Books About Islands · 225 titles considered

The Best Islands Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about islands? 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 Islands

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Notorious

By Gordon Korman

On a peculiar island, two teens unravel a dog's murder mystery linked to a gangster past.

307 pages· 57,253 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,829 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Keenan, new to the odd Centerlight Island, teams up with his quirky neighbor ZeeBee to solve the mystery of her dog's death. As they dig into the island's Prohibition-era secrets, they uncover a conspiracy that puts them in danger. With everyone a suspect and a new dog by their side, Keenan and ZeeBee must navigate a web of intrigue. Will they crack the case before it's too late, or will the island's dark past catch up with them?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,558 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.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2004

Peter and the Starcatchers

By Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Greg Call (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Peter and the Starcatchers series

Orphan Peter's voyage turns perilous with a mysterious trunk and dangerous foes.

452 pages· 83,144 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 78,718 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Orphan Peter embarks on a perilous journey aboard the ship Never Land, where he meets Molly, a young Starcatcher. Together, they must protect a magical trunk from a ruthless pirate and the island's inhabitants. As they face treacherous seas and fierce battles, secrets unfold, revealing the true nature of their mission. Will Peter and Molly succeed in safeguarding the stardust, or will the forces of greed and danger prevail? Dive into a world of adventure and mystery, where every twist brings them closer to the heart of the legendary tale of Peter Pan.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,002 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Adventure Is Now

By Jess Redman

A boy must solve cryptic clues to save a threatened island.

336 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 483 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Milton P. Greene, struggling with family and school, is sent to Lone Island for the summer. There, he discovers a chance to become the explorer he's always dreamed of. But the island's future is in jeopardy, and only a mysterious field guide can save it. With new friends, Milton must unravel cryptic clues and embark on a thrilling adventure to protect the island. Can he rise to the challenge and find his true self along the way?

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11

My Father's Dragon

By Ruth Stiles Gannett, Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Father's Dragon series

A young boy runs away from home to rescue a baby dragon from a group of wild animals on a remote island

Newbery Honor (1949)

96 pages· 7,571 words· Est. 1 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 37,775 ratings

Summary: A young boy embarks on a daring adventure to Wild Island, determined to rescue a baby dragon held captive by lazy animals. As he navigates the island's dangers, will he succeed in freeing the dragon and returning home safely? The stakes are high, and the journey is fraught with unexpected challenges.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Lalani of the Distant Sea

By Erin Entrada Kelly

A girl braves a perilous sea quest to save her mother and her future.

400 pages· 51,828 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 3,921 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Lalani Sarita must leave her island home to find the mythical Mount Isa and save her ailing mother. Facing a treacherous sea and a history of failed quests, can Lalani defy fate and succeed where others have perished? Inspired by Filipino folklore, this tale of courage and self-discovery explores the power of friendship and the choice between destiny and forging your own path. Will Lalani's journey lead to salvation or doom?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1999

Nim's Island

By Wendy Orr, Kerry Millard (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Nim series

A young girl lives on a deserted island with her scientist father and various animal friends.

125 pages· 21,645 words· Est. 3 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,909 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Nim, a resourceful girl on a remote island, thrives with her animal friends while her scientist father is away. But when his calls cease, Nim must summon courage and ingenuity to face looming threats. With only a sea lion, an iguana, and a mysterious e-mail friend for support, can she navigate the challenges ahead and ensure her father's safe return? Adventure and resilience intertwine as Nim discovers the true strength of friendship and bravery.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

We Were Liars

By E. Lockhart · Book #1 in the We Were Liars series

A private island, a secretive family, and a friendship that turns destructive. What truth lies beneath the lies?

242 pages· 49,420 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,463,760 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: On a secluded island, a brilliant but troubled girl and her friends, known as the Liars, face a summer of secrets and betrayal. As their friendship unravels, a mysterious accident and hidden truths threaten to shatter their world. What really happened, and who can be trusted? Dive into a suspenseful tale where love and lies intertwine, leaving you questioning everything.

