Books About Illinois · 106 titles considered

The Best Illinois Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about illinois? 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 Illinois

The Westing Game
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1978

The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin · Puffin Modern Classics series

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Newbery Medal (1979)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1978)
182 pages· 50,662 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 241,565 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sixteen strangers gather for the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find themselves embroiled in a mysterious game. With a fortune at stake, they must unravel cryptic clues amidst blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. As alliances form and secrets unravel, the question remains: what is the true nature of Westing's final challenge? In this twist-filled mystery, the dead man's game is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than anyone imagined. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?
Dandelion Wine
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1957

Dandelion Wine

By Ray Bradbury · Book #1 in the Greentown series

A boy's summer of wonder and discovery in a small town hides timeless secrets and marvels.

239 pages· 64,709 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 82,174 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In the summer of '28, twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding experiences a season of enchantment and discovery in Green Town, Illinois. Amidst apple trees and dandelions, he encounters the extraordinary John Huff, a boy who seems to defy the ordinary. As Douglas navigates this magical summer, he faces moments of joy and sorrow, uncovering the mysteries of childhood and the fleeting nature of time. What secrets does this summer hold, and how will it shape Douglas's life forever? Dive into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
A Long Way from Chicago
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1998

A Long Way from Chicago

By Richard Peck · Book #1 in the A Long Way from Chicago series

Two siblings face wild summers with their unpredictable grandmother.

Newbery Honor (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (1998)
148 pages· 35,326 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 36,379 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Every summer, Joey and Mary Alice journey to rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Their grandmother, a force of nature, turns each visit into an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and unforgettable lessons. As they navigate her eccentric world, the siblings discover more about themselves and the strength of family bonds. What surprises await them this summer?
Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Sale price
$2071
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

By David Green, John; Levithan · Book #1 in the Will Grayson, Will Grayson series

Two teens named Will Grayson meet, altering their lives forever.

352 pages· 74,277 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 415,798 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In a chance encounter on a cold Chicago night, two teens named Will Grayson meet, each from different worlds. Their unexpected connection sets off a series of life-changing events, leading to surprising friendships and a high school musical like no other. As their stories intertwine, both Wills face challenges that test their hearts and humor, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and transformation. What happens when two lives collide in the most unexpected way?
Lord of the Flies
Sale price
$1235
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

219 pages· 60,305 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 3,317,207 ratings
$13.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A plane crash leaves schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, freedom feels exhilarating, but without rules, chaos ensues. As fear and primal instincts take over, their world spirals into a nightmare. Will they survive the darkness within?
The House on Mango Street
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 251,383 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.
The House That Jane Built
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

The House That Jane Built

By Tanya Lee Stone, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

32 pages· 1,243 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,252 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jane Addams dreams of helping those in need become reality when she opens Hull House in a struggling Chicago neighborhood. As the settlement home grows, it becomes a beacon of hope, offering food, work, and community to thousands. How did one woman's vision change so many lives? Discover the inspiring journey of the first American woman Nobel Peace Prize winner and her lasting legacy.
Love, Amalia
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Love, Amalia

By Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

A girl navigates loss and discovers her heritage's power to heal.

127 pages· 21,203 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 354 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amalia faces the heartache of her best friend moving away and the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother. Through cherished memories and cultural traditions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can Amalia find strength in her heritage to overcome her sorrow and realize her own worth, even when those she loves are far away? This poignant story explores the resilience found in family bonds and cultural roots.
Logan Pryce Makes a Mess
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

Logan Pryce Makes a Mess

By Grace Gilmore, Petra Brown (Illustrator) · Tales from Maple Ridge series

A boy's eagerness risks his father's new job. Can he fix his mistake?

128 pages· 4,471 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 210 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1892 Maple Ridge, young Logan Pryce faces a family crisis as their farm struggles. When his father, Dale, lands a temporary job at the general store, Logan's enthusiasm to help might jeopardize everything. Can Logan correct his blunder before it's too late? Discover how a small-town community and a boy's determination can make all the difference in this heartwarming tale.
The World Series Curse
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

The World Series Curse

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ballpark Mysteries Super Special series

A World Series mystery threatens the Cubs. Can it be solved before the final game?

