Books About School Struggles

The Best School Struggles Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about school struggles? 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.

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About School Struggles

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1987

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

By Louis Sachar

A troubled fifth grader must confront his fears to change his reputation.

195 pages· 36,300 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 26,135 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Bradley Chalkers, the oldest fifth grader, is notorious for his lies and fights. Everyone avoids him, except Carla, the new counselor who sees his potential. Can Bradley overcome his fears and transform his life, or will he remain the most disliked kid in school? As he navigates this challenge, Bradley must decide if he can trust Carla's belief in him and find the courage to change. With his reputation on the line, Bradley's journey is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and redemption.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2004

The Report Card

A genius fakes bad grades to challenge the education system's obsession with testing.

176 pages· 31,417 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 13,744 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Fifth grader Nora Rowley is secretly a genius, hiding her brilliance to avoid the pressure of gifted programs. Frustrated by the obsession with grades, she deliberately brings home a poor report card. This sparks a frenzy among her teachers and parents, desperate to uncover what's wrong. Can Nora prove that intelligence can't be measured by tests alone, or will her plan backfire? Dive into Nora's world as she challenges the system and questions the true meaning of intelligence.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

No Brainer

A middle school student navigates the challenges of adolescence and the struggles of his school.

224 pages· 18,168 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,728 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Greg Heffley faces a dilemma when his school is threatened with closure. Initially unfazed, Greg panics upon realizing he'll be separated from his best friend, Rowley. Can Greg rally his classmates to save their school, or will this mark a new chapter in his life? As Greg navigates overdue homework and unreliable study partners, he must find a way to keep his world from crumbling. Will his efforts be enough to keep his school open, or is change inevitable? Dive into Greg's chaotic middle school life and find out if he can overcome the odds.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Bright Family Vacation

By Gabe Soria, Ribs Rafa (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The Bright Family series

A family vacation goes awry when a portal lands them on a mysterious jungle planet.

160 pages· 6,075 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 53 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Summary: The Bright family, fresh from multiverse adventures, seeks a relaxing vacation. But their plans derail when a portal misfires, stranding them in a jungle on an unknown planet. Can they navigate this new world and find their way back? With unexpected challenges and a bonus tale, 'One Birthday in Time,' this adventure promises more than just space ramen and water slides. Will the Brights' unity and problem-solving skills be enough to overcome the unknown?
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