Books About Honesty · 204 titles considered

The Best Honesty Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about honesty? 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.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
We Were Liars
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Honesty

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1964

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory series

A poor boy finds a golden ticket to visit a mysterious and magical chocolate factory

164 pages· 31,115 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 947,100 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy, wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. Alongside four other children, each with their own quirks, Charlie embarks on a fantastical adventure. As they explore the factory's wonders, unexpected challenges test their character. Will Charlie's honesty and bravery help him navigate the surprises within? What secrets does the factory hold, and who will emerge changed forever? Discover the magic and mystery behind the factory's doors.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybils Award (2017)
272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

We Were Liars

By E. Lockhart · Book #1 in the We Were Liars series

A private island, a secretive family, and a friendship that turns destructive. What truth lies beneath the lies?

242 pages· 49,420 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,463,760 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: On a secluded island, a brilliant but troubled girl and her friends, known as the Liars, face a summer of secrets and betrayal. As their friendship unravels, a mysterious accident and hidden truths threaten to shatter their world. What really happened, and who can be trusted? Dive into a suspenseful tale where love and lies intertwine, leaving you questioning everything.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

True (. . . Sort Of)

A mysterious newcomer challenges friendships and reveals life-changing truths.

384 pages· 46,342 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
6.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,997 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: When Ferris Boyd arrives in River Bluffs, Delly Pattison anticipates a surprise but finds trouble instead. Ferris, a mysterious figure, transforms Delly and Brud Kinney's lives through unexpected friendship. As they unravel Ferris's secrets, they confront challenges that test their bonds and uncover truths that redefine their world. What is the true gift Ferris brings?
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

By Marcy Campbell, Corinna Luyken (Illustrator)

A girl learns the truth about a classmate's horse.

34 pages· 644 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,228 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Adrian insists he owns a magnificent horse, but Chloe is doubtful. Living in a small house with worn shoes, how could he possibly have a horse? Chloe's frustration grows, leading her to confront Adrian at school. Yet, instead of the satisfaction she seeks, Chloe discovers a lesson in empathy and the true value of friendship. This tender tale explores the power of imagination and the rewards of kindness, challenging assumptions and opening hearts.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

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 · 459 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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

A young girl navigates a new school and a classmate who constantly teases her.

32 pages· 439 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 15,300 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Molly Lou Melon is small, clumsy, and has a unique voice, but her grandmother's advice to walk proud and sing loud keeps her spirits high. Facing a bully on her first day at a new school, Molly Lou must decide if her self-assuredness can withstand the challenge. Will her confidence and individuality be enough to turn the tables on her tormentor? Discover how Molly Lou's courage and charm might just change everything.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

A bear eats a sandwich and then runs away.

32 pages· 412 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,203 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: A bear wanders from the forest into the bustling city, stumbling upon an irresistible sandwich in the park. As he navigates this new world, filled with unexpected encounters and delightful mishaps, the tale unfolds with humor and charm. But is this whimsical journey as straightforward as it seems? With a twist that challenges the truth, readers are left questioning the bear's story. Dive into this captivating adventure and discover the secrets behind the missing sandwich, but beware—this might just be a tall tale!
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2017

Tricky

A mischievous dog rethinks his pranks after a life-changing treat.

40 pages· 410 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 221 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Summary: Tricky, a dog known for causing chaos with his owner, the Duke, receives a treat from a newcomer that changes his perspective. As Tricky contemplates the impact of his antics, he devises a plan to mend his ways using his knack for tricks. Can Tricky's transformation inspire the Duke to follow suit? This tale of empathy and redemption unfolds with humor and heart, as Tricky's cleverness might just lead to a surprising change in the Duke's mischievous ways.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8

Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie

A tiny camera becomes a big problem when a lie spirals out of control.

