Books About Popularity · 91 titles considered

The Best Popularity Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about popularity? 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.

Frindle
Katie and the Cupcake Cure
#1 in Series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Popularity

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1996

Frindle

By Andrew Clements, Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

A young boy invents a new word and explores its impact on his community.

105 pages· 16,294 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 126,737 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nick Allen, a fifth-grader with a knack for mischief, invents a new word: frindle. What starts as a classroom prank spirals into a nationwide phenomenon. Can Nick control the chaos, or has frindle taken on a life of its own? As the word spreads, Nick faces unexpected challenges and discovers the true power of language. Will he embrace his creation or try to stop it?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Katie and the Cupcake Cure

By Coco Simon · Book #1 in the Cupcake Diaries series

Left out, Katie forms a new club with unexpected friends. Sweet beginnings await.

160 pages· 25,162 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,368 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Katie Brown feels abandoned when her best friend joins the Popular Girls Club, leaving her behind. Searching for belonging, Katie discovers new friendships with Mia, Emma, and Alexis. Together, they create the Cupcake Club, turning their shared passion into a sweet adventure. Can this new club fill the void and bring unexpected joy? Join Katie as she learns that sometimes, starting fresh is the best recipe for happiness.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1999

10 Things I Hate About You

Bianca's love life is on hold until her sister dates.

170 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,585 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: Bianca's dating life is at a standstill due to her father's rule: no dating until her older sister, the sharp-tongued Kat, finds a suitor. As Bianca navigates high school romance, can she find a way to break the rule, or will Kat's reluctance keep them both single? With unexpected alliances and comedic twists, this modern take on a classic tale explores the chaos of teenage love and sibling rivalry.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Before I Fall

A teen relives her last day seven times, discovering the power to change her fate.

470 pages· 117,295 words· Est. 11 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 348,352 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Samantha Kingston, a popular high school senior, faces an unexpected twist on Cupid Day. After a fatal accident, she wakes up to relive her last day repeatedly. As she navigates this mysterious loop, Sam uncovers the impact of her choices and the potential to alter her destiny. Can she find redemption and change the course of her life before time runs out? Each repetition reveals new truths, challenging her understanding of love, friendship, and the ripple effect of her actions. Dive into a gripping journey where every decision counts and the stakes are life and death.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2005

Queen of the World!

A mouse dreams of glamour and fame, but a slumber party invite tests her friendship.

96 pages· 1,813 words· Est. 21 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 19,921 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Babymouse dreams of excitement and fame, but her life is anything but glamorous. When she hears about Felicia Furrypaws's exclusive slumber party, Babymouse is determined to get an invite. However, attending means missing her monster movie marathon with her best friend, Wilson. Will Babymouse choose popularity over friendship, or will she find a way to have it all? Dive into Babymouse's world of imagination and humor in this delightful graphic novel adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

Blubber

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 · 38,016 ratings
$7.99Save 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2000

Stargirl

By Jerry Spinelli · Book #1 in the Stargirl series

A unique student challenges conformity, igniting love and conflict at Mica High.

186 pages· 40,014 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 338,497 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When Stargirl arrives at Mica High, her vibrant presence captivates everyone, especially Leo. Her nonconformity sparks a revolution, but admiration turns to alienation. As the school shuns her, Leo faces a dilemma: should he urge her to fit in or embrace her uniqueness? This tale explores the tension between individuality and the desire to belong, set against the backdrop of first love's intensity. Will Stargirl's spirit endure, or will she succumb to the pressure to change? Discover the impact of one extraordinary girl on a school and a boy's heart.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Middle school misadventures test a boy's friendship and self-discovery through his diary entries.

