Books About Spelling Bees

The Best Spelling Bees Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about spelling bees? 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

Series

#11 in Series

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Spelling Bees

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· 709 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.4 Goodreads · 402 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 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

$674

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 Goodreads · 2,045 ratings

$6.99Save 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 Goodreads · 216 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 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) · Book #8 in the Kylie Jean series

A girl aims to conquer the Spelling Bee stage.

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

4.0 Goodreads · 143 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.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Attack of the Tighty Whities!

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

A magical burp threatens disaster at a spelling bee.

128 pages· 9,242 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 139 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: George Brown faces a hilarious challenge as his uncontrollable, magical burps threaten to disrupt his chance at winning the countywide spelling bee. With mishaps already at the mall and mini-golf, can George keep his burps at bay long enough to spell victory, or will his uncontrollable outbursts spell disaster? Join George in this laugh-out-loud adventure where every word counts, and every burp could be his last chance at success.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Big Birthday Bash

By Frank Cammuso · Book #2 in the The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series

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

96 pages· 2,332 words· Est. 35 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 377 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: Salem Hyde, a spirited young witch, is determined to throw the perfect birthday party. But with spells misfiring and plans unraveling, chaos ensues. Her cautious cat companion, Whammy, must help her navigate the magical mishaps. Can they turn the disaster into a memorable celebration, or will Salem's impulsive nature spell trouble? Join their whimsical adventure filled with laughter, friendship, and unexpected twists.

The Bookroo Book Club