Books About Making Decisions · 62 titles considered

The Best Making Decisions Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about making decisions? 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.

Uglies
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Making Decisions

Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Uglies

By Scott Westerfeld · Book #1 in the Uglies series

Tally must choose: betray a friend or remain an 'Ugly' forever.

426 pages· 87,152 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 714,406 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where turning sixteen means a transformation into beauty, Tally eagerly awaits her new life as a 'Pretty.' But when her friend Shay questions the system and disappears, Tally faces a dilemma. The authorities demand she betray Shay to secure her own future. As Tally uncovers the dark truths behind the facade of perfection, she must decide between loyalty and her dream. Will she risk everything for friendship, or conform to a society that values appearance above all? Tally's choice will redefine her world and her identity.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Ship Breaker

A teen scavenger must choose between survival and saving a wealthy shipwreck survivor.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Michael L. Printz Award (2011)
326 pages· 74,322 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 45,142 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a future Gulf Coast ravaged by climate change, Nailer, a young scavenger, toils on grounded oil tankers. When a hurricane reveals a luxurious clipper ship, he faces a life-altering choice: strip it for parts or save its sole survivor, a rich girl who might offer a path to a better life. As loyalties clash and survival hangs in the balance, Nailer must decide what kind of future he truly desires. Will he seize the chance for change, or will the harsh realities of his world hold him back?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Matched

By Ally Condie · Book #1 in the Matched series

In a controlled society, one girl's glimpse of another choice changes everything.

366 pages· 89,165 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 820,188 ratings
Paperback
Summary: In a world where every decision is made for you, Cassia trusts the Society's choices. But when her best friend appears as her match, a fleeting glimpse of another face shatters her certainty. Torn between Xander and Ky, Cassia must choose between the life she's always known and a forbidden path. Will she follow the rules or seek the truth in a world where perfection is an illusion?
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2005

13 Little Blue Envelopes

A teen's life changes as she follows mysterious envelopes across Europe.

322 pages· 63,156 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 84,053 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Ginny embarks on a life-changing European adventure, guided by 13 mysterious envelopes from her aunt. Each envelope reveals a new challenge, leading her to unexpected places and people, including a charming playwright named Keith. As Ginny navigates this scavenger hunt, she faces thrilling risks and romantic entanglements. Will she uncover the true purpose behind her aunt's cryptic messages? This summer journey promises to transform everything Ginny knows about herself and the world.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

What Pet Should I Get?

Two children try to decide which pet to bring home.

40 pages· 643 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,766 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In a whimsical pet store, two siblings face a delightful dilemma: choosing just one pet. From cats to fantastical creatures, each option seems better than the last. How will they decide? This playful adventure, filled with Dr. Seuss's signature charm, invites young readers to explore the joy and challenge of decision-making. Will they pick a dog, a cat, or something more extraordinary? Join the fun and find out!
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2011

Divergent

By Veronica Roth · Book #1 in the Divergent series

In a divided society, one choice changes everything, revealing a dangerous secret.

487 pages· 105,074 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,465,927 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a future Chicago, society is split into five factions. Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose her path, risking family ties and uncovering a secret that could mean death. As Tris, she faces a brutal initiation, navigates complex friendships, and explores a risky romance. Her hidden truth might save her world or destroy it. Can she protect those she loves in a society on the brink of chaos?
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2017

A Thousand Billion Things

By Loic Clement, Anne Montel (Illustrator)

Navigate a child's day of choices and puzzles before counting sheep at night.

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore a child's whirlwind day filled with choices, from breakfast to bedtime. Each page presents a vibrant puzzle, challenging readers to find hidden treasures among the chaos. As night falls, the only choice left is to drift into dreams, counting sheep. Can you spot the secrets in the bustling artwork before sleep takes over?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Santa Post

Santa struggles to decipher a child's Christmas wish. Can he deliver the right gift in time?

32 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 226 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: As Christmas Eve approaches, Santa receives a puzzling letter from Amy. Her wish is unreadable, and time is running out. Enlisting the help of elves, a polar bear, and the Chief Reindeer, Santa sends gifts and letters, but none seem right. Can he uncover Amy's true wish before it's too late? Open the letters and parcels to find out!
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

Softball Surprise

Jo must choose between victory and loyalty in her softball league.

