Books About Wisconsin

The Best Wisconsin Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about wisconsin? 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 Wisconsin

Little House in the Big Woods
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1932

Little House in the Big Woods

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young girl and her family live in a log cabin in the Big Woods of Wisconsin during the late 19th century.

238 pages· 33,170 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 292,478 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1871 Wisconsin, young Laura Ingalls and her family navigate the trials of pioneer life. Amidst harsh winters and self-sufficiency, they find joy in homemade Christmases, spring plantings, and Pa's soothing fiddle. As they prepare for their first trip to town, Laura's story unfolds, capturing the essence of frontier resilience and familial warmth. What adventures and challenges await in the Big Woods?
The Year of Billy Miller
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Year of Billy Miller

By Kevin Henkes · Book #1 in the Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of second grade while dealing with family dynamics and his own self-doubt.

Newbery Honor (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2014)
240 pages· 21,830 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 9,082 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a world of challenges. As he tackles school projects, sibling squabbles, and family dynamics, Billy learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love. Will he manage to balance it all and grow up just a little bit more? Dive into this heartwarming tale of childhood adventures and family bonds.
Hope Was Here
Sale price
$1924
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2000

Hope Was Here

By Joan Bauer

A small-town diner becomes the battleground for a mayoral race against corruption.

Newbery Honor (2001)
186 pages· 42,314 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 21,624 ratings
$20.25Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Summary: Hope moves to Wisconsin with her aunt to manage a diner, only to find herself swept into a mayoral campaign. The current owner, G.T., challenges a corrupt candidate, igniting a fight for justice. As Hope navigates new friendships and unexpected challenges, she discovers the power of community and the strength within herself. Will G.T.'s vision for change inspire the town, and can Hope find her own place in this unfolding drama? In a town where everyone needs a little hope, the stakes are high, and the future is uncertain.
Caddie Woodlawn
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1935

Caddie Woodlawn

By Carol Ryrie Brink · Book #1 in the Caddie Woodlawn series

A spirited girl defies norms, befriends outsiders, and challenges her world.

Newbery Medal (1936)
288 pages· 51,591 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 54,495 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Caddie Woodlawn is no ordinary girl. Preferring adventure over domestic duties, she hunts, plows, and takes on her brother's dares. Her friendship with Native Americans sets her apart in a community filled with fear and misunderstanding. Based on true stories, Caddie's courage and zest for life challenge societal norms and captivate readers. Will her bold spirit bridge the gap between her world and the one she dreams of? Discover the timeless tale of a girl who dares to be different.
One Came Home
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2013

One Came Home

By Amy Timberlake

A girl defies the odds to uncover the truth about her missing sister in 1871 Wisconsin.

Newbery Honor (2014)
272 pages
3.8 Goodreads · 10,780 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1871 Wisconsin, Georgie Burkhardt is known for her sharp aim and blunt honesty. When her sister Agatha vanishes, leaving behind a mysterious body in a familiar dress, Georgie refuses to accept the grim assumptions. Armed with her rifle and determination, she embarks on a perilous quest across the frontier to uncover the truth. Will Georgie's resolve be enough to unravel the mystery and bring Agatha home, or will the wild frontier hold secrets she never imagined?
Billy Miller Makes a Wish
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Billy Miller Makes a Wish

By Kevin Henkes · Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of growing up and understanding the world around him.

192 pages· 17,557 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 713 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On his birthday, Billy Miller wishes for excitement, but when an ambulance arrives at his neighbor's house, he fears his wish went too far. As Billy navigates a summer filled with misplaced love letters, surprising critters, and misguided tattoos, he wonders if he's responsible for the chaos. Amidst the laughter and unexpected twists, Billy discovers a surprise that could change everything for his family. Will his wish bring joy or more trouble? Dive into this heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and the magic of wishes that almost come true.
Gertie
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

Gertie

By Shari Swanson

A duck nests in a precarious spot, captivating a war-weary world.

