Books About Martial Arts · 175 titles considered

The Best Martial Arts Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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 · 8,566 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 8–12 · 2020

Becoming Muhammad Ali

Discover how a stolen bike led a young Cassius Clay to become Muhammad Ali.

320 pages· 20,312 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,099 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Before he became Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay was a young boy facing everyday struggles. In Louisville, Kentucky, a stolen bike set him on a path to boxing greatness. At twelve, he began training, soon winning his first Golden Gloves bout. This vivid portrayal by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson captures his early life, friendships, and the racism he faced, revealing the budding charisma of a future icon. How did these experiences shape the legend we know today?
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 · 2,711 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 · 2,805 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 · 7,590 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 · 2,691 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 · 20,807 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 · 57,302 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.

Who Was Bruce Lee?

Ages 3–5 · 2022

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

Sale price
$899

Hello Ninjas!

Ages 1–4 · 2018

Sneaky ninjas hide in plain sight. Can you find them?

DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda

Ages 2–5 · 2017

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

Totally Turtles!

Ages 2–5 · 2020

Turtles face new adventures in classic 80s style.

Skate Like a Ninja!

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Heroes face a mysterious villain in a thrilling showdown.

Heart of a Ninja

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover what the Ninja Turtles love most in this playful adventure.

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.

Hello, Ninja

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Join a sneaky ninja on a day of adventure and mischief, but don't expect to share his lunch!

Twelve Rounds to Glory

Ages 8–10 · 2007

A legendary boxer battles in the ring and against societal prejudice, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Naughty Ninja Takes a Bath

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy's ninja skills turn bath time into a daring rescue mission.

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.

A Nation's Hope

Ages 6–8 · 2011

A boxing match becomes a symbol of unity on the brink of war.

Ninja Bunny

Ages 3–7 · 2015

A bunny dreams of ninja life but must choose between stealth and friendship.

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!

The Mighty Lalouche

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A small postman turns to boxing to prove his strength.

Ninja in the Kitchen

Ages 4–6 · 2017

A ninja's skills cause chaos in a pizza shop until a secret sauce key goes missing.

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?

Ninja Baby

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A ninja baby faces her toughest challenge: a new sibling.

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
#18 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

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.

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Omnibus (Graphic Novel)
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Omnibus (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Aang faces a new conflict as peace between nations teeters on the brink of war.

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.

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Search, Part 2
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Search, Part 2

Ages 8–11 · 2013

A mysterious forest hides secrets that could trap Zuko, Azula, and Aang forever.

Beastly Basketball
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2799

Beastly Basketball

Ages 8–14 · 2014

Can kung fu transform a failing basketball team into champions?

Avatar: The Last Airbender
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Ages 8–11 · 2019

Aang faces a pivotal choice as war erupts between benders and non-benders.

Keep exploring
Books about boxingBooks about growing upBooks about karateBooks about Muhammad AliBooks about peer pressureBooks about perseveranceBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about self-esteem and self-reliance

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