Books About Body Image

The Best Body Image Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Self-Acceptance, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about body image? 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.

Dumplin'
#1 in Series
A Work in Progress
Dear Sweet Pea
Artichoke's Heart
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Body Image

Dumplin'
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2015

Dumplin'

By Julie Murphy · Book #1 in the Dumplin' series

A girl enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal norms.

400 pages· 85,258 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 92,775 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Willowdean Dixon, a self-assured teen, faces self-doubt when a romance with a charming jock shakes her confidence. To prove her worth, she enters the Miss Clover City beauty pageant, defying expectations and challenging stereotypes. As she competes alongside other unconventional contestants, Willowdean aims to show her small town—and herself—that beauty comes in all forms. Will she find the courage to stand tall and redefine what it means to be beautiful?
A Work in Progress
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

A Work in Progress

By Jarrett Lerner

A boy battles self-image and self-acceptance in a world of thin peers.

368 pages· 15,410 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,877 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Will hides in oversized clothes, battling shame and a crush on Jules. Desperate to change, he faces slow progress and self-loathing. Meeting Markus, a skateboarder, might just change his perspective. Can Will embrace his evolving self and find acceptance?
Taking Up Space
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Taking Up Space

By Alyson Gerber

A young athlete battles self-doubt and family struggles while discovering true self-worth.

272 pages· 53,343 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 915 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sarah's world revolves around basketball, but when her game falters, so does her confidence. As her body feels foreign and her home life unravels, a cooking competition with her crush offers unexpected challenges. Can Sarah find her true self without changing who she is? Dive into a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Junior High Drama
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

Junior High Drama

By Louise Simonson, Sumin Cho (Illustrator) · Junior High Drama series

Middle school drama unfolds with secrets, parties, and self-discovery. Can they survive?

240 pages· 2,289 words· Est. 26 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,414 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Other
Summary: At Memorial Middle School, drama is everywhere. Lucia dreads a boy-girl party, Kamilla battles self-doubt to audition for the play, and Allie hides a secret. Can they navigate the chaos of junior high and find their way? Discover how these students face challenges, friendships, and the inevitable drama that comes with growing up. Will they emerge stronger, or will the pressures of middle school overwhelm them? Dive into a world where every hallway whisper and classroom conflict shapes their journey.
The Prettiest
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Prettiest

By Brigit Young

Three girls unite to dismantle a sexist online list ranking their looks.

320 pages· 51,607 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,935 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Eve, Sophie, and Nessa are thrust into the spotlight when an online list ranks the prettiest eighth-grade girls. Eve is objectified, Sophie bullied, and Nessa misjudged. Together, they challenge the sexism and objectification that the list represents. As they seek the list's creator, they must confront their own insecurities and the harsh realities of middle school. Can they reclaim their identities and stand up for themselves and each other, or will the list's impact prove too powerful? Their journey is one of friendship, courage, and the fight for self-worth in a world eager to define them.
I Need a New Butt!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2012

I Need a New Butt!

By Dawn McMillan, Ross Kinnaird · My Butt series

A young boy discovers his butt has a crack and explores various options for a new one.

32 pages· 353 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,330 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A young boy faces an unexpected dilemma: his butt has a crack! Embarking on a whimsical quest, he explores options from armor-plated to rocket-powered replacements. Will he find the perfect fit? This hilarious adventure, filled with rhymes and laughter, promises endless giggles for kids and parents alike. Dive into this quirky tale and discover what kind of butt he chooses!
Dear Sweet Pea
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Dear Sweet Pea

By Julie Murphy

A letter sets off a life-changing chain of events for Sweet Pea and her family.

273 pages· 55,962 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,712 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sweet Pea DiMarco juggles life between her divorced parents' identical homes and a fractured friendship at school. When tasked with forwarding letters for her eccentric neighbor's advice column, she recognizes a familiar handwriting. Her decision about this letter sparks a series of events that could alter her world and those around her. Can Sweet Pea navigate the chaos and find her own voice amidst the upheaval?
What I Like About Me
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2019

What I Like About Me

By Jenna Guillaume

A teen enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and find her place in the spotlight.

