Books about animal welfare

Black Beauty is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. Told from the perspective of a magnificent horse with a white star on his forehead, this "autobiography" takes readers on an emotional journey through 19th-century England. From the peaceful meadows of a country estate to the grueling life of a London cab horse, Black Beauty experiences both the best and worst of human nature. This classic novel is perfect for children who love animals and those who enjoy stories about courage and resilience in the face of hardship.

Ideal for readers interested in historical fiction and animal rights, Anna Sewell’s only novel serves as a powerful plea for kindness toward all living creatures. The story’s vivid anecdotes about animal intelligence and the deep bond between humans and horses make it a great choice for middle-grade readers looking for a story with heart and substance. Whether your child is a budding equestrian or simply enjoys a moving tale of spirit and survival, this book remains a must-read staple of children's literature.

Highlights:

• A unique first-person narrative told entirely from a horse's point of view.
• Promotes essential values of empathy, compassion, and the ethical treatment of animals.
• Rich historical details that bring Victorian-era England to life for young readers.
• A moving and unforgettable story of spirit, endurance, and the search for kindness.

Hideout is the thrilling fifth installment in Gordon Korman's beloved Swindle series, bringing back Griffin Bing, "The Man With The Plan," and his loyal team of friends. In this high-stakes adventure, the stakes are personal: their former enemy, the unscrupulous S. Wendell Palomino (known as Swindle), has returned with a legal loophole to reclaim Luthor, the massive but lovable Doberman the kids rescued. To protect their furry friend, the group must orchestrate an elaborate disappearance, splitting up into secret hideouts to keep Luthor out of Swindle's clutches.

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced heists, clever gadgets, and stories where kids outsmart the adults. Ideal for readers interested in animal rescue and teamwork, Korman blends humor with genuine tension, making it a page-turner for even the most reluctant readers. It is a great choice for fans of the 39 Clues or Masterminds series who enjoy seeing a diverse group of friends use their unique skills to solve a common problem.

Highlights:

• A suspenseful "heist-in-reverse" plot that keeps readers guessing.
• Strong emphasis on the bond between children and their pets.
• Features a diverse cast of characters with specialized skills like tech, animals, and athletics.
• Perfect balance of laugh-out-loud humor and exciting action sequences.

In this powerful sequel to the Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves, Julie finally returns to her village after months of surviving in the Arctic wilderness. While she is happy to be reunited with her family, she quickly realizes that the home she left has changed. Her father has abandoned many traditional ways, trading his sled dogs for a snowmobile and focusing on raising musk oxen. This shift creates a heart-wrenching conflict: to protect the village's livelihood, her father is prepared to hunt the very wolves that saved Julie's life.

Julie is a poignant exploration of the struggle to balance heritage with progress. Readers will be captivated by Julie’s determination to protect her wolf pack while trying to find her place in a changing world. This book is ideal for readers interested in environmental conservation, indigenous cultures, and the deep bond between humans and animals. It is a great choice for children who love survival stories and emotional journeys of self-discovery.

Highlights:

• A moving story about the clash between ancient traditions and modern technology.
• Deeply researched insights into Inuit culture and Arctic wildlife.
• A strong, resilient female protagonist who stands up for her beliefs.
• Explores complex family dynamics and the ethics of wildlife preservation.

Rafe Khatchadorian is back, and this time he's trading the hallways of Hills Village Middle School for the freezing tundra of Alaska! In Middle School: Winter Blunderland, Rafe joins a research study on polar bears led by Dr. Daria Deerwin. While he expects a cool adventure, he quickly finds himself facing sub-zero temperatures, his biggest crush yet, and a dangerous mission to save a missing polar bear from poachers. It is a high-stakes, hilarious journey that tests Rafe's courage and creativity in the wild.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced, funny stories with plenty of illustrations. Ideal for readers interested in wildlife conservation and environmental themes, James Patterson delivers another hit that balances slapstick humor with heart. It is a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or anyone looking for an engaging winter-themed adventure that keeps them turning the pages.

