against time. Can they outsmart the threats and solve the mystery before it's too late?
The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A family's road trip leads them into a pivotal moment in history.

Newbery Honor (1996)Coretta Scott King Honor (1996)Golden Kite Award (1996)
210 pages· 50,367 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 72,004 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join ten-year-old Kenny and the Watson family on a road trip from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. As they journey south, they unknowingly approach a turning point in the civil rights movement. Amidst the laughter and challenges, the Watsons face a world-changing event that tests their resilience and unity. Will their bond be enough to navigate the darkness ahead? Discover how humor and family ties can illuminate even the darkest paths.
Duck Stays in the Truck
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2020

Duck Stays in the Truck

By Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #16 in the Click Clack series

Duck refuses to join the camping fun. Can Farmer Brown unite them all?

32 pages· 394 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.7 Goodreads · 136 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Farmer Brown is ready for a camping adventure with his animals and brother Bob. The chickens are eager to hike, the cows want to fish, and the pigs plan to picnic. But Duck stubbornly stays in the truck, refusing to join the fun. Can Farmer Brown find a way to bring everyone together and make the camping trip a success? Discover the hilarity and surprises that unfold as Duck's reluctance challenges Farmer Brown's plans.
Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #1 in the Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest series

A twelve-year-old trivia enthusiast wins a mysterious prize from a retro arcade game that sets off a chain of events leading to a cross-country road trip with his estranged older brother.

272 pages· 41,995 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 371 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ben and Ethan, two mismatched brothers, embark on a summer road trip they dread. At a quirky diner, they stumble upon a clue to a million-dollar puzzle race. As they journey along Route 66, they must overcome their differences and outsmart rival families to solve the eccentric Ms. Pennypickle's ultimate challenge. Can they unite to claim the prize?
Ruth and the Green Book
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

Ruth and the Green Book

By Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Gwen Strauss, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

A family navigates a perilous journey with a guide to safe havens during a time of racial injustice.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2011)
32 pages· 1,494 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 2,521 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ruth embarks on a road trip with her family in the 1950s, only to face the harsh realities of racial discrimination. As they travel from Chicago to Alabama, they encounter hostility and closed doors. But hope arrives in the form of The Green Book, a guide listing safe places for Black travelers. With this lifeline and the kindness of strangers, Ruth's family strives to reach their destination. Will they find safety and acceptance on their journey? Discover the power of resilience and community in a world divided by prejudice.
The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter

By Jeff Kinney

Discover the chaos and creativity behind making a movie, from seagulls to robot pigs.

208 pages· 12,266 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 3,205 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a thrilling behind-the-scenes adventure in 'The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter.' Explore the unpredictable world of filmmaking with exclusive insights into 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.' Experience the chaos of filming seagulls invading a minivan, meet a robot pig, and uncover the secrets of an animatronic toddler. This journey is filled with unexpected twists, offering a glimpse into the wild ride of movie production. Will the team overcome the challenges and bring their vision to life? Dive in to find out!
Sanitized for Your Protection
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Sanitized for Your Protection

By Stephan Pastis · Book #4 in the Timmy Failure series

A cross-country trip turns chaotic as Timmy faces unexpected challenges.

288 pages· 22,435 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,813 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Timmy Failure embarks on a wild cross-country adventure with his mom, a polar bear, and a tangerine-scented criminal. As chaos ensues, Timmy must navigate a world where good and bad blur. Can he solve the mystery before it's too late?
Never Say Genius
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2012

Never Say Genius

By Dan Gutman · Book #2 in the The Genius Files series

Twins on a wild road trip face bizarre dangers and a relentless villain.

304 pages· 49,016 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 3,523 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a perilous road trip across the Midwest, pursued by the sinister Archie Clone. From boiling French fries to roller coaster kidnappings, their journey is filled with unexpected dangers and quirky tourist spots like the National Mustard Museum. Will they outsmart their pursuer and survive the most dangerous adventure of their lives? Discover the thrilling twists and laugh-out-loud moments in this unique blend of geography and fun.
You Only Die Twice
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2013

You Only Die Twice

By Dan Gutman · Book #3 in the The Genius Files series

Twins on a wild road trip face deadly foes and shocking surprises en route to Graceland.

304 pages· 48,665 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,611 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald are on a perilous road trip, dodging bizarre villains from Washington D.C. to Graceland. Their nemesis, Dr. Herman Warsaw, presumed dead, reappears with a shocking twist—he's engaged to their Aunt Judy! As their clueless parents remain oblivious, the twins must use their wits to survive. Will they outsmart their enemies and uncover the explosive truth awaiting them in Elvis's Memphis home? This adventure promises laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected turns, blending geography with thrilling escapades. Join Coke and Pepsi on this unforgettable journey filled with danger and discovery.
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Road Trips Picture Books

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

Ten Beautiful Things
Sale price
$1799

Ten Beautiful Things

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A journey reveals unexpected beauty and love amidst life's changes.

Going North
Sale price
$1899

Going North

Ages 5–8 · 2004

A family journeys north, facing segregation and uncertainty in search of a better life.

Charlie & Mouse Outdoors
Series
Sale price
$1499

Charlie & Mouse Outdoors

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young boy and his brother go on a road trip with their parents and have various adventures along the way.

Pete the Cat's Family Road Trip
Series
Sale price
$599

Pete the Cat's Family Road Trip

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A family embarks on a road trip across the United States, visiting famous landmarks and experiencing new things together.

Around America to Win the Vote
Sale price
$1699

Around America to Win the Vote

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Two suffragists journey across America, facing challenges to spread the message: Votes for Women.

Are We There Yet?
Sale price
$1799

Are We There Yet?

Ages 5–6 · 2016

A boy's car ride turns into a time-travel adventure through history's wonders and mysteries.

Our Great Big Backyard
Sale price
$1899

Our Great Big Backyard

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A summer road trip transforms Jane's screen-filled days into a journey of nature's wonders and discovery.

LaRue Across America
Sale price
$1799

LaRue Across America

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A dog's cruise plans are derailed by a road trip with cats. Can he escape?

View all road trips picture books
Browse by age

Road Trips Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about road trips for developing and independent readers.

Katt vs. Dogg
Series
Sale price
$799

Katt vs. Dogg

Ages 8–13 · 2019

Lost in the woods, a dogg and a katt must overcome rivalry to survive.

The Deep End
#15 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

The Deep End

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A family camping trip turns into a watery disaster. Can they escape the rising tide?

The Long Haul
#9 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

The Long Haul

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A family road trip spirals into chaos and unexpected adventure.

Five Survive
Sale price
$1999

Five Survive

Ages 14–18 · 2022

Six friends, one killer. Who will survive the night?

Wrong Way Summer
Sale price
$1699

Wrong Way Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl questions her father's tales on a road trip that blurs fantasy and reality.

View all road trips chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about campingBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about family historyBooks about family lifeBooks about farm animalsBooks about father-daughter relationshipsBooks about journeys and voyages