Books About Poor Behavior · 102 titles considered

The Best Poor Behavior Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Habits and Behavior, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about poor behavior? 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

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poor Behavior

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Girl Who Speaks Bear

By Sophie Anderson

A girl with bear legs seeks her true identity in a perilous forest.

304 pages· 66,267 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,603 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Yanka, known for her unusual size and strength, wakes to find her legs transformed into bear legs. Feeling out of place in her village, she ventures into the Snow Forest with her pet weasel, Mousetrap, to uncover the truth about her mysterious origins. As she navigates the forest's dangers, Yanka discovers that the fantastical tales she grew up with are real. But as she nears the truth, a terrifying event threatens to trap her in the forest forever. Will Yanka find where she truly belongs, or will the forest claim her?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

Because of Mr. Terupt

By Rob Buyea · Book #1 in the Mr. Terupt series

A teacher's accident tests if his students can uphold the lessons he taught them.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2011)

336 pages· 36,797 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 46,916 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At Snow Hill School, seven fifth graders, each with their own struggles, are united by Mr. Terupt, an inspiring teacher. Jessica, Alexia, Peter, Luke, Danielle, Anna, and Jeffrey find strength in his guidance. But when Mr. Terupt faces a life-changing accident, the students must rely on his teachings to navigate their challenges. Can they hold onto the lessons of friendship and resilience, or will they revert to their old ways? Discover how these unlikely friends confront their fears and grow together in this heartfelt tale of transformation and hope.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 583,786 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Stella Batts Needs a New Name

By Courtney Sheinmel, Jennifer A. Bell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Stella Batts series

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her identity.

160 pages· 13,921 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 802 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eight-year-old Stella is determined to find a new name after a classmate's teasing leaves her feeling embarrassed. But as she navigates the challenges of choosing the perfect name, she begins to question if the one she left behind might be the right fit after all. Will Stella find her true identity, or will she discover that her original name holds more meaning than she realized? Join Stella on her journey of self-discovery and see if she can embrace who she truly is.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1974

The Pain and the Great One

By Judy Blume, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator) · Pain and the Great One Series series

A young boy and girl navigate their feelings towards their siblings and their roles within the family.

48 pages· 904 words· Est. 11 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,463 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: An eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother, known as 'The Pain' and 'The Great One,' engage in a humorous rivalry to determine who their parents love more. As they take turns describing each other, their antics reveal the true nature of family love. Will their competition ever end, or is there more to their bond than meets the eye?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2004

Tooth Trouble

By Abby Klein, John McKinley (Illustrator) · Ready, Freddy! series

Freddy's desperate to lose a tooth, but his plan might land him in big trouble.

96 pages· 6,096 words· Est. 47 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,311 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: First-grader Freddy Thresher faces a dilemma: he's the only one in class who hasn't lost a tooth. Determined to sign his name on the Big Tooth chart, Freddy hatches a risky plan. But when Max "The Meanie" taunts him, Freddy's quest for a lost tooth might lead to unexpected consequences. Will he succeed without getting into trouble with his mom? Dive into Freddy's world where losing a tooth becomes an adventure filled with challenges and surprises.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Lola Levine Is Not Mean!

By Monica Brown, Angela Dominguez (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lola Levine series

A young girl navigates the challenges of second grade, friendships, and family while pursuing her passion for soccer

112 pages· 7,146 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 742 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Lola Levine loves soccer, but an intense game leaves her classmate injured and her reputation tarnished as 'Mean Lola Levine.' With her family's support and her best friend Josh, Lola must find a way to make amends and prove her true character. Can she use her creativity and determination to turn things around and navigate the challenges of second grade? Discover how Lola's big heart and unique spirit guide her through this heartfelt journey.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

Blubber

By Judy Blume

When teasing spirals out of control, a fifth-grader faces unexpected consequences.

