Books About Louisiana · 75 titles considered

The Best Louisiana Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about louisiana? 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.

Infamous
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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Louisiana

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$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

Ninth Ward

By Jewell Parker Rhodes · Book #1 in the The Louisiana Girls Trilogy series

A girl and her grandmother face Hurricane Katrina's fury in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2011)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2011)
224 pages· 32,698 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,136 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, gifted with the ability to see spirits, must confront the impending devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With her adopted grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, who foresees the storm's wrath, Lanesha must summon courage and resilience to survive. As the hurricane looms, their bond and the strength of their community are tested. Will Lanesha's unique gifts and Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom be enough to weather the storm? This tale of survival and hope explores the power of love and the unyielding spirit of a young girl in the face of nature's fury.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1999

The Smuggler's Treasure

A girl seeks a smuggler's treasure to save her father during the War of 1812.

163 pages· 34,049 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,811 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Paperback
Summary: In the midst of the War of 1812, young Elisabet is sent to New Orleans, where her father is imprisoned. Determined to free him, she embarks on a daring quest to find a legendary smuggler's treasure. As she navigates the treacherous world of pirates and secrets, Elisabet must rely on her wits and courage. Will she succeed in her perilous mission, or will the dangers of the past prove too great? Discover a tale of bravery and adventure as Elisabet faces the unknown to save her family.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Trombone Shorty

A young boy from New Orleans discovers his passion for music and becomes a renowned trombone player.

40 pages· 989 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,023 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the vibrant Tremé neighborhood, young Troy dreams of music despite lacking an instrument. Nicknamed 'Trombone Shorty' for his oversized trombone, he captures the crowd's attention and rises to the stage with Bo Diddley. This inspiring journey follows Troy Andrews from a determined child to a Grammy-nominated musician, leading his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, around the world. Will his story ignite hope and dreams in the next generation of New Orleans musicians?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1995

The Story of Ruby Bridges

By Robert Coles, George Ford (Illustrator)

A young girl integrates a white elementary school in New Orleans in the 1960s.

32 pages· 1,014 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,023 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1960 New Orleans, six-year-old Ruby Bridges bravely steps into an all-white school, facing angry mobs and racial hostility. As the first African American student at William Frantz Elementary, Ruby's courage and resilience challenge a divided society. Will her strength inspire change, or will the weight of prejudice prove too great? Her story of hope and determination continues to echo through the decades, reminding us of the power of one child's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

Infamous

A teen must survive deadly threats to become a hero or doom the world.

480 pages· 82,548 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 21,249 ratings
$22.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nick Gautier is no ordinary teen; he's caught between becoming a legendary hero or the world's end. As enemies close in, Nick must master survival skills beyond raising the dead and fighting zombies. With his own father among those who want him dead, Nick faces a perilous journey where every decision could cost him everything he holds dear. Can he navigate this treacherous path and protect those he loves, or will he succumb to the darkness threatening to consume him? Discover the thrilling twists in his saga as he battles fate itself.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Invincible

Teen faces demons and shapeshifters or risk becoming one himself.

432 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 27,575 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nick Gautier's life spirals into chaos as he battles demons and shapeshifters while grappling with his own emerging powers. With a sinister force grooming him, Nick must master the art of raising the dead or face a fate worse than death. His school life is no refuge, with a principal who sees him as a troublemaker and a coach with dark intentions. As secrets unravel, Nick's survival hinges on his ability to navigate a world where nothing is as it seems. Can he rise to the challenge, or will he succumb to the darkness?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching

Tristan Strong must confront King Cotton in a final showdown along the Mississippi.

405 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,647 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Tristan Strong embarks on a perilous journey up the Mississippi to face his nemesis, King Cotton. Joined by Ayanna and a host of mythical allies, Tristan must navigate new threats and harness his inner strength. As he battles haints and uncovers secrets, the stakes rise in a quest that could change everything. Will Tristan deliver justice and protect his world, or will King Cotton prevail? Discover the thrilling conclusion filled with unexpected twists and legendary confrontations.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Nowhere Better Than Here

A girl battles rising tides to save her town's spirit.

