Books About Southern Life

The Best Southern Life Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about southern 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.

The Shortlist

Our 2 Favorite Books About Southern Life

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Uncle Jed's Barbershop

By Margaree King Mitchell, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

A barber dreams of his own shop amidst 1920s segregation and setbacks.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1994)

40 pages· 999 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,165 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In the 1920s segregated South, young Sarah Jean admires her Uncle Jed, the county's only black barber. Despite traveling far to serve clients, Jed dreams of owning a barbershop. Facing challenges like Sarah Jean's medical emergency and the Great Depression, his dream seems distant. Will perseverance lead him to his own shop? Discover a tale of resilience and hope.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

By Sheila Turnage · Book #2 in the Mo & Dale Mystery series

A ghost haunts an old inn, and Mo must uncover its secrets before the past consumes Tupelo Landing.

368 pages· 67,311 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,978 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Mo and Dale are back on the case when Miss Lana becomes the owner of a haunted inn. As they delve into the mystery, they uncover secrets that suggest the past is not just haunting the inn but the entire town of Tupelo Landing. With a historical ghost promising extra credit and a town full of quirky characters, Mo must solve the mystery before history repeats itself. Can they uncover the truth behind the ghostly presence, or will the past remain buried? Join Mo and Dale in this laugh-out-loud Southern mystery adventure.

The Bookroo Book Club