Books About Texas · 182 titles considered

The Best Texas Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about texas? 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 Texas

The Inheritance Games
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

The Inheritance Games

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes · Book #1 in the The Inheritance Games series

A mysterious inheritance thrusts Avery into a deadly game of secrets and survival.

386 pages· 87,899 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,154,354 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Avery Grambs' life flips when she inherits a billionaire's fortune, but there's a catch: she must solve the riddles of Hawthorne House. With the disinherited Hawthorne grandsons watching her every move, Avery navigates a world of wealth, danger, and secrets. Can she unravel the mystery before it's too late?
Starfish
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

Starfish

By Lisa Fipps

Ellie battles fat-shaming and seeks freedom in a world obsessed with weight.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2022)
256 pages· 25,995 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 38,077 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ellie, bullied for her weight since childhood, finds solace in her swimming pool, where she feels free from judgment. With support from her dad, therapist, and new friend Catalina, Ellie challenges the 'Fat Girl Rules' and strives to embrace her true self. Can she break free from societal pressures and live unapologetically?
Belly Up
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Belly Up

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #1 in the FunJungle series

A hippo's suspicious death at FunJungle leads Teddy into a dangerous investigation.

294 pages· 64,074 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 17,252 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Teddy Fitzroy suspects foul play when Henry the hippo dies at FunJungle. With his daring friend Summer, he dives into a mystery filled with suspicious zoo officials and greedy owners. As they uncover secrets, Teddy faces threats that could make him the next target. Can they solve the case before more animals—or themselves—are in danger? The truth about hippo homicide might be more than they bargained for.
Old Yeller
Sale price
$2185
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1958

Old Yeller

By Fred Gipson, Steven Polson

A boy's life changes when a stray dog becomes his unlikely hero in the Texas hills.

Newbery Honor (1957)
158 pages· 36,061 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 105,546 ratings
$23.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the rugged Texas hill country, young Travis faces the daunting task of managing his family's farm while his father is away. Enter Old Yeller, a scruffy, yellow dog who arrives uninvited but soon proves indispensable. As Travis battles wild animals and the challenges of frontier life, Old Yeller becomes his loyal companion, saving the family from danger. But when tragedy strikes, Travis must confront the harsh realities of love and loss. Can he find the strength to let go of the dog who taught him so much about courage and friendship?
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1980

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

By Gerald L. Holmes (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Hank the Cowdog series

A dog named Hank investigates a murder on a ranch and gets into various misadventures.

127 pages· 23,464 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 6,744 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Hank, the self-proclaimed Head of Ranch Security, faces a crisis when he's accused of murder. With his sidekick Drover, he must unravel the mystery to prove his innocence. Is Hank truly an outlaw, or can he outsmart the real culprits? As the tension rises, Hank's reputation and freedom hang in the balance. Can he solve the case before it's too late?
Holes
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1998

Holes

By Louis Sachar, Vladimir Radunsky (Illustrator), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Holes series

A cursed boy digs for secrets at a mysterious camp.

Newbery Medal (1999)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1999)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (1998)
233 pages· 47,105 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,400,573 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Stanley Yelnats, plagued by a family curse, finds himself at Camp Green Lake, a detention center where boys dig endless holes. But these aren't just for character building. As Stanley unearths the truth, he must confront the camp's hidden motives and his own destiny. What lies beneath the dry lakebed, and can Stanley break the curse that haunts his family? Dive into this darkly humorous tale of mystery and redemption.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

By Jacqueline Kelly · Calpurnia Tate series

An 11-year-old girl challenges societal norms while exploring nature with her grandfather in 1899 Texas.

Newbery Honor (2010)
340 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 36,261 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1899 Texas, 11-year-old Calpurnia Tate questions why yellow grasshoppers outgrow green ones. With her grumpy grandfather's guidance, she uncovers nature's secrets and defies societal expectations. As she navigates life with six brothers, Calpurnia's journey of scientific discovery and self-realization unfolds. Will she find her place in a world that limits her potential? This Newbery Honor Book captures a year of growth, curiosity, and the struggle for identity at the turn of the century.
Dumplin'
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2015

Dumplin'

By Julie Murphy · Book #1 in the Dumplin' series

A girl enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal norms.

