Books About Strangers · 70 titles considered

The Best Strangers Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about strangers? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Strangers

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Madame Badobedah

By Sophie Dahl, Lauren O'Hara (Illustrator) · Madame Badobedah series

A young girl suspects a mysterious hotel guest is a supervillain. Is she right, or is there more to the story?

56 pages· 3,674 words· Est. 29 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 585 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Mabel, a curious girl at the Mermaid Hotel, suspects the eccentric Madame Badobedah is a supervillain. With her spy gear ready, Mabel investigates the mysterious guest, who carries bags of treasures and a pet tortoise. As Mabel embarks on imaginary adventures with Madame Badobedah, she discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Is Madame Badobedah truly a villain, or is there a deeper story behind her enigmatic presence? Join Mabel in this whimsical tale of friendship and discovery, where young and old unite against the mundane.

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1994

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

By Dagmar Geisler (Illustrator) · Safe Child, Happy Parent series

Empower children to say 'no' to unwanted touch.

36 pages· 443 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 377 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Clara guides children in understanding their right to personal boundaries. Through her story, young readers learn how to assertively reject unwanted physical contact and seek help from trusted adults. This empowering narrative equips children with the confidence to protect their bodies and voice their discomfort, ensuring they feel safe and heard in any situation. How can Clara's lessons help children navigate these challenging moments?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Wolf's Curse

By Jessica Vitalis

A boy, cursed and hunted, must unravel the truth about a deadly wolf and his village's dark secrets.

336 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 471 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Gauge is shunned by his village, accused of witchcraft for seeing the Great White Wolf, a harbinger of death. When the Wolf claims his grandpapa, Gauge is left alone, with a bounty on his head. Joined by Roux, a fellow orphan, they question everything they've been taught about their village and the Wolf. As they uncover hidden truths, the line between myth and reality blurs. Can they escape the curse and find their place in a world that fears them? A tale of friendship, survival, and the courage to challenge fate.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2004

Boris and Bella

By Carolyn Crimi, Gris Grimly (Illustrator)

A messy monster and a tidy ghoul clash at a Halloween party.

32 pages· 808 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,091 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In Booville, chaos meets order when Bella Legrossi, the messiest monster, and Boris Kleanitoff, the tidiest ghoul, are forced to confront their differences. As Halloween approaches, their clashing lifestyles threaten to ruin the town's biggest party. Can these unlikely neighbors find common ground, or will their rivalry spell disaster for the festivities? Discover how a night of spooky fun might just change everything.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2023

It Happened on Saturday

By Sydney Dunlap

A girl's online friendship hides a dangerous secret that could trap her friends.

242 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 722 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Julia loves horses more than makeup, but when her best friend finds romance, she seeks attention online. A charming boy named Tyler seems to understand her, but his intentions are sinister. As Julia's world unravels, she must decide whether to reveal the truth and protect her friends from a similar fate. Will she find the courage to speak out, or will her silence lead to disaster?

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Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Speak Up!

By Rebecca Burgess

An autistic girl must decide if she'll reveal her secret identity to stand up to bullies and embrace her true self.

272 pages· 12,957 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,756 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Mia, an autistic girl, navigates a world that misunderstands her. Secretly a viral singer, she faces a dilemma: perform live and reveal her identity or let fear hold her back. With her nonbinary friend Charlie by her side, Mia must confront her bullies and decide if she'll show the world her true self. Will she risk her friendship and her secret to stand up for who she is?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

How to Disappear Completely

By Ali Standish

Emma's world shifts from magic to mystery as strange spots appear and a journal writes back.

400 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 729 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Emma's life changes when her beloved grandmother passes away, leaving her with a mysterious skin condition and a journal that seems to write back. As she navigates school bullies and doctor visits, Emma must uncover who is communicating with her and redefine her story in a world without Gram. Will she find the magic she lost, or discover something entirely new? This tale of transformation and connection explores how we hold onto who we are amidst life's changes.

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Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Garlic and the Witch

By Bree Paulsen

A vegetable girl faces a magical journey and an unexpected transformation.

142 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 13,315 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Garlic, a vegetable girl, enjoys life with Witch Agnes and the friendly Count. But when a vital ingredient for a blood substitute is only available at the distant Magic Market, Garlic must embark on a daunting journey. As she prepares, she discovers she's slowly turning human, a change she fears. Can Garlic embrace her transformation, or will she choose to remain as she is? Join her on a magical adventure filled with friendship and self-discovery.

