Are you looking for a wonderful list of children’s books set in California? Here are some of our favorites! Each of these children’s books is either set in California or features a person who has close ties to the state of California. California’s rich history includes early Spanish missions, the Gold Rush, foreign trade and shipping, and so much more. From mountains to deserts to beaches, its natural beauty changes significantly depending on your specific location within the state. If you’d like more information on each book, read more by clicking on the affiliate links listed below.
By the Great Horn Spoon
A 12-year-old boy journeys west to California during the Gold Rush and runs into all kinds of adventures.
Camp Time in California
Jack and Annie meet President Roosevelt and John Muir while camping in Yosemite National Park in 1903.
Chang’s Paper Pony
Young Chang has come to California from China during the Gold Rush and hopes to own a horse one day.
Clipper Ship
A family departs New York en route to California on a clipper ship during the California Gold Rush.
Dear Mr. Henshaw
A young boy processing his parents' divorce unexpectedly befriends his favorite author through a school assignment.
Earthquake in the Early Morning
Jack and Annie arrive in California just in time for the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Esparanza Rising
A young girl must immigrate to California as a poor farm worker after unexpected circumstances force her to leave her...
Gold Rush Girl
A young girl stows away on her father's ship bound for California during the Gold Rush era.
Grandfather’s Journey
A Japanese man immigrates to the United States and learns the tension of feeling at home in both countries.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
A young native girl lives alone for nearly 20 years on a California island. Based on a true story. Caldecott...