Books About Theater · 179 titles considered

The Best Theater Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about theater? 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.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Theater

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2021

Violets Are Blue

By Barbara Dee

A young girl faces family secrets and broken trust amidst a fresh start.

304 pages· 50,561 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,548 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Wren, a twelve-year-old makeup enthusiast, hopes for a new beginning in a new town. As she lands a role as the makeup artist for her school's play, her optimism is tested by her mother's mysterious illness and troubling behavior. With her mom's job at risk and their relationship strained, Wren must navigate a world where not everything can be masked. Can she rebuild trust and find her footing in this new reality?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 582,615 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Kenny & the Dragon

By Tony DiTerlizzi · Book #1 in the Kenny & The Dragon series

A boy must save his dragon friend from a village's deadly misunderstanding.

151 pages· 21,192 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,023 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the quiet village of Roundbrook, young Kenny Rabbit faces a daunting challenge: his new friend, a misunderstood dragon, is marked for extermination. As fear grips the villagers, Kenny must orchestrate a legendary battle reenactment to change their minds. Can he protect his friend without igniting a real conflict? The stakes are high, and Kenny's loyalty will be tested in this tale of courage and friendship.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Surviving the Applewhites

By Stephanie S. Tolan · Book #1 in the Applewhites series

A rebellious boy meets his match in a quirky family's home school. Can he survive the chaos?

Newbery Honor (2003)

240 pages· 44,937 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 11,759 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jake Semple, a notorious troublemaker, lands in the unconventional home school of the eccentric Applewhite family. Among artists and dreamers, he clashes with E.D., the sensible outsider. As chaos ensues, Jake must confront whether he's truly as tough as he believes. Will he adapt or unravel in this whirlwind of creativity and conflict?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1991

Amazing Grace

By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Grace-picture Books series

A young girl dreams of playing the lead role in her school play despite others doubting her.

32 pages· 711 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,278 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace dreams of playing Peter Pan in the school play, but faces resistance from classmates who claim she can't because she's black and Peter is a white boy. Undeterred, Grace sets out to prove that imagination knows no bounds. Will she overcome the barriers and soar on stage as Peter Pan? Dive into Grace's world where determination and creativity challenge the status quo, and discover if she can truly become the hero of her own story.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

Maisy Goes to a Show

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

Experience the magic of a first theater show with Maisy and friends.

32 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 144 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join Maisy and her friends as they embark on their first theater adventure. From the moment they hand over their tickets to the final standing ovation, they are dazzled by vibrant lights, colorful costumes, and enchanting songs. As the curtain rises, the excitement builds—will the show live up to their expectations? Discover the joy and wonder of live performance through the eyes of these curious friends, making the unfamiliar thrilling and fun.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories

By Angela McAllister, Alice Lindstrom (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the World Full of . . . series

Discover Shakespeare's timeless tales, retold for young readers in a captivating anthology.

128 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 281 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Step into a world of wonder with this enchanting collection of Shakespeare's classics, reimagined for children. From the magic of 'The Tempest' to the tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet,' each tale is beautifully illustrated, inviting young readers to explore the drama and intrigue of these timeless stories. Will love conquer all? Can dreams become reality? This anthology offers a perfect introduction to the Bard's most beloved works, sparking curiosity and imagination in readers of all ages.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2018

The Callback

By Maddie Ziegler · Book #2 in the Maddie Ziegler series

Can Harper regain her passion and balance dance with new challenges?

272 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 700 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Harper faces 'dancer's block' just as her team prepares for a crucial competition. With her soloist spot at risk, she joins the school musical to reignite her passion and make friends. But juggling dance, the musical, and school proves overwhelming. As rivalries heat up, Harper must find her balance on and off stage. Will she rediscover her love for dance and lead her team to victory?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

My Life Is a Joke (Graphic Novel)

By James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Betty Tang (Illustrator)

Can Jacky balance work, family, and her dream of performing, or will chaos reign this summer?

