The Best Self-defense Books for Kids

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Monster Notebook

By Troy Cummings

A group of kids must navigate a world filled with monsters and learn how to defend themselves.

144 pages· 5,617 words· Est. 47 min read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 370 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the world of the Super Secret Monster Patrol with Alexander Bopp's Monster Notebook. Explore the habitats and diets of Stermont's wacky creatures, and uncover new, unseen monsters. Perfect for young adventurers eager to learn what it takes to be a monster-fighter. Will you join the patrol and face the unknown?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2014

Mr. Jack Is a Maniac!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #10 in the My Weirder School series

A.J. learns self-defense techniques from a mysterious instructor named Mr. Jack.

112 pages· 7,921 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 750 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At Ella Mentry School, Principal Klutz hires Mr. Jack to teach self-defense, but there's a catch—Mr. Jack thinks he's an action hero! With his slow-motion antics and mirror obsession, A.J. and his friends wonder if they'll ever learn anything useful. Will they manage to master self-defense, or will Mr. Jack's bizarre methods lead to chaos? Dive into this hilarious adventure where weirdness is the norm and every lesson is an unexpected twist.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Kat Wolfe Investigates

By Lauren St John · Wolfe and Lamb Mysteries series

A pet-sitting gig leads Kat into a dangerous mystery involving a vanished parrot owner.

304 pages· 63,214 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 674 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Kat Wolfe's pet-sitting business takes a perilous turn when her first client's owner disappears. Teaming up with Harper Lamb, who is recovering from an accident, Kat uncovers a mystery that points to a nearby army base. As danger looms, can their animal allies help them solve the case and stay safe?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny

By John Himmelman · Book #1 in the Bunjitsu Bunny series

A young bunny named Isabel uses her bunjitsu skills to navigate various challenges and adventures

144 pages· 2,584 words· Est. 29 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,110 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Meet Isabel, the Bunjitsu Bunny, the top martial artist at her school. She can outkick and outthrow anyone, yet her true strength lies in her wisdom and kindness. Follow her adventures as she navigates challenges, balancing her skills with compassion. Will she maintain her peaceful ways when faced with tough decisions? Dive into a world where martial arts meet gentle wisdom, perfect for young readers.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2023

Hands

By Torrey Maldonado

A boy must choose between fighting or creating to protect his family.

160 pages· 19,072 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,188 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Trev faces a dilemma: use his hands to fight or to create. With his stepdad's return threatening his family, Trev learns boxing to defend them. Yet, his artistic talent offers a different path. As tensions rise, Trev must decide whether to embrace violence or nurture his gift, knowing his future depends on this choice. Will he build a better life or succumb to the immediate danger?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1993

The Berenstain Bears and the Bully

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

A young bear named Sister Bear is bullied by a new cub named Tuffy at school, and her brother Brother Bear helps her learn how to defend herself.

32 pages· 1,577 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,975 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Bear Country, Sister Bear encounters a new challenge: a school bully named Tuffy. When Brother Bear decides to intervene, he's surprised to find Tuffy is a girl, complicating his plan. As Sister navigates this tricky situation, she must learn to stand up for herself and find a peaceful resolution. Will she succeed in overcoming the bully without resorting to violence? This engaging tale explores themes of courage, problem-solving, and communication, inviting young readers to reflect on how to handle bullies in their own lives.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

The Three Ninja Pigs

By Corey Rosen Schwartz, Dan Santat (Illustrator) · Fairy Tale Ninja Trilogy series

Three little pigs learn martial arts to defend themselves against a wolf

32 pages· 571 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,762 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a twist on a classic tale, three pigs prepare to face a menacing wolf. The first pig takes up aikido, the second jujitsu, but when the wolf arrives, they're not ready. Luckily, their sister's karate skills might just save the day. Will her training be enough to defeat the bully wolf? Discover a story filled with humor, action, and unexpected heroics.

Picture Book

Ninja Worrier

By Abby Klein · Book #9 in the Ready, Freddy! 2nd Grade series

Can karate skills help a boy face a school bully?

9,002 words

4.9/5 Goodreads · 8 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Freddy dreams of becoming a ninja after seeing his friend Josh's karate moves. As he starts classes, Freddy wonders if his new skills will give him the courage to confront Max, the second-grade bully. Will Freddy's training be enough to stand up for himself and his friends, or will he need more than just ninja moves to overcome his fears?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Karate Kid

By Kim Smith (Illustrator) · Pop Classics series

A bullied boy learns karate from a mysterious mentor to face his rivals.

40 pages· 801 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Daniel, new in town, faces bullies from the Cobra Kai dojo. Desperate to defend himself, he turns to his enigmatic neighbor, Mr. Miyagi, for help. As Daniel trains for a karate tournament, he discovers that Mr. Miyagi's unconventional methods teach more than just martial arts—they reveal lessons in patience, balance, and resilience. Can Daniel overcome his fears and find the strength within to triumph? This enchanting tale of friendship and self-discovery will captivate readers of all ages.

The Best Self-defense Books for Kids

Our 9 Favorite Books About Self-defense

Monster Notebook

Mr. Jack Is a Maniac!

Kat Wolfe Investigates

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny

Hands

The Berenstain Bears and the Bully

The Three Ninja Pigs

Ninja Worrier

The Karate Kid

Great books, picked for their age.

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