Books About Bravery · 350 titles considered

The Best Bravery Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about bravery? 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 Tale of Despereaux
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Bravery

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1982

The BFG

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young orphan is carried off by a dream-blowing giant, then must help him stop the man-eating ones.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (1983)
207 pages· 36,978 words· Est. 5 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 538,543 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sophie, a young orphan, is whisked away by the BFG, a gentle giant unlike his fearsome kin. When she learns of a sinister plan by other giants to devour children in England, Sophie and the BFG embark on a daring mission to thwart them. Can this unlikely duo save the day, or will the giants' hunger prevail? Join Sophie and the BFG on a whimsical adventure filled with danger, courage, and unexpected friendships.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

The Tale of Despereaux

A mouse, a rat, and a girl embark on a journey of light and destiny.

272 pages· 32,226 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 218,159 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Despereaux, a mouse enchanted by music and a princess, Roscuro, a rat yearning for light, and Miggery Sow, a girl with an impossible wish, are drawn together. Their paths lead from a dark dungeon to a shining castle, intertwining their fates. What destiny awaits them in this tale of courage and longing?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

A Tail of Camelot

By Julie Leung, Lindsey Carr (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mice of the Round Table series

A young mouse must uncover a hidden threat to save Camelot from destruction.

320 pages· 55,221 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 401 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where mice protect Camelot, young Calib Christopher dreams of knighthood. As a new danger looms, Calib and his friend Cecily must uncover the true enemy threatening their home. Can they unite their forces and save the legendary castle from peril? Adventure and magic await in this thrilling tale of courage and friendship.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 634,448 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,299 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8

The Bravest Dog Ever

A sled dog races through Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine.

48 pages· 1,229 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,129 ratings
$22.45Save 5%
Prebound-Sewn
Summary: In the harsh Alaskan wilderness of 1925, a brave sled dog leads his team on a perilous 53-mile journey to deliver crucial medicine during a deadly diphtheria outbreak. Will they succeed against the odds?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2017

The Ember Stone

By Katrina Charman, Jeremy Norton (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Last Firehawk series

A young owl named Tag dreams of becoming an Owl of Valor and protecting his forest from the evil vulture Thorn, who is using dark magic to destroy Perodia.

96 pages· 6,026 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,031 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the magical land of Perodia, darkness looms as Thorn, a vulture wielding dark magic, threatens its peace. Tag, a small owl with big dreams of heroism, teams up with his squirrel friend Skyla and the last firehawk. Together, they discover a mysterious stone that might hold the key to defeating Thorn. Can this unlikely trio save their world from destruction? Dive into this thrilling adventure where courage and friendship are the only hope against a spreading evil.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A girl seeks the Old Man on the Moon to change her family's fortune.

278 pages· 42,343 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 55,508 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a valley where hope is scarce, young Minli embarks on a daring quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, seeking answers to alter her family's fate. Guided by folktales and joined by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and faces challenges that test her courage and faith. Will Minli's journey bring prosperity to her home, or will the secrets of the moon remain hidden? Discover a world where adventure and folklore intertwine in a tale of friendship and destiny.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

Harriet the Invincible (Graphic Novel)

A princess must find a prince to break a sleeping curse cast on her family.

256 pages· 16,096 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,358 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Harriet Hamsterbone isn't your average princess. Cursed to fall asleep on her twelfth birthday, she revels in her invincibility, embarking on daring adventures with her riding quail, Mumfrey. But as her birthday looms, the curse takes an unforeseen turn, forcing Harriet to confront a new reality. Can she find a way to break the spell, or will her adventurous spirit be her undoing? Dive into a world where princesses defy expectations and curses lead to unexpected journeys.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

I Am Malala

A girl defies the Taliban for education, surviving a deadly attack.

327 pages· 90,914 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 636,424 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a Taliban-controlled valley, a young girl dares to demand education. Shot for her defiance, she survives against all odds, becoming a global symbol of peaceful protest. Her journey from a remote village to the United Nations challenges a world that often silences women. Can one voice truly inspire change?
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Bravery Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about bravery for the youngest readers and listeners.

