Books About Role Models · 455 titles considered

The Best Role Models Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about role models? 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 Role Models

Matilda
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1988

Matilda

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to defend herself against her cruel parents and the evil headmistress of her school.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (1989)Odyssey Honor (2014)
240 pages· 40,056 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,150,718 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Matilda is a brilliant young girl misunderstood by her neglectful parents. At school, she encounters the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, a headmistress who despises children. When Matilda discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities, she sees a chance to stand up against the oppressive Trunchbull. Can Matilda outsmart the tyrant and bring justice to her school? With courage and wit, she might just change everything.
The Secret Garden
Sale price
$1699
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Bookroo Collection Edition: Hardcover
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

By Kelly Barnhill

A witch raises a magical child, unaware of the looming threats and a young man's quest to end her life.

Newbery Medal (2017)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2017)
388 pages· 82,631 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 119,850 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a land where babies are sacrificed to a forest witch, kind-hearted Xan secretly saves them. But when she accidentally imbues a child, Luna, with moonlight magic, chaos looms. As Luna's powers awaken on her thirteenth birthday, a determined young man seeks to kill the witch to free his people. Meanwhile, ominous birds gather, a dormant volcano stirs, and a mysterious woman with a Tiger's heart prowls. Can Xan protect Luna and herself from the unfolding dangers?
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1977)
276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 132,800 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.
Ella Enchanted
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Ella Enchanted series

A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?

Newbery Honor (1998)
304 pages· 53,087 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 427,459 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ella of Frell is cursed with obedience, forced to follow any command, no matter how dangerous. Determined to reclaim her freedom, she embarks on a daring quest through a world of ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters. As she navigates this treacherous path, Ella must outwit those who would exploit her curse and discover her true self. Will she find a way to break the spell and live on her own terms, or will the curse dictate her fate forever? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and resilience.
Little Women
Sale price
$1900
Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1868

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Women series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.

816 pages· 184,747 words· Est. 17 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,541,542 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where their father is away at war, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—must rely on each other to face life's trials. As they grow from childhood to womanhood, they grapple with dreams, ambitions, and the hope of their father's safe return. Will their bond withstand the pressures of society and personal aspirations? Discover the heartwarming journey of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity in a time of uncertainty.
Out of My Mind
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

Out of My Mind

By Sharon M. Draper · Book #1 in the Out of My Mind series

A voiceless girl finds a way to be heard.

295 pages· 56,928 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 194,528 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A brilliant fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, long misunderstood, discovers a device that could finally let her speak. As she navigates a world that underestimates her, will her voice change everything?
Number the Stars
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

Newbery Medal (1990)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1990)Sydney Taylor Book Award (1989)
139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 636,999 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)
177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 355,204 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
Front Desk
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang · Book #1 in the Front Desk series

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2019)CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) (2019)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019)
298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 47,786 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Mia Tang juggles managing a motel, hiding immigrants, and dreaming of becoming a writer. With her parents' secret at risk of exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao, Mia must summon all her courage and kindness. Can she protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion despite her mother's doubts? Discover Mia's journey of resilience and hope in a world where every choice counts.
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Role Models Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about role models for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Explorer
Series
Sale price
$799

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Audrey Hepburn
Series
Sale price
$1599

Audrey Hepburn

Ages 2–4 · 2015

Discover how a dream led Audrey Hepburn from war-torn Europe to Hollywood stardom.

Big Words for Fearless Girls
Sale price
$1599

Big Words for Fearless Girls

Ages 3–6 · 2019

Empower young dreamers with 1,000 words and 100 female heroes to inspire change.

A Little Princess
Series
Sale price
$999

A Little Princess

Ages 2–6 · 2017

Discover friendship in unexpected places with a classic tale's charm.

Pride & Prejudice
Series
Sale price
$1199

Pride & Prejudice

Ages 1–3 · 2011

Explore numbers through a charming journey of proposals and encounters in an English village.

Marie Curie
Series
Sale price
$1599

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Olivia
Series
Sale price
$1999

Olivia

Ages 2–5 · 2000

A lively pig's day of adventures ends with a well-earned rest.

This Little Scientist
Series
Sale price
$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover the groundbreaking scientists who changed history in this vibrant board book.

Think Big, Little One
Series
Sale price
$899

Think Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover trailblazing women who changed the world and inspire young dreamers to follow their biggest ideas.

A Is for Awesome!
Series
Sale price
$999

A Is for Awesome!

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Explore the alphabet through iconic women who changed the world.

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Role Models Picture Books

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

Harriet Tubman
Series
Sale price
$1699

Harriet Tubman

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

Emmeline Pankhurst
Series
Sale price
$1599

Emmeline Pankhurst

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young dreamer fights for women's voting rights, changing history.

Elizabeth Leads the Way
Sale price
$899

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Ages 6–10 · 2008

A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.

Madeline
Series
Sale price
$1999

Madeline

Ages 4–8 · 1939

A young girl named Madeline has her appendix removed and her friends want to have the same experience.

Maya Angelou
Series
Sale price
$1599

Maya Angelou

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

Women in Science
Series
Sale price
$1699

Women in Science

Ages 10–15 · 2016

Discover the untold stories of women who shaped STEM history.

Cinder Edna
Sale price
$1799

Cinder Edna

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

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Role Models Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about role models for developing and independent readers.

Dragons and Marshmallows
#1 in Series
Sale price
$699

Dragons and Marshmallows

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A young girl discovers a magical world of creatures in her backyard and learns to care for them with the help of her scientist mother

Grounded
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Grounded

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Rapunzel's enchanted tower hides secrets. A thief's arrival changes everything.

The Diary of a Young Girl
Sale price
$999

The Diary of a Young Girl

Ages 11–15

A young girl hides from Nazis, documenting her life in a secret attic, revealing courage and humanity's frailty.

El Deafo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

El Deafo

Ages 7–12 · 2014

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Dealing with Dragons
#1 in Series
Sale price
$999

Dealing with Dragons

Ages 10–12 · 1990

A rebellious princess seeks adventure with a powerful dragon, facing magical dangers and unexpected allies.

Zita the Spacegirl
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Zita the Spacegirl

Ages 8–11 · 2011

A young girl's friend is kidnapped by an alien species and she must navigate a strange world to rescue him.

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Keep exploring
Books about family lifeBooks about helping othersBooks about abuseBooks about cinderella storiesBooks about communicationBooks about coping with deathBooks about economic depressionsBooks about hotels and motels