Books About Self Control · 52 titles considered

The Best Self Control Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about self control? 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.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self Control

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 · 119,246 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

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2021

Zeus, God of Thunder

By A.I. Newton, Anjan Sarkar (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Olympians series

A young god named Zeus enrolls in a school for gods to learn how to control his powers and become a true god

112 pages· 5,699 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 74 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Zeus's lightning is out of control, causing chaos at home. Sent to Camp Eureka, he must learn to harness his powers alongside fellow young gods. With strong rivals like Apollo and Ares, and allies like Athena and Hermes, Zeus faces challenges that test his abilities and friendships. Can he overcome his fears and master his powers, or will his lightning continue to wreak havoc? Discover the trials and triumphs of a young god learning to control his destiny.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

True (. . . Sort Of)

By Katherine Hannigan

A mysterious newcomer challenges friendships and reveals life-changing truths.

384 pages· 46,342 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

6.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,000 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: When Ferris Boyd arrives in River Bluffs, Delly Pattison anticipates a surprise but finds trouble instead. Ferris, a mysterious figure, transforms Delly and Brud Kinney's lives through unexpected friendship. As they unravel Ferris's secrets, they confront challenges that test their bonds and uncover truths that redefine their world. What is the true gift Ferris brings?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2011

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

By Michael Kaplan, Stephane Jorisch (Illustrator) · Betty Bunny series

A young bunny struggles with patience when all she wants is chocolate cake.

32 pages· 1,040 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,084 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Betty Bunny, a spirited preschooler, discovers her love for chocolate cake and declares she'll marry it. But when her mom insists on patience, Betty's determination leads to humorous antics. Can she learn to wait, or will her sweet obsession get the best of her? Join Betty on a delightful journey that every chocolate lover and parent of a preschooler will recognize. Will Betty's love for cake teach her the value of patience, or will her impulsive nature lead to more mischief? Dive into this charming tale of youthful exuberance and sweet temptations.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Good Different

By Meg Eden Kuyatt

A girl must embrace her uniqueness before her world unravels completely.

Schneider Family Book Honor (2024)

288 pages· 26,608 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,263 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Selah, a neurodivergent girl, hides her true self to fit in. But when she lashes out at school, her world begins to fall apart. As friends drift away and expulsion looms, Selah must discover her true identity and prove that being different isn't wrong. Can she convince her school before it's too late? This novel-in-verse explores the journey of self-acceptance and the courage to stand out.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats

By Bruce Hale, Guy Francis (Illustrator)

A young shark named Clark can't wait for his mom's Treats Tuesday brownies, but things get out of hand when he tries to test them all by himself.

32 pages· 366 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,383 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Clark the Shark can't resist the temptation of his mom's brownies for school. One taste leads to another, and soon the impulsive shark risks ruining the class treat. Will Clark manage to control his cravings before it's too late? Dive into this delightful tale filled with rhymes and fun facts about sharks, perfect for young readers eager to explore the world of reading. Join Clark on his chocolaty adventure and discover if he can learn to balance his enthusiasm with responsibility.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Hey! Who Stole the Toilet?

By Nancy Krulik, Aaron Blecha (Illustrator) · George Brown, Class Clown series

A camping trip turns chaotic with uncontrollable burps.

128 pages· 10,309 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 115 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: George Brown embarks on his first camping trip with his scout troop, eager for adventure. But when his infamous Super Burp disrupts the peace of the wilderness, chaos ensues. Can George find a way to control his burps before they ruin the trip? Join George in a hilarious outdoor escapade where nature meets mischief, and every burp brings unexpected surprises.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2011

Wet and Wild!

By Nancy Krulik, Aaron Blecha (Illustrator) · George Brown, Class Clown series

Magic burps cause chaos at the water park.

128 pages· 11,078 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 152 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: George Brown's day at the water park takes a wild turn when magic burps unleash chaos. With trouble shadowing his every move, can George navigate the mayhem without causing a tidal wave of disaster? Dive into this hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

It's Hard to Be a Verb!

By Cook, Julia, Carrie Hartman (Illustrator) · National Center for Youth Issues series

A restless boy learns to control his impulses with his mom's help.

32 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 229 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Louis can't sit still, his body always in motion at the wrong times. His mom steps in with creative techniques to help him focus and manage his energy. Can Louis learn to control his inner verb and find peace in stillness? Discover the journey of a boy navigating the challenges of ADHD with a little help from his mom's inventive solutions. This story offers hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with attention and impulse control, making it a valuable resource for families and educators alike.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Marc's Mission

By Jocko Willink, Jon Bozak (Illustrator) · Way of the Warrior Kid series

Can Marc help another kid find their inner warrior?

224 pages· 33,308 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 2,133 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Marc, once a timid kid, transformed into a warrior with his uncle's guidance. Now, he faces a new challenge: helping a peer discover their own strength. Can Marc apply his hard-earned lessons to inspire another? As he navigates this mission, the stakes are high, and the path is uncertain. Will Marc's newfound skills and determination be enough to instill the warrior spirit in someone else? Dive into this journey of empowerment and resilience, where friendship and courage are tested in unexpected ways.

The Bookroo Book Club