Books About Heroism · 70 titles considered

The Best Heroism Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about heroism? 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.

My Hero Academia
#20 in Series
Graphic Nov.
My Hero Academia
#10 in Series
Graphic Nov.
My Hero Academia
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
My Hero Academia
#8 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Heroism

Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1975

Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent

By Bill Peet

A sea serpent faces peer pressure to sink ships but discovers his true self.

48 pages· 2,077 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,204 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Cyrus, a gentle sea serpent, is taunted by a shark for not sinking ships. As he grapples with the pressure to conform, Cyrus embarks on a journey of self-discovery. When a storm threatens voyagers and pirates loom, will Cyrus find the courage to embrace his true nature and become a hero? Dive into this tale of bravery and identity, where the ocean's depths hold more than just secrets.
Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 2023

Stars of the Night

By Caren Stelson, Selina Alko (Illustrator)

Children escape war-torn Prague, seeking safety and uncover a hero's identity decades later.

40 pages· 1,652 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 637 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On the brink of World War II, 669 children flee Prague on the Kindertransport, leaving behind everything familiar. As they seek refuge in Britain, they face the haunting reality of their parents' fate. Decades later, they uncover the identity of the man who orchestrated their rescue. This poignant tale of survival and courage reveals the enduring impact of one man's selfless act amidst the horrors of war. Will they find solace in the truth of their past?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle & Whisper

A lemur seeks action, a wolf hunts Sonic. Can they solve their problems together?

144 pages· 2,383 words· Est. 22 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 484 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Tangle the Lemur craves excitement, while Whisper the Wolf is on a mission to capture Sonic the Hedgehog. As they team up, their clashing goals lead to unexpected challenges. Can they save a friend and find common ground, or will their differences create chaos? Join Sonic, Tails, and other beloved characters in a whirlwind of adventures, from high-speed chases to treasure hunts. Will Tangle and Whisper's partnership thrive, or will it unravel in the face of danger?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

The Story of Gumluck and the Heroes

By Adam Rex · Book #3 in the Gumluck the Wizard series

A wizard receives an unexpected visit from the moon's wisest wizard and is drawn into a quest that challenges his understanding of heroism and kindness.

144 pages· 10,944 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 164 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Gumluck the Wizard embarks on a whimsical quest, joined by three self-proclaimed heroes. With singing goblins, unicorn magic, and a fire-breathing ostrich, Gumluck's journey is anything but ordinary. Can this absent-minded wizard find his way, or will his donut daydreams spell disaster? Discover the hilarity and heart in this enchanting tale of reluctant heroism.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2018

My Hero Academia

A Quirkless boy inherits a legendary power, facing a world of heroes and villains.

200 pages· 8,244 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 8,867 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where 80% have superpowers, Midoriya, once Quirkless, inherits a legendary ability. As he trains at Hero Academy, he grapples with newfound responsibilities and dreams that hint at a mysterious destiny. Meanwhile, Endeavor, the new top hero, struggles with the weight of his title. Can Midoriya rise to the challenge and uncover the secrets of One For All?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

My Hero Academia

A hero's power, a friend's capture, and a daring rescue that risks everything.

192 pages· 8,276 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,673 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where most have superpowers, Midoriya inherits the might of a legendary hero. But when his friend Bakugo is kidnapped by villains, the stakes rise. With public trust in heroes crumbling, Midoriya and his classmates hatch a risky plan to save Bakugo, risking expulsion from the Hero Academy. Can they succeed against the odds, or will their actions lead to greater chaos?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2015

My Hero Academia

By Kohei Horikoshi, Caleb D. Cook (Translator) · Book #3 in the My Hero Academia series

A powerless student inherits a hero's legacy, facing villains and a dangerous bluff.

192 pages· 8,494 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 23,321 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where most have superpowers, Midoriya inherits the abilities of a legendary hero. As villains target his school, he and his classmates must defend against overwhelming odds. With their mentor All Might's power waning, can they hold the line, or will a desperate gamble be their only hope? Discover the trials of a Quirkless boy turned hero in a battle where the stakes are life and legacy.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

My Hero Academia

Can Midoriya and Bakugo defeat their mentor in a high-stakes exam?