Sale price

$1140

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1954

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

219 pages· 60,305 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 3,286,830 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Summary: A plane crash leaves schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Initially, freedom feels exhilarating, but without rules, chaos ensues. As fear and primal instincts take over, their world spirals into a nightmare. Will they survive the darkness within?

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Islands Picture Books

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

Sale price

$399

Too Cool for Rules

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Can Alvin and the Chipmunks break free from Dave's rules on their cruise?

Sale price

$1699

Grandad's Island

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A boy discovers a magical island and learns to say goodbye.

Sale price

$399

The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A missing globe piece leads to an explosive underwater adventure.

Sale price

$999

Circle Unbroken

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A grandmother shares a legacy of resilience through basket weaving.

Sale price

$1799

The Long Island

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Five explorers leave home to uncover the mysteries beyond their island.

Sale price

$1499

I Spy Treasure Hunt

Ages 6–9 · 1999

Solve riddles and uncover hidden objects in captivating photos.

Sale price

$899

Island Boy

Ages 3–5 · 1988

A boy's bond with an island shapes his life across generations.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1695

The Wild Piano

Ages 8–12 · 1973

A farm boy's quest through magical letters risks losing everything he knows.

Sale price

$1699

The Sea Chest

Ages 4–+ · 2002

A storm delivers a mysterious sea chest, altering a lonely island girl's life forever.

Sale price

$999

Time of Wonder

Ages 3–7 · 1957

Experience a summer on a Maine island, where nature's beauty and a hurricane's fury collide.

Sale price

$1799

An Extraordinary Egg

Ages 4–7 · 1948

Three frogs find an egg, but what hatches isn't what they expect. Is it really a chicken?

Sale price

$1895

The Wreck of the Zephyr

Ages 6–9 · 1983

A boy's quest to master the sea leads to a mysterious, sky-bound adventure.

View all islands picture books

Browse by age

Islands Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about islands for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Ages 10–14 · 2004

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

Sale price

$699

Up the Misty Peak

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A quest to find a missing fairy leads to a mysterious island.

Sale price

$1299

Jailbreak at Alcatraz

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Three inmates vanish from Alcatraz, sparking an unsolved mystery.

Sale price

$1999

Listen to the Moon

Ages 10–14 · 2014

A lost girl, a war-torn family, and a ship's fateful journey intertwine in mystery and survival.

Sale price

$1699

The Heir of Mistmantle

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A princess vanishes, a mysterious illness spreads, and whispers of an old enemy haunt Mistmantle.

Sale price

$1899

Shipwreck Island

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Two escapees seek refuge on an island, but hidden dangers test their trust and survival.

Sale price

$999

Anne of Green Gables

Ages 7–10 · 2005

A young orphan girl is sent to live with an elderly brother and sister on a farm in Prince Edward Island.

Sale price

$899

Moominpappa at Sea

Ages 9–12 · 2010

A family leaves their valley for a lighthouse, uncovering mysteries and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1999

Dragon Captives

Ages 10–13 · 2017

Twin sisters with wild magic defy danger to rescue enslaved dragons.

Sale price

$1699

The Storm Keepers' Battle

Ages 8–11 · 2021

Fionn must stop a resurrected sorceress to save his island from darkness.

Sale price

$999

The Ghostfaces

Ages 10–13 · 2016

Stranded in unknown lands, a crew faces a fierce tribe's impending attack. Can they defend their new allies?

Sale price

$799

Surfing for Secrets

Ages 7–10 · 2015

A prehistoric pirate seeks lost treasure on Mouse Island. Can they find it without going extinct?

View all islands chapter books

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Books about survival stories Books about family problems Books about buried treasure Books about conservation Books about coping with death Books about courage Books about dragons Books about father-daughter relationships

Our 10 Favorite Books About Islands

Great books, picked for their age.

Islands Picture Books

Islands Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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