Books About Authors · 248 titles considered

The Best Authors Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about authors? 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 Authors

Brown Girl Dreaming
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)
366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,951 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?
Shout
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Shout

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

304 pages· 27,174 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 22,492 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a powerful memoir, Laurie Halse Anderson uses free verse to confront society's silence on sexual assault. Through personal stories and calls to action, she challenges readers to listen and speak out. As she reflects on her own experiences, Anderson's words become a rallying cry for change, urging everyone to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Will her voice inspire a new wave of courage and truth?
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Sale price
$1805
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou · Maya Angelou's Autobiography series

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1971)
288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 598,026 ratings
$19.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a small Southern town, Maya and her brother face abandonment and racial prejudice. After a traumatic event in St. Louis, Maya struggles with its lifelong impact. In San Francisco, she discovers self-love, kindness, and the transformative power of literature. Can Maya find freedom in a world that seeks to cage her spirit? This poignant memoir explores the resilience of a young girl navigating a world of pain and wonder.
El Deafo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Odyssey Award (2024)
233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 92,224 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.
Hey, Kiddo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)
320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 35,750 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?
Dear Mr. Henshaw
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1983

Dear Mr. Henshaw

By Beverly Cleary, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Leigh Botts series

A young boy writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and learns about the writing process and himself.

Newbery Medal (1984)
134 pages· 18,153 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.1/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 42,404 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Leigh Botts, a sixth-grader struggling with his parents' divorce and a lunch thief, finds solace in writing to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. As Leigh navigates loneliness and anger, Mr. Henshaw's unexpected responses offer guidance and friendship. Will Leigh find the courage to face his challenges and heal? Discover how a simple class assignment transforms into a life-changing journey.
The Wednesday Wars
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2007

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Newbery Honor (2008)
264 pages· 74,058 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 49,133 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, despises him. Left alone with her on Wednesday afternoons, he delves into Shakespeare's plays, uncovering unexpected wisdom. As the Vietnam War rages and his father's business obsession strains their family, Holling learns to stand up for himself and his sister. Set in 1967 Long Island, this coming-of-age tale explores loyalty, courage, and the surprising lessons found in literature and life. Can Holling find his voice amidst the chaos and discover what truly matters?
Finding Serendipity
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Finding Serendipity

By Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis (Illustrator) · Tuesday McGillycuddy Adventures series

A girl and her dog embark on a magical quest to find her missing mother in a land where stories come alive.

304 pages· 48,728 words· Est. 7 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,188 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Tuesday McGillycuddy's mother, a famous author, vanishes, prompting Tuesday and her dog, Baxterr, to embark on a magical quest. In a land where stories originate, they encounter the fearless Vivienne Small, sail enchanted seas, and face a menacing pirate. As Tuesday unravels the truth about her dog and her own potential as a writer, she learns the challenges of crafting a story to its end. Will she find her mother and discover her own story within this unpredictable realm?
The Absent Author
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1997

The Absent Author

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A to Z Mysteries series

A famous mystery writer goes missing after being invited to a book signing event in a small town.

96 pages· 8,685 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 10,090 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dink eagerly awaits the arrival of his favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace, in Green Lawn. But when the big day comes, Wallace is missing. While the police dismiss it as a travel mishap, Dink suspects something more sinister. With his friends Josh and Ruth Rose, he embarks on a quest to find the missing writer. As they delve deeper, they must unravel clues and face unexpected twists. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
The Lightning Dreamer
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

The Lightning Dreamer

By Margarita Engle

A young poet defies societal norms and fights against slavery in 19th-century Cuba.

192 pages· 11,142 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,541 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 19th-century Cuba, young poet Tula defies an arranged marriage and uses her verses to challenge the brutal institution of slavery. As a daring abolitionist, she risks everything to fight for justice. Will her words ignite change in a world that demands her silence? Discover the courage of a girl who transforms her passion for books into a powerful weapon against oppression. Tula's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of poetry.
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Authors Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Think Big, Little One
Series
Sale price
$899

Think Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover trailblazing women who changed the world and inspire young dreamers to follow their biggest ideas.

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Authors Picture Books

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

Maya Angelou
Series
Sale price
$1599

Maya Angelou

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

Winnie
Sale price
$1999

Winnie

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A soldier's bear becomes a beloved mascot, but who will care for her when duty calls?

A Poem for Peter
Sale price
$1999

A Poem for Peter

Ages 7–10 · 2016

An artist's dream defies odds, creating a groundbreaking children's book.

Go Forth and Tell
Sale price
$1899

Go Forth and Tell

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A librarian's quest to amplify Black voices transforms storytelling forever.

Rumi
Sale price
$1995

Rumi

Ages 4–7 · 2024

Discover how loss led a young poet to find love everywhere.

Where We Come from
Sale price
$1999

Where We Come from

Ages 5–8 · 2022

Discover the poetic journey of our shared human origins and identity.

John Ronald's Dragons
Sale price
$2199

John Ronald's Dragons

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A boy's love for dragons leads him to create a legendary world.

J. R. R. Tolkien
Series
Sale price
$1599

J. R. R. Tolkien

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Discover how a young dreamer became the father of fantasy.

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Authors Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about authors for developing and independent readers.

26 Fairmount Avenue
#1 in Series
Sale price
$699

26 Fairmount Avenue

Ages 7–10 · 1999

A young boy recounts his childhood experiences, including a hurricane, building a new home, and starting school.

C.S. Lewis
Series
Sale price
$1199

C.S. Lewis

Ages 10–13 · 2007

Discover how a skeptic became a legendary storyteller and influential Christian thinker.

The Mythmakers
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

The Mythmakers

Ages 10–14 · 2024

Two writers' friendship shapes fantasy's future amid war and myth.

Bill Peet
Sale price
$1899

Bill Peet

Ages 10–12 · 1989

Discover the life and art of a Disney legend through his own eyes.

Small Steps
Sale price
$1099

Small Steps

Ages 9–12 · 1996

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

Black Boy Joy
Sale price
$2299

Black Boy Joy

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Discover the joy and wonder of Black boyhood.

Kid Authors
Series
Sale price
$1395

Kid Authors

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Discover the childhood adventures of famous authors before they became legends.

View all authors chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about abolitionistsBooks about activismBooks about coming of ageBooks about courageBooks about CubaBooks about deafness