Books About Contests · 374 titles considered

The Best Contests Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about contests? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Contests

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 · 46,896 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

$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 · 29,145 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?

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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%

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 · 10,198,861 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

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

$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 · 1,806,332 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Hi! Fly Guy

By Tedd Arnold · Book #1 in the Fly Guy series

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

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2006)

32 pages· 357 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,667 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Buzz captures a fly for The Amazing Pet Show, but everyone insists a fly can't be a pet. As Buzz and Fly Guy form an unexpected bond, they must convince the world that their friendship defies the rules. Will Fly Guy's antics win over the judges, or will Buzz's hopes be dashed? Discover the hilarious journey of a boy and his unconventional pet in this delightful tale of friendship and determination.

Sale price

$2025

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2021

Camila the Baking Star

By Salazar, Alicia, Damiao;Thais (Illustrator) · Camila the Star series

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

32 pages· 627 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 43 ratings

$21.32Save 5%

Summary: Camila and her papa face a high-stakes TV baking competition. Determined to lead, Camila takes charge of their strawberry-iced cake pops. But without teamwork, disaster looms. Can they unite in time to become baking stars, or will their dreams crumble? Discover the sweet twists and turns in their culinary adventure.

Sale price

$2152

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Robot Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Kylie Jean series

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

112 pages· 8,217 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 26 ratings

$22.65Save 5%

Summary: Kylie Jean is captivated by the school's robotics team, the RoboGirls. Determined to join them, she dives into the world of coding and robot-building. As the competition looms, Kylie must prove her skills and impress the older girls. Will her dedication and newfound knowledge be enough to secure her place on the team and achieve victory?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

By Rob Biddulph

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

40 pages· 773 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 457 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Fred, the reigning champion of the forest's bear contest, wakes up to a nightmare—his mighty growl is missing! As the competition looms, Fred must embark on a quest to recover his GRRRRR. But along the way, he might just discover that there's more to life than winning. Will Fred reclaim his roar and learn a valuable lesson about friendship and self-worth?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #5 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

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

304 pages· 44,667 words· Est. 5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,569 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Luigi Lemoncello, the master game maker, invites four kids to his secretive Gameworks Factory. Inside, they face colossal challenges like skyscraper Jenga and real-life Chutes and Ladders. The prize? A titanium ticket and a chance to join an elite group vying for Lemoncello's empire. As they navigate these thrilling games, the true mystery of Lemoncello's legacy unfolds. Who will claim the ultimate prize and uncover the hidden secret?

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Contests Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Going Places

Ages 4–8 · 2014

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

Sale price

$1899

Cleonardo

Ages 5–8 · 2016

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

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.

Sale price

$1599

Brave Young Knight

Ages 4–8 · 2011

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

Sale price

$699

Amy Is a Little Bit Chicken

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Can Amy overcome stage fright to help her team win the Quiz Bowl?

Sale price

$799

Marion Strikes a Pose

Ages 5–9 · 2014

A fashion contest turns tricky when a shared design leads to secrets and guilt.

Sale price

$1799

Little Red Gliding Hood

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Little Red must win a skating contest with a surprising partner. Can she succeed?

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Sale price

$699

Super Rabbit All-Stars!

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A group of characters compete in a series of games to be crowned the Ultimate All-Star Champion.

Sale price

$699

Liz and the Sand Castle Contest

Ages 5–9 · 2015

A young girl participates in a sand castle contest and helps a baby octopus in distress

Sale price

$1899

Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare

Ages 5–8 · 2006

A ballet dancer and a hockey player swap worlds in a daring challenge.

Sale price

$595

Yasmin the Painter

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A young artist finds inspiration in chaos for a school contest.

Sale price

$1799

The Best Story

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A girl must find her own voice to win a story contest at the library.

View all contests picture books

Browse by age

Contests Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about contests for developing and independent readers.

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

$1699

Shine!

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$999

Who Would Win? Extreme Animal Rumble

Ages 6–9 · 2021

Discover which fierce animal reigns supreme in epic battles across land and sea.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Splatoon, Vol. 8

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Inklings clash in a Turf War showdown. Who will triumph?

Sale price

$1699

Home Run

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A young baseball player must hit home runs to win a house and save his family from losing everything.

Sale price

$599

The Great Raspberry Mix-up

Ages 5–8 · 2021

Freddie faces sabotage in a high-stakes cake competition.

Sale price

$1799

Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Thirteen kids compete for a gaming empire, but sabotage threatens everything. Can they save it?

Sale price

$1999

The Girl Who Kept the Castle

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A ghostly wizard, a crumbling castle, and a maid's magic stand against a kingdom's doom.

Sale price

$1799

The Underdogs of Upson Downs

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl and her dog must win a championship to save their home, but the dog only listens when unobserved.

Sale price

$799

The Last Super Chef

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young chef competes to win a cooking show and discover his father's identity.

Sale price

$599

Trivia Queen, Third Grade Supreme

Ages 7–10 · 2008

Ruby faces an animal trivia contest with zoo passes at stake. Can she outshine her brothers?

Sale price

$599

Extra Weird!

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Can Weir balance soccer dreams and family antics without falling flat?

View all contests chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Contests

Great books, picked for their age.

Contests Picture Books

Contests Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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