218 pages· 20,026 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 806,757 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Greg Heffley navigates the treacherous waters of middle school, where he's surrounded by bigger, tougher kids. Armed with his diary, Greg chronicles his hilarious attempts to survive and thrive. With his best friend Rowley gaining popularity, Greg sees an opportunity to boost his own status, but his plans backfire, putting their friendship to the test. Will Greg's schemes lead to disaster, or will he learn what truly matters? Dive into a world where growing up is anything but easy, and every page is filled with laughter and unexpected lessons.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

A Bad Case of Stripes

A girl wakes up with stripes and struggles to cope with the reactions of those around her

32 pages· 1,435 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 89,141 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Camilla Cream is desperate to fit in, avoiding her beloved lima beans to please her peers. But when her fear of judgment manifests in a wild, colorful transformation, Camilla must confront her true self. Will she embrace her uniqueness or remain trapped by others' expectations? Discover the whimsical journey of self-acceptance and the surprising power of being true to oneself.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Violet the Pilot

A young inventor's flying machine could change everything at the Air Show and beyond.

40 pages· 860 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,071 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Violet Van Winkle, a young inventor with a knack for creating flying machines, faces teasing from her peers. Determined to prove herself, she sets her sights on winning the Air Show. But when a Boy Scout troop is in danger, Violet's best invention might just save the day and capture the town's admiration, including the mayor's. Will her creations earn her the respect she deserves, or will they lead to an unexpected adventure? Discover the heartwarming journey of a girl who dares to dream and fly.
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Browse by age

Popularity Picture Books

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

The Invisible Boy

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A boy struggles to be noticed by his classmates and teacher until a new student befriends him.

The Cool Bean

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young bean navigates the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world, with the help of some unexpected friends.

Nerdy Birdy

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A lonely bird finds his flock and discovers true friendship.

Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Pete gets a pet goldfish and becomes popular for painting pictures of it.

Chamelia and the New Kid in Class

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A chameleon faces a new rival for attention at school.

Oh, Nuts!

Ages 3–6 · 2012

Chipmunks' quest for zoo fame leads to unexpected consequences.

One Hundred Bones

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A stray dog digs up a life-changing discovery.

Play It Cool

Ages 5–8 · 2021

Can Cookie and Broccoli's friendship survive a popularity test at school?

Awesome!

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A moose's heroics strain a friendship. Can it be saved?

Unicorn Is Maybe Not So Great After All

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Unicorn's magic fades as new trends rise. Can he reclaim his sparkle?

Bully

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A cheerleader defies bullies, risking revenge to protect a friend.

View all popularity picture books
Browse by age

Popularity Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about popularity for developing and independent readers.

Every Last Word
Sale price
$1199

Every Last Word

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A secret friendship challenges Sam's sanity and her place among the popular crowd.

Virtually Me

Ages 8–11 · 2023

Kids navigate identity and friendship in a virtual reality school post-pandemic.

Never Walk in Shoes That Talk

Ages 6–10 · 2009

Roscoe's knack for destruction might just help his friend get new shoes.

The Popularity Papers

Ages 9–13 · 2012

Two friends' road trip reveals unexpected family truths.

Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A pool party, a first period, and a race against embarrassment.

Don't Drink the Punch!

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A party potion gone wrong threatens everyone. Can Kayla find the antidote in time?

How to Win a Slime War
Sale price
$1699

How to Win a Slime War

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A slime-selling showdown tests a boy's creativity against family expectations.

Unicorn Selfies
#15 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Unicorn Selfies

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A girl and her unicorn embark on magical summer adventures full of secrets and surprises.

The Tapper Twins Go Viral

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Twins compete for online fame, risking social humiliation. Who will win the viral battle?

Mia in the Mix

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Mia must choose between the Popular Girls Club and her Cupcake Club friends. Can she find a balance?

Sale price
$699

Alexis Cool as a Cupcake

Ages 8–12 · 2012

When Alexis steps down, the Cupcake Club crumbles. Can they find their sweet spot again?

How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill

Ages 10–13 · 2013

Summer camp turns into summer school, and Rafe faces bullies with unexpected allies.

Keep exploring
Books about bullyingBooks about making friendsBooks about creativityBooks about cupcakesBooks about dating and courtshipBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about individualityBooks about peer pressure

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