256 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 334 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the flood-ravaged town of Boutin, thirteen-year-old Jillian faces losing her beloved home. With the school closed and bridges condemned, she must rally her community against the relentless tides. Armed with her grandmother's stories and the support of friends, Jillian embarks on a quest to preserve Boutin's spirit. Can she find hope amidst the devastation, or will the rising waters claim everything she holds dear? This is a heartfelt tale of resilience and determination in the face of climate change.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

All Aboard the Schooltrain

By Glenda Armand, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)

A young girl faces the harsh realities of Jim Crow as her town changes during the Great Migration.

48 pages· 2,200 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 208 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Vacherie, Louisiana, Thelma dreams of riding the Sunset Limited, but for now, her schooltrain is her adventure. As Jim Crow laws disrupt her community, friends and family leave, and Thelma wonders about the changes threatening her world. Will her family be next? Discover how a young girl's imagination and resilience shine amidst the challenges of the Great Migration.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

I Am Ruby Bridges

By Ruby Bridges, Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator)

A six-year-old girl bravely integrates a school, changing history forever.

48 pages· 986 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 719 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges steps into an all-white school, becoming a symbol of courage and change. Through her eyes, experience the innocence and bravery that sparked a pivotal moment in Civil Rights history. How does one child bridge a racial divide and inspire future generations? Discover the powerful story of hope and resilience that continues to teach and inspire.
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Louisiana Picture Books

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

Ruby Bridges Goes to School

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A brave girl faces a hostile crowd to change history forever.

Freedom in Congo Square

Ages 4–8 · 2016

In 19th century Louisiana, slaves find brief freedom and joy in Congo Square every Sunday.

Through My Eyes

Ages 8–12 · 1999

A six-year-old girl becomes the first African American student to integrate a white school in New Orleans in 1960.

The 5 O'Clock Band

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young musician seeks leadership wisdom in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

The Legend of Papa Noël

Ages 7–10 · 2006

Foggy bayou threatens Christmas delivery. Can Papa Noël and his alligators find a way?

Epossumondas Plays Possum

Ages 4–7 · 2009

A forgetful possum ventures into a swamp, facing legendary dangers.

Kiss the Frog
Sale price
$399

Kiss the Frog

Ages 5–8 · 2009

Two frogs navigate the bayou, seeking humanity and unexpected love.

A Catfish Tale

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A magic fish grants wishes, but will greed lead to disaster?

Family Huddle

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Join a football-loving family on a road trip filled with playful antics and sports memories.

Marvelous Cornelius

Ages 5–7 · 2015

A street sweeper's dance turns heroic amid a devastating storm.

Tiana's Perfect Plan

Ages 3–5 · 2024

Tiana's Mardi Gras plans face royal surprises and a quest for perfection.

What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo

Ages 5–7 · 2012

Why are zoo animals always sleepy? Discover their secret nightlife.

View all louisiana picture books
Browse by age

Louisiana Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about louisiana for developing and independent readers.

Rent Party Jazz

Ages 6–9 · 2001

A boy and a jazz musician team up to save his home from eviction.

Those Kids from Fawn Creek

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A new student disrupts the status quo in a small town, challenging friendships and secrets.

Hurricane Katrina Rescue

Ages 7–10 · 2018

In the midst of Hurricane Katrina, a young girl named Clare and her dog Ranger navigate the dangers of the storm and its aftermath to find Clare's grandmother and father, who have been separated from them.

Sale price
$599

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

Ages 7–10 · 2011

A young boy must navigate the challenges of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath

King and the Dragonflies
Sale price
$1799

King and the Dragonflies

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A boy's grief and a missing friend lead to secrets and self-discovery by the bayou.

Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A birthday turns into a fight for survival during Hurricane Katrina.

Forever This Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2021

In a small town, Georgie uncovers family secrets while helping a friend find her mother.

Sale price
$1699

Arf

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A break-in at 19 Gentilly Lane unravels secrets, with a dog on the trail of danger.

What Was Hurricane Katrina?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans, causing widespread destruction and loss of life

Almost There

Ages 12–+ · 2022

A deal grants Tiana her dreams, but eerie threats loom. Can she restore balance before losing it all?

Last Shot

Ages 11–14 · 2005

A young journalist uncovers a plot to fix the Final Four. Can he stop it in time?

Hooper Finds a Family

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A puppy's journey from disaster to a new home tests his courage and spirit.

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Books about grandparentsBooks about hurricanesBooks about jazzBooks about musiciansBooks about survival stories

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