Cheating is the one rule children work out for themselves long before anyone explains it. A four-year-old moves a game piece two extra squares and watches your face. A first grader copies a spelling word off the desk next to hers and decides that isn't really cheating, because it was only one word, and anyway she knew it. What makes these books so useful is that they take the small print seriously: the child in the story is almost never a villain, just someone who found a shortcut and now has to live in the world on the other side of it.
Drawing on Bookroo's collection of books about cheating, our editors chose thirteen that spread across the whole territory instead of landing the same lesson thirteen times — a pug who cheats at a kibble-eating contest, a homework machine that gets too good at its job, a friend who copies your poem and takes the bow, a state test with impossible scores, a boy accused of something he did not do. Start with the fixed shortlist below, then browse picture books for the read-aloud years and chapter books for readers old enough to argue about where the line actually is.
Four fifth graders share one secret: a machine in a bedroom closet that does their homework better than they do.
The world's greediest pug will do anything to win, up to and including a kibble-eating contest against a dachshund.
Six sixth graders, one statewide test nobody can stop talking about, and a plan to get hold of the answers early.
Muffy copies Francine's answers on the spelling test. Francine is the one sent to the principal's office.
A burned-out teacher and the school's worst class. Twenty-seven years ago, his name was on a cheating scandal.
Junie B. knows cheating is wrong. Copying homework isn't cheating, though. And a friend just telling you the answer? That's sharing.
Fox really wants the first-place trophy. Fox is not a very good jumper. Fox is an excellent schemer.
The middle school's test scores came back impossibly high. The thirteen-year-old lawyer in town has a theory about why.
Jessica's best friend keeps copying her work. Then Lizzie reads Jessica's poem aloud and takes the applause.
The school election is rigged and the principal is in on it. A retired schemer comes out of retirement.
Kelsey is going to win the school reading contest. Simon is claiming books nobody has seen him read.
Bernetta is expelled for running a cheating ring she had nothing to do with. Her scholarship goes with it.
The new assistant coach is teaching the hockey team illegal hits, and they are working.
Rigged races, peeked-at spelling tests, and the sinking feeling that comes with a trophy you didn't earn — for the read-aloud and early-reader years, ages 3–8.
Can a photographic memory solve a birthday party mystery?
A group of racers compete in the Super Cup Grand Prix to win the Super Cup and the power of super speed.
A spelling test challenges Nancy's pride and principles.
A canoe race turns into a lesson on honesty when winning isn't everything.
A school competition turns sour when cheating leads to unexpected consequences.
Young elephants race to discover who's fastest and learn about themselves.
Copied homework, cheating scandals, sabotaged games, and the classmate everyone is sure is faking their reading log — for readers who want the version with real consequences, ages 6–11.
A gymnast's secret mistake tests her friendship and integrity.
Strange paintball tactics threaten the biggest tournament. Can Max and Tyler uncover the truth?
A new rival's cheating threatens Matt's racing dreams.
A young football prodigy faces a media storm threatening his NFL dreams and family ties.
Can the squad stop a cheater and save a golf ball from doom?
A group of students forms a math team and uncovers a sinister plot by their competitors to cheat and win a championship.
A half-fairy, half-vampire's first sleepover promises magical mischief and midnight snacks.
A reluctant mouse faces Olympic chaos in New Mouse City.
A young detective solves mysteries and crimes in his neighborhood.
Solve mysteries with a young detective as he uncovers hidden truths in his town.
In the Arctic Robot Race, can Jimmy outsmart unfair rivals?
Three friends face magic, mayhem, and a crucial test at their magical school.
