Books About North Korea

The Best North Korea Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about north korea? 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 6 Favorite Books About North Korea

I Escaped North Korea!
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

I Escaped North Korea!

A young boy risks everything to escape North Korea's oppression.

110 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 274 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dae, a 14-year-old boy, faces hunger and danger after his father is taken to a labor camp in North Korea. Alone, he dreams of crossing into China to save his family. Can he survive the perilous journey and find freedom? This gripping tale of courage and survival will keep you on the edge of your seat as Dae battles against overwhelming odds. Will he succeed in his daring escape, or will the oppressive regime crush his hopes? Dive into this thrilling adventure to discover Dae's fate.
Brother's Keeper
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Brother's Keeper

Two siblings must escape war-torn North Korea alone. Can they survive the perilous journey?

314 pages· 62,355 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,575 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In December 1950, twelve-year-old Sora and her brother Young face a daunting journey across war-torn Korea. With their family torn apart by bombing, they must navigate 300 miles of treacherous terrain to reach safety in Busan. As they dodge napalm, frostbite, and enemy soldiers, the siblings' resilience is tested. Can they survive the harsh winter and the chaos of war? This gripping tale, inspired by true events, offers a poignant glimpse into a closed nation and the indomitable spirit of two young refugees.
In the Shadow of the Sun
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

In the Shadow of the Sun

Siblings flee North Korea with forbidden photos, risking everything to save their father.

336 pages· 83,892 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 1,242 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mia and her brother Simon are thrust into a perilous escape across North Korea after their father is arrested for espionage. With forbidden photos of labor camps in hand, they must navigate a hostile landscape where trust is scarce and capture could mean death. As they race toward the border, Mia grapples with her identity and the meaning of home. Will they succeed in their desperate mission, or will the oppressive regime catch up with them? This gripping tale of survival and courage offers a rare glimpse into a nation shrouded in mystery.
Rice from Heaven
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Rice from Heaven

By Tina Cho, Keum Jin Song (Illustrator)

A girl defies borders to deliver hope and rice to the hungry.

40 pages
4.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 298 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In South Korea, young Yoori learns of her father's past in North Korea, where hunger prevails. Determined to help, she joins a secret mission to send rice-filled balloons over the border. Despite opposition, Yoori's courage inspires her community to act. Will their efforts reach those in need?
Damage Control
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2595
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Damage Control

Stranded soldiers must rebuild a Jeep from wreckage to escape enemy territory.

88 pages· 5,321 words· Est. 48 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 24 ratings
$27.32Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the unforgiving mountains behind enemy lines, Corporal Tony Donovan and his fellow survivors face a dire situation after their cargo plane crashes. With no rescue in sight and resources dwindling, they must fend off enemy attacks. Their only hope lies in the seemingly impossible task of piecing together a functional Jeep from the wreckage. Can Donovan's ingenuity and determination lead them to safety, or will the harsh terrain and relentless foes seal their fate? The clock is ticking, and survival hangs by a thread.
Forbidden City
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Forbidden City

By James Ponti · Book #3 in the City Spies series

Young spies face a global threat, infiltrating high-stakes arenas to stop a sinister plot.

442 pages· 74,506 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 6,841 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: The City Spies are back, tackling their most perilous mission yet. Paris shadows a chess prodigy in Moscow and Beijing, while Sydney investigates a billionaire's daughter linked to a Soviet missile threat. As they navigate daring break-ins and undercover operations, the stakes rise. Can they outsmart the sinister Umbra and prevent a global catastrophe? Adventure and intrigue await in this thrilling spy escapade.