Books About School Shootings

The Best School Shootings Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about school shootings? 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 Golden Hour
Graphic Nov.
This Is Where It Ends
The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About School Shootings

Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Golden Hour

By Niki Smith

A high school student returns from spring break to a school recovering from a traumatic event and finds grounding through photography, friendship, and a calf named Daisy.

248 pages· 6,704 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,266 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Manuel Soto, grappling with anxiety after a traumatic event, finds unexpected solace in photography and new friendships. Partnered with classmates Sebastian and Caysha for a project, Manuel discovers peace on a cattle farm and joy in a newborn calf's antics. As they prepare for the county fair, Manuel faces his fears, opens his heart, and discovers first love. Will he find healing and hope in this rural escape?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

The Shape of Thunder

Two estranged friends attempt time travel to heal their shattered lives.

275 pages· 57,218 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,775 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Cora and Quinn, once inseparable, are torn apart by tragedy. Cora mourns her sister lost in a school shooting, while Quinn bears the weight of her brother's actions. On Cora's birthday, Quinn proposes a daring plan: travel back in time to prevent the catastrophe. As they delve into the mysteries of time travel, they discover that the true magic lies in their rekindled friendship. Can they change the past, or will they find healing in the present? This poignant tale explores the power of belief and the bonds that can mend broken hearts.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2010

Mockingbird

Caitlin seeks closure in a world of black and white after her brother's death.

235 pages· 36,527 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 36,051 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Caitlin, an eleven-year-old with Asperger’s, navigates a world of stark contrasts after her brother's death. As she searches for closure, she embarks on a journey to understand emotions and empathy. Her quest leads her to discover that life is not just black and white but filled with messy, beautiful colors. With her father struggling to cope, Caitlin must find her own way through grief and confusion. Will she find the closure she desperately seeks, or will the complexities of life prove too overwhelming? Dive into Caitlin's world and uncover the unexpected beauty within chaos.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2018

That's Not What Happened

A survivor must decide between revealing the truth or preserving a comforting lie about a tragic school shooting.

336 pages· 79,260 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 21,225 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Three years after the Virgil County High School Massacre, a survivor grapples with guilt and truth. Her best friend Sarah's story of dying for her faith is a lie, one she knows firsthand. As Sarah's parents publish a book, this might be her last chance to reveal what really happened. But challenging the narrative could upset many who cherish Sarah's martyrdom. As she uncovers more, doubt creeps in—what's worse, staying silent or facing the fallout of honesty? In a world where stories hold power, she must choose between comfort and truth.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2016

This Is Where It Ends

Trapped in a school auditorium, students face a terrifying shooter. Can they survive the next 54 minutes?

336 pages· 53,803 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 155,561 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Summary: At Opportunity High, the new semester begins with a chilling twist. As the principal's speech ends, students find themselves trapped in the auditorium. Within minutes, gunfire erupts. Over the next 54 harrowing minutes, four students must navigate their deepest fears and hopes while confronting the armed assailant. Will they find a way out, or will the boy with the gun shatter their world forever? This gripping tale explores the raw reality of school violence, challenging readers to reflect on courage, loss, and the urgent need for change.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Keep exploring
Books about aspergersBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about empathyBooks about violence

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo