Books About Competition · 865 titles considered

The Best Competition Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about competition? 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.

Graphic Nov.

#1 in Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Competition

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #1 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

Trapped in a library, Kyle must solve puzzles to escape.

336 pages· 47,521 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 63,547 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Kyle Keeley, a gamer enthusiast, is thrilled to attend an exclusive lock-in at a new library designed by his idol, Luigi Lemoncello. But when the doors remain locked come morning, Kyle and his friends must unravel a series of intricate puzzles to find their way out. With time ticking and challenges mounting, can they crack the codes and escape the world's coolest library? Discover the twists and turns in this thrilling adventure filled with mystery and excitement.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1964

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory series

A poor boy finds a golden ticket to visit a mysterious and magical chocolate factory

164 pages· 31,115 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 948,302 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy, wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. Alongside four other children, each with their own quirks, Charlie embarks on a fantastical adventure. As they explore the factory's wonders, unexpected challenges test their character. Will Charlie's honesty and bravery help him navigate the surprises within? What secrets does the factory hold, and who will emerge changed forever? Discover the magic and mystery behind the factory's doors.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

The View from Saturday

By E.L. Konigsburg

A teacher's mysterious team selection leads to unexpected victories and deeper truths.

Newbery Medal (1997)

176 pages· 42,685 words· Est. 6 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 46,905 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mrs. Olinski's return to teaching brings an unexpected challenge: forming a winning Academic Bowl team. Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian surprise everyone with their victories, but the real mystery lies in how they were chosen. As they triumph over older students, questions arise about their unique bond. Each member's story reveals a piece of the puzzle, from accidental weddings to saving turtles. Mrs. Olinski finds confidence in her team, but the true reason behind their selection remains a secret known only to them. Discover the surprising answers hidden within their intertwined tales.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

The Candymakers

By Wendy Mass · Book #1 in the The Candymakers series

Four kids compete to create the ultimate candy. Who will win?

480 pages· 102,490 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 29,163 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a quest to craft the ultimate candy, four unique kids face off. Logan senses chocolate by touch, Miles avoids pink, Daisy lifts taffy with ease, and Philip guards his secrets. As they compete, mysteries unfold and friendships form. Who will create the most delicious treat?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Squint

By Chad Morris, Shelly Brown

A boy races against blindness to finish his comic, while a new friend risks popularity to discover her own talents.

256 pages· 51,448 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,155 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Flint, nicknamed Squint, is racing against time to complete his comic before losing his sight. At school, he meets McKell, the new girl who defies her popular friends to befriend him. As Flint battles his eye disease, McKell faces her own fears of sharing her hidden talents. Together, they navigate the challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to be true to themselves. Will they find the strength to reveal their true selves and see what truly matters? Discover the inspiring journey of two unlikely friends who learn to trust and believe in each other.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins · Book #1 in the The Hunger Games series

Survive a deadly game or face certain death in a dystopian world.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2010)Cybils Award (2008)

374 pages· 99,856 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,210,571 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: In a dystopian future, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the brutal Hunger Games to save her sister. Thrust into a televised fight to the death, she must navigate deadly challenges and moral dilemmas. As she becomes an unexpected contender, Katniss faces choices that pit survival against humanity and life against love. Can she outwit the Capitol's cruel spectacle and emerge victorious, or will the Games claim her life? The stakes are high, and the world is watching.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1978

The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin · Puffin Modern Classics series

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Newbery Medal (1979)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1978)

182 pages· 50,662 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 240,370 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Sixteen strangers gather for the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find themselves embroiled in a mysterious game. With a fortune at stake, they must unravel cryptic clues amidst blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. As alliances form and secrets unravel, the question remains: what is the true nature of Westing's final challenge? In this twist-filled mystery, the dead man's game is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than anyone imagined. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?

Sale price

$2328

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

Throne of Glass

By Sarah J. Maas · Book #1 in the Throne of Glass series

An assassin must win a deadly contest to gain freedom, but a sinister force threatens all.

432 pages· 110,619 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,636,692 ratings

$24.50Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: In a kingdom devoid of magic, assassin Celaena Sardothien is summoned to the castle, not to kill, but to compete for her freedom. Facing twenty-three deadly opponents, she must survive a brutal contest to become the king's champion. As the Crown Prince tests her resolve and the Captain of the Guard offers protection, a dark presence lurks within the castle walls. When fellow competitors start dying mysteriously, Celaena's quest for freedom turns into a battle for survival. Can she uncover the evil before it claims her life and the kingdom's future?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1961

Ten Apples Up On Top!

By Dr. Seuss

Three friends balance apples on their heads. Can they keep them up?

72 pages· 427 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 39,802 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join a lion, a dog, and a tiger as they hilariously balance apples on their heads. From jumping rope to roller-skating, they must keep their apples steady. But beware, a mischievous character with a mop threatens their fun! Will they manage to keep their balance and count to ten, or will the apples come tumbling down? Dive into this delightful counting adventure that promises giggles and a love for numbers.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

The Selection

By Kiera Cass · Book #1 in the The Selection series

A girl must choose between love and a crown in a life-changing competition.

