Books About The Great Plains · 67 titles considered

The Best The Great Plains Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the great plains? 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 The Great Plains

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1994

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon

By Paula Danziger, Tony Ross (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Amber Brown series

Best friends face separation and conflict. Can they mend their bond before it's too late?

80 pages· 7,973 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,755 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are inseparable best friends until Justin's sudden move threatens their bond. As they grapple with distance and misunderstandings, their friendship is put to the ultimate test. Can Amber and Justin find a way to bridge the gap, or will their connection be lost forever? Amidst the chaos of shared custody and growing up, Amber's journey is filled with humor, heart, and the challenge of holding onto what matters most. Discover if friendship can truly withstand the trials of time and distance in this heartfelt tale.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2012

The Prairie Thief

By Melissa Wiley, Erwin Madrid (Illustrator)

A young girl's father is accused of theft and she must navigate a complex web of relationships and secrets to clear his name.

192 pages· 39,740 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,565 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Louisa Brody's life on the Colorado prairie is turned upside down when her father is jailed for a crime he didn't commit. Living with the treacherous Smirches, who accused him, Louisa discovers a magical secret beneath the hazel grove. With her friend Jessamine, she must harness this secret to clear her father's name. Can they outsmart the Smirches and prove her father's innocence? This enchanting tale of courage and magic will keep you guessing as Louisa navigates a world where nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1935

Little House on the Prairie

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A pioneer family faces unexpected challenges on the Kansas prairie.

352 pages· 51,885 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 305,261 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Laura Ingalls and her family journey from Wisconsin to Kansas, seeking a new life on the prairie. As they build their home and adapt to frontier life, unexpected conflicts arise. Will they be forced to uproot once more? Join Laura in this tale of resilience and adventure, where the vast prairie holds both promise and peril.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1971

The First Four Years

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young woman navigates marriage, motherhood, and farming in the late 19th century American Midwest.

134 pages· 24,277 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 45,848 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Laura begins her journey as a pioneer wife alongside her husband, Almanzo, on the South Dakota prairie. As they build their life together, they welcome their daughter, Rose, into a world filled with both trials and triumphs. Will their love and resilience be enough to overcome the harsh realities of frontier life? Discover the heartwarming tale of a family's courage and determination in the face of adversity, as Laura transitions from a little pioneer girl to a devoted wife and mother.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999

Gift Horse

A boy's courage is tested when his beloved horse is stolen by enemies.

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Flying Cloud, a young Lakota boy, receives a horse named Storm, marking his path to manhood. As they bond, enemies steal Storm, forcing Flying Cloud to join a rescue mission. Can he prove his bravery and become a true warrior? This vivid tale explores the challenges of growing up and the traditions of the Lakota people in the 19th century.

Sale price

$1994

Picture Book · Ages 1–8 · 2003

The Star People

By S.D. Nelson

Lost in a prairie fire, two siblings seek a way home under mysterious dancing stars.

34 pages· 985 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 255 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf stray from their village into the vast prairie, only to face a raging fire. As they escape the flames, they find themselves lost in a desolate landscape. With nightfall approaching, the siblings must find their way back home. But why do the stars above seem to dance, and could they hold the key to their return? This tale, enriched by traditional Lakota ledger art, weaves a new legend of the Star People, where a grandmother's love transcends the earthly realm to guide her grandchildren through the darkness.

Sale price

$1049

Board Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

Leah's Pony

By Elizabeth Friedrich, Michael Garland (Illustrator)

A girl and her pony face a drought threatening their family farm.

Golden Kite Honor (1997)

32 pages· 1,334 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: In the Dust Bowl's harsh grip, young Leah and her beloved pony face a dire challenge. As locusts darken the sky and crops wither, Leah's family farm teeters on the brink of ruin. With her father's hopes fading, Leah must find the courage to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can her selfless act save her family and inspire a struggling town? Discover the power of sacrifice and resilience in this poignant tale of hope amidst despair.

Sale price

$2133

Picture Book · Ages 5–8

Blaze and the Forest Fire

By C.W. Anderson · Billy and Blaze series

A boy and his horse race to warn of a forest fire.

56 pages· 1,416 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 689 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

Summary: Billy and his trusty pony, Blaze, spot smoke rising from the forest. With danger looming, they gallop through the woods to raise the alarm. Can they reach help in time? Their bravery might just save the day, but what awaits them at the end of their daring ride? Discover the bond between a boy and his horse as they face the ultimate test of courage and friendship.

