Books About Pursuing Dreams

The Best Pursuing Dreams Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about pursuing dreams? 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 8 Favorite Books About Pursuing Dreams

Lo & Behold
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2023

Lo & Behold

By Wendy Mass, Gabi Mendez (Illustrator)

A virtual reality adventure offers Addie a new perspective and a chance to change her world.

224 pages· 10,518 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,711 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Addie, struggling with family upheaval, embarks on a cross-country move with her dad. Reluctant to make new friends, she meets Mateo and discovers a virtual reality headset that transforms her view of the world. As she scales virtual castle walls and dodges kittens, Addie uncovers a project that could change everything. But can she fix past mistakes before it's too late? Dive into a journey of friendship, wonder, and the power of imagination.
The Bat Boy & His Violin
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

The Bat Boy & His Violin

By Gavin Curtis, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A violinist's music may transform a struggling baseball team's fate. Can it lead to victory?

Coretta Scott King Honor (1999)
32 pages· 1,621 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 548 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Reginald, a young violinist, finds himself as a bat boy for the Dukes, the worst team in the Negro National League. His father, the team's manager, needs help, but Reginald's heart is in his music. As classical melodies fill the dugout, the team's luck begins to change. Can Reginald's violin inspire a miraculous win against the formidable Monarchs? This tale of family, music, and unexpected triumph explores the power of harmony on and off the field.
Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

By Jessica Kim

A mistaken identity at comedy camp forces a shy girl to choose between truth and her dreams.

320 pages· 49,427 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 3,932 ratings
$16.99
Hardcover
Summary: Yumi Chung dreams of comedy stardom but is stuck in test-prep classes. When she stumbles into a comedy camp, everyone mistakes her for someone else. As Yumi juggles her double life, she must decide whether to reveal her true identity or risk losing her dreams and disappointing her family. Will she find the courage to stand up for herself, or will her secret unravel everything she's worked for? Discover the twists and turns of Yumi's journey as she navigates the challenges of identity, ambition, and family expectations.
The Dumbest Idea Ever!
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

The Dumbest Idea Ever!

By Jimmy Gownley · Book #1 in the The Dumbest Idea Ever! series

A teen's life spirals after illness, but a 'dumb' idea might just save him.

238 pages· 10,252 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 4,197 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Jimmy's world crumbles after illness derails his perfect life. As his grades plummet and his social standing falters, he stumbles upon a 'dumb' idea that could change everything. Can this unexpected twist help him reclaim his place at school and win the heart of the girl he admires? Follow Jimmy's journey from a struggling student to a budding comic book artist, discovering how the worst moments can lead to the best opportunities. Dive into this real-life tale of resilience and creativity, where the most unlikely idea becomes a life-changing adventure.
Drawing from Memory
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Drawing from Memory

By Allen Say

An artist's journey unfolds amid war, mentorship, and self-discovery.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2012)
64 pages· 6,131 words· Est. 52 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 58,448 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the midst of WWII, a young artist finds himself torn between his father's disapproval and the guidance of Japan's top cartoonist. As he apprentices under a new mentor, he grapples with questions of identity and heritage. Through rigorous training and introspection, he embarks on a transformative journey to uncover his true self. This graphic novel blends memoir and history, capturing the profound bond between mentor and student, and the resilience of an artist's spirit.
Better Than Revenge
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2024

Better Than Revenge

By Kasie West

A girl seeks revenge on her ex by joining the football team with his rival's help.

320 pages· 68,432 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 8,874 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Finley dreams of podcast fame, but betrayal strikes when her boyfriend Jensen steals her idea. To reclaim her dream and get revenge, she joins the football team, aided by Jensen's rival, Theo. As Finley trains, unexpected sparks fly, but Theo harbors secrets. Can Finley balance her quest for revenge with newfound feelings, or will love prove more powerful than payback?
Scout Is Not a Band Kid
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Scout Is Not a Band Kid

By Jade Armstrong

A girl joins the school band to meet her favorite author. Can she succeed?

272 pages· 11,138 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 2,410 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Scout dreams of meeting her favorite author, but there's a catch: she must join the school band to get there. With no musical skills and unsupportive friends, Scout faces a daunting challenge. Can she master the trombone, make new friends, and achieve her dream? Dive into this graphic novel to find out if Scout's determination will lead her to success or if her plan will hit a sour note.
Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd

By Lyla Lee · Book #1 in the Gigi Shin series

A girl starts a tutoring club to fund her dream art camp, but chaos ensues.

192 pages· 33,332 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 311 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Gigi Shin, a creative spirit trapped in suburban Texas, dreams of attending an elite art camp. Her parents, however, have more practical plans. To fund her dream, Gigi and her friends start a tutoring club. As they navigate chaotic sessions and unexpected challenges, Gigi must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for her artistic aspirations. Will her entrepreneurial venture lead to her dream, or will it cost her more than she imagined?
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