Books About San Francisco · 102 titles considered

The Best San Francisco Books for Kids

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

Looking for excellent children's books about san francisco? 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.

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

#1 in Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About San Francisco

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Book Scavenger

By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman · Book #1 in the Book Scavenger series

Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.

368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,247 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Three Pennies

By Melanie Crowder

A foster girl seeks her birth mother before losing her chance at a forever home.

208 pages· 25,848 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Marin, a foster child, clings to her I Ching and three pennies, hoping to find her birth mother and fix her life. As she settles into a promising new home, unexpected news threatens her dreams. Can Marin navigate the shifting ground beneath her feet and find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

By Laurence Yep, Joanne Ryder, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Dragon's Guide series

A young girl discovers a magical sketchbook that brings her drawings to life, but also attracts a monster that feeds on magic.

192 pages· 29,050 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,260 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a city teeming with hidden magical creatures, dragon Miss Drake and her 'pet' human, Winnie, face an unexpected challenge. Winnie's sketchbook, filled with drawings of fantastical beings, has unleashed its creations onto the streets. As chaos ensues, the unlikely duo must work together to recapture the mischievous sketchlings. Can they restore order before it's too late, or will the city be forever changed by Winnie's imagination?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2008

Little Brother

By Cory Doctorow · Book #1 in the Little Brother series

A teen hacker battles a surveillance state after a terrorist attack changes everything.

382 pages· 106,188 words· Est. 10 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 53,927 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Marcus, a savvy hacker, finds his life upended after a terrorist attack in San Francisco. Wrongly detained by Homeland Security, he returns to a city transformed into a police state. With citizens treated as suspects, Marcus must decide if he can challenge the oppressive system. Can he outsmart the surveillance and reclaim freedom, or will he be silenced? Dive into a gripping tale of rebellion and resilience where every move is watched, and every choice could be his last.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2007

The Alchemyst

By Michael Scott · Book #1 in the The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series

An ancient alchemist's secrets threaten the world. Can two teens unlock their powers in time?

369 pages· 85,668 words· Est. 8 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 169,192 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Nicholas Flamel, the legendary alchemist, is alive and guarding the Book of Abraham the Mage, a tome of unimaginable power. When the sinister Dr. John Dee steals it, the world teeters on the brink of destruction. Teenagers Sophie and Josh Newman are thrust into a battle of magic and prophecy. They must harness their newfound abilities to prevent catastrophe. Will they master their powers in time to save humanity, or will Dee's dark ambitions prevail? Dive into a world where myths come alive and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2004

Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko · Book #1 in the Tales from Alcatraz series

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

Newbery Honor (2005)

228 pages· 49,689 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,483 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1935, twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan moves to Alcatraz Island, where his father works at the infamous prison. Surrounded by notorious criminals, Moose must adapt to this unusual environment while caring for his autistic sister, Natalie. As he grapples with the island's dangers and mysteries, Moose discovers unexpected friendships and challenges that test his courage and resilience. Can he find a way to balance his responsibilities and uncover the secrets of Alcatraz? This historical fiction tale blends humor, heart, and intrigue, inviting readers to explore a world where the line between right and wrong blurs.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Jailbreak at Alcatraz

By Tom Sullivan · Book #2 in the Unsolved Case Files series

Three inmates vanish from Alcatraz, sparking an unsolved mystery.

106 pages· 7,212 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 332 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1962, Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers pull off a daring escape from Alcatraz, leaving behind a baffling mystery. As the guards discover their absence, a decades-long manhunt begins. Dive into this gripping true story, complete with FBI files and investigation photos, and unravel the secrets of an escape that defied the impossible. Will the truth ever surface?

Sale price

$1135

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2001

A Movie in My Pillow

By Jorge Argueta, Elizabeth Gomez (Illustrator)

A boy navigates new life in San Francisco, cherishing memories of El Salvador.

Americas Award (2001)

32 pages· 981 words· Est. 9 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 135 ratings

$11.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In San Francisco's Mission District, young Jorgito navigates life between two worlds. His heart holds the vibrant memories of El Salvador's volcanoes and his grandmother's tales, while he embraces the bustling city life. As he transforms from a timid newcomer to a confident city dweller, Jorgito's dreams weave a tapestry of his bicultural identity. What wonders and challenges will he encounter as he balances the beauty of his past with the excitement of his present? Discover the movie in his pillow, where his inner world comes alive in a dance of dreams and reality.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Ruby Lost and Found

By Christina Li

A girl navigates grief and change through scavenger hunts, family secrets, and a fight to save a bakery.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2024)

304 pages· 63,739 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 792 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Ruby Chu feels lost after her grandfather's death. Sent to a senior center for the summer, she reluctantly teams up with Liam, a classmate, to save a historic Chinatown bakery. As they retrace her grandfather's scavenger hunts, Ruby uncovers family secrets and discovers unexpected connections. Can she find her way through grief and change?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 1962

This is San Francisco

By Miroslav Sasek · This is series

Explore San Francisco's charm through vibrant illustrations and iconic landmarks.