248 pages· 16,181 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 352 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jacky Hart dreams of a summer filled with acting and singing, but reality hits hard when she's stuck with a job and babysitting duties in Seaside Heights. As she navigates the chaos of losing her job, embarrassing herself in front of a crush, and ruining a friendship, Jacky must decide if she can juggle her responsibilities and still pursue her passion for the stage. Will she find a way to shine in the summer stock performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, or will her comedic antics lead to a summer of mishaps?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Death in the Spotlight

By Robin Stevens · Murder Most Unladylike series

A murder on stage threatens opening night. Can they catch the killer?

416 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 7,608 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells return to London, stepping into the world of acting. But danger lurks as a cast member is found dead. With jealousy and threats in the air, the Detective Society must unravel the mystery before the murderer strikes again. Will they solve the case before the curtains rise?

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Theater Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Will Sister Bear's pet turkey become Thanksgiving dinner?

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You!

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two bear siblings try out for their school's play and basketball team, but things don't go as planned.

Sale price

$1899

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece

Ages 5–8 · 2014

A shy artist must conquer stage fright to save the school play.

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright

Ages 3–7 · 1986

Sister Bear faces stage fright in the school play. Will she overcome it?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

All About Ellie

Ages 5–9 · 2012

A young girl navigates her passion for performing and her responsibilities as a member of a group caring for abandoned rabbits.

Sale price

$1699

Bard of Avon

Ages 6–10 · 1992

A small-town boy becomes the world's greatest playwright amidst intrigue and theater fires.

Sale price

$1889

William Shakespeare & the Globe

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Explore Shakespeare's world from Elizabethan London to the Globe's rebirth.

Series

Sale price

$599

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Freddy must play the turkey in the Thanksgiving play, facing laughter and embarrassment.

Series

Sale price

$499

Annie and Snowball and the Shining Star

Ages 5–7 · 2009

Annie faces stage fright on her big night. Can her family help her shine?

Series

Sale price

$899

Arthur's Thanksgiving

Ages 5–8 · 1983

Arthur must direct a Thanksgiving play and choose the perfect lead and turkey.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Corduroy Takes a Bow

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Corduroy explores a theater, seeking his place on stage.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Angelina on Stage

Ages 4–8 · 1986

Jealousy threatens a friendship during a ballet performance.

View all theater picture books

Browse by age

Theater Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about theater for developing and independent readers.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Show Must Go On!

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Bree's dream role turns into a nightmare. Is it stage fright or something sinister?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1399

My Life Is a Joke

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Can Jacky balance summer responsibilities and her dream to perform onstage?

Sale price

$799

Okay for Now

Ages 10–13 · 2011

A troubled teen finds unexpected hope in art and friendship amidst family turmoil.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Nate Expectations

Ages 10–14 · 2018

Nate faces high school drama and a secret while turning Dickens into a musical.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A school play, a rumored witch, and a risky scheme collide. Can Alice-Miranda save the day?

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Extra Credit

Series

Sale price

$1099

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Extra Credit

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A reluctant reader must ace school to avoid summer camp, risking friendships and love.

#8 in Series

Sale price

$499

Miss Laney Is Zany!

Ages 6–10 · 2010

A school is threatened with closure due to budget cuts, and the students must find a way to save it.

#35 in Series

Sale price

$499

Cooper

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A young boy is forced to participate in a play about the founding of his town, but everything changes when a puppy joins the cast

#20 in Series

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Missing Myth

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A missing actor threatens a Greek play. Can the Thea Sisters save the show?

Series

Sale price

$499

No Biz Like Show Biz

Ages 7–9 · 2007

A magic wind swaps identities before the school play. Chaos ensues.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

Drama at Mouseford

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Who will shine as Juliet in Mouseford Academy's grand play?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

The Chance to Fly

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A theater-loving girl in a wheelchair faces unexpected challenges to perform in her dream musical.

View all theater chapter books

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Books about coping with failure Books about dragons Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about forgiveness Books about habits and behavior Books about homeschooling Books about juvenile delinquency Books about mother-daughter relationships

Our 10 Favorite Books About Theater

Great books, picked for their age.

Theater Picture Books

Theater Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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