Books About Overcoming Obstacles · 80 titles considered

The Best Overcoming Obstacles Books for Kids

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

Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Obstacles

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Don't Throw It to Mo!

By David A. Adler, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mo Jackson series

A young football player proves himself despite his small size

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (2016)

32 pages· 427 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,042 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Mo, the smallest player on the Robins football team, faces teasing from rivals who call him 'butterfingers.' But his coach sees potential in Mo's size. Can Mo turn his disadvantage into a game-winning advantage? Discover how determination and clever strategy might lead to an unexpected victory on the field.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 4–7 · 1993

Nina, Nina Ballerina

By Jane O'Connor

Nina's mom must find her among many butterflies at the dance show. Can she do it?

32 pages· 429 words· Est. 8 min read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 108 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At the big dance show, Nina is dressed as a butterfly with colorful wings and a bug mask. But she's not alone—there are many butterflies on stage. How will her mom recognize her amidst the fluttering crowd? Join Nina in this delightful tale as she hopes to stand out and be seen by the one who matters most. Will her mom spot her in time, or will Nina's performance go unnoticed? Discover the charming solution in this engaging story perfect for young readers.

Sale price

$1498

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2016

Marie Curie

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Frau Isa (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

32 pages· 291 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,467 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Marie Curie defied societal norms, transforming from a young girl barred from college to a pioneering scientist. Her discoveries in radioactivity not only won her a Nobel Prize but also revolutionized cancer treatment. Follow her inspiring journey in this beautifully illustrated biography, part of a series celebrating remarkable individuals who began as dreamers. What challenges did she overcome, and how did her work change the world? Dive into her story and be inspired by her legacy.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1991

Amazing Grace

By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Grace-picture Books series

A young girl dreams of playing the lead role in her school play despite others doubting her.

32 pages· 711 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,278 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace dreams of playing Peter Pan in the school play, but faces resistance from classmates who claim she can't because she's black and Peter is a white boy. Undeterred, Grace sets out to prove that imagination knows no bounds. Will she overcome the barriers and soar on stage as Peter Pan? Dive into Grace's world where determination and creativity challenge the status quo, and discover if she can truly become the hero of her own story.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Shark Lady

By Jess Keating, Marta Alvarez Miguens (Illustrator)

A young girl's fascination with sharks leads her to become a renowned scientist.

40 pages· 745 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,549 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Eugenie Clark, captivated by sharks from a young age, faces societal barriers to become a pioneering scientist. As she challenges misconceptions about these misunderstood creatures, Eugenie earns the title 'Shark Lady.' Her journey is one of determination and discovery, proving that women can excel in science and that sharks deserve admiration, not fear. Will her passion and perseverance change the world's view on sharks forever?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2021

Hugo and the Impossible Thing

By Renee Felice Smith, Chris Gabriel, Sydney Hanson (Illustrator)

A curious little dog questions why no one has ever tried to get through the barrier at the edge of the forest, so he sets out to discover what lies beyond it with the help of his friends.

40 pages· 775 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 370 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a forest where no creature dares to venture beyond the Impossible Thing, a courageous dog named Hugo decides to defy the odds. With unwavering determination and unexpected allies, Hugo embarks on a daring quest to discover what lies beyond. Will he prove that the impossible is within reach?

Picture Book · 2009

Sonia Sotomayor

By Jonah Winter

Discover the journey of a trailblazing Supreme Court judge.

2,868 words

4.3/5 Goodreads · 527 ratings

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of the South Bronx, a young girl named Sonia dreams of a life beyond her modest beginnings. With her mother's unwavering love and her own fierce determination, she embarks on a journey of hard work and bravery. As she navigates challenges and defies expectations, Sonia's path leads her to the pinnacle of justice—the U.S. Supreme Court. How does she overcome the odds to bloom in a world that often seems against her? Discover the inspiring story of a woman who became a beacon of hope and justice for all.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Listen

By Shannon Stocker, Devon Holzwarth (Illustrator)

A deaf girl defies odds to become a world-renowned percussionist.

Schneider Family Book Award (2023)

40 pages· 1,330 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,072 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl, was told she could never be a musician. Yet, she discovered a unique way to 'hear' music through vibrations, transforming her body into an instrument. As she mastered this new form of listening, Evelyn's extraordinary talent captivated the world, proving that true passion knows no limits. How did she turn silence into symphony, and what challenges did she overcome to become the first full-time solo percussionist? Discover the inspiring journey of a woman who redefined the boundaries of music and listening.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2021

The Floating Field

By Scott Riley, Kim Lien (Illustrator), Nguyen Quang (Illustrator)

Thai boys defy odds to play soccer on a floating field in a stilt village.