40 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 187 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1945, amidst the chaos of World War II, a duck named Gertie chooses an unlikely nesting spot on a Milwaukee River post. As she bravely lays her eggs near a bustling drawbridge, her story captures the hearts of a weary public. Crowds gather, newspapers buzz, and a world in turmoil finds hope in Gertie's determination. Will she succeed in hatching her brood against the odds? This tale of resilience and community spirit offers a glimmer of hope during dark times, uniting people in their shared anticipation of new life.
The Legend of Gravity
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

The Legend of Gravity

By Charly Palmer

A new basketball star's skills are tested in a high-stakes tournament finale. Can talent alone secure victory?

40 pages· 1,454 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 422 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Gravity, the new sensation on the Eagles basketball team, can leap so high his teammates joke about grabbing ice cream before he lands. As they aim to conquer Milwaukee's toughest tournament, the Eagles feel invincible. But facing the Flyers, the city's top team, they discover that raw talent might not be enough. Will Gravity's extraordinary skills lead them to triumph, or will they need something more? Dive into this vibrant tale of teamwork, loyalty, and the hidden heroes among us.
Leaving Lymon
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Leaving Lymon

By Lesa Cline-Ransome · Finding Langston series

A boy's journey from the South to the North tests his resilience and love for music.

112 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 775 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1946, Lymon is uprooted from the Deep South to the unfamiliar North. With his father imprisoned and his mother distant, he clings to music shared with his grandfather. As his world shifts, Lymon faces a journey through Northern cities, challenging his identity and revealing a new side of himself. Can his raw talent and resilience guide him toward redemption, or will the anger within consume him? Discover the story of a boy whose devotion to music might just be his saving grace.
Amina's Song
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Amina's Song

By Hena Khan · Amina's Voice series

Amina struggles to connect her two worlds after a life-changing trip.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2022)
288 pages· 43,950 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,210 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amina returns from a transformative trip to Pakistan, eager to share her experiences. But her friends in Greendale seem uninterested, leaving her feeling disconnected. After a school presentation on Malala goes awry, Amina questions where she truly belongs. As she turns to songwriting, she finds solace in a new friendship with Nico, a fellow music lover. Can Amina bridge the gap between her two worlds and stay true to herself?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Wisconsin Picture Books

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

The Raft
Sale price
$1999

The Raft

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A magical raft transforms a boy's summer, revealing hidden talents and unexpected bonds.

Going to Town
#3 in Series
Sale price
$999

Going to Town

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A family's first trip to town brings unexpected wonders and excitement.

Sugar Snow
#14 in Series
Sale price
$999

Sugar Snow

Ages 4–8 · 1998

Late spring snow brings sweet surprises for Laura in the Big Woods.

County Fair
Series
Sale price
$999

County Fair

Ages 4–8 · 1997

A county fair holds surprises and a special pumpkin contest for a young boy.

Prairie Boy
Sale price
$1799

Prairie Boy

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A young boy transforms architecture by blending buildings with nature.

In Mary's Garden
Sale price
$1799

In Mary's Garden

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young artist transforms her garden into a whimsical gallery using everyday objects.

View all wisconsin picture books
Browse by age

Wisconsin Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about wisconsin for developing and independent readers.

The Rhino in Right Field
Sale price
$799

The Rhino in Right Field

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy faces a rhino and family expectations to chase his baseball dream.

Cold as Marble
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1299

Cold as Marble

Ages 13–17 · 2019

A deadly game claims lives. Can McKenna stop the curse before it's too late?

Ida B
Sale price
$999

Ida B

Ages 8–12 · 2004

A young girl faces life's upheavals and discovers resilience amidst change.

The Pumpkin War
Sale price
$699

The Pumpkin War

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Former friends race giant pumpkins, but a surprise visit changes everything.

The Island
Sale price
$699

The Island

Ages 12–+ · 1988

A teen seeks solitude on an island, but the world won't let him go.

Thimble Summer
Sale price
$799

Thimble Summer

Ages 8–12 · 1938

A silver thimble sparks a summer of unexpected adventures.

NBA Champions
Sale price
$899

NBA Champions

Ages 6–8 · 1992

Discover the Milwaukee Bucks' journey to NBA glory.

View all wisconsin chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about frontier and pioneer lifeBooks about family lifeBooks about growing upBooks about hard workBooks about missing personsBooks about politicsBooks about responsibilityBooks about rural living