Books About Failure · 64 titles considered

The Best Failure Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about failure? 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 Failure

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 582,615 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

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Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

El Deafo

By Cece Bell

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Newbery Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Odyssey Award (2024)

233 pages· 16,807 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 91,948 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Cece faces the daunting challenge of starting a new school with a conspicuous hearing aid. Feeling isolated, she discovers her Phonic Ear lets her hear her teacher anywhere in the school, turning her into El Deafo, a superhero with a unique power. But with great power comes the struggle of feeling different and alone. Can Cece use her abilities to find true friendship, or will her superpower keep her isolated? Dive into this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and empathy, where being different might just be the key to finding connection.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Questioneers series

A young inventor helps her friend participate in an art contest despite her physical limitations

144 pages· 7,816 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,646 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Rosie Revere faces her toughest challenge yet when her Aunt Rose and the Raucous Riveters need her engineering skills. Tasked with creating a device for a mural competition, Rosie struggles with repeated failures. As hope dwindles, classmates Iggy Peck and Ada Twist join the quest, sparking creativity and teamwork. Can Rosie overcome setbacks and rediscover the true meaning of home with the Riveters? Dive into this adventure of perseverance and friendship, where science and heart collide.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1987

Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen · Book #1 in the Brian's Saga series

A boy survives a plane crash and must endure the wilderness with only a hatchet.

Newbery Honor (1988)

186 pages· 42,458 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 463,020 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Brian faces the ultimate test of survival after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness. With only a hatchet and his wits, he must learn to fend for himself. As he battles nature's challenges, Brian discovers resilience and courage he never knew he had. Can he overcome the wild and his inner turmoil to find a way back to civilization? This gripping tale of endurance and self-discovery will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 1962

A Wrinkle in Time

By Madeleine L'Engle · Book #1 in the Time Quintet series

A stormy night, a mysterious stranger, and a quest through time to find a missing father.

Newbery Medal (1963)

247 pages· 49,244 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,307,684 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Meg Murry's world shifts when a mysterious stranger arrives on a stormy night, speaking of tesseracts and time wrinkles. With her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin, Meg embarks on a cosmic journey to rescue her father, a scientist lost in a government experiment. As they traverse strange worlds, they confront dark forces and discover the power of love and courage. Will they find him before it's too late?

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 · 11,797 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 · 13,069 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

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

She Persisted

By Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

This book tells the stories of 13 American women who persisted in the face of adversity.

32 pages· 1,130 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 6,943 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Meet thirteen trailblazing women who defied expectations and shaped history with their unwavering resolve. From Harriet Tubman's courageous journeys to Sally Ride's space adventures, each story inspires young readers to speak up and chase their dreams. Chelsea Clinton's "She Persisted" celebrates the indomitable spirit of women who refused to be silenced, encouraging everyone to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. With vibrant illustrations, this book is a testament to the power of persistence and the impact of fearless voices. Will you be inspired to persist in the face of challenges?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2004

Ish

By Peter H. Reynolds · Creatrilogy series

A young boy learns to find his own unique style and confidence in his art.

32 pages· 356 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,258 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Ramon's world of joyful sketches crumbles with one harsh comment from his brother, Leon. Struggling to find his artistic spark, Ramon feels lost until his sister, Marisol, offers a fresh perspective. She teaches him that creativity isn't about perfection but about seeing the world through a different lens. As Ramon learns to embrace his unique style, he discovers the true value of thinking 'ish-ly.' Will he reclaim his passion for drawing and find happiness in imperfection? This heartwarming tale explores the power of perspective and the importance of nurturing creativity.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2010

Beautiful Oops!

By Barney Saltzberg

Mistakes become wonders in this interactive journey of creativity.

28 pages· 82 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 4,547 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Dive into a world where blunders turn into wonders. 'Beautiful Oops!' invites young readers to explore creativity through pop-ups and flaps, transforming spills and tears into delightful surprises. Discover how every mistake is a chance to create something extraordinary. Will you see the beauty in the unexpected?

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Browse by age

Failure Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1899

Too Many Carrots

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Rabbit's carrot obsession leads to chaos. Can friends help him find space?

Sale price

$799

Penguin in Love

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Penguin finds a mitten and embarks on an adventure to discover its owner and perhaps find love.

Sale price

$799

Truck Stuck

Ages 0–3 · 2008

A stuck truck sparks chaos and creativity. Can kids and a dog save the day?

Sale price

$699

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

Ages 0–3 · 1998

A duck observes a spider's watery journey.

View all failure board books

Browse by age

Failure Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1795

What Do You Do With a Problem?

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A child faces a growing problem, discovering unexpected possibilities by confronting it.

Sale price

$1999

How to Catch a Star

Ages 3–7 · 2004

A boy's quest to catch a star leads to unexpected discoveries.

Sale price

$1899

The Rabbit Listened

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A child tries to build something but it doesn't go as planned.

Sale price

$1799

Can't Sleep Without Sheep

Ages 3–6 · 2010

Ava's sheep quit, leaving chaos as new animals try to help her sleep.

Sale price

$1495

The Best Birthday Present Ever!

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Can a simple stick be the perfect gift for a bear with everything?

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?

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

$1795

Trying

Ages 5–9 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1999

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A young adventurer faces her fear of climbing a tree. Will she find the courage to try?

Sale price

$1899

The Curious Garden

Ages 3–5 · 2009

A boy's care transforms a gray city into a lush garden.

Sale price

$2099

Papa's Mechanical Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2013

An inventor builds a submarine to explore Lake Michigan's depths.

Sale price

$1799

Max and Marla

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Two friends face sledding challenges, discovering joy in friendship over victory.

View all failure picture books

Browse by age

Failure Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about failure for developing and independent readers.

Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young girl faces unexpected challenges at a magical school, uncovering hidden strengths to confront an ancient threat.

Sale price

$799

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Four students unite to save their teacher's job and their futures from unorthodox teaching scrutiny.

Sale price

$1495

Mango Delight

Ages 9–13 · 2017

A broken phone shatters friendships, but a surprise audition changes everything.

Sale price

$899

Shoot-Out

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A star player must choose between quitting or transforming his losing team.

Sale price

$699

Welcome to Scare School

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A young ghost struggles to master scare skills at a daunting school.

Sale price

$2599

Puck Panic

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young hockey player battles fear after a hard hit. Can he overcome it?

Sale price

$899

Beyond Basketball

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A tall girl must find passion for a game she dislikes.

Sale price

$595

Touchdown Turmoil

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A dropped pass haunts Ethan. Can he reclaim his team's trust?

Sale price

$899

Running Scared

Ages 8–11 · 2013

A runner must conquer her fear of failure to stay on the team.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$899

Comeback Catcher

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A backup catcher must face his fears when thrust into the spotlight.

Sale price

$2532

Pick and Roll

Ages 8–11 · 2018

Can the Bulldogs' new center overcome his awkwardness before the season ends?

Sale price

$1299

Fantastic Failures

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Discover how failures fuel success in this inspiring guide.

View all failure chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about coping with failure Books about deafness Books about disappearing Books about empathy Books about facing fears Books about listening Books about orphans Books about rural living

Our 10 Favorite Books About Failure

Great books, picked for their age.

Failure Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Failure Picture Books

Failure Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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