Books About Overcoming Adversity · 138 titles considered

The Best Overcoming Adversity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about overcoming adversity? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Adversity

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Notorious

By Gordon Korman

On a peculiar island, two teens unravel a dog's murder mystery linked to a gangster past.

307 pages· 57,253 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,832 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Keenan, new to the odd Centerlight Island, teams up with his quirky neighbor ZeeBee to solve the mystery of her dog's death. As they dig into the island's Prohibition-era secrets, they uncover a conspiracy that puts them in danger. With everyone a suspect and a new dog by their side, Keenan and ZeeBee must navigate a web of intrigue. Will they crack the case before it's too late, or will the island's dark past catch up with them?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,219,409 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt · Fish in a Tree series

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

Schneider Family Book Award (2016)

288 pages· 48,663 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,511 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ally, a clever girl who hides her reading struggles with distractions, fears being labeled 'dumb.' Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees her potential and helps her embrace her dyslexia. As Ally's confidence grows, she learns that labels don't define her and discovers the power of her unique mind. Will she find the courage to be herself and unlock new possibilities?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1980

Stone Fox

By John Reynolds Gardiner, Greg Hargreaves (Illustrator)

A boy races to save his farm, facing an undefeated rival in a high-stakes dogsled race.

96 pages· 9,029 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 20,317 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Little Willy must save his family's farm by winning a dogsled race. With his loyal dog Searchlight, he faces fierce competitors, including the undefeated Stone Fox. Can Willy's determination and knowledge of the land overcome the odds and secure the prize money needed to save his grandfather's legacy? The race is on, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

When You Reach Me

By Rebecca Stead · Book #3 in the Newbery Medal Winner series

Mysterious notes predict a death. Can Miranda unravel the truth in time?

Newbery Medal (2010)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2010)

199 pages· 39,395 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 118,372 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Sixth grader Miranda receives cryptic notes that predict the future, warning her of an impending death. As she navigates friendship fallout and the mystery of these messages, Miranda must uncover the truth before it's too late. With each note, the stakes rise, leaving her to question reality and her role in preventing a tragedy. Can she solve the puzzle and change fate, or is she already too late? Dive into a world where time and destiny intertwine, challenging Miranda to confront the unknown and her own fears.

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$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

What Is Given from the Heart

By Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

32 pages· 1,095 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,193 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: James Otis faces a dilemma when his church collects donations for a family who lost everything in a fire. With little to give, he must find a way to contribute to the 'love box.' As he searches for something meaningful, James learns a powerful lesson about the true value of giving from the heart. Will he discover that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference? This touching tale of compassion and generosity will warm your heart and inspire you to see the beauty in selfless acts.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Sakamoto's Swim Club

By Julie Abery, Chris Sasaki (Illustrator)

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

40 pages· 165 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 487 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1930s Maui, science teacher Soichi Sakamoto turns irrigation ditches into training grounds, coaching plantation children to Olympic glory. Can his unique methods and their determination defy the odds?

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$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1978

The Clown of God

By Tomie dePaola

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

48 pages· 1,403 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,480 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Giovanni, once a celebrated juggler, finds himself poor and forgotten. As Christmas Eve approaches, he decides to perform one last time with his colorful balls. Will this act bring about a miracle? Discover the magic and wonder of a legend where hope and talent intertwine, leading to an unexpected Christmas miracle that could change everything for Giovanni.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Maya Angelou

By Lisbeth Kaiser, Leire Salaberria (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

32 pages· 395 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 899 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Maya Angelou's journey from a silent child in Arkansas to a celebrated writer and civil rights activist is a tale of resilience and inspiration. After a traumatic event silenced her for years, Maya found solace in books, eventually becoming a powerful voice for change. This beautifully illustrated biography captures her incredible life, offering young readers a glimpse into her struggles and triumphs. What sparked Maya's transformation, and how did she rise to become a beacon of hope and empowerment? Dive into her story and uncover the dreams that shaped her legacy.

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Overcoming Adversity Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

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$599

My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Discover how a girl from humble beginnings became a legendary entertainer and advocate.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Bruce Lee

Ages 1–3 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$1599

Wilma Rudolph

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Overcome polio to become an Olympic champion. Discover Wilma Rudolph's inspiring journey.

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Sale price

$1099

Inspirational Sports Stories for Young Readers

Ages 1–12 · 2022

Discover athletes' journeys from struggle to triumph across diverse sports.

View all overcoming adversity board books

Browse by age

Overcoming Adversity Picture Books

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

Sale price

$899

Abe Lincoln

Ages 3–7 · 2003

A boy's love for books shapes his destiny and changes the world.

Sale price

$1899

Ada's Violin

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

Sale price

$1899

Clara and Davie

Ages 3–6 · 2014

A young Clara Barton overcomes a lisp to discover her healing gift, leading to greatness.

Sale price

$899

Adelita

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A young woman vanishes at midnight, leaving only a shawl as a clue to her identity.

Sale price

$1899

Mr. Lincoln's Way

Ages 6–9 · 2001

A principal must reach a bully to reveal the beauty in differences.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Ella Fitzgerald

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover how a Harlem street singer became a jazz legend.

Sale price

$1999

A Poem for Peter

Ages 7–10 · 2016

An artist's dream defies odds, creating a groundbreaking children's book.

Sale price

$1795

Fearless Heart

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young girl born in Nice, France, rises through the world of competitive figure skating, defying expectations and fighting for recognition on her own terms.