Books About True Stories

The Best True Stories Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about true stories? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About True Stories

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2015

Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed

By Lesléa Newman, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

A composer rescues a tiny stray kitten who surprises him with music of her own.

40 pages· 1,101 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 804 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Moshe Cotel is a composer who lives in a noisy building in a noisy city and hears music everywhere. One day he rescues a tiny kitten and names her Ketzel. When Moshe struggles to write a very short piece for a competition, Ketzel's stroll across his piano keys gives him a surprising idea. Inspired by a true story; winner of the 2016 Sydney Taylor Award.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · 1998

Ten True Animal Rescues

By Jeanne Betancourt

Animals become unexpected heroes in life-saving encounters.

80 pages· 8,249 words

4.2 Goodreads · 144 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Discover heartwarming tales where animals defy instincts to become heroes. A gorilla protects a boy in her zoo enclosure, a cat saves an infant, and a dolphin rescues a drowning woman. Each story reveals the extraordinary bond between humans and animals, challenging our understanding of bravery and compassion. What drives these creatures to act beyond their nature? Dive into these true stories and explore the mysteries of animal heroism.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 2023

Stars of the Night

By Caren Stelson, Selina Alko (Illustrator)

Children escape war-torn Prague, seeking safety and uncover a hero's identity decades later.

40 pages· 1,652 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.5 Goodreads · 640 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On the brink of World War II, 669 children flee Prague on the Kindertransport, leaving behind everything familiar. As they seek refuge in Britain, they face the haunting reality of their parents' fate. Decades later, they uncover the identity of the man who orchestrated their rescue. This poignant tale of survival and courage reveals the enduring impact of one man's selfless act amidst the horrors of war. Will they find solace in the truth of their past?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

Out of the Woods

By Rebecca Bond

When fire sweeps through the forest, people and animals must share the only safe place.

40 pages· 1,035 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 644 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Antonio Willie Giroux, almost five, lives in the hotel his mother runs on the edge of a lake and longs to see the forest animals that always stay hidden. One hot, dry summer a fire rushes through the woods, and everyone in town wades into the lake. Then the animals come too. Based on the true story of the author's grandfather.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Courageous Canine!

By Kelly Milner Halls · National Geographic Kids Chapters series

Three true stories of animals who showed remarkable courage, starting with a very brave dog.

112 pages· 9,414 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 185 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: This collection of true stories celebrates animals who acted like heroes. Short chapters tell of a courageous dog and two more amazing animals, with photos and facts along the way, for readers ready to move on from leveled readers.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch

By Mona Kerby, Lynne Barasch (Illustrator)

A stray dog becomes a mail guardian, embarking on adventures across the U.S. and beyond.

40 pages· 1,748 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 283 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1888, a stray dog named Owney finds a home in the Albany post office. His adventurous spirit leads him to become the mail's loyal guardian, traveling across the U.S. and even around the world. As Owney rides the rails and sails the seas, his journey raises questions: How far will his loyalty take him? What adventures await this extraordinary canine? Discover the true story of a dog whose dedication to the mail made him a global traveler and a beloved mascot.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Herbert

By Robyn Belton

A small dog is swept away in a storm at sea, and a boy refuses to give up.

40 pages· 759 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 117 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Herbert was a small dog who lived by the sea and was loved best of all by a boy named Tim. One day Herbert went out on a boat with Tim's father, and a sudden storm swept him away. Robyn Belton tells and illustrates the true story of Herbert's adventure and of a boy who never gave up hope.

Chapter Book · 2011

Miracle Pets

By Allan Zullo

Animals defy danger in astonishing survival stories.

122 pages· 24,419 words

4.1 Goodreads · 138 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Discover the incredible true stories of animals who faced life-threatening challenges and emerged victorious. From a dachshund battling an eagle midair to pigs escaping a factory, these tales of survival will captivate and inspire. What drives these creatures to defy the odds? Uncover the courage and resilience of these remarkable animals as they navigate perilous situations, leaving you in awe of their bravery and determination. Each story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survival in the animal kingdom.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Lost in the Amazon

Book #3 in the Lost series

A teen survives a plane crash in the jungle. Can she escape alive?

176 pages· 24,221 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 398 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Juliane Koepcke survives a plane crash, finding herself alone in the vast, treacherous Peruvian jungle. Injured and isolated, she faces a daunting fight for survival. Can she overcome the wild and find her way back to civilization, or will the jungle claim her as its own? As she battles the elements and her own fears, every step could be her last. The jungle holds secrets, and Juliane must unravel them to make it out alive. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2005

The Librarian of Basra

By Jeanette Winter

A librarian risks everything to save books from war's destruction.

32 pages· 469 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,800 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In war-torn Basra, librarian Alia Baker faces a daunting challenge: saving her beloved library's books from impending destruction. As conflict looms, Alia's determination and courage ignite a daring rescue mission. With the library's future hanging in the balance, can she and her friends preserve the city's literary treasures before it's too late? This true story of bravery and love for knowledge unfolds with urgency and hope, reminding us of the power of literature to transcend boundaries and adversity.

Ages 3–6Picture Book Club