Books About Surgery

The Best Surgery Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about surgery? 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.

Flowers for Algernon
#2 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Surgery

Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1966

Flowers for Algernon

By Daniel Keyes

A man's quest for genius mirrors a lab mouse's fate. Will he face the same decline?

311 pages· 75,561 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 835,182 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Charlie Gordon, once limited by a low IQ, undergoes a groundbreaking surgery that transforms him into a genius. As his intelligence soars, he surpasses even the scientists who altered his life. But when Algernon, the lab mouse who underwent the same procedure, begins to deteriorate, Charlie faces a haunting question: will his newfound brilliance be fleeting? As he navigates the complexities of his enhanced mind, Charlie must confront the possibility of losing everything he has gained. Can he find meaning in his transformation, or is he destined to follow Algernon's tragic path?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Rivals

By Tim Green · Book #2 in the Baseball Great series

A young athlete uncovers a dangerous secret at a high-stakes baseball tournament.

272 pages· 48,902 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,062 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Josh's dreams hang in the balance at a national baseball tournament in Cooperstown. With his dad coaching, victory could mean fame and fortune. But after a dirty play sidelines him, Josh discovers suspicious activities. His friend Jaden is distracted by a star player, leaving Josh to face a rival on and off the field. As the stakes rise, can Josh uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Turtle Boy

A boy faces fears to fulfill a friend's dying wishes.

Sydney Taylor Book Award (2021)
400 pages· 74,343 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,047 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Will Levine, bullied for his appearance, dreads visiting RJ, a boy with an incurable disease, for his bar mitzvah project. Initially at odds, RJ shares his bucket list, urging Will to step out of his comfort zone. As RJ's condition worsens, Will embarks on a journey to complete the list, discovering courage and friendship along the way. Can Will overcome his fears and honor RJ's dreams before time runs out?
Picture Book · Ages 7–12 · 2016

Tiny Stitches

By Gwendolyn Hooks, Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

A surgical technician defies odds to pioneer children's heart surgery.

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 414 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Vivien Thomas, an African American surgical technician, dreams of studying medicine. After losing his savings in 1929, he finds work at Vanderbilt University. Despite racial barriers, he assists in developing a groundbreaking heart surgery for children. As his innovative procedure saves lives, Vivien's contributions remain uncredited. Can he overcome the prejudice and claim his rightful place in medical history?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes

A determined scientist overcomes adversity to revolutionize blindness treatment.

40 pages· 879 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 508 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Patricia Bath, a visionary who defied racism, poverty, and sexism to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. During the Civil Rights Movement, she faced daunting obstacles but never wavered. Her groundbreaking work in ophthalmology brought light to countless lives. Discover her inspiring journey and the revolutionary treatment she developed for blindness. What challenges did she overcome, and how did she change the world? Dive into this captivating tale of perseverance and innovation, complete with a biography, fun facts, and a personal note from Dr. Bath herself.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Cone Cat

By Sarah Howden, Carmen Mok (Illustrator)

A cat's cone becomes a surprising tool for mischief and discovery.

32 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 510 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jeremy, a cat with a cone, discovers unexpected talents. From hunting spiders to sneaking ice cream, his new accessory turns into a superpower. But when the cone is removed, will he miss his newfound abilities? Dive into this whimsical tale of adaptation and feline antics, where every challenge is an opportunity for fun.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

You Go First

Two distant friends, linked by Scrabble, face middle school challenges and family upheaval.

320 pages· 35,972 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 5,645 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Charlotte and Ben, separated by miles but united by an online Scrabble game, face the trials of middle school and family chaos. Charlotte dreams of geology, while Ben is a history buff. Both are gifted yet isolated, sitting alone at lunch. Over one pivotal week, their virtual friendship becomes a lifeline as they navigate personal struggles and unexpected connections. Can they find solace in each other despite the distance? Discover how two unlikely friends learn they're not alone in their battles, and how friendship can bridge even the widest gaps.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2020

Patricia's Vision

A visionary doctor defies odds to restore sight and make medical history.

48 pages· 1,520 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dr. Patricia Bath, a trailblazing ophthalmologist, defies societal norms to revolutionize eye surgery. In a world where women, especially African-American women, rarely became doctors, she invents a laser to remove cataracts, restoring sight to countless patients. As she co-founds the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, her journey raises questions: Can one woman's vision change the world? Will her innovations inspire future generations? Discover the story of a woman who chose miracles when others gave up hope, and forever altered the landscape of medicine.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

The Hospital Book

A young girl faces her fears during a hospital visit.

40 pages· 1,001 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A little girl's stomach ache leads to a hospital adventure, where she navigates the unknown from diagnosis to recovery. With humor and empathy, this tale transforms a daunting experience into a comforting journey. Will she find courage amidst the chaos? Discover how a scary trip becomes a story of resilience and reassurance, filled with lively illustrations and engaging speech bubbles. Perfect for easing young minds about hospital visits, this book offers a gentle exploration of bravery and healing.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Too Big to Run

A group of kids rallies to save injured and abandoned dogs in their town.

128 pages· 11,742 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 30 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: When Maxi, a marathon-training dog, needs surgery, the Pet Rescue Club springs into action. Janey's blog uncovers a neglected dog, prompting her and friends Zach, Lolli, and Adam to help. As they discover more animals in need, these fourth graders are determined to make a difference. Can they find a way to save them all?
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