Books About Determination · 171 titles considered

The Best Determination Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about determination? 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.

Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Determination

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape

By Terry Catasus Jennings, Fatima Anaya (Illustrator) · Definitely Dominguita series

A young girl becomes a knight to prove herself and rescue those in need.

144 pages· 14,808 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 195 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Dominguita, inspired by her abuela's beloved classics, dreams of becoming a knight like Don Quixote. When a bully claims girls can't be knights, Dominguita sets out to prove him wrong. With her new friends, she embarks on a quest to do good deeds and become the hero of her own story. Will her adventures bring her closer to her abuela and fulfill her knightly dreams?

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2007

Today I Will Fly!

By Mo Willems · Book #1 in the Elephant and Piggie series

Can Piggie defy gravity and fly, or will Gerald's doubts ground her dreams?

57 pages· 180 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 17,320 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Meet Piggie, who dreams of soaring through the sky, and her cautious friend Gerald, who insists it's impossible. As Piggie's determination clashes with Gerald's skepticism, can friendship lift her dreams off the ground? Discover the whimsical world of Elephant and Piggie, where laughter and surprises await at every turn. Will Piggie's belief in the impossible inspire Gerald to see beyond the limits? Join their delightful adventure and find out if Piggie's dreams take flight or if reality keeps her grounded.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Ban This Book

By Alan Gratz

A fourth grader battles censorship to save her favorite book from being banned.

256 pages· 45,851 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 16,619 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: When her favorite book is banned from the school library, shy fourth grader Amy Anne takes a bold stand against censorship. With her friends, she creates a secret library of banned books and challenges the system with humor and determination. As they fight for the right to read, Amy Anne discovers her own voice and the power of standing up for what she believes in. Will their grassroots rebellion succeed, or will the forces of censorship prevail? Dive into this inspiring tale of courage and the fight for freedom of expression.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Don't Throw It to Mo!

By David A. Adler, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mo Jackson series

A young football player proves himself despite his small size

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (2016)

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,042 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Mo, the smallest player on the Robins football team, faces teasing from rivals who call him 'butterfingers.' But his coach sees potential in Mo's size. Can Mo turn his disadvantage into a game-winning advantage? Discover how determination and clever strategy might lead to an unexpected victory on the field.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2004

Tooth Trouble

By Abby Klein, John McKinley (Illustrator) · Ready, Freddy! series

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%

Summary: First-grader Freddy Thresher faces a dilemma: he's the only one in class who hasn't lost a tooth. Determined to sign his name on the Big Tooth chart, Freddy hatches a risky plan. But when Max "The Meanie" taunts him, Freddy's quest for a lost tooth might lead to unexpected consequences. Will he succeed without getting into trouble with his mom? Dive into Freddy's world where losing a tooth becomes an adventure filled with challenges and surprises.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

After the Fall

By Dan Santat

A famous egg who fell off a wall recounts his journey to overcome his fears and learn to fly.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2018)

40 pages· 502 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.2/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 11,795 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Humpty Dumpty, once a fearless bird watcher, now fears heights after his infamous fall. Struggling to reclaim his favorite perch atop the city wall, he must confront his deepest fear. Will Humpty find the courage to rise again and rediscover the joys he once cherished? This heartwarming tale explores resilience and the power of facing one's fears, reminding us that true life begins when we get back up.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

Rosie Revere, Engineer

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · The Questioneers series

An aspiring engineer makes an invention to help her relative.

32 pages· 818 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 13,055 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Rosie Revere, a quiet girl by day and inventive genius by night, dreams of engineering greatness. When her great-great-aunt Rose, the iconic Rosie the Riveter, visits with an unfinished dream of flying, Rosie builds a contraption to help. Though it crashes, Aunt Rose teaches her that failure is only real if you quit. With newfound courage, Rosie learns to celebrate her missteps and pursue her dreams with determination. Will she conquer her fear and soar to new heights? Discover the magic of resilience and creativity in this inspiring tale of persistence and innovation.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

By Nancy Churnin, Danny Popovici (Illustrator)

A man carves a mountain path, transforming his village's future.

32 pages· 805 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 368 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Dashrath Manjhi, armed with only a hammer and chisel, spends twenty years carving a path through a mountain. His village, isolated from essential services, depends on his determination. Can one man's resolve bridge the gap between despair and hope? Discover how a single heart can change the fate of many.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Snail Crossing

By Corey R. Tabor

A snail's quest for cabbage leads to unexpected friendships and clever solutions.