72 pages· 5,639 words· Est. 47 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 167 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jo eagerly anticipates joining the summer softball league, convinced this is her year to shine. But when unexpected news surfaces, she faces a tough choice: join the winning Red Angels or stay with the team she cherishes. As the season unfolds, Jo must weigh her dreams of triumph against the bonds of friendship. Will she follow her heart or her ambition? The stakes are high, and Jo's decision could change everything.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

What Should Darla Do?

Guide a young astronaut-in-training as she learns to make wise choices on her journey to Mars.

76 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 410 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Darla, a spirited astronaut-in-training with dreams of reaching Mars. Inspired by her doll, Astronautica, Darla must master the Power to Choose wisely. In this interactive adventure, you decide her path through eight thrilling stories. Will Darla's choices lead her closer to her cosmic dream, or will unexpected challenges arise? Embark on this journey where every decision shapes her destiny, and the fun never ends. Help Darla navigate her day and discover the power of choice in this engaging, choose-your-own-adventure tale.
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Browse by age

Making Decisions Picture Books

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

Today

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the magic in everyday moments and endless possibilities today.

What Should Danny Do? School Day

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Guide Danny's school day and shape his destiny in this interactive adventure.

What Should Danny Do?

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Guide Danny's choices and discover how decisions shape his day and life.

What Were You Thinking?

Ages 4–8 · 2016

An impulsive third-grader learns to control his actions before they lead to trouble. Can he master the art of thinking before acting?

Milo and the Magical Stones

Ages 5–8 · 1997

A mouse's discovery alters his destiny.

Blob

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A shape-shifting creature questions its identity when mistaken for someone else.

The Road Not Taken

Ages 5–8 · 1916

A boy's journey through life's choices unfolds in a yellow wood.

Green Pants

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A boy must choose between his beloved green pants and being in a wedding.

I Want to Be a Vase

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A plunger dreams of becoming a vase, defying its role.

The Best Show & Share

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A critter struggles to choose the perfect item for Show and Share.

Spend It!

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A bunny learns the value of choices when his allowance can't buy everything he wants.

Mia and the Dance for Two

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Mia must find a new dance partner when Ruby falls ill. Can she make it work?

View all making decisions picture books
Browse by age

Making Decisions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about making decisions for developing and independent readers.

The Wishbreaker

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A rogue genie threatens the world. Can Ace and Ridge save their friend and stop him in time?

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
Sale price
$1799

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

Ages 10–13 · 2020

Caught between friendship drama and first crushes, Keiko must choose between her heart and her friends.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Ages 8–11 · 2006

Abby's world turns upside down when her family decides to move unexpectedly.

Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship
Sale price
$699

Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Can two young friends outwit the kingdom's trickiest subjects?

Stepsister
Sale price
$1799

Stepsister

Ages 12–17 · 2019

An ugly stepsister defies fate to redefine beauty and find redemption.

The One Thing You'd Save

Ages 8–12 · 2021

What would you save if your house was on fire? Discover unexpected truths in a classroom's lively debate.

The Cave of Time

Ages 7–10 · 1979

Lost in a cave, your choices lead to the past or future. What fate awaits you?

Two Summers
Sale price
$1799

Two Summers

Ages 12–17 · 2016

A split-second choice leads to two summers, two loves, and a hidden family secret.

The Ice Garden
Sale price
$1799

The Ice Garden

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A sun-allergic girl finds a magical ice garden, but her presence threatens its existence.

Flip Flop!

Ages 7–9 · 2011

Two friends explore endless summer adventures and surprises.

Snowboarding Surprise

Ages 8–11 · 2021

Injured gymnast discovers snowboarding. Will she return to her old sport or embrace a new passion?

Sale price
$595

Cheer Choice

Ages 8–11 · 2014

A cheerleader must choose between friendship and victory.

Keep exploring
Books about appearanceBooks about beautyBooks about competitionBooks about consequencesBooks about dating and courtshipBooks about letter writingBooks about petsBooks about reaching your potential (self-actualization)

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