Books About Role Models · 449 titles considered

The Best Role Models Books for Kids

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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Role Models

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 · 1,143,402 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.

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?

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 · 119,101 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?

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 · 131,566 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.

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Book #1 in the 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 · 426,912 ratings

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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.

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 · 2,527,377 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.

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 · 193,662 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?

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 · 634,448 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.

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 · 354,299 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.

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 47,456 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.

Our 10 Favorite Books About Role Models

Great books, picked for their age.

Role Models Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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