Books About Rural Life · 86 titles considered

The Best Rural Life Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about rural life? 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.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
Anne of Green Gables
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Rural Life

Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

As Brave As You

By Jason Reynolds

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

Coretta Scott King Award (2017)
410 pages· 76,056 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,521 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1903

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

A spirited girl transforms her strict aunts' lives in rural Maine.

340 pages· 72,541 words· Est. 9.5 hour read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 36,226 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1944

Rabbit Hill

By Robert Lawson · Book #1 in the Rabbit Hill series

New residents stir excitement and mystery among the Hill's animals. What surprises await?

127 pages· 20,499 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 8,435 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

Anne of Green Gables

A shy farmer and his sister unexpectedly take in an imaginative orphan girl who transforms their quiet lives.

416 pages· 102,150 words· Est. 14 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo experts
$16.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Clara and Davie

A young Clara Barton overcomes a lisp to discover her healing gift, leading to greatness.

34 pages· 1,973 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 470 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1996

The Moorchild

A changeling girl must confront her past to right a wrong and find her place between two worlds.

241 pages· 55,728 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,652 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

Granddaddy's Turn

A boy witnesses his grandfather's first vote in the segregated South.

32 pages· 940 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 439 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2022

Anne's School Days

By Kallie George, Abigail Halpin (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Anne Chapter Books series

Anne's school days are disrupted by a pesky classmate. Can she find peace with her rival?

72 pages· 1,660 words· Est. 19 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 424 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2017

Anne of Green Gables (Graphic Novel)

A young orphan girl is sent to live with an elderly brother and sister in the countryside.

231 pages· 6,597 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 18,271 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1982

When I Was Young in the Mountains

By Cynthia Rylant, Diane Goode (Illustrator)

Experience the cherished simplicity of mountain life through a child's eyes.

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,524 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
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Rural Life Picture Books

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

Thank a Farmer

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the journey of everyday essentials from farm to table and the hands that make it possible.

The Year at Maple Hill Farm

Ages 4–8 · 1978

Experience a year of seasonal changes through the eyes of farm animals.

Summertime in the Big Woods

Ages 4–8 · 1996

Summer arrives, and two sisters explore the joys of outdoor adventures.

It Could Always Be Worse

Ages 4–7 · 1976

A crowded hut, a Rabbi's advice, chaos ensues. Can things get worse?

Biblioburro

Ages 5–8 · 2010

A teacher journeys with books to remote Colombian children.

The Berenstain Bears Down on the Farm

Ages 4–8 · 1987

The Bear family discovers the fun in farm life with Farmer Ben.

Rodeo Red

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A girl must outsmart her baby brother to save her beloved dog.

The Berenstain Bears and Mama's New Job

Ages 3–7 · 1984

Mama Bear's new job challenges family dynamics.

The Bird in Me Flies (Graphic Novel)

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A young girl defies tradition to pursue her artistic dreams in 1920s Sweden.

Bigmama's

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A train ride to Florida sparks a summer of family memories and childhood adventures.

Meteor!

Ages 4–8 · 1987

A meteor crash brings unexpected magic to a small town.

The Barn Owls

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A barn owl's nightly hunt reveals a timeless ritual under the moonlit sky.

View all rural life picture books
Browse by age

Rural Life Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about rural life for developing and independent readers.

Gather

Ages 13–17 · 2023

A teen and his dog flee to save their home and future.

Snow Foal

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl and a wild foal find hope and friendship in a cold, isolated winter.

Then There Were Five

Ages 8–12 · 1944

Four siblings face unexpected adventures and a new friendship during a summer alone.

Understood Betsy

Ages 7–11 · 1916

City girl faces unexpected country life, transforming her world.

I Shall Wear Midnight

Ages 13–+ · 2010

A young witch battles a rising tide of fear threatening her world. Can she stop the darkness before it consumes all?

Rascal

Ages 8–12 · 1963

A boy's bond with a raccoon faces an unexpected spring twist.

Catwings Return
Sale price
$699

Catwings Return

Ages 5–9 · 1989

Winged cats return to a changed city, uncovering a hidden surprise.

Wild Life

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A boy and his dog face the wild, uncovering family secrets and survival truths.

A Handful of Stars

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A runaway dog sparks a friendship that challenges belonging and prejudice.

Danger on Panther Peak

Ages 8–12 · 1985

A boy braves panther territory to save his injured grandfather during a blizzard.

Big Red

Ages 9–12 · 1945

A boy and his dog face a deadly bear in the wild.

The Good Master

Ages 9–12 · 1935

A summer on the Hungarian plains turns thrilling with unexpected adventures and dangers.

Keep exploring
Books about blindnessBooks about brothersBooks about choosing cheerinessBooks about country lifeBooks about family lifeBooks about friendshipBooks about grandparentsBooks about self-esteem and self-reliance

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