Sale price

$2133

Picture Book · Ages 5–8

Billy and Blaze

By C.W. Anderson · Billy and Blaze series

A young boy receives a pony as a birthday gift and learns valuable lessons about responsibility and friendship.

56 pages· 790 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,109 ratings

$22.45Save 5%

Summary: Billy, a boy who adores horses, receives a pony named Blaze for his birthday. Together, they explore fields and woods, building a bond of trust and skill. As they master jumping obstacles, a new challenge arises: the Mason Horse Show. Can their friendship and teamwork lead them to victory and the coveted silver cup? Discover the heartwarming journey of a boy and his beloved pony in this classic tale of adventure and competition.

Sale price

$599

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Santa Comes to Little House

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Renee Graef (Illustrator) · My First Little House series

Rain threatens Christmas at the prairie cabin. Will Santa find his way?

32 pages· 2,307 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 136 ratings

Summary: Laura and Mary Ingalls anxiously await Christmas in their prairie cabin, but relentless rain casts doubt on Santa's arrival. With no snow for his sleigh, will their holiday be saved? This heartwarming tale captures the spirit of hope and family, as the sisters wonder if magic can overcome the weather's challenge. Join them in a festive adventure that promises surprises and warmth, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Browse by age

The Great Plains Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the great plains for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$999

A Little Prairie House

Ages 4–8 · 1998

A family builds a new home on the prairie, facing challenges and finding joy in their journey.

Sale price

$899

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Ages 4–8 · 1988

A young artist seeks to capture the sunset's colors in a legendary quest.

Sale price

$1899

The Buffalo Are Back

Ages 5–8 · 2010

Witness the buffalo's journey from near extinction to thriving herds.

Sale price

$899

The Story of Jumping Mouse

Ages 4–8 · 1984

A mouse's journey to a legendary land tests his courage and compassion.

Sale price

$1700

The Gift of the Magi

Ages 6–9 · 1905

A couple sacrifices their dearest possessions for Christmas gifts.

Sale price

$799

What You Know First

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A girl must accept leaving her beloved prairie home.

Sale price

$1580

Prairie School

Ages 6–8 · 2001

Aunt Dora's arrival challenges Noah's view of learning on the prairie.

Sale price

$1899

Grandma's Tipi

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A summer at Standing Rock reveals family secrets and timeless traditions.

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day

Ages 4–7 · 1981

A family of bears moves from their hillside cave to a new home in the valley.

Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move

Sale price

$799

Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move

Ages 5–8 · 1995

A boy refuses to move with his family, clinging to his beloved hometown life.

Sale price

$1799

Prairie Boy

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A young boy transforms architecture by blending buildings with nature.

Sale price

$899

Dandelions

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A prairie journey tests a family's resolve and reveals a hidden hope.

View all the great plains picture books

Browse by age

The Great Plains Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the great plains for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

A Little House Sampler

Ages 8–12 · 1988

Discover untold stories that inspired the Little House series, revealing frontier life through Laura and Rose's eyes.

Sale price

$599

Christmas Stories

Ages 6–10 · 1998

A pioneer girl's Christmases grow more magical each year with gifts and friends.

Sale price

$699

Grandfather's Dance

Ages 6–10 · 2006

A prairie wedding reveals life's joys, sorrows, and a special dance.

Sale price

$1099

Little Farm in the Ozarks

Ages 8–12 · 1994

A young girl finds her place in a new home amidst challenges and adventures.

Sale price

$1595

Mr. Tucket

Ages 10–+ · 1994

Captured on the Oregon Trail, a boy must survive wild lands and hostile tribes to find his way back.

Sale price

$999

Betsy-Tacy

Ages 8–12 · 1940

A new friend moves in, sparking adventures and lifelong bonds.

Sale price

$899

Moccasin Trail

Ages 10–12 · 1952

A man torn between two worlds must reunite with his estranged family to survive a perilous journey west.

Sale price

$695

The Dust Bowl

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Navigate the Dust Bowl's trials through choices that determine survival or demise.

Sale price

$699

Skylark

Ages 6–10 · 1994

A family struggles to survive on their farm during a severe drought

Sale price

$699

Caleb's Story

Ages 6–10 · 2000

A mysterious old man disrupts a family's peace, revealing hidden grudges and secrets.

Sale price

$699

Twister on Tuesday

Ages 6–9 · 2001

Two siblings travel back in time to the American prairie during the 1870s and attend a one-room schoolhouse, where they learn about pioneer life and help their teacher and classmates survive a tornado