Books About Spelling

The Best Spelling Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about spelling? 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.

Captain Awesome and the Ultimate Spelling Bee

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Spelling

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Max's Castle

By Kate Banks, Boris Kulikov (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Max's Words series

Max turns forgotten toys into a thrilling adventure with pirates and dragons.

40 pages· 722 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 344 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Max discovers forgotten toys and transforms them into a grand adventure. With his brothers Benjamin and Karl skeptical, Max uses imagination to build a castle, conjuring pirates, knights, and a dragon. Can Max's creativity turn old blocks into a world of excitement? Dive into this playful tale where wordplay and imagination create endless possibilities.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2018

An Inconvenient Alphabet

By Beth Anderson, Elizabeth Baddeley (Illustrator)

Two patriots attempt to simplify English spelling, facing unexpected challenges.

48 pages· 1,180 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 335 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1786, Ben Franklin and Noah Webster embark on a mission to simplify English spelling. As they strive to align sounds with letters, they confront the complexities of language. Can these visionaries transform the alphabet and make reading easier for future generations? Discover the intriguing journey of two historical figures who dared to challenge linguistic norms.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

The Spelling Bee Before Recess

By Deborah Lee Rose, Carey F. Armstrong-Ellis (Illustrator)

Three spellers face off in a tense bee. Who will win with a surprise twist looming?

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a tense school spelling bee, three contenders—Cornelius, Ruby, and The Slugger—battle word by word. With recess looming and no winner in sight, the final word holds the key to victory. As the clock ticks, an unexpected twist could change everything. Will The Slugger hit a grand slam or finally strike out? This whimsical tale combines humor and suspense, inviting young readers to spell along and discover the power of words.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2023

Spanish Is the Language of My Family

By Michael Genhart, John Parra (Illustrator)

A boy and his grandmother unite over a Spanish spelling bee, bridging past and present.

Americas Honor (2024)

40 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 399 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A young boy, eager to win his school's Spanish spelling bee, turns to his grandmother for help. As they study, she shares stories of her past, when speaking Spanish was forbidden in school. Inspired by her resilience, he strives to honor his heritage and make his family proud. This touching tale explores cultural pride and the power of language across generations.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2013

Captain Awesome and the Ultimate Spelling Bee

By Stan Kirby · Captain Awesome series

Can Captain Awesome outspell his nemesis in the spelling bee?

128 pages· 5,411 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Eugene McGillicuddy, aka Captain Awesome, faces his toughest challenge yet: the second-grade spelling bee. With his nemesis, Little Miss Stinky Pinky, competing, Eugene must summon all his superhero spelling powers. Can he protect the trophy from falling into the wrong hands, or will his arch-rival claim victory? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every letter counts!

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Infinity Year of Avalon James

By Dana Middleton

Two friends await magical powers before their eleventh birthday, hoping to change their troubled lives.

224 pages· 47,603 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 383 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Avalon and her best friend Atticus share a secret: the promise of magical powers during their tenth year. With her family in turmoil and school bullies closing in, Avalon clings to the hope that these powers will arrive before her eleventh birthday. As time runs out, will the magic they yearn for come to their rescue, or will they face their challenges alone? Dive into a tale of friendship, hope, and the mysterious magic of the Infinity Year.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #11 in the Judy Moody series

A third-grader's lucky penny helps her win at bowling and a spelling bee, but also gets her into trouble.

176 pages· 12,435 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,030 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Judy Moody's luck seems unstoppable, winning her everything from spelling bees to arcade games. But when her lucky penny takes a dive into a porcelain bowl, her fortune turns sour. With a potbellied pig causing chaos and her rival Jessica Finch always a step ahead, Judy must navigate a series of mishaps. Can she restore her luck and make it to Washington, D.C., or is she doomed to a streak of bad luck? Join Judy on a wild ride of unexpected twists and hilarious challenges.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Cookie Catastrophe

By Frank Cammuso · Book #3 in the The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series

A young cat joins the Squirrel Scouts and learns valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork

96 pages· 2,528 words· Est. 38 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 215 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: Salem embarks on her first camping adventure with the Squirrel Girls, but neither she nor her cat, Whammy, are prepared for the challenges of the wilderness. Hoping to ease their journey, Salem turns to magic, only to find that her spells create more chaos than comfort. As magical mishaps unfold, Salem must navigate the unpredictable outdoors and her own magical blunders. Will she find a way to enjoy the great outdoors, or will her magic lead to more trouble than she bargained for? Join Salem and Whammy in a whimsical tale of adventure and enchantment.

