Books About Appearance

The Best Appearance Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about appearance? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Appearance

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,221,081 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2010)

224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 317,682 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1998

The Skin I'm In

By Sharon Flake · Book #1 in the The Skin I'm In series

A bullied girl meets a teacher who changes her view on self-worth and identity.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (1999)

192 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 17,436 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Maleeka endures daily bullying over her appearance and clothes. When Miss Saunders, a new teacher with a unique look, arrives, Maleeka expects more trouble. Instead, she finds inspiration. Miss Saunders embraces her own differences, challenging Maleeka to reconsider her self-image. Can Maleeka learn to love herself in a world that constantly judges her? Discover the journey of self-acceptance and empowerment in this compelling story.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

The Wide-Awake Princess

By E.D. Baker, E. D. Baker · Tales of the Wide-Awake Princess series

Annie must find her sister's true love to break a sleeping curse on the castle.

261 pages· 61,067 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 14,264 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Princess Annie, immune to magic, is the only one awake after a curse puts her castle to sleep. To save her sister, Sleeping Beauty, she must find true love's kiss. With the help of a guard named Liam, Annie navigates a land of familiar and new fairy tale characters. Is true love the irritating Digby, the charming Prince Andreas, or the scheming Clarence? As Annie races against time, she might just discover her own heart's desire. Can she unravel the mystery and awaken her family before it's too late?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Uglies

By Scott Westerfeld · Book #1 in the Uglies series

Tally must choose: betray a friend or remain an 'Ugly' forever.

426 pages· 87,152 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 714,769 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where turning sixteen means a transformation into beauty, Tally eagerly awaits her new life as a 'Pretty.' But when her friend Shay questions the system and disappears, Tally faces a dilemma. The authorities demand she betray Shay to secure her own future. As Tally uncovers the dark truths behind the facade of perfection, she must decide between loyalty and her dream. Will she risk everything for friendship, or conform to a society that values appearance above all? Tally's choice will redefine her world and her identity.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Flat Stanley at Bat

By Jeff Brown, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Flat Stanley: I Can Read series

A boy who has been flat since a bulletin board fell on him tries out for a baseball team.

32 pages· 663 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Stanley, a unique baseball player, excels with his flatness, catching high hits and earning walks. But when his abilities are challenged by rivals, he must prove his skills at bat. Can Stanley show that his flatness is fair play, or will he strike out under pressure? Join Stanley in this exciting baseball adventure where fairness and talent are put to the test.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2017

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

By Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)

A barber shop is a place of transformation where people go to feel seen and valued.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2018)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Caldecott Honor (2018)Newbery Honor (2018)

32 pages· 688 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,965 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the barbershop, boys enter as clay and emerge as royalty, crowned with confidence. Each fresh cut sharpens their presence, turning heads and lifting spirits. This rhythmic tale celebrates the transformative power of a haircut, where self-esteem and swagger soar. Witness the magic as boys embrace their reflections, stepping boldly into the world with newfound pride. Discover how a simple trim can change everything, making grades rise, hearts flutter, and hugs tighter. 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut' is a vibrant tribute to the beauty and humanity of black boys, celebrating their brilliance and worth.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Randy, the Beautiful Horse

By T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator), T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator)

A horse believes he's beautiful, but reality might surprise him.

40 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Randy, a horse who thinks he's the epitome of beauty, despite being a child's quirky drawing. Journey through a whimsical world of construction-paper mountains and popsicle-stick forests as Randy's self-perception faces unexpected challenges. Will his confidence endure when he finally sees himself? This delightful tale explores imagination and self-discovery, leaving readers charmed by Randy's endearing spirit.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2021

The Desolations of Devil's Acre

By Ransom Riggs · Book #6 in the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series

Jacob races against time to stop an unstoppable enemy and save the peculiar world.

512 pages· 118,992 words· Est. 13 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 25,587 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Jacob Portman faces his greatest challenge as Caul returns, threatening the peculiar world with apocalyptic desolations. With Noor, he must decipher the secret location of the seven prophesied ones to thwart Caul's dark agenda. As they navigate dangerous loops and reunite with Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children, the stakes have never been higher. Can they uncover the mystery in time to save their world from destruction?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Plain Jane and the Mermaid

By Vera Brosgol

Plain Jane's quest for independence leads her underwater to rescue a kidnapped prince from mermaids.

