Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2004
Tooth Trouble
Freddy's desperate to lose a tooth, but his plan might land him in big trouble.
96 pages· 6,096 words· Est. 47 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,309 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Books About Childhood Struggles · 25 titles considered
The Best Childhood Struggles Books for Kids
By the Bookroo Editors
Looking for excellent children's books about childhood struggles? 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 Childhood Struggles
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2022
My Shadow Is Purple
By Scott Stuart · Book #2 in the My Shadow series
A child's shadow defies the binary, revealing a unique identity.
32 pages· 581 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.6/5 Goodreads · 1,670 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015
Heidi Heckelbeck Might Be Afraid of the Dark
A young girl named Heidi struggles with her fear of the dark as she prepares to spend the night at her friend Lucy's slumber party
128 pages· 4,313 words· Est. 48 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 292 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Sale price
$958
Board Book · Ages 0–4 · 2013
You Go First
Little Critter learns the value of putting others first after his selfishness causes trouble.
24 pages· 884 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 403 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014
Captain Starfish
By Davina Bell, Allison Colpoys (Illustrator)
A shy boy discovers balance between hiding and shining.
32 pages· 581 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008
It's Hard to Be a Verb!
A restless boy learns to control his impulses with his mom's help.
32 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 229 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Sale price
$1135
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2015
But It's Not My Fault
A boy learns to stop blaming others and take responsibility for his actions.
31 pages· 1,463 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 256 ratings
$11.95Save 5%
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015
Still Stuck
A boy gets stuck in his clothes, sparking fears and funny dilemmas.
32 pages· 247 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 980 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2003
My Secret Bully
By Trudy Ludwig, Abigail Marble (Illustrator)
Monica faces emotional bullying from a friend and learns to reclaim her power.
32 pages· 1,106 words· Est. 13 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 551 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Sale price
$1924
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1985
Arthur's Tooth
Arthur's tooth won't budge. Will it ever come out?
32 pages· 725 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,124 ratings
$20.25Save 5%
Browse by age
Childhood Struggles Picture Books
Illustrated read-alouds about childhood struggles for preschool and elementary-age readers.
Sale price
$1795
Violet Shrink
Ages 3–7 · 2020
A young girl confronts her social anxiety at family gatherings, seeking a solution with her father.
Sale price
$599
The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends
Ages 3–7 · 1986
A young bear named Sister Bear struggles to find a playmate her own age until a new family moves into the neighborhood.
Sale price
$899
Arthur's Underwear
Ages 5–8 · 1999
Arthur fears his nightmare of school in underwear might come true.
Sale price
$2099
A Boy Called Dickens
Ages 4–8 · 2012
A young Dickens faces hardship in London's streets, shaping his future tales.
Sale price
$2465
You Get What You Get
Ages 4–6 · 2012
A boy learns to handle disappointment without tantrums.
Sale price
$1899
No Fits, Nilson!
Ages 3–5 · 2013
A girl must manage her friend's epic tantrums while learning to control her own.
Sale price
$1899
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings
Ages 4–8 · 2019
A boy struggles to understand and manage his big emotions until he finds friendship and acceptance with others who feel the same way.
Sale price
$899
Arthur's Eyes
Ages 4–8 · 1979
Arthur ditches his glasses, but chaos ensues. Are four eyes better?
Sale price
$1699
A Friend for Henry
Ages 3–5 · 2019
In a noisy world, can Henry find the friend he seeks?
Sale price
$1799
Black Girl Magic
Ages 5–12 · 2020
Discover the magic within by embracing your unique gifts.
Sale price
$1699
Max's Box
Ages 0–6 · 2019
A magical box traps Max's emotions, growing until it blocks his joy. Can he find a way to let go?
Sale price
$1899
Everything Will Be OK
Ages 2–5 · 2022
A little bunny's bad day turns hopeful with a comforting message.