Books About Minnesota · 59 titles considered

The Best Minnesota Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about minnesota? 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 Minnesota

On the Banks of Plum Creek
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1937

On the Banks of Plum Creek

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A pioneer family faces nature's fury with resilience and unity on Plum Creek.

Newbery Honor (1938)
339 pages· 55,224 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 110,238 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Laura Ingalls and her family settle by Plum Creek, embracing frontier life in a sod house. As they adapt, a grasshopper plague and a fierce blizzard threaten their survival. With Pa's fiddle as their solace, they must unite to overcome these trials. Will their spirit endure against nature's relentless challenges? Discover the heartwarming tale of resilience and family bonds in this beloved pioneer saga.
Small Steps
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1996

Small Steps

By Peg Kehret

A young girl battles polio, facing fear and finding strength to walk again.

Golden Kite Award (1997)
179 pages· 29,545 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 8,530 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At twelve, Peg Kehret is struck by polio, leaving her paralyzed and terrified. In a gripping journey of resilience, she fights to regain her strength, supported by doctors, family, and fellow patients. Will she walk again, or will the disease claim her dreams? Discover a true story of courage and hope.
The Betsy-Tacy Treasury
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Betsy-Tacy Treasury

By Maud Hart Lovelace · Betsy-Tacy Books series

Two girls forge a lifelong friendship, navigating childhood adventures and challenges in a changing world.

736 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 1,334 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a small town at the turn of the century, Betsy Ray finds a kindred spirit in her new neighbor, Tacy. Together, they embark on a journey from childhood innocence to the cusp of adolescence, exploring their world with wonder and mischief. From backyard adventures to thrilling firsts like visiting the theater and seeing an automobile, their friendship deepens with each shared experience. As they grow, Betsy and Tacy face the joys and trials of youth, discovering the power of imagination and the strength of their bond. What adventures await them next?
Home of the Brave
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2007

Home of the Brave

By Katherine Applegate

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

Golden Kite Award (2008)
267 pages· 21,702 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 13,392 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kek, a young immigrant from Africa, faces the biting cold of Minnesota and the uncertainty of his mother's fate. Alone in a foreign land, he wonders if the people will be as harsh as the winter. Yet, amidst the chill, he discovers warmth in unexpected friendships—a girl in foster care, an elderly woman with a dilapidated farm, and a cow that evokes memories of home. As Kek waits for news of his mother, he learns to find strength in his past and hope in his new surroundings. Will he find his place in this unfamiliar world?
Controlled Burn
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Controlled Burn

By Erin Soderberg Downing

A girl confronts guilt and fear after a fire, seeking courage to protect her loved ones.

256 pages· 59,533 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,126 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Maia grapples with guilt after a fire leaves her sister hospitalized. Sent to her grandparents in Minnesota, she faces her fears and isolation. With only a chatty neighbor and a stray dog for company, Maia must learn from nature's lessons. As danger looms again, will she find the courage to protect those she loves?
The Adventures of Laura & Jack
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 1997

The Adventures of Laura & Jack

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ji-Hyuk Kim (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little House Chapter Book series

A pioneer girl and her extraordinary dog face wild adventures on the frontier.

112 pages· 8,183 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 404 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Laura Ingalls embarks on a journey from Wisconsin to the West with her loyal bulldog, Jack. This isn't just any dog; Jack is her protector against wolves and wandering cattle, and sometimes even a friendly neighbor. As they traverse the rugged frontier, Jack's uncanny ability to guide Laura home becomes essential. Will their bond withstand the challenges of pioneer life? Discover the adventures and trials of a girl and her remarkable canine companion in this captivating tale.
Summer of the Wolves
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2012

Summer of the Wolves

By Polly Carlson-Voiles

Orphaned siblings find solace and secrets with a wolf pup in the wilds of Minnesota.