40 pages· 442 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,621 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Snail embarks on a daring journey to reach a tempting cabbage across the road. Despite facing speeding cars and a hungry crow, his kindness shines when he helps ants in a storm. Lost and without his treat, Snail's new friends devise a clever plan. Will their ingenuity lead him to his prize, or will friendship prove the greatest reward of all? Discover how determination and kindness can transform a simple quest into an epic adventure.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 9–11 · 2023

Way of the Warrior Kid

By Jocko Willink, Jon Bozak (Illustrator) · Way of the Warrior Kid series

Can Marc become a warrior and stand up to the school bully before summer ends?

192 pages· 24,945 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,041 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Marc's fifth grade year was a disaster, plagued by a bully and personal struggles. But with his Navy SEAL Uncle Jake's summer visit, Marc has a chance to transform. Through rigorous training and discipline, can Marc become a warrior and face his fears before school resumes? Dive into this inspiring journey of courage and self-discovery.

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Browse by age

Determination Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$799

I Want to Be a Reader!

Ages 2–3 · 2017

A boy's journey to reading promises unexpected rewards and hope for young learners.

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Sale price

$1099

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Ages 1–12 · 2022

Discover athletes' journeys from struggle to triumph across diverse sports.

Sale price

$799

Little Turtle Tries

Ages 2–5 · 2021

A turtle's struggle to get dressed becomes an adventure.

Sale price

$799

Gritty Kitty

Ages 0–3 · 2019

A playful kitty faces everyday challenges with resilience.

View all determination board books

Browse by age

Determination Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1700

The Second Sky

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A penguin dreams of flying despite his limitations. Can he defy the odds?

Sale price

$1799

Shark Nate-O

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A shark-loving boy must learn to swim to prove himself in a sibling showdown.

Sale price

$1999

Sometimes You Fly

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Celebrate life's milestones with humor and insight, embracing both failures and triumphs.

Sale price

$1699

Cuckoo!

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A bird's unique chirp isolates him until he finds an unexpected friend who understands him.

Sale price

$1899

Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl defies tradition to soar in a world where only boys can fly.

Sale price

$1895

Leo the Lightning Bug

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A young creature seeks to create his own light.

Sale price

$1799

I Am Able to Shine

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl dreams of changing the world despite feeling invisible. Can she find her voice and shine?

Sale price

$1795

Trying

Ages 5–9 · 2021

Discover the hidden gifts of failure and the journey it begins.

Sale price

$1599

Captain Tom Moore

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A veteran's garden walk inspires a nation, raising millions during a crisis.

Sale price

$1899

The Magical Yet

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young person learns to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with the help of a magical guide.

Sale price

$1799

What If...

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl finds endless ways to express her creativity, no matter the obstacles.

Sale price

$1999

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A young girl tries to build a park in her neighborhood.

View all determination picture books

Browse by age

Determination Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about determination for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Wright Brothers

Ages 10–13 · 1991

Two brothers defy gravity, launching the Age of Flight.

Sale price

$799

Bea Is for Blended

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl fights for an all-girls soccer team amidst family changes.

Sale price

$899

Twilight Robbery

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Jack must uncover the truth behind a rooftop mystery to clear his name and save his friends.

Sale price

$1799

I Am Drums

Ages 10–12 · 2016

A young drummer faces obstacles to pursue her dream, risking everything for the beat in her heart.

Sale price

$1799

Three Strike Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl defies rules and dust storms to join a secret baseball team and save her family's future.

Sale price

$595

Speed Receiver

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Can Andrew outrun his brother's legacy to lead his team to victory?

Sale price

$1999

A Rover's Story

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Mars rover faces perilous challenges and unexpected emotions on a mission to survive.

Sale price

$999

Perfect Season

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A young football prodigy must overcome personal setbacks to lead a losing team to victory.

Sale price

$799

Dog Driven

Ages 10–14 · 2019

A musher races through the wilderness, hiding her impaired vision.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1099

Karen's Roller Skates (Graphic Novel)

Ages 7–10 · 2020

A young girl breaks her wrist while trying a new roller-skating trick and learns to deal with the consequences.

Sale price

$1799

Prisoner B-3087

Ages 10–14 · 2013

A boy endures ten concentration camps, clinging to hope amidst horror.

Sale price

$1699

Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl must prove her responsibility to get a dog and help her grieving mom.

View all determination chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about problem solving Books about censorship Books about challenging and banning books Books about cooperation Books about facing fears Books about football Books about habits and behavior Books about knights

Our 10 Favorite Books About Determination

Great books, picked for their age.

Determination Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Determination Picture Books

Determination Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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