Books About Appearance

The Best Appearance Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

Wonder
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 · 1,225,086 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?
Smile
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

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 Goodreads · 319,099 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.
The Skin I'm In
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 Goodreads · 17,461 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.
The Wide-Awake Princess
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

The Wide-Awake Princess

By E.D. Baker · Book #1 in the 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 Goodreads · 14,276 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?
Uglies
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 · 715,930 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.
Flat Stanley at Bat
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 Goodreads · 344 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.
Fairest
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Fairest

By Gail Carson Levine · Ella Enchanted series

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

334 pages· 58,029 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 69,623 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Aza, gifted with an extraordinary voice but lacking beauty, becomes lady-in-waiting to a new queen. When the queen demands a perilous favor, Aza is thrust into a web of palace intrigue involving a magic mirror, a charming prince, and a jealous queen. As an injured king's fate hangs in the balance, Aza must navigate this treacherous maze to protect herself and her kingdom. Can she uncover the truth and find her own strength amidst the shadows?
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
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 · 4,969 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.
Randy, the Beautiful Horse
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 · 265 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.
The Desolations of Devil's Acre
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 Goodreads · 25,798 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?
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Appearance Picture Books

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

Big
Sale price
$1999

Big

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl navigates growing up and learning to accept herself.

The Colors of Us
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Colors of Us

Ages 4–8 · 1999

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

Last Stop on Market Street
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.

Snow White
Sale price
$1795

Snow White

Ages 4–8 · 1812

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

Makeup Mess
Sale price
$799

Makeup Mess

Ages 3–8 · 2001

Julie discovers true beauty isn't found in makeup after surprising reactions from her family.

How Beautiful
Sale price
$1795

How Beautiful

Ages 8–12 · 2017

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

The Rainbow Fish
Series
Sale price
$1295

The Rainbow Fish

Ages 3–6 · 1992

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

The Saggy Baggy Elephant
Sale price
$599

The Saggy Baggy Elephant

Ages 3–7 · 1947

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

View all appearance picture books
Browse by age

Appearance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about appearance for developing and independent readers.

Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Plain Jane and the Mermaid

Ages 8–12 · 2024

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

Auggie & Me
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.

Don't Judge Me
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.

Stepsister
Sale price
$1799

Stepsister

Ages 12–17 · 2019

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

Beauty and the Beast
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.

The Beast and the Bethany
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.

Pretties
#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 bullyingBooks about baseballBooks about beautyBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about empathyBooks about fairnessBooks about falling in love