304 pages· 52,387 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,480 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin has always felt overshadowed by her glamorous sister and best friend. But when her crush is stolen and she's pushed aside, Maisie decides it's time for a change. Entering the local Miss Teen Queen pageant, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Can Maisie defy expectations and shine in the spotlight she never thought she deserved? Join her as she navigates friendship, rivalry, and the quest for self-love in this heartwarming tale of transformation.
Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1981

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade

By Barthe DeClements

A class must confront their biases when money goes missing.

144 pages· 26,588 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 12,006 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In fifth grade, Jenny is convinced Elsie, the new student with a troubled home life, is a thief. When book club money vanishes, the entire class faces punishment. Can they uncover the truth and learn acceptance, or will their prejudices prevail? As tensions rise, friendships are tested, and secrets threaten to unravel, the students must decide what truly matters. Will they find the real culprit, or is there more to Elsie's story than meets the eye?
Artichoke's Heart
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2008

Artichoke's Heart

By Suzanne Supplee

A teen's journey to self-discovery challenges her perceptions beyond physical appearance.

276 pages· 68,204 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,120 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Rosemary Goode faces a turning point after a disastrous holiday season leaves her feeling overwhelmed by her weight and her mother's beauty shop gossip. With the unexpected influence of basketball player Kyle Cox, Rosemary embarks on a transformative year. As she navigates the pressures of small-town life, Rosemary discovers that true change lies in understanding her own self-worth. Will she find the courage to redefine her identity beyond the scale? Dive into Rosemary's heartfelt journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, where the real transformation is more than skin deep.
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Body Image Picture Books

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

Arthur's Nose
Series
Sale price
$1595

Arthur's Nose

Ages 5–8 · 1976

Discover the origins of Arthur and his friends in this special anniversary edition.

Giraffe Problems
Series
Sale price
$1799

Giraffe Problems

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A giraffe struggles with self-acceptance and finds an unlikely friend who helps him appreciate his unique features.

Francis Discovers Possible
Sale price
$1799

Francis Discovers Possible

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A hurtful word makes Francis feel small, but discovering 'possible' opens a world of warmth and self-acceptance.

View all body image picture books
Browse by age

Body Image Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about body image for developing and independent readers.

Once Upon a Messy Whisker
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2099

Once Upon a Messy Whisker

Ages 7–10 · 2022

What if Babymouse's wildest dreams could come true?

Horse Trouble
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Horse Trouble

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Can Kate overcome life's hurdles and stay in the saddle?

Planet Middle School
Sale price
$799

Planet Middle School

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Joy's world shifts as friendships change and a mysterious crush emerges. What will she do to capture his attention?

Deenie
Sale price
$799

Deenie

Ages 10–14 · 1973

A scoliosis diagnosis shatters Deenie's dreams, forcing her to confront a new reality.

Slob
Sale price
$899

Slob

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A boy's invention to see the past may solve a mystery and change his present.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

Ages 13–+ · 1999

A chaotic year of boy-stalking, eyebrow mishaps, and a wildcat-sized cat.

Mates, Dates, and Chocolate Cheats
#10 in Series
Sale price
$1099

Mates, Dates, and Chocolate Cheats

Ages 12–15 · 2005

Struggling with self-image, a teen's quest for weight loss risks overshadowing her true worth and budding opportunities.

Holding Up the Universe
Sale price
$1099

Holding Up the Universe

Ages 14–+ · 2016

Two teens, each hiding secrets, find unexpected connection in a high school game gone wrong.

Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality
Sale price
$1799

Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality

Ages 12–+ · 2013

A girl tired of being overlooked enters the beauty game to change her fate.

Husky
Series
Sale price
$1699

Husky

Ages 10–14 · 2015

A boy grapples with identity and change during a challenging summer.

Ballet Bullies
Series
Sale price
$2599

Ballet Bullies

Ages 8–11 · 2009

A dancer doubts herself, but a surprising opportunity awaits.

Halfway to Perfect
#4 in Series
Sale price
$1299

Halfway to Perfect

Ages 7–9 · 2012

Dyamonde helps a friend overcome self-doubt and embrace self-acceptance amid peer pressure.

View all body image chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about confidenceBooks about dating and courtshipBooks about mother-daughter relationshipsBooks about pageants

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