368 pages· 7,622 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,285 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Jane, deemed plain by all, seeks independence by proposing to Prince Peter. But when a mermaid kidnaps him, her plans sink. Venturing into the ocean's depths, Jane faces enchanting mysteries and perilous creatures. Can she rescue her maybe-fiancé and find her own path to freedom? Dive into a tale where fairy-tale norms are turned upside down, and discover if Jane's courage can outshine her plainness.

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Browse by age

Appearance Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1999

Big

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl navigates growing up and learning to accept herself.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young girl reflects on the beauty of her eyes and the women in her family who share the same feature.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Colors of Us

Ages 4–8 · 1999

A girl discovers the diverse shades of brown in her world.

Sale price

$1695

Magnificent Homespun Brown

Ages 6–8 · 2020

Young voices celebrate the joy of embracing one's own skin.

Sale price

$1899

Last Stop on Market Street

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A young boy spends the day with his grandmother, exploring their neighborhood and learning about the beauty in unexpected places.

Sale price

$1795

Snow White

Ages 4–8 · 1812

A queen's jealousy threatens a young girl's life. Can she escape her fate?

Series

Sale price

$899

Strega Nona's Magic Ring

Ages 4–8 · 1979

A magic ring transforms Anthony, but will it solve his loneliness or create chaos?

Series

Sale price

$1299

Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A backyard beauty day for Mom spirals out of control. Can it be saved?

Sale price

$1795

How Beautiful

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A caterpillar's quest to define beauty reveals diverse perspectives in the forest.

Series

Sale price

$995

The Rainbow Fish

Ages 3–6 · 1992

A beautiful fish learns to share his most prized possessions with others.

Sale price

$599

The Saggy Baggy Elephant

Ages 3–7 · 1947

An elephant finds self-acceptance after meeting others like him.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$599

Pass the Ball, Mo!

Ages 4–6 · 2021

A young basketball player must learn to pass to help his team win the big game.

View all appearance picture books

Browse by age

Appearance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about appearance for developing and independent readers.

School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough?

Series

Sale price

$599

School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough?

Ages 8–12 · 2012

Middle school gets dumber as Jamie's diary reveals her hilarious take on life's big questions.

Sale price

$1699

Auggie & Me

Ages 9–12 · 2014

Discover Auggie's world through the eyes of a bully, an old friend, and a new ally.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$799

Aphrodite the Beauty

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Aphrodite faces jealousy and unexpected love challenges in a world of gods and goddesses.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$1499

The Conference of the Birds

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A prophecy threatens peculiardom. Jacob must find a hidden ally to save Noor and the future.

Sale price

$1799

Don't Judge Me

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must confront a list ranking classmates by looks, risking everything to speak up.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe

Ages 6–9 · 2022

Mimi must prove she's more than just cute to escape a 'cute-astrophe.'

Sale price

$1799

Stepsister

Ages 12–17 · 2019

An ugly stepsister defies fate to redefine beauty and find redemption.

Series

Sale price

$499

Miranda the Beauty Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Magic stolen, fashion in chaos. Can two friends save the day?

Series

Sale price

$1699

Beauty and the Beast

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A misfit girl and a cursed prince defy expectations in a tale of unlikely friendship and transformation.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Beast and the Bethany

Ages 9–13 · 2020

An immortal man must choose between beauty and a child's life when a beast demands a new meal.

Series

Sale price

$999

Fairest

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A girl with a magical voice faces palace intrigue and a queen's dangerous demand to save her kingdom.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1399

Pretties

Ages 12–17 · 2005

Tally's perfect life hides a dangerous secret that could cost her everything.

View all appearance chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about bullying Books about baseball Books about beauty Books about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities Books about empathy Books about fairness Books about falling in love

Our 10 Favorite Books About Appearance

Great books, picked for their age.

Appearance Picture Books

Appearance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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