Books About Midwest United States · 90 titles considered

The Best Midwest United States Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about midwest united states? 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.

#3 in Series

#9 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Midwest United States

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 80,956 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.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Moon Over Manifest

By Clare Vanderpool

A hidden past, a mysterious spy, and a town's secrets await discovery.

Newbery Medal (2011)

384 pages· 81,295 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,823 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Abilene Tucker arrives in Manifest, Kansas, seeking her father's past. Disappointed by the town's faded glory, she stumbles upon a cigar box with letters about a spy called the Rattler. With friends Lettie and Ruthanne, she embarks on a thrilling quest, defying warnings to uncover Manifest's secrets. Guided by the enigmatic Miss Sadie, Abilene unravels tales of colorful characters and hidden truths, determined to find her father's place in this history. As secrets unfold, Abilene's journey intertwines with the town's legacy, revealing a story of loss, redemption, and belonging.

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,266 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?

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$858

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2004

Kira-Kira

By Cynthia Kadohata

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Newbery Medal (2005)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2006)

291 pages· 44,276 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 28,470 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Katie Takeshima's world is illuminated by her sister Lynn's unique perspective, making everything seem glittering. But when Lynn falls gravely ill, Katie must navigate the challenges of their new life in Georgia and hold her family together. Can she find the kira-kira, the sparkle, in a future that seems uncertain? As Katie learns to see beyond the immediate struggles, she discovers the enduring power of hope and resilience. Will she succeed in reminding her family of the beauty that still exists, even in the darkest times?

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$1140

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

3.7/5 Goodreads · 3,290,428 ratings

$12.00Save 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?

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

3.7/5 Goodreads · 247,528 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.

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1935

Little House on the Prairie

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A pioneer family faces unexpected challenges on the Kansas prairie.

352 pages· 51,885 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 305,261 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Laura Ingalls and her family journey from Wisconsin to Kansas, seeking a new life on the prairie. As they build their home and adapt to frontier life, unexpected conflicts arise. Will they be forced to uproot once more? Join Laura in this tale of resilience and adventure, where the vast prairie holds both promise and peril.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1971

The First Four Years

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young woman navigates marriage, motherhood, and farming in the late 19th century American Midwest.

134 pages· 24,277 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 45,848 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Laura begins her journey as a pioneer wife alongside her husband, Almanzo, on the South Dakota prairie. As they build their life together, they welcome their daughter, Rose, into a world filled with both trials and triumphs. Will their love and resilience be enough to overcome the harsh realities of frontier life? Discover the heartwarming tale of a family's courage and determination in the face of adversity, as Laura transitions from a little pioneer girl to a devoted wife and mother.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Boxes for Katje

By Candace Fleming, Stacey Dressen-McQueen (Illustrator)

A mysterious box from America sparks a life-changing exchange in post-war Holland.

40 pages· 1,585 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,547 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In post-war Holland, Katje's town struggles with scarcity. One day, a mysterious box from America arrives, filled with soap, socks, and chocolate. Sent by Rosie, an American girl, this package ignites a heartfelt exchange that transforms both their lives and their communities. As letters and surprises cross the ocean, friendships blossom, and hope is rekindled. What unexpected changes will this simple act of kindness bring? Discover how a small gesture can make a world of difference in this inspiring tale of generosity and connection.

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 6–12 · 2009

January's Sparrow

By Patricia Polacco

A family flees slavery, but a mysterious package threatens their newfound freedom.

96 pages· 7,372 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 764 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Sadie and her family escape a brutal plantation, leaving behind a cherished wooden sparrow. Safe in Michigan, their peace shatters when the sparrow reappears with a chilling note: "I found you." As the Crosswhites and their new community confront this ominous message, they must navigate fear and uncertainty. Will they protect their hard-won freedom, or will the past catch up with them? This gripping tale of courage and resilience will captivate readers, leaving them pondering the power of hope and the shadows of history.

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Midwest United States Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about midwest united states for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night Minnesota

Ages 0–3 · 2009

Explore Minnesota's wonders from moose to ice fishing in a bedtime journey.