64 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 404 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey through San Francisco's iconic streets and vibrant neighborhoods, where the rumbling cable car narrates tales of crooked lanes and bustling Chinatown. Experience the city's enchanting allure through vivid illustrations that capture its breathtaking landscapes and cosmopolitan spirit. Discover the magic of the City by the Bay, where every corner holds a new story waiting to be told.

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San Francisco Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about san francisco for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$799

San Francisco

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Count vibrant sights in San Francisco's iconic landmarks.

Series

Sale price

$995

S Is for San Francisco

Ages 0–7 · 2017

Explore San Francisco's iconic landmarks through a playful A-B-C journey.

Series

Sale price

$999

Larry Loves San Francisco!

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A curious pup explores San Francisco's iconic sites, but can he find his way home?

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night San Francisco

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Explore San Francisco's wonders as bedtime stories lull children to sleep.

Series

Sale price

$999

San Francisco

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover San Francisco's wonders through a child's eyes with this engaging guide.

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San Francisco Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Pride

Ages 4–9 · 2018

Discover the inspiring journey of the iconic rainbow flag, a global symbol of hope and equality.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$699

April Fools' Fiasco

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A bookstore prank turns into a real robbery. Can the kids solve the mystery?

Sale price

$2499

Mike Mulligan and More

Ages 4–7 · 2002

Discover timeless tales of resilience and change in a classic picture book collection.

Sale price

$899

Marching with Aunt Susan

Ages 6–10 · 2011

In 1896, a young girl joins the suffrage movement, seeking change.

#22 in Series

Sale price

$699

Nate the Great San Francisco Detective

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A lost joke book threatens the world. Can a young detective solve the case in time?

Sale price

$699

Hannah Is My Name

Ages 5–9 · 2004

A family from Taiwan seeks a new life in America, awaiting green cards to call it home.

Sale price

$799

Maybelle the Cable Car

Ages 4–7 · 1952

Can San Francisco's cable cars survive against the odds?

Sale price

$1899

Me, Frida

Ages 6–9 · 2010

Lost in a new city, Frida finds inspiration to become a celebrated artist.

Series

Sale price

$3422

San Francisco 49ers

Ages 7–13 · 2021

Discover the legendary rise of the San Francisco 49ers.

Sale price

$1595

When You Look Out the Window

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A couple's activism reshapes their city and beyond.

Sale price

$1899

Keeper of the Light

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A lightkeeper battles relentless fog and disaster to keep the beacon shining after a devastating earthquake.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Larry Gets Lost in San Francisco

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A dog chases a donut, gets lost, and explores a city's landmarks.

View all san francisco picture books

Browse by age

San Francisco Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about san francisco for developing and independent readers.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$999

Out of Left Field

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl challenges baseball's gender rules, uncovering forgotten female players.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Golden Gate

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Young spies face a mole and double agents in a thrilling mission.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Harvey Milk?

Ages 8–11 · 2020

A teacher becomes a trailblazing politician, championing gay rights against all odds.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$699

The San Francisco Splash

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A missing World Series ring and a man overboard spark a mystery at the ballpark.

#11 in Series

Sale price

$699

Grand Canyon Grab

Ages 7–9 · 2019

A TV star vanishes at the Grand Canyon. Can three kids solve the mystery before it's too late?

#10 in Series

Sale price

$799

Colossal Fossil

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A sleepover at a museum turns mysterious after a loud crash. What happened to the Spinosaurus?

#8 in Series

Sale price

$799

Secret Admirer

Ages 7–9 · 2015

Secret admirer sends clues. Can they solve the Valentine mystery?

#7 in Series

Sale price

$699

Operation Orca

Ages 7–9 · 2015

A baby orca vanishes. Can three kids solve the mystery?

#5 in Series

Sale price

$799

The New Year Dragon Dilemma

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A girl vanishes during a parade. Can young detectives solve the mystery?

Series

Sale price

$799

You're Bacon Me Crazy

Ages 9–12 · 2014

Can Tessa and Asher save the food truck and confront their feelings?

Sale price

$799

Emmy in the Key of Code

Ages 8–12 · 2019

New girl Emmy finds harmony in coding and music, but secrets threaten her newfound rhythm.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$799

Space Shuttle Scam

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A space museum visit turns mysterious as someone targets Alice's property.

View all san francisco chapter books

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Books about books and reading Books about civil rights Books about feelings and emotions Books about foster care Books about immortality Books about law and crime Books about mother-daughter relationships Books about prison or jail

Our 10 Favorite Books About San Francisco

Great books, picked for their age.

San Francisco Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

San Francisco Picture Books

San Francisco Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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