400 pages· 85,258 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 92,939 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Willowdean Dixon, a self-assured teen, faces self-doubt when a romance with a charming jock shakes her confidence. To prove her worth, she enters the Miss Clover City beauty pageant, defying expectations and challenging stereotypes. As she competes alongside other unconventional contestants, Willowdean aims to show her small town—and herself—that beauty comes in all forms. Will she find the courage to stand tall and redefine what it means to be beautiful?
Skunked!
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Skunked!

By Jacqueline Kelly, Teagan White (Illustrator), Jennifer L. Meyer (Illustrator) · Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series

Two skunks, one secret. Can they keep them hidden from Mom?

106 pages· 8,131 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 743 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Callie and her brother Travis find themselves in a smelly predicament when they secretly adopt two abandoned baby skunks. As they care for Stinky and Winky, the challenge is keeping them hidden from their mother's watchful eyes—and nose. With chaos brewing, can they manage this wild adventure without getting caught?
Robot Queen
Sale price
$2152
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Robot Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Book #22 in the Kylie Jean series

Can Kylie master robotics and coding to win the big competition?

112 pages· 8,217 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 26 ratings
$22.65Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Kylie Jean is captivated by the school's robotics team, the RoboGirls. Determined to join them, she dives into the world of coding and robot-building. As the competition looms, Kylie must prove her skills and impress the older girls. Will her dedication and newfound knowledge be enough to secure her place on the team and achieve victory?
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Texas Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about texas for the youngest readers and listeners.

All Aboard! Texas
Series
Sale price
$1199

All Aboard! Texas

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Embark on a train journey through Texas's iconic landmarks.

Texas Baby
Series
Sale price
$999

Texas Baby

Ages 0–4 · 2014

Discover Texas through the eyes of lively tots.

Austin
Series
Sale price
$999

Austin

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover Austin's wonders through vibrant photos and fun activities for kids.

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Texas Picture Books

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

All Different Now
Sale price
$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A little girl witnesses the first Juneteenth, marking freedom's arrival.

Juneteenth for Mazie
Sale price
$1595

Juneteenth for Mazie

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young girl prepares to honor the day her ancestors gained freedom.

This Is Texas
Series
Sale price
$1795

This Is Texas

Ages 6–10 · 1967

Explore Texas's vast landscapes, from bustling cities to wild frontiers, in a vibrant journey through the Lone Star State.

Juneteenth
Series
Sale price
$2526

Juneteenth

Ages 7–9 · 2005

Discover the origins and evolution of Juneteenth.

Armadillo Rodeo
Sale price
$999

Armadillo Rodeo

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A near-sighted armadillo embarks on a wild chase after a mysterious red figure.

Madeline in America
Series
Sale price
$2199

Madeline in America

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Madeline's lost American adventure is uncovered, sparking a new journey filled with holiday tales and family memories.

Soldier for Equality
Sale price
$1999

Soldier for Equality

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A soldier battles prejudice and fights for civil rights after World War I.

Nacho's Nachos
Sale price
$1995

Nacho's Nachos

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Discover how a culinary improvisation led to the creation of the world's favorite snack: nachos.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
Sale price
$1799

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Ages 5–9 · 2009

A widow inherits a ranch and faces a flood of suitors. Can she outsmart them all?

View all texas picture books
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Texas Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about texas for developing and independent readers.

Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Sale price
$899

Shine On, Luz Véliz!

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A former soccer star finds new purpose in coding, but a mysterious arrival changes everything.

The Colors of the Rain
Sale price
$1799

The Colors of the Rain

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A boy confronts family secrets and racial tensions in 1972 Houston.

Hope Springs
Sale price
$799

Hope Springs

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl seeks a true home while facing a town's biggest threat.

The Windy City
#5 in Series
Sale price
$999

The Windy City

Ages 10–13 · 2013

Teens race to stop a deadly plot in Chicago while avoiding boarding school.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
Sale price
$999

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young boy faces prejudice and heartache on the 9/11 anniversary while pursuing his robotics dream.

QB 1
Sale price
$899

QB 1

Ages 10–+ · 2013

A young quarterback struggles to escape his family's legendary shadow in Texas high school football.

The Tryout
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

The Tryout

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Two friends face cheerleading tryouts and test their bond under pressure.

A Sprinkle of Spirits
Series
Sale price
$799

A Sprinkle of Spirits

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Spirits rise, chaos ensues. Can Leo fix the magic gone awry before it's too late?

View all texas chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about confidenceBooks about solving crimesBooks about bullyingBooks about buried treasureBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about coping with deathBooks about cowboys and cowgirlsBooks about curiosity