Books About Self-defense

The Best Self-defense Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about self-defense? 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 Self-defense

Revolution in Our Time
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2021

Revolution in Our Time

By Kekla Magoon

Uncover the untold story of the Black Panthers' fight for justice and self-defense in a divided America.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2022)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2021)
400 pages· 72,640 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 921 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the Black Panther Party's revolutionary journey through the eyes of their community activism and self-defense strategies. Discover how they empowered Black Americans against systemic oppression, becoming a formidable force in the civil rights movement. This gripping narrative reveals their struggle against intense government repression and highlights their enduring legacy, from the arrival of enslaved people to today's Black Lives Matter movement. Dive into this eye-opening account and be inspired to join the ongoing fight for justice, as Kekla Magoon invites a new generation to learn from the Panthers' courage and resilience.
Monster Notebook
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 Goodreads · 374 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?
Mr. Jack Is a Maniac!
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 Goodreads · 756 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.
Kat Wolfe Investigates
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 Goodreads · 681 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?
Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny
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 Goodreads · 1,111 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.
Hands
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 Goodreads · 1,195 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?
The Berenstain Bears and the Bully
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 Goodreads · 1,982 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.
The Three Ninja Pigs
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 · 3,764 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.
Ninja Worrier
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 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?
The Karate Kid
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 Goodreads · 345 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.
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