32 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 512 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Ruthie adores tiny treasures, so discovering a miniature camera on the playground feels like a dream. But when she claims it as her own, a simple lie grows into a heavy burden. As guilt gnaws at her, Ruthie must decide if she can face the truth and make things right. Can she find the courage to admit her mistake, or will the weight of her secret become too much to bear? Discover how one small object can create a giant problem in this heartwarming tale of honesty and redemption.
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Browse by age

Honesty Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

It's True!

Ages 2–5 · 2013

A young critter discovers the consequences of half-truths.

Good Job, Athena!

Ages 1–3 · 2016

Arachne takes credit for Athena's work. Can she face the truth?

The Wedding

Ages 0–3 · 2008

A wedding disaster looms. Can Poppy fix her mistake in time?

Just Narwhal

Ages 3–6 · 2019

Narwhal discovers her true talent when asked to judge a mermaid contest.

View all honesty board books
Browse by age

Honesty Picture Books

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

Broken

Ages 3–7 · 2025

A broken cup, a blamed cat, and a child's guilt unravel a heartfelt tale of forgiveness.

Marion Strikes a Pose

Ages 5–9 · 2014

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

But It's Not My Fault
Sale price
$1195

But It's Not My Fault

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A boy learns to stop blaming others and take responsibility for his actions.

The Empty Pot
Sale price
$1999

The Empty Pot

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A young boy named Ping is given a special seed by the Emperor to grow the most beautiful flower, but it refuses to sprout.

A Pair of Red Clogs
Sale price
$1499

A Pair of Red Clogs

Ages 5–8 · 1960

A girl's cracked clogs lead her to a moral dilemma and a grandmother's wise tale.

Princess Posey and the Christmas Magic

Ages 5–8 · 2013

Can Posey confess her secret before Christmas and save her holiday magic?

Fancy Nancy: Splendid Speller

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A spelling test challenges Nancy's pride and principles.

Penny and Her Marble

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A young girl finds a marble on her neighbor's lawn and struggles with the decision of what to do with it.

Rosie Sprout's Time to Shine

Ages 3–7 · 2011

Rosie learns the true meaning of being the best through a classroom plant-growing contest.

Spider in the Well

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A broken well, a town in chaos, and a newsboy on a mission for truth.

The Wolf Who Cried Boy

Ages 5–8 · 2002

A wolf's craving for boy leads to unexpected chaos when his wish comes true.

Whoops! But It Wasn't Me

Ages 3–7 · 2006

A broken rocket tests sibling trust and honesty.

Browse by age

Honesty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about honesty for developing and independent readers.

The Kate in Between

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A viral video turns a girl into a hero, but her secret threatens to unravel everything.

Honestly, Mallory!

Ages 7–11 · 2007

Mallory's lie spirals out of control on Career Day. Can she fix it?

Victory Vault

Ages 8–11 · 2011

A gymnast's secret mistake tests her friendship and integrity.

Aesop's Fables for Children

Ages 5–8 · 1919

Discover timeless animal tales with hidden lessons in Aesop's fables.

The Little Lie

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A broken arm and a crocodile make for an unforgettable show-and-tell.

Oh Boy, Mallory

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A boy likes Mallory, but her friend's advice leads to trouble.

Just Grace and the Super Sleepover

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A sleepover looms, but something holds Grace back. What could it be?

BMX Bully

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A new rival's cheating threatens Matt's racing dreams.

Sammy Keyes and the Dead Giveaway

Ages 10–12 · 2005

Sammy's secret mistake frames her rival. Will she confess or let the truth unravel?

Rocky

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A lazy bulldog needs a new home. Can Lizzie find the perfect match?

Captain Awesome Gets a Hole-in-One
Sale price
$599

Captain Awesome Gets a Hole-in-One

Ages 5–9 · 2014

Can the squad stop a cheater and save a golf ball from doom?

Eva in the Spotlight

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young owl navigates the challenges of a school play while trying to cheer up her grandmother

Keep exploring
Books about imaginationBooks about cystic fibrosisBooks about diseasesBooks about empathyBooks about kindnessBooks about making friendsBooks about memoryBooks about secrets

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