40 pages· 1,212 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 701 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a stilt village on Koh Panyee, a group of Thai boys dreams of playing soccer after watching the World Cup. With no open space, they face a daunting challenge. Only twice a month can they play on a sandbar when the tide is low. Undeterred, they unite to create a floating soccer field, transforming their dreams into reality. Will their ingenuity and determination be enough to overcome the odds? Discover this inspiring true story of creativity and perseverance, where passion for the game leads to an extraordinary solution in an unexpected place.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987

The Berenstain Bears' Trouble at School

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

A young bear gets sick, misses school, and struggles to catch up on his schoolwork, leading to a series of mishaps and lessons learned.

32 pages· 1,384 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 17,469 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Brother Bear skips his schoolwork while sick, leading to a failed test and a tough lesson in responsibility. With Grizzly Gramps' guidance, can Brother turn his academic troubles around and face his parents? Discover the importance of owning up to mistakes and the power of second chances in Bear Country.

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Overcoming Obstacles Picture Books

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

#4 in Series

Sale price

$799

Marion Takes a Break

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A young girl named Marion struggles to cope with a sprained ankle that prevents her from participating in the horse show and other activities she loves.

Sale price

$1799

Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist

Ages 6–9 · 2019

Defy expectations: one woman's journey from London Zoo to uncharted islands, discovering new species and blazing trails.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$599

The Three Little Pugs

Ages 5–7 · 2015

Princess Pink battles tricky pugs to reclaim a friend's money from a shady car deal.

Sale price

$1899

Emmanuel's Dream

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A boy with one leg cycles 400 miles to prove disability is not inability.

Sale price

$1899

Nothing Stopped Sophie

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A determined woman defies all odds to solve the unsolvable in mathematics.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Magical Yet

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young person learns to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with the help of a magical guide.

Sale price

$1799

Her Fearless Run

Ages 8–11 · 2019

A woman defies the odds to run the Boston Marathon, changing the sport forever.

Sale price

$1799

Drum Dream Girl

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A girl defies tradition to become a drummer in a music-filled world.

Series

Sale price

$1599

I am Marie Curie

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Discover how Marie Curie's perseverance shattered barriers in science.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A determined scientist overcomes adversity to revolutionize blindness treatment.

Sale price

$1595

The Boy Who Never Gave Up

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A boy defies the odds to become an NBA legend.

Sale price

$1899

A Computer Called Katherine

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A mathematician defies odds to help NASA reach the moon.

View all overcoming obstacles picture books

Browse by age

Overcoming Obstacles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about overcoming obstacles for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1195

Catching the Moon

Ages 6–10 · 2005

A girl defies all odds to play professional baseball in a male-dominated world.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Are Venus and Serena Williams?

Ages 8–11 · 2017

The story of two sisters who rose to fame in the world of professional tennis, overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers along the way.

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border

Ages 11–14 · 1998

Bones face a fierce mountain lion while returning a lost cub.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1799

The 104-Story Treehouse

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy and his friend try to write a book while dealing with a toothache and various distractions.

Sale price

$899

The Nutcracker Mice

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A mouse dancer and a young girl must save a ballet from disaster.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Is Sonia Sotomayor?

Ages 8–11 · 2017

A Latina's journey from the Bronx to the Supreme Court, overcoming life's trials with determination.

#4 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$899

Dance Challenge

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A group of mouselets at Mouseford Academy try to uncover the truth about their new professor's past and the reason behind her strict behavior.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$699

Escape to California

Ages 6–10 · 2014

A boy helps a girl in a wheelchair escape from Alcatraz Island.

Sale price

$1700

Dream More

Ages 18–+ · 2012

Discover the four hopes to transform your life and future.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Florence Griffith Joyner

Ages 6–9 · 2021

Discover how the fastest woman overcame challenges to make history.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Soccer Star

Ages 6–8 · 2009

Can Billie prove girls can play soccer just as well as boys?

Sale price

$899

Mudball

Ages 6–9 · 2005

A tiny baseball player faces a stormy twist that could make him a hero.

View all overcoming obstacles chapter books

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Books about ballet Books about determination Books about feelings and emotions Books about football Books about physical stature

Our 10 Favorite Books About Overcoming Obstacles

Great books, picked for their age.

Overcoming Obstacles Picture Books

Overcoming Obstacles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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