Books About Rivalry · 71 titles considered

The Best Rivalry Books for Kids

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

Looking for excellent children's books about rivalry? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Rivalry

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1961

Ten Apples Up On Top!

By Dr. Seuss

Three friends balance apples on their heads. Can they keep them up?

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 39,806 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join a lion, a dog, and a tiger as they hilariously balance apples on their heads. From jumping rope to roller-skating, they must keep their apples steady. But beware, a mischievous character with a mop threatens their fun! Will they manage to keep their balance and count to ten, or will the apples come tumbling down? Dive into this delightful counting adventure that promises giggles and a love for numbers.

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Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

PAWS

By Nathan Fairbairn, Michele Assarasakorn (Illustrator) · Paws series

Rival dog walkers spark a turf war, forcing a reevaluation of true enemies.

176 pages· 9,893 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 252 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Gabby and her PAWS team face off against rival dog walkers, SCAMPS, led by her nemesis Leo. As competition heats up, tensions rise, and a turf war ensues. Mindy, caught in the middle, partners with Brandon from the rival group for a school project, uncovering unexpected common ground. With both sides playing dirty, the girls must question who the real villain is in this canine conflict. Can they find a way to coexist, or will their rivalry tear them apart?

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Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Disney Manga: Descendants - Evie's Wicked Runway, Book 2 (Graphic Novel)

By Jason Muell · Book #2 in the Disney Manga: Descendants - Evie's Wicked Runway series

A fashion contest pits Evie against fierce rivals. How far will they go to win?

128 pages· 4,245 words· Est. 48 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 266 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In the biggest fashion event of the year, Evie, a talented designer from the Villain Kids, faces fierce competition. As she strives for the top prize, tensions rise. With another student vying for victory, Evie must navigate rivalries and unexpected challenges. Will her creativity and determination be enough to secure the win, or will the lengths others go to claim victory derail her dreams? Discover the twists and turns in this thrilling finale.

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Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

J vs. K

By Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft (Author/Illustrator)

Two rivals clash in a creative storytelling contest showdown.

240 pages· 26,582 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 872 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: At Dean Ashley Public School, fifth graders J and K are creative powerhouses. J's artistic flair and K's writing prowess set the stage for an epic rivalry in the school's storytelling contest. As they compete, their rivalry intensifies with clever strategies and unexpected twists. Will they sabotage each other, or discover the magic of collaboration? The stakes are high, and the outcome is uncertain in this thrilling tale of creativity and competition.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2011

Unfriendly Competition

Book #12 in the Canterwood Crest series

Sasha Silver faces her ultimate challenge at Canterwood Crest.

192 pages· 32,541 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,431 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Sasha Silver's journey at Canterwood Crest reaches its climax. As she navigates her final days, unexpected challenges test her resolve. Will she leave a lasting legacy, or will new beginnings overshadow her story? Discover the twists that await as the series prepares for a new voice.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2001

The Chikorita Challenge

By Tracey West · Book #11 in the Pokémon Classic Chapter Books series

A Pokémon's jealousy leads to a dangerous journey. Can Ash and Pikachu save the day?

96 pages· 9,200 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 166 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ash's new Pokémon, Chikorita, is jealous of Pikachu and runs away, venturing into perilous territory. As Ash and Pikachu race to find Chikorita, they must outsmart Team Rocket, who are eager to capture the Grass-type Pokémon. Will they reunite with Chikorita before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure where friendship and loyalty are put to the test.

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Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2000

Naruto, Vol. 5

By Masashi Kishimoto · Book #5 in the NARUTO series

Young ninja faces daunting exams to prove his worth.

181 pages· 8,497 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 25,633 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Naruto, a mischievous young ninja, dreams of becoming the greatest. As he and his friends face the grueling Chûnin Exams, their unity is tested. Can Naruto overcome his weaknesses and lead his team to victory, or will they falter under pressure? The stakes are high, and the path to becoming a full-fledged shinobi is fraught with challenges. Dive into a world where friendship and determination are the keys to survival.

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Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

My Hero Academia

By Kohei Horikoshi · Book #8 in the My Hero Academia series

Can Midoriya and Bakugo defeat their mentor in a high-stakes exam?