144 pages· 12,975 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 189 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At the World Series, young sleuths Mike and Kate face their biggest challenge yet. As the Cubs seem poised for victory, mysterious sabotage strikes, threatening their chances and reviving an old curse. With the Red Sox making a comeback, the duo must unravel the mystery to ensure a fair game. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the ultimate baseball trophy slip away? Dive into a thrilling mix of sports and mystery, where every clue counts and the stakes are as high as the championship itself.
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Illinois Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about illinois for the youngest readers and listeners.

123 Chicago
Sale price
$895

123 Chicago

Ages 0–4 · 2009

Count to ten with Chicago's iconic landmarks and symbols.

Chicago
Series
Sale price
$999

Chicago

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Explore Chicago's landmarks and culture through a child's eyes.

View all illinois board books
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Illinois Picture Books

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

Fiona's Lace
Sale price
$1799

Fiona's Lace

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A family's bond is tested by separation, but a unique lace leads them back together.

Coming on Home Soon
Sale price
$1799

Coming on Home Soon

Ages 5–8 · 2004

A girl and her grandma await a letter during wartime, hoping for Mama's return.

Saving Strawberry Farm
Sale price
$1799

Saving Strawberry Farm

Ages 5–10 · 2005

Can a single penny save a cherished farm during the Great Depression?

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Sale price
$1999

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Discover how George Ferris defied odds to create the iconic Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Fair.

Abraham Lincoln
Sale price
$995

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 9–11 · 1939

A frontier boy rises to become a pivotal leader and emancipator in American history.

I'm Fast!
Series
Sale price
$1799

I'm Fast!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A freight train races against time and obstacles to reach Chicago.

Illinois
Series
Sale price
$3095

Illinois

Ages 8–13 · 2021

Discover Illinois beyond Chicago, exploring its landscapes, history, and unique culture.

Michelle Obama
Sale price
$599

Michelle Obama

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Discover how a determined girl from Chicago became a trailblazing First Lady.

Chicago Bears
Sale price
$3564

Chicago Bears

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Explore the Chicago Bears' legendary highs and lows in NFL history.

Illinois
Series
Sale price
$2795

Illinois

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Explore Illinois' plains and bustling Chicago, uncovering its history and culture.

View all illinois picture books
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Illinois Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about illinois for developing and independent readers.

The Windy City
#5 in Series
Sale price
$999

The Windy City

Ages 10–13 · 2013

Teens race to stop a deadly plot in Chicago while avoiding boarding school.

Being Clem
Series
Sale price
$899

Being Clem

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Clem's world unravels after his father's death. Can he uphold his legacy?

Leaving Lymon
Series
Sale price
$899

Leaving Lymon

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A boy's journey from the South to the North tests his resilience and love for music.

Who Is Michelle Obama?
Series
Sale price
$599

Who Is Michelle Obama?

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A biography of Michelle Obama, from her childhood to her time as First Lady of the United States

Tornado Terror
Series
Sale price
$1299

Tornado Terror

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A massive tornado devastates a small town in Illinois in 1925, killing nearly 700 people and destroying entire towns.

Sparky
#9 in Series
Sale price
$899

Sparky

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A fire dog and a rescue horse face Chicago's greatest blaze.

Cinders
#13 in Series
Sale price
$799

Cinders

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A horse recounts her life from her idyllic childhood on a farm to her work as a fire horse in Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871

Becoming
Sale price
$1899

Becoming

Ages 10–13 · 2021

From Chicago roots to the White House, discover a journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Ghost Boys
Sale price
$1699

Ghost Boys

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy's ghost seeks justice and understanding after a tragic police shooting.

Finding Langston
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Finding Langston

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy finds solace in a library and a poet's legacy amidst the chaos of a new city.

View all illinois chapter books
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