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night Wisconsin

Ages 0–3 · 2011

Explore Wisconsin's wonders through a child's eyes in this bedtime journey.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Wisconsin

Series

Sale price

$795

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Wisconsin

Ages 0–5 · 2007

Discover Wisconsin's wonders through twelve unique holiday gifts.

Series

Sale price

$795

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Iowa

Ages 0–5 · 2010

Discover Iowa's festive charm through a whimsical holiday song.

Sale price

$895

123 Chicago

Ages 0–4 · 2009

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

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night Ohio

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Explore Ohio's wonders through a child's eyes in a soothing bedtime journey.

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Midwest United States Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about midwest united states for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1795

The Range Eternal

Ages 5–9 · 2020

A woodstove's glow reveals a girl's world of warmth and imagination.

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.

Series

Sale price

$1899

M is for Mitten

Ages 6–8 · 1999

Explore Michigan's wonders from A to Z in a colorful journey through its history and landmarks.

Sale price

$899

Lentil

Ages 3–7 · 1940

A boy's harmonica saves a town's celebration from a grumpy disruptor.

Series

Sale price

$999

Johnny Appleseed

Ages 4–8 · 1988

Discover the legendary adventures of Johnny Appleseed as he plants orchards and tales across America.

Sale price

$899

Dandelions

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A prairie journey tests a family's resolve and reveals a hidden hope.

Sale price

$1700

The Floating House

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A family journeys downriver to build a new life from scratch.

Sale price

$799

Girl Wonder

Ages 6–9 · 2003

A girl defies expectations to join a semipro baseball team. Can she prove her worth on the field?

Sale price

$1999

Little Red Riding Hood

Ages 7–10 · 1995

A prairie adventure pits Little Red against a cunning wolf. Who will outwit whom?

Sale price

$995

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 9–11 · 1939

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

Sale price

$1799

River Friendly, River Wild

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A family flees a rising river, leaving behind their cat. Will they find safety and a home to return to?

Series

Sale price

$3850

Michigan

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Discover Michigan's wonders from Mackinac Island to Tulip Time Festival.

View all midwest united states picture books

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Midwest United States Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about midwest united states for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

Home of the Brave

Ages 10–14 · 2007

An African boy navigates a harsh new world, searching for his missing mother and finding unexpected warmth.

I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888

#16 in Series

Sale price

$499

I Survived the Children's Blizzard, 1888

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A city boy faces a deadly blizzard on the prairie. Can he survive?

#4 in Series

Sale price

$699

Laura & Nellie

Ages 6–10 · 1998

Can a country girl and a town girl overcome their rivalry and become friends?

Sale price

$995

The Bears of Blue River

Ages 9–12 · 1901

A boy faces fierce bears and frontier dangers in 1820s Indiana.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$699

Pioneer Sisters

Ages 6–10 · 1997

A pioneer girl and her sisters face frontier adventures together.

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1699

Middlewest Book Three

Ages 16–+ · 2020

Abel's survival hinges on mastering chaos against a cunning kidnapper.

Series

Sale price

$999

On the Way Home

Ages 8–12 · 1962

A family's journey to a new life in Missouri reveals trials and hopes through a detailed diary.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1699

Middlewest Book Two

Ages 16–+ · 2019

A boy's quest to escape his family's shadow reveals hidden secrets of his homeland.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$695

Kirsten Learns a Lesson

Ages 7–12 · 1986

A young girl must choose between running away or finding her place in a new world.

Sale price

$899

A Season of Gifts

Ages 10–+ · 2009

A new family discovers the unexpected magic of their eccentric neighbor.

Sale price

$1699

Box Out

Ages 12–+ · 2008

Liam faces pressure on and off the court as he challenges his coach's controversial methods.

Series

Sale price

$599

Wagon Wheels

Ages 4–8 · 1978

Three brothers trek 150 miles alone to reunite with their father in post-Civil War Kansas.

View all midwest united states chapter books

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Books about city and town life Books about coming of age Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about economic depressions Books about family history Books about Mexican culture Books about moving Books about poverty

Our 10 Favorite Books About Midwest United States

Great books, picked for their age.

Midwest United States Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Midwest United States Picture Books

Midwest United States Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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