Searching for your next family reading adventure? Southeast Michigan is home to dozens of bookstores that are fun for children to explore, with everything from gently used finds to the newest children’s and teen/young adult releases.
Explore cozy spots in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties — many offering story times, bilingual books and spaces designed to spark a love of reading.
Explore a map of kid-friendly bookstores in metro Detroit
First, take a glance at our map of 43 shop options scattered around southeast Michigan, from Detroit to Ann Arbor to Armada. See what’s close to you!
A list of children-friendly bookstores in southeast Michigan
Next, let’s dive into the details! All of these stores at least have some children’s book options. Some also offer story times and bigger selections for kiddos. Read on to learn more.
27th Letter Books
- Address:Â 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This family-friendly store offers in-person and virtual events for kids. Its shelves have a diverse children’s selection and offer Spanish-language adult and children’s books. Watch for bilingual (Spanish and English) story times on Saturday mornings.
Another Look Books
- Address: 22263 Goddard Road, Taylor
This used book store first opened in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for upcoming events.
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center
- Address: 214 W. Michigan Ave., YpsilantiÂ
This independent shop is in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti. It puts on kid-friendly events, including story times. The children’s section is filled with diverse books, plus it offers soaps, oils and T-shirts.
Book Suey
- Address: 10345 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck
This bookstore co-operative is open for in-person shopping on Wednesdays-Sundays. Make sure to check their calendar for local events happening.
Booksweet
- Address: 1729 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
Come out to the Courtyard Shops to browse the books here. They host a lot of events, as well.
Books on the Ave
- Address: 35622 W. Michigan Ave., Wayne
Browse used books and records here. Have books to donate? They welcome drop-offs any time.
Bring Your Old Books
- Address: 48551 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
Discover used books and comics at this shop. Stop in to purchase a comic out of their bin for only $10. Plus, turn used books into them for credits to use on your next purchase.
Brooks Books
- Address: 1805 Ford Ave., Wyandotte
Shop antique, new, used and vintage books. You’ll also find reading-related gift from local vendors.
Browns Family Bookstore
- Address: 27309 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores
Under ownership in 2025, this shop continues to offer new and used books of all varieties.
Carol’s Paperbacks Plus
- Address: 5947 Highland Road, Waterford Township
This shop sells new and used books in a variety of genres including children’s, fantasy, gothic, science, westerns and more.
Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe
- Address: 15118 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
Explore a world of books for newborns to young adults, with a small selection for parents and adults. Its café serves coffee and sweet treats, and the walls are filled with beautiful murals. Children’s story times are held select Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Detroit Book City Bookstore
- Address: Pop-up, locations vary (based in Southfield)
Watch for this traveling shop to pop up at expos and events. It offers children’s and adults books and focuses on local and national African-American independent authors and Afrocentric interests.
Detroit Specials Used Books
- Address: 8275 John R St., Detroit
This New Center, run by a local parent, bookstore sells used books and graphic novels online and in-person. They also carry new books by marginalized authors.
Fenton’s Open Book
- Address:Â 105 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton
This full-service independent bookstore has an extensive section of children’s books and Melissa and Doug Toys — and it sells pasties (UP-style meat pies)! It also hosts book signings and monthly book clubs, and is involved in downtown Fenton events.
Fine Print Bookshop
- Address: 109 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
The indie store, run by a husband-wife duo, is focused on nurturing literacy at all ages. Shop in-store or online.
John K. King Books North
- Address: 22524 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Open since 1988-89 (it’s up for debate!), this community staple is nestled in a former hobby shop. While it’s smaller than the main location (see below), it’s still packed with fantastic reads for all book lovers.
John K. King Used & Rare Books
- Address: 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Four floors of books to browse — that’s why this is Michigan’s largest used and rare bookshop. Staff is there to assist families who are looking for specific reads.
Literati Bookstore
- Address:Â 124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor
Explore author readings, book clubs, poetry nights, children’s story times, and free book clubs for ages 13 and older — and, of course, plenty of books for sale.
Love & Other Books
- Address: 251 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Owned by local mom-and-dad duo Erin and Max Cambron, this shop offers a selection of genres including romance, young adult fiction, mystery and thrillers, fantasy, fiction, nonfiction, juvenile and children’s books.
Motte & Bailey Booksellers
- Address: 212 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor
Children’s picture books are among the finds at this shop that stocks 12,500 modern and antique titles.
Paperback Outlet
- Address: 41140 Hayes Road, Clinton Township
This store sells new and used books alike.
Paperback Writer Books
- Address:Â 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
Specializing in quality used books, this spot also stocks some current reads and records. Follow them on Facebook for occasional events like author signings and story times.
Paper Trail Books
- Address:Â 414 S. Washington Ave., Royal OakÂ
Find children’s and teens books here, among many genres. Check out a variety of free events, including story times, author readings, book signings and poetry readings. There’s also a piano and games like chess and checkers.
Read It Again Books
- Address: 39733 Grand River Ave., Novi
Their inventory features hard to find, out of print, used and rare books. They also sell new books, which are always 20% off.
Schuler Books Ann Arbor
- Address:Â 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
Formerly Nicola’s Book, this spacious bookstore has a fully stocked children’s section. It offers a K-8 summer reading program, author-led story times and author events for kids.
Schuler Books West BloomfieldÂ
- Address: 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
This independent bookstore was opened in 2023. It offers new and used books in all different genres and for all ages. It also offers bargain books.
Serendipity Books
- Address: 108 E. Middle St., Chelsea
This cozy women-owned shop stocks titles for children and hosts occasional events in the heart of downtown Chelsea.
Sidetrack Bookshop & The Caboose
- Address: 325 S. Washington Ave. and 220 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak
This popular indie bookshop offers plenty of books and events on Washington Avenue — plus don’t miss it’s dedicated children’s book store, The Caboose, on Fourth Street!
Source Booksellers
- Address:Â 4240 Cass Ave., Suite 105, Detroit
This Black-owned shop is a niche of nonfiction books, including topics like history, culture, health and wellbeing. Watch for occasional events, too.
Squirreled Away Books, Inc.
- Address:Â 22985 W. Main St., Armada
The “book squirrels” here can help you find books, comics, board games, role playing games and other fun items for all ages.
The Book Beat
- Address: 26010 Greenfield Road, Oak Park
Find art, children’s books and other literature at this community fixture, which opened in 1982.
Toadvine Books
- Address: 2783 Coolidge Highway, Berkley
This bookstore has a room just for kids — with lots of children’s and young adult books, plus toys to play with while they’re there. Local authors come in for story times.
Water Brothers Books
- Address: 31208 Five Mile Road, Livonia
This bookstore has served Livonia for more than 30 years. Check out their trade-in policy for a great discount.
West Side Book Shop
- Address: 113 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Shop used and rare books in the Haarer Building — a historic space where books have been sold since 1888.
Content sponsored by Wayne County Community College District. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Raising Kids Who Love to Read.