192 pages· 9,155 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,585 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where most have superpowers, Midoriya, once Quirkless, now wields the power of a legendary hero. Facing the ultimate test at Hero Academy, he must team up with rival Bakugo to challenge their formidable mentor, All Might. As they push their limits, another pair, Yaoyorozu and Todoroki, face their own daunting trial. Meanwhile, a new threat looms, ready to disrupt their world. Can Midoriya rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? The stakes are high, and the future of these young heroes hangs in the balance.

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Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2015

My Hero Academia

By Kohei Horikoshi, Caleb Cook (Translator) · Book #5 in the My Hero Academia series

A Quirkless boy inherits a legendary power. Can he rise to hero status in a world of superhumans?

192 pages· 6,268 words· Est. 47 min read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 22,054 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where 80% have superpowers, Midoriya, once Quirkless, inherits a legendary ability. As he trains at the Hero Academy, the U.A. High sports festival tests him and his classmates. With explosive battles and fierce rivals like Bakugo, can Midoriya prove he's destined for greatness, or will the pressure of heroism be too much? The stakes are high, and the path to becoming a hero is fraught with challenges. Will Midoriya rise to the occasion, or will his newfound power be his undoing?

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Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

Haikyu!!

By Haruichi Furudate · Book #1 in the Haikyu!! series

A determined volleyball player faces his rival as a teammate. Can he rise above the challenge?

192 pages· 12,462 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 76,959 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Shoyo Hinata dreams of becoming the best volleyball player, inspired by the legendary 'Little Giant.' Despite his height, he aims to soar higher than anyone. After a crushing defeat by Tobio Kageyama, the 'King of the Court,' Hinata vows to surpass him. But high school brings an unexpected twist: his rival becomes his teammate. Can Hinata overcome this new challenge and achieve his dreams, or will rivalry turn into an unexpected alliance? Dive into a world where passion and perseverance redefine the game.

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Rivalry Picture Books

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

The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

Ages 3–7 · 1990

A family's pumpkin patch becomes the center of a rivalry with a neighboring farmer.

Sale price

$1580

Fox and Crow Are Not Friends

Ages 4–8

A fox and a crow engage in a series of escalating pranks and one-upmanship.

Sale price

$1799

Ninja Camp

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Master ninja skills at camp, but only the swift and strong will succeed. Can you become a Ninja of the Night?

Sale price

$1799

The Baddies

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A ghost, witch, and troll try to scare a brave girl. Who will win?

Sale price

$1699

A Cat Is Better

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover why cats outshine dogs in this humorous tale.

Series

Sale price

$950

The Pirate Pie Ship

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Pirates trade treasure for pies, but face fierce competition on the high seas.

Sale price

$1799

Lobstah Gahden

Ages 5–8 · 2021

Rival lobsters unite to save their gardens from ocean trash.

Sale price

$1799

It Happened on Sweet Street

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Bakers clash in a dessert rivalry, leading to a chaotic food disaster. Can one girl find a lasting solution?

View all rivalry picture books

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Rivalry Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about rivalry for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1199

Hockey Wars

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A fierce hockey rivalry tests a once-unbreakable friendship. Who will claim victory?

#2 in Series

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Sale price

$799

Book Two

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Chaos erupts as Bunny and Monkey clash in a wild forest showdown with lasers and gadgets.

Series

Sale price

$899

BMX Bully

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A new rival's cheating threatens Matt's racing dreams.

Series

Sale price

$595

Free Throw

Ages 8–11 · 2006

A young basketball player struggles to prove himself on the court and overcome his rival's jealousy and criticism.

Series

Sale price

$799

Katt vs. Dogg

Ages 8–13 · 2019

Lost in the woods, a dogg and a katt must overcome rivalry to survive.

Tales from a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe

#12 in Series

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Sale price

$1499

Tales from a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe

Ages 9–13 · 2017

Nikki faces a summer dilemma with a new crush and her old friend, Brandon.

#9 in Series

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Sale price

$1499

Tales from a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen

Ages 9–12 · 2015

Nikki's diary falls into the wrong hands, unleashing chaos.

#4 in Series

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Sale price

$1299

Big Nate Makes the Grade

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A sixth-grade student navigates the challenges of middle school, including friendships, rivalries, and teachers.

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Big Nate on a Roll

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A sixth-grader navigates the challenges of middle school, friendships, and rivalries while trying to win a customized skateboard by selling wall hangings for his Timber Scout troop.