Books for Theater Kids

Kids who love to perform will find lots to relate to in these books. But even those who don't will be able to relate to the school-play or talent-show settings, preshow anxiety, fun in the spotlight, and coming-of-age tales in which characters discover a special skill or talent and learn about competition, teamwork, self-expression, and identity. Some of these books involve professional actors. One shows a kid's life changed by Shakespeare, thanks to a caring teacher. For more stories about discovering who you are or who you want to be, check out our Coming-of-Age Books and 40 Books to Help Your Kid Survive Middle School.

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Bookmarks Are People Too!: Here's Hank, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Bookmarks Are People Too!: Here's Hank, Book 1

age 6+

Boy finds smart ways to overcome challenges in fun story.

By: Henry Winkler , Lin Oliver (2014)
Goblin Secrets Poster Image
BOOK

Goblin Secrets

age 8+

Orphan boy seeks lost brother in exciting, funny tale.

By: William Alexander (2012)
The Great American Mousical Poster Image
BOOK

The Great American Mousical

age 8+

Cute adventure for animal and theater lovers.

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things Poster Image
BOOK

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things

age 8+

Intriguing tale of boy as detective after parents vanish.

By: Cynthia Voigt (2013)
Short Poster Image
BOOK

Short

age 8+

Small girl grows inside in funny, inspiring theater tale.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Poster Image
BOOK

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

age 9+

A unique and entertaining spin on an age-old tale.

By: Barbara Robinson (1972)
The Forget-Me-Not Summer: Silver Sisters, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Forget-Me-Not Summer: Silver Sisters, Book 1

age 9+

Sisters grow closer away from home in smart coming-of-ager.

By: Leila Howland (2015)
Better Nate Than Ever Poster Image
BOOK

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

Terrific tale of misfit taking bold step to remake his life.

By: Tim Federle (2013)
The Chance to Fly Poster Image
BOOK

The Chance to Fly

age 10+

Uplifting musical theater-themed story has charming lead.

Counting Thyme Poster Image
BOOK

Counting Thyme

age 10+

Sensitive, engaging tale of girl with seriously ill brother.

By: Melanie Conklin (2016)
Drama Book Cover Image
BOOK

Drama

age 10+

Graphic novel about musical theater has positive messages.

By: Raina Telgemeier (2012)
Five, Six, Seven, Nate! Poster Image
BOOK

Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

age 10+

Strong sequel sparkles with charm, humor, and heart.

By: Tim Federle (2014)
The Marvels Poster Image
BOOK

The Marvels

age 10+

Epic saga of theater family, told mostly in pictures.

By: Brian Selznick (2015)
Nate Expectations Poster Image
BOOK

Nate Expectations

age 10+

Theater kid blossoms in new role in sweet homecoming tale.

By: Tim Federle (2018)
Summerlost Poster Image
BOOK

Summerlost

age 10+

Deeply moving story of grieving girl trying to move on.

By: Ally Condie (2016)
The Wednesday Wars Poster Image
BOOK

The Wednesday Wars

age 10+

Funny, breathtakingly poignant '60s coming-of-age tale.

By: Gary D. Schmidt (2007)
When You Get the Chance Poster Image
BOOK

When You Get the Chance

age 12+

Fun, heartwarming coming-of-age tale has "Mamma Mia!" twist.

By: Emma Lord (2022)
Two Truths and a Lie Cover
BOOK

Two Truths and a Lie

age 13+

Twisty, bloody, entertaining thriller set during a blizzard.

By: April Henry (2022)
Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story Poster Image
BOOK

Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story

age 14+

Gay teen's coming out becomes a musical in fun, campy novel.

By: David Levithan (2015)
Kate in Waiting Poster Image
BOOK

Kate in Waiting

age 14+

Funny, breezy, diverse romcom stresses value of friendship.

By: Becky Albertalli (2021)