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Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Garlic & the Vampire

By Bree Paulsen

A timid vegetable must confront a vampire threatening her village.

160 pages· 3,314 words· Est. 37 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 23,828 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Garlic, a timid vegetable, prefers the safety of her garden. But when a vampire moves into the nearby castle, her village insists she's the one to confront him. With her friend Carrot and Witch Agnes's encouragement, Garlic musters the courage to face her fears. Can she, a simple garlic bulb, really stand against a bloodthirsty vampire? As the village's hope rests on her shoulders, Garlic embarks on a journey that will test her bravery and self-belief. Will she discover her true strength, or will her fears get the best of her? After all, garlic is supposed to repel vampires... right?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

In the Neighborhood

By Rocio Bonilla

Neighbors break barriers when a simple outage sparks unexpected friendships.

32 pages· 670 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In a quirky neighborhood, assumptions keep Camila the chicken, Mr. Martínez the fox, Felipe the mouse, and Pepe the ogre apart. But when Mrs. Paquita's internet fails, a chain reaction of kindness begins. Can these unlikely neighbors overcome their differences and discover the joy of community? Dive into a heartwarming tale where friendship blooms in the most unexpected ways.

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Strangers Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

The Visitor

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A mysterious visitor challenges Elise's fears, transforming her world forever.

Sale price

$1799

Don't Touch My Hair!

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl dodges curious hands reaching for her hair everywhere she goes.

Sale price

$1799

Nothing in Common

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Two neighbors unite over a missing dog, discovering unexpected connections.

Sale price

$1799

Otter Goes to School

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Otter's school adventure hits a snag when Teddy loses interest. Can Otter Keeper save the day?

Sale price

$1899

I Do Not Like Yolanda

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Bianca fears the post office clerk. Can kindness change her mind?

Sale price

$999

Chester the Worldly Pig

Ages 4–7 · 1978

A pig dreams of a life beyond the farm's fate.

Sale price

$1395

Your Body Belongs to You

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Learn to say 'no' to unwanted touch and understand body boundaries.

Sale price

$1699

I Am a Bird

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A girl discovers a surprising connection with a mysterious woman on her daily bike ride.

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita y Margaret

Sale price

$799

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita y Margaret

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Two girls bridge a language gap to play together. Can fun transcend words?

Sale price

$1899

Roy Is Not a Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Is the mysterious neighbor a dog in disguise? Uncover the truth on Lilypod Lane.

Sale price

$1699

Bravo, Avocado!

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Avocado seeks to be special at the market, but can she find what makes her unique?

Sale price

$1799

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A fearless chicken faces a wolf. Is he truly dangerous or just misunderstood?

View all strangers picture books

Browse by age

Strangers Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about strangers for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$999

Someday Angeline

Ages 8–12 · 1983

A gifted girl struggles to fit in until unexpected friendships offer hope.

Sale price

$1999

The First State of Being

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A boy from the future changes everything for Michael. How far will he go to uncover the secrets of time?

Sale price

$999

Here in the Real World

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Two misfit kids must defend their secret refuge from being destroyed.

Sale price

$1699

The Decomposition of Jack

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy juggles family turmoil and a mysterious cougar sighting in Tennessee.

Sale price

$1699

The Boy on the Porch

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A silent boy on a porch changes a couple's life forever.

Sale price

$799

The Summer of Riley

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A boy fights to save his dog from a harsh law after a harmless chase threatens its life.

Sale price

$1695

Brightwood

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must protect her home from a sinister stranger threatening her world.

Sale price

$799

The Center of Everything

Ages 10–12 · 2013

A birthday wish could fix Ruby's chaotic world—if she doesn't mess it up.

Sale price

$1699

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Two girls connect across the globe through a magical book, unraveling a mysterious love story.

Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography

Sale price

$799

Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography

Ages 8–12 · 2002

Uncover the secrets behind the mysterious Lemony Snicket and the unfortunate Baudelaire orphans.

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Sale price

$699

The Zoey Zone (Geek Chic

Ages 8–12 · 2008

Can Zoey transform her uncool life and secure a spot at the popular table?

Sale price

$799

Cathedral of Bones

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young man faces a monster and uncovers secrets of his past.

View all strangers chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Strangers

Great books, picked for their age.

Strangers Picture Books

Strangers Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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