208 pages· 27,057 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 38,049 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jill and her classmates push teasing too far, targeting Linda after a harmless note circulates. As the bullying escalates, Jill must confront the impact of her actions. Will she learn the true meaning of friendship before it's too late? This candid tale explores the harsh realities of childhood bullying and self-discovery.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1952

The Chocolate Touch

By Patrick Skene Catling, Margot Apple (Illustrator) · John Midas series

A boy's magical gift turns everything he kisses into chocolate. Is it too much of a good thing?

128 pages· 10,854 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 21,115 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: John Midas adores chocolate, but when a mysterious candy store grants him a magical gift, everything his lips touch turns into chocolate. As his world transforms into a cocoa-coated dream, John must confront the delicious dilemma: can there be too much of a good thing? With each sweet encounter, the stakes rise, leaving John to wonder if he can ever return to normal. Will he find a way to break the chocolate curse, or will his love for chocolate consume everything he holds dear?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1995

The Rag Coat

By Lauren A. Mills

A mountain girl's coat weaves a tale of love and friendship.

32 pages

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,818 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of Appalachia, a resourceful young girl finds her world transformed by a special coat. As she navigates the challenges of mountain life, this coat becomes a symbol of love and friendship. Will it help her uncover the true meaning of connection in a place where beauty and hardship intertwine? Discover how one garment can change everything in this touching tale.

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Poor Behavior Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about poor behavior for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$695

Make a Wish, Midas!

Ages 1–3 · 2015

Midas learns that too much yellow can turn his world upside down.

Series

Sale price

$899

Little Dinos Don't Bite

Ages 2–4 · 2013

A young dinosaur learns when not to bite.

Series

Sale price

$699

No Biting!

Ages 2–5 · 2002

Discover what toddlers can bite as they learn social skills in this playful exploration.

Series

Sale price

$999

Teeth Are Not for Biting

Ages 0–3 · 2003

Discover why biting hurts and explore kinder alternatives.

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Poor Behavior Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about poor behavior for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

Sale price

$1899

The Talking Eggs

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A vibrant Southern folktale comes to life with unexpected twists.

Series

Sale price

$399

Being Thankful

Ages 3–6 · 2014

A young critter learns gratitude when he discovers the joy of thankfulness over envy.

Sale price

$1295

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

Ages 4–11 · 2008

A young girl navigates the challenges of being teased by a classmate and learns the value of kindness and empathy.

Series

Sale price

$1799

The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A boy's Christmas wish leads to a dinosaur that devours the holiday. What goes in must come out.

Sale price

$1099

The Great Fuzz Frenzy

Ages 4–7 · 2005

A fuzzy object disrupts prairie dog harmony, sparking chaos and greed. Can they rediscover unity?

Sale price

$1895

Sparkle Boy

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Casey faces teasing for loving sparkles. Can acceptance shine through?

Series

Sale price

$1099

The Greedy Python

Ages 3–6 · 1985

A greedy python swallows jungle animals, but they unite to escape his belly.

Series

Sale price

$1699

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

Ages 5–9 · 2011

Discover seven hidden Dr. Seuss tales, each with whimsical adventures and timeless lessons.

Sale price

$2499

The Fate of Fausto

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A man's quest for ownership leads him to the sea. What will he find?

Sale price

$1899

Dozens of Doughnuts

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A bear's doughnut feast turns into a sharing dilemma as unexpected guests arrive.

Series

Sale price

$399

The Magic Fish

Ages 4–8 · 1967

Endless wishes can't fill an empty heart.

View all poor behavior picture books

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Poor Behavior Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about poor behavior for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Deluxe Junior Novelization

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Dinosaurs roam the Earth again, threatening humanity's survival.

Series

Sale price

$1499

World Champions!

Ages 8–14 · 2021

A young genius races to stop global warming before it's too late.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$699

Alexis Gets Frosted

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A misunderstood remark sparks a teasing campaign. Can Alexis mend the rift?

Series

Sale price

$2132

No More Teasing

Ages 5–7 · 2009

A young girl learns to deal with a classmate who constantly teases her.

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$899

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business

Ages 6–8 · 2012

Two beaver brothers try to stop a group of fish from destroying their island home by burning trees to power a factory that produces wooden toys called Fish Stix.