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Ages 2–5 · 1978

Three little bears explore a spooky old tree and encounter various obstacles.

I Am So Brave!

Ages 1–3 · 2014

A toddler conquers fears, embracing new experiences with courage.

This Is the Firefighter

Ages 5–6 · 2009

A firefighter races against time to save the day.

Back to School Tortoise

Ages 2–5 · 2009

Tortoise faces school fears. Will he find courage or crumble under worries?

Not So Small at All

Ages 0–5 · 2018

Discover how small things can achieve big dreams in this inspiring tale.

Sale price
$999

Leo Gets a Checkup

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Leo faces his first doctor's visit, learning patience and bravery.

I Am Scary
Sale price
$1095

I Am Scary

Ages 0–2 · 2020

A monster's scare tactics fail when a child finds it huggable.

Courage

Ages 0–3 · 2002

Discover the courage in everyday moments and the hero within us all.

I'm Not Hatching

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Egg refuses to hatch, fearing the world outside.

A Brave Bear

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A little bear learns bravery on a hot day adventure with his dad.

Sale price
$699

Little Boat

Ages 0–3 · 2015

A small boat faces big challenges on a daring adventure.

The Shark Who Was Afraid of Everything

Ages 0–3 · 2002

A timid shark must find courage to help a friend in need.

View all bravery board books
Browse by age

Bravery Picture Books

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

Sir Small and the Dragonfly

Ages 4–7 · 1988

A tiny knight must rescue a maiden from a dragonfly's clutches.

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

Ages 5–7 · 2002

A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.

Harriet Tubman

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

Madeline

Ages 4–8 · 1939

A young girl named Madeline has her appendix removed and her friends want to have the same experience.

After the Fall

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A famous egg who fell off a wall recounts his journey to overcome his fears and learn to fly.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Ages 3–7 · 2015

A parent reflects on their child's future and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Petra

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A little rock's journey through ever-changing identities challenges her perspective and self-belief.

Let's Go, Hugo!

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A grounded bird must find courage to soar to new heights.

What Do You Do With a Chance?

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child learns courage by seizing missed chances, discovering the magic of new experiences.

Jabari Jumps

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young boy faces his fears and learns to jump off a diving board with the help of his dad.

Sale price
$2195

The Paper Bag Princess

Ages 4–8 · 1980

A princess rescues her prince from a dragon.

Max the Brave

Ages 3–6 · 2014

A kitten seeks a mouse but faces unexpected challenges.

Browse by age

Bravery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about bravery for developing and independent readers.

Sale price
$2299

The Search for WondLa

Ages 10–14 · 2009

A girl flees her destroyed sanctuary, seeking others like her in a mysterious world.

Stone Fox
Sale price
$899

Stone Fox

Ages 8–12 · 1980

A boy races to save his farm, facing an undefeated rival in a high-stakes dogsled race.

The Voyage to Magical North

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A girl with a forgotten past joins a pirate quest to a mythical land, risking sea monsters and secrets.

Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts

Ages 7–12 · 2018

Sam must face his fears when a ghost haunts his home.

Toliver's Secret

Ages 7–11 · 1976

A young girl must navigate a treacherous journey to deliver a secret message to a tavern owner in a small town.

Call It Courage

Ages 10–14 · 1940

A boy faces the sea to conquer fear and prove his courage.

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Two friends embark on a quest to save a loved one from a powerful warlock.

Waking the Rainbow Dragon

Ages 6–8 · 2018

A young boy must help a dragon to bring rain to a land in need

A True Home

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A young mouse named Mona finds a new home in a hotel for animals in the forest.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A timid princess faces monsters to save her sister and kingdom.

Tall Tales
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Tall Tales

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Discover Boneville's origins with wild tales of adventure and mythical creatures.

Some Kind of Courage
Sale price
$799

Some Kind of Courage

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy embarks on a perilous quest to reclaim his stolen pony, defying nature and danger at every turn.

Keep exploring
Books about journeys and voyagesBooks about rescues and rescuingBooks about Chinese folkloreBooks about coping with deathBooks about dark magicBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about fortune and luckBooks about giants

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