192 pages· 9,155 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,585 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where most have superpowers, Midoriya, once Quirkless, now wields the power of a legendary hero. Facing the ultimate test at Hero Academy, he must team up with rival Bakugo to challenge their formidable mentor, All Might. As they push their limits, another pair, Yaoyorozu and Todoroki, face their own daunting trial. Meanwhile, a new threat looms, ready to disrupt their world. Can Midoriya rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? The stakes are high, and the future of these young heroes hangs in the balance.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2015

My Hero Academia

By Kohei Horikoshi, Caleb Cook (Translator) · Book #5 in the My Hero Academia series

A Quirkless boy inherits a legendary power. Can he rise to hero status in a world of superhumans?

192 pages· 6,268 words· Est. 47 min read
4.6/5 Goodreads · 22,054 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where 80% have superpowers, Midoriya, once Quirkless, inherits a legendary ability. As he trains at the Hero Academy, the U.A. High sports festival tests him and his classmates. With explosive battles and fierce rivals like Bakugo, can Midoriya prove he's destined for greatness, or will the pressure of heroism be too much? The stakes are high, and the path to becoming a hero is fraught with challenges. Will Midoriya rise to the occasion, or will his newfound power be his undoing?
Chapter Book · Ages 11–14 · 2018

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Graphic Novel)

A hero seeks a legendary sword to stop a looming darkness threatening two realms.

192 pages· 4,547 words· Est. 34 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,960 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Link embarks on a perilous journey to save Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. With the enigmatic Midna by his side, he must find the Master Sword to thwart an evil seeking ultimate power. As alliances are tested, will Midna's quest for her realm's salvation tear her from Link's side? The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance as Link seeks Princess Zelda's guidance. Can they unite to defeat the darkness, or will ambition and secrets lead to their downfall?
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Heroism Picture Books

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

Nicky & Vera

Ages 6–8 · 2021

A man secretly saves 700 children from Nazis, only revealed decades later.

Sergeant Reckless

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A mare becomes a Marine hero, braving battles and earning military honors.

Prince & Knight

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A prince and knight unite to battle a dragon and find unexpected love.

Hero Mom

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Moms as superheroes, building, flying, and protecting the world.

Brave Charlotte

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A daring sheep defies danger to save her flock.

Robot Zot!

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A tiny robot's conquest turns heroic in a suburban kitchen.

True Underground Rescue Stories

Ages 10–14 · 2010

This book recounts real-life underground rescues that tested human endurance, courage, and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.

The Heroes of 9/11: Then and Now

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Explore the enduring impact of 9/11 on heroes and first responders.

The Force Awakens

Ages 5–7 · 2016

The Resistance battles the First Order's planet-destroying weapon.

Willow the Armadillo

Ages 4–8 · 2020

An armadillo's quest for heroism leads to unexpected chaos and discovery.

Iron Man

Ages 5–8 · 2013

Discover how a billionaire becomes the armored avenger.

Super Spies

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Racers face sabotage; can Mater and spy cars uncover the truth?

View all heroism picture books
Browse by age

Heroism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about heroism for developing and independent readers.

My Hero Academia, Vol. 11

Ages 14–17 · 2016

A hero's power is tested as villains plot to destroy the greatest hero.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
#7 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Ages 11–14 · 2019

A hero battles darkness to reclaim a lost power and save two realms.

Supergifted

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A genius seeks failure, a hero can't reveal himself, and a nerd becomes a school titan.

Sale price
$999

The Phantom Virus

Ages 9–12 · 2016

Glitches turn deadly in Minecraft. Can Gameknight999 stop the chaos before it's too late?

Heroes of 9/11

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Witness the bravery of first responders on 9/11.

The Ultimate Book Hugger's Guide

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Unlock secrets and explore the magic of the Land of Stories with this ultimate guidebook.

The Broken Mirror

Ages 10–14 · 2022

A prophecy looms as Filomena battles evil queens and ogres to save Never After.

Muttley

Ages 7–9 · 2011

A wild puppy becomes a hero when danger strikes.

Sale price
$1499

Saves the Future

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Time travel, danger, and a mystery from the past threaten Max's mission to end child hunger.

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl

Ages 8–11 · 2012

A brave spacegirl and her friend Mouse try to escape from a space station and outrun the law while trying to save a planet from a deadly swarm of space creatures.

Tales from the Odyssey

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Odysseus battles mythical creatures to return home against all odds.

Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 23
#23 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 23

2024

A new android threat emerges. Can Gohan and Piccolo unlock powers to save the world?

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