Books About South Carolina

The Best South Carolina Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about south carolina? 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 South Carolina

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Odyssey Honor (2019)

368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 9,389 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Candice stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her grandmother's attic in Lambert, South Carolina. It hints at a long-buried injustice and a hidden fortune. With Brandon, the boy next door, she embarks on a quest to unravel the town's dark past. As they delve into history, they uncover secrets that could change their lives. Will they solve the puzzle before time erases the truth?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl · Book #1 in the Beautiful Creatures series

A cursed girl and a haunted boy uncover secrets in a mysterious southern town.

563 pages· 147,816 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 626,808 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the forgotten town of Gatlin, Lena struggles to hide her family's curse. Ethan, plagued by dreams of a mysterious girl, is drawn to her when she arrives at the old plantation. As secrets unravel, their connection could change everything. What lies beneath the surface of this southern town?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

Air

By Monica Roe

A mishap threatens Emmie's wheelchair motocross dreams. Can she reclaim her independence?

272 pages· 49,593 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 1,336 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emmie dreams of conquering wheelchair motocross, but a school ramp accident derails her plans. Instead of fixing the ramp, the school assigns her an aide and starts a fundraiser, leaving Emmie feeling sidelined. Determined to regain control, Emmie, with her friends' support, crafts a daring plan to show her community she's ready to soar on her own terms. Will she succeed in reclaiming her dreams and independence?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

Follow the Moon Home

By Philippe Cousteau, Deborah Hopkinson, Meilo So (Illustrator)

A new girl unites a community to save sea turtles.

48 pages

4.2 Goodreads · 974 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Viv, new to a seaside town, discovers a mission: save the endangered sea turtles. As she navigates her new life, she rallies her community, proving that even the youngest voices can spark change. Will their efforts be enough to protect the turtles' future? Dive into a tale of activism, friendship, and the power of unity.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Seven Miles to Freedom

By Janet Halfmann, Duane Smith (Illustrator)

A slave's daring escape on a Confederate ship to freedom.

40 pages

4.2 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Robert Smalls, a slave in South Carolina, seizes a Confederate steamboat, steering it through treacherous waters toward freedom. With his family and crew aboard, every decision is life or death. Can he outwit the Confederate forts and reach the Union fleet? This gripping tale of courage and determination during the Civil War reveals the extraordinary lengths one man will go to for liberty. Will Robert's bold plan succeed, or will a single misstep cost them everything?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

A Day for Rememberin'

By Leah Henderson, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

A boy witnesses the first Memorial Day, honoring those who fought for freedom.

40 pages

4.4 Goodreads · 423 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Eli, a young boy, experiences a historic day in Charleston, South Carolina, as diverse crowds gather to honor fallen Civil War heroes. Dressed in his best, Eli joins abolitionists, missionaries, and soldiers in a poignant march, celebrating the first Memorial Day. As they sing and lay flowers, the event becomes a powerful tribute to those who sacrificed for freedom. This moving story, rich with historical detail, invites readers to remember and reflect on the origins of this significant holiday.

Root Magic

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Root Magic

By Eden Royce

In 1963, Jez faces supernatural threats and discovers her family's powerful magic legacy.

352 pages· 78,547 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 3,589 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1963 South Carolina, Jezebel Turner navigates a changing world after her grandmother's death. As school integration looms, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are introduced to their family's rootwork magic. Trained by their uncle, they uncover powers beyond simple charms. When natural and supernatural evils threaten their town, Jez must harness her newfound abilities to protect her family and community. Will her magic be enough to confront the darkness?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2009

Ron's Big Mission

By Rose Blue, Corinne Naden, Don Tate (Illustrator)

A boy's quest for a library card challenges segregation in 1950s South Carolina.

32 pages· 947 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.4 Goodreads · 1,254 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1950s South Carolina, nine-year-old Ron dreams of borrowing books on flight from the library. But in a segregated world, obtaining a library card becomes his first brave mission. Inspired by Ron McNair's life, this story follows a young boy's peaceful stand against racial barriers, hinting at his future as a scientist and astronaut. Will Ron's determination change the rules and open doors for others?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Escape of Robert Smalls

By Jehan Jones-Radgowski, Poppy Kang (Illustrator)

An enslaved man risks all to steal a Confederate ship and sail to freedom.

40 pages· 2,225 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

4.4 Goodreads · 138 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the chaos of the Civil War, Robert Smalls, an enslaved man, seizes a Confederate steamship, the Planter, and embarks on a daring escape. Disguised as the captain, he navigates past armed forts, aiming for Union territory and freedom. Will his audacious plan succeed, or will the Confederate forces catch him? This gripping true story of courage and determination reveals an unsung hero's quest for liberty.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Dave the Potter

By Laban Carrick Hill, Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

A slave's artistry and poetry defy his era's constraints.

Coretta Scott King Award (2011)Caldecott Honor (2011)

40 pages· 1,736 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 5,587 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1800s South Carolina, Dave, a slave, transforms clay into art and poetry, etching his words onto pots. His creations defy the limitations of his time, weaving hope and beauty into a world that sought to silence him. As Dave's story unfolds, questions arise: How does one man's art transcend oppression? What legacy does he leave behind? This tale of resilience and creativity invites readers to explore the power of expression against all odds.

The Bookroo Book Club