Highlights:

• An exciting Alaskan setting filled with polar bears and snowy challenges.
• Relatable middle school humor and awkward first-crush moments.
• A thrilling plot involving environmental protection and stopping poachers.
• Engaging illustrations that make it accessible for reluctant readers.

The One and Only Ivan is a Newbery Medal-winning masterpiece that tells the heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has lived in a shopping mall enclosure for twenty-seven years. Accustomed to his life behind glass, Ivan spends his days watching television and painting. However, his world is transformed when Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, arrives at the mall. Through Ruby's innocent eyes, Ivan begins to see their captive home differently and realizes he must find a way to secure a better future for them both.

This beautifully written novel is perfect for children who love animal stories and readers who appreciate emotional, thought-provoking narratives. Katherine Applegate uses a unique first-person perspective that allows children to connect deeply with Ivan’s thoughts and feelings. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in animal welfare, the power of art, and the true meaning of friendship. Fans of Charlotte's Web will find a similar blend of humor and poignancy in this modern classic.

Highlights:

• Inspired by the true story of a real gorilla named Ivan.
• Explores deep themes of empathy, courage, and the ethics of animal captivity.
• Short, accessible chapters make it a great choice for reluctant readers.
• Features beautiful illustrations that complement the lyrical prose.

Jack and Annie are back for another thrilling mission in Tigers at Twilight, the nineteenth installment of the beloved Magic Tree House series. This time, the magic tree house whisks them away to the lush, vibrant jungles of India. Accompanied by Teddy, an enchanted dog, the siblings find themselves in a race against time to save rare tigers from greedy poachers. It is a perfect choice for children who love animal adventures and stories about protecting the natural world.

As Jack and Annie navigate the dangers of the forest, they must use their wits and courage to outsmart the poachers. This book is ideal for readers interested in wildlife conservation and different cultures. With its fast-paced plot and easy-to-read chapters, it is a great choice for young readers transitioning from picture books to more complex stories. Parents will appreciate the educational elements woven into the fantasy, making it a staple for any home library.

Highlights:

• Engaging introduction to Indian wildlife and geography.
• Strong themes of environmental protection and animal rights.
• Part of the world-renowned Magic Tree House series that builds reading confidence.
• Features a mix of magic, mystery, and real-world issues.

Join Jack and Annie on a thrilling new adventure in the #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series! In Windy Night with Wild Horses, the magic tree house whisks our favorite sibling duo to the vast plains of Mongolia. As Eco-Volunteers, they find themselves under a full moon, tasked with a high-stakes mission: saving the last of the world's wild horses. This installment is perfect for children who love animals, nature, and fast-paced mysteries that span across time and geography.

Ideal for readers interested in different cultures and wildlife conservation, this book combines historical facts with magical elements. Young readers will be captivated as Jack and Annie navigate the Mongolian wilderness on mountain bikes and encounter a mysterious helper. It is a great choice for parents looking to encourage independent reading through engaging, accessible storytelling that builds confidence in early chapter book readers.

Highlights:

• An exciting introduction to Mongolian culture and the history of wild horses.
• Promotes themes of environmental stewardship and bravery.
• Short chapters and illustrations make it perfect for transitioning readers.
• Part of the beloved Magic Tree House series that kids and parents trust.

In Zoobreak, the "Man with the Plan" Griffin Bing and his loyal team of friends return for another high-stakes mission. When a class trip to a floating zoo reveals that animals are being kept in terrible conditions—including a classmate's long-lost pet monkey—Griffin knows he can't just walk away. What follows is a hilarious and heart-pounding animal rescue operation that requires every bit of the team's specialized skills, from tech expertise to animal whispering.

This fast-paced sequel is perfect for children who love heist stories, animal adventures, and stories about kids outsmarting adults. Gordon Korman delivers a masterclass in middle-grade suspense, blending laugh-out-loud humor with a genuine message about animal welfare and the power of standing up for what is right. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in clever problem-solving and tight-knit friendship groups.

Highlights:

• A thrilling heist plot involving a daring animal rescue mission.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and utilizing individual strengths.
• Perfect for fans of the Swindle series and high-energy adventure.
• Engaging themes of justice and animal rights presented in a fun, accessible way.