Books About Poor Behavior · 103 titles considered

The Best Poor Behavior Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

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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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poor Behavior

The Girl Who Speaks Bear
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 Goodreads · 5,625 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?
Because of Mr. Terupt
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 Goodreads · 47,054 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.
The Bad Beginning
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 · 586,400 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.
Stella Batts Needs a New Name
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 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.
The Pain and the Great One
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 Goodreads · 2,474 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?
Tooth Trouble
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 Goodreads · 2,310 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.
Lola Levine Is Not Mean!
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 Goodreads · 743 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.
Blubber
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 Goodreads · 38,127 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.
The Chocolate Touch
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 · 21,197 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?
The Rag Coat
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 · 1,820 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.

No Biting!
Series
Sale price
$699

No Biting!

Ages 2–5 · 2002

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

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Poor Behavior Picture Books

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

Two of Everything
Sale price
$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

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

The Talking Eggs
Sale price
$1899

The Talking Eggs

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A vibrant Southern folktale comes to life with unexpected twists.

Being Thankful
Series
Sale price
$399

Being Thankful

Ages 3–6 · 2014

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

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
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.

The Great Fuzz Frenzy
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?

Sparkle Boy
Sale price
$1895

Sparkle Boy

Ages 5–8 · 2017

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

The Greedy Python
Series
Sale price
$1099

The Greedy Python

Ages 3–6 · 1985

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

The Fate of Fausto
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?

Dozens of Doughnuts
Sale price
$1899

Dozens of Doughnuts

Ages 3–7 · 2020

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

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Poor Behavior Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about poor behavior for developing and independent readers.

World Champions!
Series
Sale price
$1499

World Champions!

Ages 8–14 · 2021

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

No More Teasing
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 End of the Wild
Sale price
$799

The End of the Wild

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A girl fights to save her forest from fracking, but no one else cares.

Sport
Sale price
$1595

Sport

Ages 10–14 · 1980

A boy's inheritance leads to kidnapping and a fight for freedom.

The Pearl
Sale price
$1300

The Pearl

Ages 18–+ · 1947

A diver's discovery of a giant pearl brings hope and danger.

Dimples Delight
Series
Sale price
$695

Dimples Delight

Ages 6–8 · 2005

Can Lawrence find a way to stop the relentless teasing about his dimples?

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Keep exploring
Books about teasingBooks about belongingBooks about bullyingBooks about chocolateBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about forgivenessBooks about habits and behaviorBooks about identity