The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee

By Deborah Abela · The Spectacular Spelling Bee series

A girl faces her fears in a spelling bee with family support.

224 pages· 36,831 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 216 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: India Wimple loves spelling but fears competing. Her family believes in her, urging her to enter the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee. Facing fierce rivals and self-doubt, India must find courage. Can she overcome obstacles and discover something splendiferous on the horizon?

Sale price

$2152

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2012

Spelling Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Kylie Jean series

A girl aims to conquer the Spelling Bee stage.

112 pages· 9,218 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 142 ratings

$22.65Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Kylie Jean dreams of spelling glory, but the path to victory is fraught with unexpected challenges. As she prepares for the Spelling Bee, she must navigate tricky words and fierce competition. Will her determination and practice be enough to claim the title, or will unforeseen obstacles spell her defeat? Dive into Kylie Jean's journey and discover if she can turn her dream into reality.

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Spelling Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about spelling for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Fancy Nancy: Splendid Speller

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A spelling test challenges Nancy's pride and principles.

Series

Sale price

$2040

Arthur's Teacher Trouble

Ages 5–8 · 1987

Arthur faces a tough teacher and a spelling showdown.

Sale price

$1799

May Saves the Day

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A word-savvy businesswoman must embrace teamwork to save her town from a tornado.

Sale price

$1899

Lexie the Word Wrangler

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A cowgirl must catch a word rustler turning stars into rats and deserts into desserts.

If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi

Series

Sale price

$1799

If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A smart dad struggles with spelling, revealing unexpected challenges and strengths.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$625

Rah-Rah Ruby!

Ages 5–7 · 2009

A girl works hard all summer to overcome her difficulty with spelling so she can achieve her goal of becoming a cheerleader.

Series

Sale price

$699

Camila the Spelling Bee Star

Ages 5–7 · 2022

A young speller battles anxiety to conquer the spelling bee.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$699

Henry Heckelbeck Spells Trouble

Ages 5–9 · 2020

A young boy must overcome his fears and participate in a school spelling bee

Series

Sale price

$1699

The Mighty Silent e!

Ages 5–8 · 2020

When Little e vanishes, chaos ensues. Can he save the day?

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Alphabet Book with No Pictures

Ages 5–8

Discover the joy of reading with a playful tower of letters.

View all spelling picture books

Browse by age

Spelling Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about spelling for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$699

Attack of the Tighty Whities!

Ages 7–9 · 2012

A magical burp threatens disaster at a spelling bee.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$695

Big Birthday Bash

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A young witch tries to make her friend's birthday big, but things don't go as planned

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$695

Spelling Trouble

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A young witch enters a spelling bee, but it's not about magic spells.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$1099

Simon Ellis, Spelling Bee Champ

Ages 7–9 · 2015

A spelling bee tests Simon's friendship and competitive spirit. Will he let others shine or win at all costs?

#11 in Series

Sale price

$699

Karen's Prize

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A young spelling champion faces backlash from friends who think she's a show-off.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$599

Pinky and Rex and the Spelling Bee

Ages 6–8 · 1991

A spelling bee tests friendship when unexpected challenges arise.

Series

Sale price

$1000

Queen of the Spelling Bee

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Ellie must thwart a villainous plan to save the spelling bee and her friendship.

Series

Sale price

$399

The Lucky Horseshoes

Ages 7–9 · 1998

A missing lucky charm threatens Bess's spelling bee hopes. Can Nancy solve the mystery?

The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers, #18: D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman!

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$795

The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers, #18: D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman!

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A madman threatens a spelling bee. Can they stop him in time?

Series

Sale price

$1599

The More the Merrier

Ages 6–10 · 2012

A third-grader faces mean girls and a spelling bee challenge.

The Most Marvelous International Spelling Bee

Series

Sale price

$1699

The Most Marvelous International Spelling Bee

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young spelling champion faces mysterious sabotage at an international competition. Can she uncover the truth in time?

View all spelling chapter books

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Books about Benjamin Franklin Books about history Books about imagination and play Books about Noah Webster Books about toys Books about word play

Our 10 Favorite Books About Spelling

Great books, picked for their age.

Spelling Picture Books

Spelling Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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