336 pages· 79,732 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,808,024 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: America Singer is thrust into the Selection, a competition for Prince Maxon's heart, offering escape from her caste. Torn between her secret love, Aspen, and the unexpected allure of palace life, America faces a choice that could redefine her future. Will she embrace a destiny she never wanted, or follow her heart's true desire? As intrigue and romance swirl around her, America must navigate a world where every decision could change everything. Dive into a tale of love, choice, and unexpected possibilities in a glittering royal setting.

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Browse by age

Competition Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$899

The Deep Sea Race

Ages 0–3

Dive into an underwater race and lead your swimmer to victory!

Sale price

$1599

The Steves

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two puffins named Steve clash over who is the 'Stevest.'

Sale price

$899

Jungle Jeep

Ages 1–5 · 2020

Join a safari adventure with wild animals in a sturdy, interactive board book.

Sale price

$599

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Ages 2–5 · 2014

Hop into a colorful adventure with a classic tale retold.

Sale price

$799

Love You S'more

Ages 1–4 · 2022

Two raccoons compete to prove who loves the other 's'more.' Who will win this pun-filled contest of affection?

Sale price

$799

Apple vs. Pumpkin

Ages 2–4 · 2023

Apple and Pumpkin vie for fall's favorite in a festive showdown.

Mater's Backward ABC Book (Disney/Pixar Cars 3)

Series

Sale price

$899

Mater's Backward ABC Book (Disney/Pixar Cars 3)

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Lightning McQueen faces new rivals and must prove he's still a champion.

Cars 3 Little Golden Book (Disney/Pixar Cars 3)

Sale price

$599

Cars 3 Little Golden Book (Disney/Pixar Cars 3)

Ages 2–5 · 2017

A legendary racer faces new rivals and must prove he's not finished yet.

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Browse by age

Competition Picture Books

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

#1 in Series

Sale price

$599

Hi! Fly Guy

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A boy befriends a fly and tries to enter him into a pet show.

Series

Sale price

$2132

Camila the Baking Star

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Can Camila and her papa overcome chaos to win a baking contest?

Sale price

$1999

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A champion bear loses his growl before a big contest. Can he find it in time?

Sale price

$1499

The Donut Chef

Ages 3–7 · 2008

Two bakers clash in a wild doughnut duel. Who will win?

Sale price

$1899

Going Places

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young person sets out on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Sale price

$1695

The Spelling Bee Before Recess

Ages 5–8 · 2013

Three spellers face off in a tense bee. Who will win with a surprise twist looming?

Series

Sale price

$1299

Maisy's Field Day

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join a day of fun races where winning isn't the goal.

Sale price

$1899

Cleonardo

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Can a young inventor prove her ideas are worth creating on her own?

Series

Sale price

$1999

Fox and the Jumping Contest

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A clever fox schemes to win a jumping contest despite his lack of skill.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1199

The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes

Ages 4–7 · 2024

A young baker's dreams crumble with each mistake. Can he rise to the challenge?

Sale price

$1899

Spanish Is the Language of My Family

Ages 4–7 · 2023

A boy and his grandmother unite over a Spanish spelling bee, bridging past and present.

Sale price

$1599

Brave Young Knight

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A young knight wins a kingdom's contest by choosing truth over strength.

View all competition picture books

Browse by age

Competition Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about competition for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Startup Squad

Ages 8–11 · 2019

Four girls must unite to win a lemonade stand competition, facing friendship and business challenges.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

Beautiful Disaster

Ages 14–18 · 2011

A good girl faces a risky bet with a notorious bad boy. Who will win?

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.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$999

Princess Academy

Ages 11–15 · 2005

A mountain girl faces a contest to become a princess, risking her home and heart.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Robot Queen

Ages 7–9 · 2018

Can Kylie master robotics and coding to win the big competition?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$2199

Divergent

Ages 14–18 · 2011

In a divided society, one choice changes everything, revealing a dangerous secret.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Golem's Game!

Ages 7–9 · 2023

A perilous obstacle course in the Nether tests a team's unity and survival skills.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$899

Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Four kids race through life-sized games to uncover a secret in Lemoncello's new factory.

Sale price

$999

The Kite Fighters

Ages 8–12 · 2000

Two brothers' kite skills catch a king's eye, challenging tradition and family honor.

Sale price

$699

Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A girl races to win a science fair, risking friendships and priorities.

Sale price

$1699

Shine!

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can Piper find her own light in a world where everyone else shines?

#17 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1199

The Cell Game

Ages 12–17 · 1992

A powerful foe demands Earth's strongest fighter or face annihilation.

View all competition chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about contests Books about problem solving Books about books and reading Books about bullying Books about candy Books about codes, ciphers and puzzles Books about counting and numbers Books about death

Our 10 Favorite Books About Competition

Great books, picked for their age.

Competition Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Competition Picture Books

Competition Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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