Books About Failure · 78 titles considered

The Best Failure Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Coping With Failure, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Failure

Ghost
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.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)
208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 54,463 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Fish in a Tree
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt · Fish in a Tree series

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

Schneider Family Book Award (2016)
288 pages· 48,663 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 88,158 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ally, a clever girl who hides her reading struggles with distractions, fears being labeled 'dumb.' Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees her potential and helps her embrace her dyslexia. As Ally's confidence grows, she learns that labels don't define her and discovers the power of her unique mind. Will she find the courage to be herself and unlock new possibilities?
El Deafo
Graphic Nov.
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 Goodreads · 92,224 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
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.
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · Book #4 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 Goodreads · 1,659 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
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.
Hatchet
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·3.8/5 Goodreads · 465,812 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
After the Fall
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·4.4/5 Goodreads · 11,830 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

Rosie Revere, Engineer

By Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the 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·4.5/5 Goodreads · 13,091 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Ish
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2004

Ish

By Peter H. Reynolds · Book #2 in the 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·4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,290 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
Giraffes Can't Dance
Sale price
$674
Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2001

Giraffes Can't Dance

By Giles Andreae, Guy Parker-Rees (Illustrator) · Giraffes Can't Dance series

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

32 pages· 412 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 34,429 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Gerald the giraffe dreams of dancing, but his awkward legs make it seem impossible. At the Jungle Dance, he faces ridicule until an unexpected friend helps him discover his unique groove. Can Gerald find the courage to dance to his own beat and inspire others with his newfound confidence? This heartwarming tale encourages every child to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.
Beautiful Oops!
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·4.6/5 Goodreads · 4,566 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Failure Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Too Many Carrots
Series
Sale price
$1899

Too Many Carrots

Ages 2–6 · 2016

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

Truck Stuck
Sale price
$799

Truck Stuck

Ages 0–3 · 2008

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

View all failure board books
Browse by age

Failure Picture Books

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

The Rabbit Listened
Sale price
$1899

The Rabbit Listened

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

Can't Sleep Without Sheep
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.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
Sale price
$1999

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Two brothers dig a hole in search of something spectacular.

The Book of Mistakes
Sale price
$1999

The Book of Mistakes

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Mistakes become masterpieces in a whimsical artistic journey.

Cuckoo!
Sale price
$1699

Cuckoo!

Ages 3–5 · 2012

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

Trying
Sale price
$1795

Trying

Ages 5–9 · 2021

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

The Magical Yet
Series
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.

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do
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?

View all failure picture books
Browse by age

Failure Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about failure for developing and independent readers.

Roller Girl
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

Roller Girl

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A girl navigates friendship and self-discovery through the challenges of roller derby and junior high.

Mango Delight
Series
Sale price
$1495

Mango Delight

Ages 9–13 · 2017

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

Shoot-Out
Series
Sale price
$899

Shoot-Out

Ages 8–12 · 2010

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

Football Nightmare
Series
Sale price
$999

Football Nightmare

Ages 8–11 · 2001

A dropped pass haunts Keith. Can he overcome the past and reclaim his future on the field?

Live and Let Dive
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2799

Live and Let Dive

Ages 8–13 · 2024

Can he overcome self-doubt and prove he's not a quitter?

Puck Panic
Series
Sale price
$2599

Puck Panic

Ages 8–12 · 2024

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

Touchdown Turmoil
Series
Sale price
$595

Touchdown Turmoil

Ages 9–12 · 2018

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

View all failure chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about empathyBooks about coping with failureBooks about deafnessBooks about facing fearsBooks about habits and behaviorBooks about listeningBooks about reaching your potential (self-actualization)Books about running