Books About Standing Up For Yourself

The Best Standing Up For Yourself Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about standing up for yourself? 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.

#2 in Series

#2 in Series

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#3 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Standing Up For Yourself

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Black Brother, Black Brother

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

A boy battles racism and injustice through fencing, seeking redemption and belonging.

240 pages· 29,078 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,910 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Donte, dubbed "Black Brother" at Middlefield Prep, faces bullying and racism. Framed and arrested, he finds hope in fencing with former Olympian Arden Jones. As he trains to defeat his tormentor, Donte confronts systemic injustice and discovers his own strength. Can he reclaim his identity and find justice?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Year in the Middle

By Lila Quintero Weaver

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

288 pages· 51,110 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 818 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1970 Alabama, sixth-grader Lu Olivera navigates a racially divided classroom where her talent for running track sparks tension. As her old friends change and new friendships with fellow runner Belinda Gresham seem impossible due to racial barriers, Lu faces a choice. With political tensions rising, Lu must decide whether to stand up against the racial divide or remain neutral. Can she find the courage to choose friends who share her values and challenge the status quo? Discover Lu's journey as she races against more than just time.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Crushed

By Orli Zuravicky · Book #2 in the Happily Ever Afterlife series

Ghostly dance club faces unexpected rivalry at Limbo Central.

192 pages· 31,933 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 211 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Lucy and Cecily, once talented ballet dancers, aim to start a dance club at Limbo Central Middle School. But Georgia, the cheerleading squad leader, opposes their plan, sparking unexpected drama. Can they overcome this spectral rivalry and bring their passion to the afterlife? Discover the twists and turns of their ghostly challenge.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Bea Is for Blended

By Lindsey Stoddard

A girl fights for an all-girls soccer team amidst family changes.

320 pages· 64,693 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 328 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Bea's life is changing with a new stepfamily, but her biggest challenge is off the field. Her school might not get the promised all-girls soccer team. As Bea rallies her friends to fight for their right to play, she learns the power of teamwork and discovers that building a new life doesn't mean leaving her old one behind. Will Bea and her squad score a victory both on and off the field?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Summary: In a bustling Chicago airport, a TSA incident sparks chaos, intertwining the lives of twelve young Asian Americans. As their paths cross, they face challenges of friendship, courage, and identity. Amidst the turmoil, a blue Stratocaster guitar holds unexpected significance. Will they find belonging in a world that questions their identity? Discover the power of words and the courage to listen in this compelling exploration of contemporary Asian American life.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

By Carmen Agra Deedy, Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)

A rooster defies a mayor's ban on singing, risking everything for freedom.

Golden Kite Honor (2018)

48 pages· 799 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,573 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the bustling village of La Paz, singing is banned by the stern Mayor Don Pepe. Yet, one defiant rooster refuses to be silenced, crowing boldly against the oppressive silence. As punishments escalate, will the rooster's song inspire others to reclaim their voices, or will silence reign supreme? Discover a tale of courage and the unyielding spirit of freedom.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2018

Silent But Deadly

By Pixel Kid, Zack Zombie · Book #2 in the Diary of a Minecraft Creeper series

A nervous Creeper faces bullies and stage fright. Can he survive the drama?

114 pages· 8,436 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.6/5 Goodreads · 845 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jasper, a young Creeper, is anxious about his class play debut. Stage fright is bad enough, but bullies threaten to push him over the edge. As tensions rise, will Jasper manage to keep it together, or will the pressure make him explode? Dive into this tale of courage and resilience as Jasper navigates the challenges of preteen drama and discovers his inner strength.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Paintball Invasion

By Jake Maddox, Sean Tiffany (Illustrator) · Jake Maddox Sports Stories series

Mysterious attacks threaten Josh and Chad's paintball haven. Can they uncover the truth?

72 pages· 5,027 words· Est. 42 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 218 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Josh and Chad's favorite paintball field becomes a battleground when unknown forces launch mysterious attacks. As their cherished pastime turns perilous, the duo must rely on their wits and teamwork to unravel the identity of their unseen adversary. Will they uncover the truth before their fun is permanently halted?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

Brave

By Svetlana Chmakova · Book #2 in the Berrybrook Middle School series

Middle school challenges push Jensen to find real-life courage beyond his heroic daydreams.

248 pages· 12,700 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 15,918 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jensen dreams of heroics, but middle school is a tougher battlefield. Struggling with math, friendships, and always being picked last, his world shifts when he's pulled into the school newspaper's chaos. As pressures mount, Jensen must decide if his daydreams can guide him or if he needs real solutions. Can he find his own way to be brave amidst the drama of Berrybrook Middle School?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1235

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2018

Crush

By Svetlana Chmakova · Book #3 in the Berrybrook Middle School series

Can Jorge balance friendship expectations with his own desires when dynamics shift?

240 pages· 11,449 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 10,620 ratings

$13.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jorge, a gentle giant with a tight-knit group of friends, faces a dilemma when the group's dynamics begin to change. His confidence wavers only around one particular girl, complicating his feelings further. As peer expectations clash with his own desires, Jorge must navigate the tricky waters of friendship and self-discovery. Will he find the courage to pursue what he truly wants, or will he succumb to the pressures around him? Dive into this engaging tale of adolescence, where every choice could redefine friendships and personal growth.

The Bookroo Book Club