Books About Southwest United States

The Best Southwest United States Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about southwest united states? 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 Southwest United States

Sale price

$1976

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Code Talker

By Joseph Bruchac

A Navajo youth becomes a secret weapon in WWII, using an unbreakable code.

231 pages· 53,166 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 19,264 ratings

$20.80Save 5%

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Ned Begay, eager to serve in WWII, joins the Marines as a Navajo Code Talker. Tasked with a top-secret mission, he uses his native language to send unbreakable messages across the Pacific. From Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, Ned faces intense battles, his role crucial yet hidden from the world. As he navigates the horrors of war, he grapples with the weight of his secret contribution, one that remains classified long after the conflict ends. How will this experience shape him, and what will he sacrifice for his country?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit

By Susan Lowell

A desert race pits patient Tortoise against speedy Jackrabbit. Who will win?

32 pages· 587 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 152 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Summary: In a desert showdown, Tortoise challenges the overconfident Jackrabbit to a race. As Tortoise steadily makes her way through the arid landscape, Jackrabbit's carefree attitude might just be his downfall. With Roadrunner, Tarantula, and Gila Monster cheering them on, the race is on. Will patience triumph over speed?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1976

The Goat in the Rug

By Charles L. Blood, Martin Link, Nancy Winslow Parker (Illustrator)

A goat's wool becomes a Navajo rug, revealing friendship and craft.

40 pages· 907 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Geraldine, a spirited goat, embarks on a unique journey with Glenmae, a skilled Navajo weaver. As Geraldine's wool is transformed into a beautiful rug, they discover the intricate art of weaving and the strength of their friendship. Each step, from clipping to spinning and weaving, unveils the dedication and cooperation needed to create something extraordinary. Will their bond withstand the challenges of this creative endeavor?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

From Texas with Love

By Dan Gutman · The Genius Files series

Twins on a road trip face cryptic threats and hidden dangers in Texas.

304 pages· 46,215 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,961 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old twins embark on a wild road trip, navigating quirky tourist spots and cryptic threats. As they journey through Texas, mysterious codes hint at a lurking danger. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late? With enemies lurking and a robotic voice guiding them, the twins must stay one step ahead in this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things

By Wendelin Van Draanen · Sammy Keyes series

Campers face danger as poachers hunt endangered condors.

293 pages· 66,428 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,783 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Sammy's camping trip turns perilous when she and her friends discover an injured condor. Lost in a canyon, they must outsmart a dangerous poacher while protecting the rare bird. Can they survive the wilderness and save the condor before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 1999

Don't Call Me Pig!

By Conrad J Storad, Beth Neely (Illustrator), Don Rantz (Illustrator) · Javelina series

Discover why a desert creature insists it's not a pig.

32 pages· 848 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 147 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Summary: In the sun-drenched deserts of the Southwest, a javelina embarks on a whimsical journey to set the record straight. Often mistaken for a pig, this spirited creature uses humor and rhyme to reveal its true identity. As it encounters various desert inhabitants, the javelina challenges misconceptions and educates readers about its unique world. Will it finally convince everyone that it's not a pig? Dive into this colorful tale to find out!

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Tucket's Ride

By Gary Paulsen · The Tucket Adventures series

A family faces danger and capture during the Mexican War of 1848.

112 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,102 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Francis Tucket, with Lottie and Billy, veers south on the Oregon Trail to escape winter, only to stumble into the Mexican War of 1848. Captured by desperadoes, their survival hinges on loyalty, courage, and unexpected twists. Can they outsmart their captors and find Francis's parents, or will the war claim them first?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1994

Coyote

By Gerald McDermott · Trickster series

Coyote's quest to fly leads to unexpected trouble with the crows.

32 pages· 562 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 455 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Coyote, ever the trickster, yearns to soar like the crows. He convinces them to teach him, but his boasting soon wears thin. The crows, fed up with his antics, decide to teach him a lesson he won't forget. Will Coyote's ambition lead to his downfall, or will he find a way to outsmart the clever birds? Discover the chaos that ensues when Coyote's dreams take flight.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1971

Annie and the Old One

By Miska Miles, Peter Parnall

A Navajo girl struggles to accept her grandmother's inevitable passing.

44 pages

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,139 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Annie, a young Navajo girl, desperately tries to prevent her beloved grandmother's death by delaying their weaving project. As she learns about life's natural cycle, will she find peace in letting go?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 9–14 · 1999

The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow

By Ann Turner · Dear America series

A Navajo girl faces the harrowing Long Walk to survive.

208 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,576 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Summary: In 1864, a young Navajo girl recounts her tribe's forced relocation by the U.S. Army. As they endure the brutal Long Walk, she must find strength and hope amidst despair. Will they reach safety, or will the journey break them? Her story is a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of her people.

The Bookroo Book Club