Books About Violence · 317 titles considered

The Best Violence Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about violence? 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 Violence

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1960

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee · Book #1 in the To Kill a Mockingbird series

A lawyer defends an innocent man in a town gripped by prejudice.

323 pages· 99,820 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,071,177 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a Southern town seething with prejudice, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous stand as he defends a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime. As tensions rise, will justice prevail, or will hatred triumph? This poignant tale explores the depths of human morality and the innocence of youth amidst societal turmoil.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1988

Matilda

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against her cruel parents and the evil headmistress of her school.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (1989)Odyssey Honor (2014)

240 pages· 40,056 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,142,116 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Matilda is a brilliant young girl misunderstood by her neglectful parents. At school, she encounters the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, a headmistress who despises children. When Matilda discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities, she sees a chance to stand up against the oppressive Trunchbull. Can Matilda outsmart the tyrant and bring justice to her school? With courage and wit, she might just change everything.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1991

Shiloh

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor · Book #1 in the Shiloh series

A boy risks everything to protect a runaway dog from its abusive owner.

Newbery Medal (1992)

144 pages· 29,820 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 90,804 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Marty Preston discovers a beagle in the hills and names him Shiloh. But Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers, a man known for his cruelty. When Shiloh escapes to Marty, the boy faces a moral dilemma: hide the dog and risk his family's safety or return him to Judd. As secrets unravel, Marty must decide how far he's willing to go to save his new friend. Can he outsmart Judd and keep Shiloh safe, or will his actions bring danger to his doorstep? The stakes are high in this tale of friendship and courage.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1967

The Outsiders

A boy's world shatters when a gang rivalry spirals out of control.

214 pages· 48,944 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,672,520 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Ponyboy navigates a harsh world where loyalty is everything. With his brothers and friends by his side, he faces constant threats from the Socs, a gang of wealthy bullies. But when a violent encounter escalates, Ponyboy's life takes an unexpected turn, challenging his beliefs and testing his bonds. Can he find his place in a divided society, or will the chaos consume him? Discover a gripping tale of friendship, identity, and survival in a world where the lines between right and wrong blur.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybils Award Finalist (2017)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas · Book #1 in the The Hate U Give series

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Michael L. Printz Honor (2018)Odyssey Award (2018)

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,036,978 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Shout

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

304 pages· 27,174 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 22,413 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a powerful memoir, Laurie Halse Anderson uses free verse to confront society's silence on sexual assault. Through personal stories and calls to action, she challenges readers to listen and speak out. As she reflects on her own experiences, Anderson's words become a rallying cry for change, urging everyone to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Will her voice inspire a new wave of courage and truth?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

By Randy Ribay

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

By Tiffany D Jackson

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2019)

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 88,903 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.

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Violence Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1700

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

Series

Sale price

$1695

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

Ages 3–6 · 1994

Empower children to say 'no' to unwanted touch.

Sale price

$1699

The Day War Came

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A child's world shatters as war arrives, leaving her to seek hope in a foreign land.

Sale price

$2095

Brothers in Hope

Ages 7–9 · 2005

A young boy leads a perilous journey across war-torn lands, seeking safety and hope.

Sale price

$799

Boris and Bella

Ages 4–7 · 2004

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

Series

Sale price

$1499

Yes! No!

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Introduce kids to consent with engaging, clear language.

Sale price

$1899

Survivor Tree

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A tree survives 9/11's devastation, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Series

Sale price

$899

Do You Have a Secret?

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Discover which secrets are safe to keep and which need to be shared.

Sale price

$1799

Unspeakable

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A thriving community faces devastation in a forgotten tragedy of racial violence.

Sale price

$1895

The Big Bad Wolf in My House

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A girl faces danger as her mom's new friend reveals a dark side.

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

Sale price

$1995

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

Ages 4–10 · 2017

Discover the power of personal space and consent through engaging scenarios.

Sale price

$1899

Hector

Ages 8–11 · 2019

A boy's tragic death during a protest sparks change in apartheid-era South Africa.

View all violence picture books

Browse by age

Violence Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about violence for developing and independent readers.

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Sale price

$1099

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Ages 14–18 · 2019

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

Sale price

$1999

Maybe He Just Likes You

Ages 9–13 · 2019

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

Sale price

$1699

The Star Outside My Window

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl believes her missing mum is a star and sets out to prove it.

Sale price

$1799

Fighting Words

Ages 10–+ · 2020

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

Sale price

$1699

The Canyon's Edge

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A girl battles nature and inner demons to survive a desert disaster.

Sale price

$1699

The Bridge Home

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Sale price

$1999

Long Way Down

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

Sale price

$1799

Genesis Begins Again

Ages 9–13 · 2019

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Series

Sale price

$999

The War That Saved My Life

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

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Sale price

$899

Belly Up

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A hippo's suspicious death at FunJungle leads Teddy into a dangerous investigation.

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Sale price

$1999

Legend

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A prodigy and a criminal collide in a deadly game, uncovering dark secrets of their war-torn nation.

Sale price

$899

Blended

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

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Keep exploring

Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about prejudice and racism Books about race relations Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about abuse Books about animal abuse Books about animal rescue Books about courage

Our 10 Favorite Books About Violence

Great books, picked for their age.

Violence Picture Books

Violence Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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