Books About Competition · 3,631 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Competition

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,925 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,474 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

The View from Saturday

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 46,889 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Furia

By Yamile Saied Méndez

A young soccer star must defy family expectations to chase her dreams and navigate a complicated love.

368 pages· 74,369 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 15,602 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan leads a double life. At home, she's a dutiful daughter under her father's strict rule. On the soccer field, she's La Furia, a rising star. When her team qualifies for a major tournament, Camila faces a dilemma: pursue her dreams or adhere to her family's expectations. Complicating matters, her former love, now an international soccer sensation, returns. As Camila battles for her future, she must confront secrets and decide if love or ambition will guide her path. Will she break free and claim her destiny, or will her dreams remain out of reach?

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 · 29,130 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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 · 2,152 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,566 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unsettled

By Reem Faruqi

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,802 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Nurah moves from Karachi to Georgia, struggling to fit in with her accent and attire. In the pool, she finds solace and ambition, aiming to outshine her brother, Owais. But a moment of betrayal alters their paths. As Nurah battles bullies and self-doubt, she discovers her strength and the courage to stand up for herself. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will her choices haunt her? Dive into this heartfelt tale of family, identity, and the quest for belonging.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2013

Saving the Team

By Alex Morgan · The Kicks series

Can Devin transform a struggling soccer team into champions?

192 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 996 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Devin moves to California, leaving behind her chance to be soccer captain. Facing a disorganized team and indifferent coach, she befriends Jessi, Zoe, and Emma. Together, can they revive the Kentville Kangaroos and prove their potential on the field?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Black Brother, Black Brother

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

A boy battles racism and injustice through fencing, seeking redemption and belonging.

240 pages· 29,078 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,903 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Donte, dubbed "Black Brother" at Middlefield Prep, faces bullying and racism. Framed and arrested, he finds hope in fencing with former Olympian Arden Jones. As he trains to defeat his tormentor, Donte confronts systemic injustice and discovers his own strength. Can he reclaim his identity and find justice?

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