Books About Social Issues · 80 titles considered

The Best Social Issues Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

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

Looking for excellent children's books about social issues? 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 Social Issues

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

Three children flee their war-torn homes, facing perilous journeys for a chance at refuge and hope.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2017)Sydney Taylor Book Award (2018)

338 pages· 65,632 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,132 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by time and place, yet united by their desperate quests for safety. Josef flees Nazi Germany, Isabel escapes Cuba's turmoil, and Mahmoud braves Syria's chaos. Each faces life-threatening challenges—drownings, bombings, betrayals—on their harrowing journeys. As they seek refuge, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing the enduring power of hope and survival. Will they find the sanctuary they seek, or will the dangers prove insurmountable? Discover the connections that bind their fates in this gripping tale of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,951 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Best Family Ever

By Karen Kingsbury, Tyler Russell · Baxter Family Children series

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and moving to a new home.

277 pages· 45,507 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,742 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: The Baxter siblings—Brooke, Kari, and Ashley—must leave their beloved home for a new life in Bloomington. As they grapple with change, their talents and sisterly bonds are tested. Will their faith and love for each other be enough to navigate this upheaval? Discover the childhood adventures of the Baxter family in a heartwarming tale of resilience and unity.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Blended

By Sharon M. Draper

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

308 pages· 49,032 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 20,412 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Isabella, an eleven-year-old piano prodigy, juggles life between her divorced parents' contrasting worlds. Her father's black, her mother's white, and she's caught in their escalating conflicts. As both parents announce engagements, Isabella grapples with her mixed identity, feeling torn between two halves. Her world shatters when a routine day with her stepbrother Darren turns dangerous—a cell phone mistaken for a gun leads to a police confrontation. Can Isabella find unity in her fractured life, or will the divisions define her forever? Discover the heart-wrenching journey of a girl seeking wholeness in a divided world.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Paper Wishes

By Lois Sepahban

A girl clings to hope as her family is uprooted during wartime.

192 pages· 28,265 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 3,572 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1942, young Manami's world shatters when her Japanese American family is forced from their home to a desert internment camp. Heartbroken over leaving her dog, Yujiin, behind, Manami secretly hopes for his return. As she grapples with loss and guilt, can she find a way to heal and reunite her fractured family?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2012

Liar & Spy

By Rebecca Stead

A boy's friendship is tested as he spies on a mysterious neighbor.

180 pages· 38,480 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 26,994 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Georges, a seventh-grader, navigates a new life in a Brooklyn apartment, dealing with school bullies and his parents' struggles. He befriends Safer, a quirky neighbor who enlists him to spy on the enigmatic Mr. X. As the surveillance intensifies, Georges questions the limits of loyalty and the true nature of friendship. What secrets lie behind the doors of their building, and how far will Georges go to uncover them?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2014

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

By Justin Roberts, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

A small girl stands up to playground bullies, making a big impact.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2015)

40 pages· 552 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,155 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Sally McCabe, the smallest girl in the smallest grade, notices everything, including the bullying on the playground. Tired of being overlooked, she bravely speaks out, challenging the status quo. As Sally's voice rises, will her courage inspire others to join her stand against unkindness? Discover how one small act can ripple through a community, proving that even the smallest person can make a significant difference. Join Sally on her journey to be heard and see how her bravery transforms her world.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

A Poem for Peter

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Steve Johnson (Illustrator), Lou Fancher (Illustrator)

An artist's dream defies odds, creating a groundbreaking children's book.

Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2017)

52 pages· 2,327 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,028 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ezra Jack Keats, born to struggling immigrants in Brooklyn, defied the odds to become an artist. Despite his father's doubts, Ezra's determination led him to success with the WPA and Marvel comics. His dream culminated in 'The Snowy Day,' featuring Peter, a boy in a red snowsuit, exploring the snow. This Caldecott Medal-winning book was the first to feature an African American child in mainstream literature. Discover how Ezra's journey from humble beginnings inspired generations of dreamers in this captivating narrative.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

The Gift That I Can Give

By Kathie Lee Gifford, Julia Seal (Illustrator)

Children discover their power to make a difference through simple acts of kindness.

26 pages

4.3 Goodreads · 263 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Board Book

Summary: In a world where even the smallest actions can create ripples, children learn they don't have to wait to make a difference. Through simple gestures like hugs and cheers, they find unique ways to spread love and kindness. This heartwarming tale encourages young readers to embrace their gifts and impact those around them. With charming illustrations and a message of empowerment, this story inspires children to see the beauty in their actions and the potential within themselves. What will your child discover about their own ability to change the world?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Lost Boy

By Tim Green

A boy's quest to find his father may be his mom's only hope for survival.

304 pages· 60,558 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 479 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ryder's world shatters when his mom is hospitalized after an accident. Desperate to save her, he discovers a baseball signed by a Major League player, possibly his father. With the help of a neighbor and a firefighter, Ryder embarks on a daring journey to uncover his father's identity and secure the funds for his mom's life-saving operation. Will Ryder's search lead to a miracle, or will he remain lost in the shadows of uncertainty?

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Social Issues Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

The Oak Inside the Acorn

Ages 6–10 · 2000

An acorn's journey to discover its unique purpose unfolds with unexpected revelations.

Series

Sale price

$1499

When God Made You

Ages 3–7 · 2017

Discover your unique place in the universe and embrace your special gifts.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Rocket Says Look Up!

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A young dreamer rallies her community to witness a rare comet sighting together.

Sale price

$1895

Separate Is Never Equal

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A family challenges school segregation, changing history.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$1999

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A young girl tries to build a park in her neighborhood.

Sale price

$1699

Mango Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A family grapples with life after a father's deportation.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Bear Likes Jam

Ages 3–7 · 2017

Bear craves jam but must face his veggie dilemma. Can he balance both?

Sale price

$1899

One Big Heart

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Celebrate diversity and unity through shared laughter and curiosity.

Sale price

$1899

Last Stop on Market Street

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A young boy spends the day with his grandmother, exploring their neighborhood and learning about the beauty in unexpected places.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Be Who You Are

Ages 3–6 · 2001

Celebrate your uniqueness and embrace who you truly are.

Sale price

$1899

Teacup

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A boy's journey to find a new home leads to unexpected hope and companionship.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Who's In My Family?

Ages 3–7 · 2012

Explore diverse families through a zoo adventure and a joyful dinner.

View all social issues picture books

Browse by age

Social Issues Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about social issues for developing and independent readers.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Boy Meets Squirrels

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A boy discovers two ancient squirrels who have been frozen in time for nearly 2,000 years and must navigate the challenges of modern life with their help.