Books About Ambition

The Best Ambition Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about ambition? 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.

Naruto, Vol. 5
#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Big Field
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Ambition

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · 1846

The Count of Monte Cristo

A sailor's quest for revenge after wrongful imprisonment leads to a treasure and a reckoning with fate.

531 pages· 455,380 words
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,072,815 ratings
$7.95Save 5%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: Imprisoned on his wedding day for a crime he didn't commit, young sailor Edmond Dantès escapes the island fortress of Chateau d’If. With a hidden treasure at his disposal, he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those who betrayed him. As Dantès transforms into the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, he must confront the consequences of his obsession. Will his pursuit of justice lead to redemption or ruin? Set in post-Napoleonic France, this tale of betrayal, adventure, and fate challenges the boundaries of revenge and destiny.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2000

Naruto

By Masashi Kishimoto · Book #1 in the NARUTO series

A mischievous ninja-in-training aims to become the greatest, but his destiny holds unexpected challenges.

187 pages· 8,057 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 249,033 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the peaceful Village Hidden in the Leaves, Naruto, a spirited young ninja, dreams of becoming the Hokage. But as he struggles through Ninja Academy, a deeper destiny awaits. With a past shadowed by a nine-tailed fox spirit's attack, Naruto's journey is fraught with challenges and secrets. Can he rise above his mischievous nature to fulfill his true potential, or will the village's past haunt his future? Dive into a world where every classmate is a rival, and the path to greatness is anything but straightforward.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2000

Naruto, Vol. 5

By Masashi Kishimoto · Book #5 in the NARUTO series

Young ninja faces daunting exams to prove his worth.

181 pages· 8,497 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 25,633 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Naruto, a mischievous young ninja, dreams of becoming the greatest. As he and his friends face the grueling Chûnin Exams, their unity is tested. Can Naruto overcome his weaknesses and lead his team to victory, or will they falter under pressure? The stakes are high, and the path to becoming a full-fledged shinobi is fraught with challenges. Dive into a world where friendship and determination are the keys to survival.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

Diper Överlöde

Greg joins his brother's band, facing chaos and rock 'n' roll challenges.

224 pages· 17,686 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 15,619 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Greg Heffley joins his brother Rodrick's band, Löded Diper, dreaming of fame. But the rock 'n' roll life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Late nights, unpaid gigs, and band drama test Greg's patience. Can he help them achieve legendary status, or will the chaos be too much? Discover if Greg can handle the wild ride or if it all ends in disaster.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Quarterback Sneak

A young football player must navigate the challenges of teamwork and personal ambition when his quarterback's uncle, a famous pro football player, starts giving him advice that puts the team's success at risk.

72 pages· 4,611 words· Est. 39 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 200 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Anton faces a dilemma when Malik, the star quarterback, starts prioritizing his ego over teamwork. As tensions rise, Anton must find a way to unite the team before Malik's antics jeopardize their season. Can Anton restore harmony and save their chances of victory?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Wedgie & Gizmo vs. the Toof

By Suzanne Selfors, Barbara Fisinger (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Wedgie and Gizmo series

A guinea pig named Gizmo plans to take over the world with the help of a drone and a cavy horde, while a corgi named Wedgie tries to learn tricks to win a pet parade trophy

192 pages· 17,557 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Wedgie, a spirited dog, befriends a micro-pig, but their friendship faces a challenge. Gizmo, a cunning guinea pig, plots to unleash chaos at the school pet parade. With a flying machine and a plan to liberate guinea pigs, Gizmo aims for world domination. Can Wedgie and his new sidekick stop this evil genius before it's too late? Dive into a hilarious adventure where pets battle for supremacy and friendship is put to the ultimate test. Will Gizmo's villainous scheme succeed, or will Wedgie and the pig save the day?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

A Kite for Moon

A boy's promise to the moon leads him on a journey to become an astronaut.

32 pages· 314 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 734 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy, captivated by the moon's sadness, sends kites with promises to visit. His vow fuels years of study and training, culminating in a thrilling rocket journey to fulfill his dream. Will he finally reach his celestial friend? This enchanting tale of friendship and ambition invites readers to explore the wonders of space and the power of dreams.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

The Big Field

A shortstop's loyalty is tested when betrayal strikes before the championship.

272 pages· 55,519 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,563 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Hutch dreams of playing shortstop like his hero, Derek Jeter, and his father, a former pro. But when Darryl "D-Will" Williams, a top prospect, joins the team, Hutch is pushed to second base. As the league championship looms, Hutch faces unexpected betrayal from those he trusts most. Will he sacrifice his dreams to remain a team player, or fight for his rightful place? The stakes are high, and Hutch must decide how far he's willing to go for the game he loves.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–15 · 2016

Top Prospect

A young quarterback must navigate high school pressures to secure his future in football.

280 pages· 53,782 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Travis Gardner, a promising young quarterback, is promised a college scholarship if he can survive high school football. As he enters ninth grade, Travis must earn his teammates' trust and evade opponents eager to take him down. But with sudden fame comes intense pressure, and every pass could make or break his future. Can Travis stay focused and prove himself worthy of the promise made to him, or will the weight of expectations be too much to bear?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2001

Judy Moody Gets Famous!

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Judy Moody series

A third-grader tries to become famous by winning a spelling bee, breaking a world record, and performing a trick with her pet cat.

144 pages· 9,286 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 11,353 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Judy Moody is green with envy when classmate Jessica Finch lands on the newspaper's front page. Determined to claim her own spotlight, Judy embarks on a quest for fame. But will her pursuit lead to glory or just more notorious antics? As Judy navigates her hilarious moods and schemes, readers will wonder if she'll achieve her dreams or become more infamous than ever. Dive into Judy's latest adventure and find out if her quest for recognition brings happiness or chaos.
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Ambition Picture Books

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

Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father

Ages 5–8

A young immigrant rises from obscurity to become a key figure in the founding of a nation through determination, intellect, and unwavering ambition.

Why Not You?

Ages 4–8

Dare to dream big and ask, 'Why not you?'

Hey Black Child

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover your potential and dream big in this empowering poem.

You Are Magic

Ages 3–6 · 2025

Discover the magic within by following Ariana's inspiring journey.

View all ambition picture books
Browse by age

Ambition Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ambition for developing and independent readers.

The Climb

Ages 8–12 · 2002

Young climbers face fierce competition and deadly storms on Everest.

Macbeth (Graphic Novel)

Ages 10–14 · 1623

A prophecy ignites ambition, leading to a bloody quest for power.

Sale price
$699

The Kid Who Ran for President

Ages 8–12 · 1996

A twelve-year-old runs for President. Can he win?

Kisses and Croissants

Ages 12–+ · 2021

An American ballerina's Parisian summer is complicated by rivalry, high expectations, and unexpected romance.

Cheating Lessons

Ages 13–18 · 2002

A young debater faces a moral dilemma when she discovers cheating before a crucial competition.

Beyblade X, Vol. 4

Ages 8–11 · 2025

A mysterious challenger disrupts the ultimate Beyblade showdown at The X tower. Who will claim victory?

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