Books About Martial Arts · 102 titles considered

The Best Martial Arts Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about martial arts? 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.

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 18
Series
Graphic Nov.
The Cell Game
#17 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Dragon Ball, Vol. 3
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 2
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Martial Arts

Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,573 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–11 · 2023

Way of the Warrior Kid

Can Marc become a warrior and stand up to the school bully before summer ends?

192 pages· 24,945 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,048 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Marc's fifth grade year was a disaster, plagued by a bully and personal struggles. But with his Navy SEAL Uncle Jake's summer visit, Marc has a chance to transform. Through rigorous training and discipline, can Marc become a warrior and face his fears before school resumes? Dive into this inspiring journey of courage and self-discovery.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Let's Go to Taekwondo!

A young girl faces her fear of breaking a board with her grandma's support.

40 pages· 446 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 128 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Yoomi dreams of earning her yellow belt in taekwondo, but breaking a board terrifies her. Her grandma, also tackling a new challenge, becomes her unexpected ally. Together, they learn that persistence and support can conquer any fear. Will Yoomi find the courage to succeed, and what lessons will Grandma impart along the way? This heartwarming tale celebrates determination, family bonds, and the power of encouragement.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Ninja Red Riding Hood

A wolf tries to eat Little Red Riding Hood but she has a surprise for him.

32 pages· 555 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,433 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where even fairy tales aren't safe from ninja skills, Wolf struggles to satisfy his hunger. After training at the dojo, he targets a seemingly easy meal: a little girl and her granny. But Little Red Riding Hood isn't your average target. With her own ninja prowess, she stands ready to defend her family. Will Wolf's new moves be enough, or will Little Red's skills turn the tables? Dive into this action-packed twist on a classic tale and discover if everyone can find their happy ending.
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 1993

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 18

Earth's fate hangs on a martial arts showdown with a deadly foe.

192 pages· 3,494 words· Est. 26 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,713 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku, Earth's ultimate warrior, faces a new threat as the Cell Game begins. With the planet's survival at stake, Goku's son, Gohan, may hold the key to victory. As Cell seeks to prove his supremacy, can Gohan rise to the challenge and save humanity from destruction? The battle promises power, peril, and unexpected heroes.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 1992

The Cell Game

By Akira Toriyama · Book #17 in the Dragon Ball Z series

A powerful foe demands Earth's strongest fighter or face annihilation.

192 pages· 6,247 words· Est. 47 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,808 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku, Earth's ultimate warrior, faces a dire threat as Cell, in his Perfect Form, challenges humanity to produce a fighter capable of defeating him. With the planet's fate hanging in the balance, Goku's son, Gohan, may hold the key to victory. As Cell's ultimatum looms, the Saiyan race must confront their greatest challenge yet. Will they find a champion to stand against this unstoppable force, or will Earth fall to Cell's wrath? Discover the thrilling saga of power, legacy, and survival, including the intriguing backstory of Trunks' alternate timeline.
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 1986

Dragon Ball, Vol. 3

By Akira Toriyama · Book #3 in the Dragon Ball series

A boy with a tail joins a quest for magical orbs granting wishes.

192 pages· 8,378 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 7,598 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku, a monkey-tailed boy, meets Bulma, who seeks seven Dragon Balls to summon a wish-granting dragon. As they journey, Goku trains under the Turtle Hermit for a martial arts tournament. But rivalry with fellow student Kuririn adds tension. Can Goku balance friendship and ambition in this epic quest?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 2

Goku battles a familiar foe in a high-stakes tournament for the Super Dragon Balls.

216 pages· 4,535 words· Est. 34 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,698 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku's peaceful days are disrupted as he enters the Universe 6 and 7 Invitational Fighting Tournament. Facing a formidable opponent resembling Freeza, Goku must harness his strength and strategy to secure victory. With the Super Dragon Balls as the ultimate prize, the stakes are higher than ever. Can Goku and his Universe 7 allies overcome this uncanny challenge and protect their world from looming threats? The battle promises intense action and unexpected twists, testing Goku's limits and resolve.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2000

Naruto, Vol. 4

By Masashi Kishimoto · Book #4 in the NARUTO series

A young ninja faces a life-changing choice to protect his friends.

