Books About Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities · 1,168 titles considered

The Best Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities? 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 Secret Garden
Five Feet Apart
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,333 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)
316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,219,409 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,565 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Science of Breakable Things

A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.

320 pages· 52,518 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,783 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Natalie believes winning an egg drop contest can fund a trip to see magical orchids, reviving her depressed mother. With her friends' support, she embarks on a journey of hope and discovery, learning that sometimes, talking about problems is the first step to healing. Can the power of friendship and science bring light to her mother's darkness?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

Out of My Mind

A voiceless girl finds a way to be heard.

295 pages· 56,928 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 193,489 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: A brilliant fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, long misunderstood, discovers a device that could finally let her speak. As she navigates a world that underestimates her, will her voice change everything?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,726 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 83,228 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Five Feet Apart

Two teens fall in love but must stay apart to survive. Can love bridge the distance between them?

304 pages· 61,382 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 264,441 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Summary: Stella and Will, both battling cystic fibrosis, must keep a safe distance to protect their fragile health. Stella's life depends on a lung transplant, while Will dreams of freedom beyond hospital walls. As their connection deepens, the mandated six feet apart feels like a cruel barrier. Can they risk everything for a chance at love, or will the distance keep them safe but heartbroken? Discover if five feet apart is worth the risk in this poignant tale of love and survival.
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Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities for the youngest readers and listeners.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Ages 2–6 · 2010

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Series
Sale price
$799

When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Can you stop an elephant from sneezing and spreading the sniffles?

Poor Little Rabbit

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Help Little Rabbit heal his hurt arm through interactive care and kindness.

A Christmas Carol

Ages 2–4 · 2012

Journey with Christmas ghosts to transform a miser's heart.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Ages 0–3 · 2002

Unlock communication with sign language before speech begins.

Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$995

Jane Eyre (Graphic Novel)

Ages 0–5 · 2013

Discover classic tales through simple words and felted scenes for young readers.

Sale price
$899

I Calm Down

Ages 2–4 · 2020

A child learns to manage overwhelming emotions with calming strategies.

The Cow Said BOO!
Sale price
$1195

The Cow Said BOO!

Ages 1–3 · 2022

A cow's cold turns her 'moo' into 'boo,' causing ghostly chaos on the farm.

Don't You Feel Well, Sam?

Ages 2–5 · 2002

Sam's cough disrupts bedtime. Can Mrs. Bear's care bring comfort?

The Prince Who Was Just Himself

Ages 3–6 · 2011

A prince's compassion disarms a feared enemy, revealing his unique strength.

Sale price
$999

Doctor

Ages 2–5

Discover who Suki Cat becomes as she saves the day in her dress-up adventures.

Happy Halloween, Teal Pumpkin!
Sale price
$999

Happy Halloween, Teal Pumpkin!

Ages 0–4 · 2024

Celebrate Halloween with non-food treats and community spirit.

View all diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities board books
Browse by age

Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Bravest Dog Ever

Ages 5–8

A sled dog races through Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine.

Pete the Kitty Goes to the Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Pete the Kitty faces his fear of the doctor with his dad's help.

Robert the Rose Horse

Ages 4–7 · 1962

A city horse's rose allergy leads to unexpected heroics.

I Want to Be a Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young boy visits the hospital with his family after his brother gets hurt.

Madeline

Ages 4–8 · 1939

A young girl named Madeline has her appendix removed and her friends want to have the same experience.

Never Forget Eleanor

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A boy must use words to reconnect with his forgetful grandma.

We Wear Masks

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Discover why wearing masks is a kind choice in a world of masked heroes.

The Tide

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A girl navigates her grandpa's fading memories at the beach.

The Remember Balloons

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Thank You, Mr. Falker

Ages 5–8 · 1998

A young girl struggles to learn to read despite her love for books and learning.

The Art of Miss Chew

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A young artist battles a teacher's doubt to pursue her passion for art.

We're All Wonders

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child who feels like they don't fit in embarks on an imaginative journey to explore their identity.

Browse by age

Diseases, Illnesses, Injuries, And Disabilities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities for developing and independent readers.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A trip to Iran transforms Darius, challenging his identity and friendships.

The Someday Birds

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A boy's cross-country journey to spot birds may heal his fractured family.

Squint
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Squint

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy races against blindness to finish his comic, while a new friend risks popularity to discover her own talents.

Red, White, and Whole
Sale price
$1699

Red, White, and Whole

Ages 9–12 · 2021

An Indian American girl faces her mother's illness, torn between cultural worlds and expectations.

Song for a Whale
Sale price
$899

Song for a Whale

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

The Crossover

Ages 11–15

A young basketball player navigates his relationships with his family and friends while learning valuable life lessons on and off the court

What Stars Are Made of

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Libby makes a cosmic deal to help her sister's unborn baby.

Fuzzy Mud

Ages 10–14 · 2015

Two kids take a shortcut through forbidden woods and uncover a world-altering secret.

Smile

Ages 9–12 · 2009

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

Sale price
$1899

Fish in a Tree

Ages 10–13 · 2015

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

The War That Saved My Life

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

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Books about cystic fibrosisBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about family problemsBooks about helping othersBooks about bullyingBooks about communicationBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about diseases

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