352 pages· 63,310 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 671 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Nika and her brother Randall escape their foster home to a remote Minnesota island, seeking family and healing. As Nika bonds with an orphaned wolf pup, she discovers a connection that mends her broken heart. But in the wild, where nature's rules reign, can she balance her newfound family with the call of the wild? Journey with Nika as she navigates the complexities of family, loss, and the untamed beauty of the wilderness, where every choice could change everything.
Runt
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Runt

By Marion Dane Bauer

A small wolf pup must prove himself in a harsh forest world.

144 pages· 21,335 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 2,460 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the unforgiving Minnesota forest, a tiny wolf named Runt faces a daunting challenge: to earn his place in the pack and gain his father's approval. As he struggles to learn and grow alongside his siblings, Runt's journey is fraught with mistakes and the pressure to prove his worth. Can this small pup find his niche in a world where only the strong survive, or will he remain an outsider forever? Discover Runt's heartwarming quest for acceptance and identity in a wild, untamed world.
North Woods Girl
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

North Woods Girl

By Claudia McGehee (Illustrator)

A girl discovers nature's wonders on walks with her Grandma through the changing seasons.

32 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 303 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl follows her Grandma through the enchanting north woods, discovering the beauty of each season. From snowy nights to lush gardens, they encounter wildlife and learn the art of quiet observation. As Grandma shares her love for the forest, the girl finds inspiration in the simple joys of nature. Will she embrace the lessons of the woods and carry on Grandma's legacy of appreciation and wonder?
Betsy-Tacy
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1940

Betsy-Tacy

By Maud Hart Lovelace, Lois Lenski (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Betsy-Tacy Books series

A new friend moves in, sparking adventures and lifelong bonds.

144 pages· 18,342 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 25,614 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On Hill Street, Betsy longs for a friend her age. When Tacy moves in, they become inseparable, sharing adventures and secrets. From building playhouses to imaginative tales, their friendship grows. But when Tib joins them, their world expands even more. What new adventures await this trio?
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Minnesota Picture Books

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

Hungry Johnny
Sale price
$1795

Hungry Johnny

Ages 3–7 · 2014

A hungry boy learns patience and respect as he waits for his turn at a community feast.

Goodnight Loon
Series
Sale price
$995

Goodnight Loon

Ages 1–6 · 2014

A Northwoods twist on a bedtime classic with loons, canoes, and moonlit adventures.

Minnesota Vikings
Series
Sale price
$3422

Minnesota Vikings

Ages 7–13 · 2021

Discover the legendary rise of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.

M is for Minnesota
Sale price
$1695

M is for Minnesota

Ages 4–8 · 1998

Explore Minnesota's wonders from A to Z in this captivating journey.

Minnesota Vikings
Series
Sale price
$3421

Minnesota Vikings

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Uncover the epic highs and lows of the Minnesota Vikings' journey.

Minnesota Vikings
Series
Sale price
$3421

Minnesota Vikings

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Discover the legacy and triumphs of the Minnesota Vikings.

View all minnesota picture books
Browse by age

Minnesota Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about minnesota for developing and independent readers.

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year
Sale price
$1699

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Ahmed faces bullies, family secrets, and unexpected friendships in a new town.

Father Water, Mother Woods
Sale price
$1695

Father Water, Mother Woods

Ages 9–12 · 1994

Experience the wilds of Minnesota through thrilling and humorous outdoor adventures.

Minn of the Mississippi
Sale price
$1299

Minn of the Mississippi

Ages 7–9 · 1951

A snapping turtle journeys down the Mississippi River, uncovering its history.

Whiteout
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Whiteout

Ages 12–+ · 2009

A blizzard hides a killer. Can Chass uncover the truth before she's next?

Meet Kirsten
#1 in Series
Sale price
$695

Meet Kirsten

Ages 8–12 · 1986

A young girl navigates a new world in 1854 America, seeking belonging and opportunity.

The Lost Girl
Sale price
$799

The Lost Girl

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Separated twins face identity struggles as mysterious disappearances plague their town.

Dear Papa
Sale price
$699

Dear Papa

Ages 9–12 · 2002

A young girl writes letters to her late father, navigating family changes during WWII.

View all minnesota chapter books