184 pages· 6,629 words· Est. 50 min read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 20,825 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Naruto, a spirited young ninja, dreams of becoming the greatest. In the Land of Waves, he and his team must protect a bridge builder from dangerous foes. When a friend falls, Naruto confronts a pivotal decision. Can he rise to the challenge and prove himself a hero? The stakes are high, and the path is fraught with danger. Will Naruto's determination and courage be enough to save his friends and fulfill his destiny?
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 1985

Dragon Ball, Vol. 1

By Akira Toriyama · Book #1 in the Dragon Ball series

A boy with a tail joins a quest for magical orbs that summon a wish-granting dragon.

192 pages· 9,894 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 57,324 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Goku, a monkey-tailed boy with immense strength, meets Bulma, a determined girl on a quest to find seven Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs, scattered across the world, can summon a dragon to grant any wish. With a magic staff and a flying cloud, Goku embarks on an epic adventure, facing challenges and discovering his true potential. Will they gather all the Dragon Balls and fulfill their deepest desires, or will unforeseen obstacles thwart their journey? Dive into a world where legends come alive and every wish has a price.
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Browse by age

Martial Arts Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A young martial artist defies Hollywood's barriers to become a film legend.

Sumo Counting

Ages 0–3 · 2021

Discover numbers and sumo culture in this charming counting adventure.

Sale price
$799

Who Was Bruce Lee?

Ages 3–5 · 2022

Discover the legacy of a martial arts legend for young readers.

DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda

Ages 2–5 · 2017

A panda's destiny unfolds as he trains to become the Dragon Warrior.

View all martial arts board books
Browse by age

Martial Arts Picture Books

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

Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Little Red faces a dragon, not a wolf, in a kung fu twist on a classic tale.

The Rise (and Falls) of Jackie Chan

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Discover the journey of a martial arts legend from humble beginnings to Hollywood fame.

Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Ninja chicks face a cunning fox to rescue their dad from becoming dinner.

Tae Kwon Do!

Ages 4–6 · 2006

Discover the excitement of Tae Kwon Do with kicks, spins, and board-breaking fun!

Ninja Camp

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Master ninja skills at camp, but only the swift and strong will succeed. Can you become a Ninja of the Night?

SumoPuppy

Ages 5–8 · 2022

Can a playful puppy learn the feline art of mouse-catching?

Sumo Joe

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A brother must choose between sumo wrestling and including his sister.

Karate Hour

Ages 4–8 · 2004

Karate class begins; students learn discipline, respect, and self-esteem through graceful moves and colored belts.

Dojo Daycare
Sale price
$2995

Dojo Daycare

Ages 3–7 · 2014

Chaos erupts at daycare as young ninjas wreak havoc. Can order be restored?

The Secrets of Ninja School

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Can Ruby find her secret talent to graduate from ninja school?

Catkwondo

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Can Kitten's patience and practice lead to breaking a board in Tae Kwon Do?

Karate Kakapo

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A flightless bird faces her toughest karate test: the black belt challenge. Can she overcome her biggest obstacle?

Browse by age

Martial Arts Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about martial arts for developing and independent readers.

The Legendary Mo Seto

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young martial artist must uncover ancient secrets to save her father and her dreams.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 18

Ages 14–17 · 2019

A young warrior battles demons to save his sister and avenge his family.

Naruto, Vol. 5
#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Naruto, Vol. 5

Ages 14–17 · 2000

Young ninja faces daunting exams to prove his worth.

Warriors from Universe 6!
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Warriors from Universe 6!

Ages 14–17 · 2016

A bored hero faces a cosmic threat as a god seeks a legendary warrior on Earth.

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2

Ages 12–17 · 2003

Goku faces a powerful Saiyan threat to Earth, but even his allies may not be enough.

Recruit

Ages 10–+ · 2017

Teen bodyguard faces terrorists to protect the First Daughter.

The World's Greatest Team
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

The World's Greatest Team

Ages 12–17 · 1989

An alien brother threatens Earth, forcing a hero to unite with an old enemy.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 23
#23 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 23

Ages 14–17 · 2020

A brother battles demons to save his sister and avenge his family.

Beastly Basketball
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2799

Beastly Basketball

Ages 8–14 · 2014

Can kung fu transform a failing basketball team into champions?

The Way of the Samurai

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A timid mouse becomes embroiled in a quest to save an ancient treasure from falling into the wrong paws

Sale price
$799

The Karate Mouse

Ages 7–10 · 2010

A mouse is forced to participate in a karate tournament.

Kung Fu Cavemen from the Future
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

Kung Fu Cavemen from the Future

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Two cavemen must master kung fu to save their world from a future threat.

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