Books About Starting Over

The Best Starting Over Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about starting over? 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 Starting Over

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2004

Mallory on the Move

By Laurie Friedman, Tamara Schmitz (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mallory McDonald series

A young girl must choose between her old best friend and a new one after moving to a new neighborhood.

160 pages· 15,703 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 1,149 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mallory McDonald is furious about moving away from her best friend, Mary Ann. Her new home feels all wrong, and the neighbor girl is unfriendly. But Joey, the boy next door, is different. He shares jokes, helps with her cat, and teaches her to skateboard. As Mallory starts enjoying her new life, she remembers her promise to Mary Ann: no new friends. When Mary Ann visits, Mallory faces a tough choice. Can she balance old friendships with new ones, or will she have to choose? Discover Mallory's journey of friendship and self-discovery in this charming tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · 2019

Sticks

By Diane Alber

When a popsicle melts into an ordinary stick, he struggles to adapt to his new reality. With the help of fellow stick friends, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that sometimes unexpected changes lead to meaningful transformations. Can he embrace his new identity and find his place in the world?

21 pages· 665 words

4.3 Goodreads · 974 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: When a popsicle melts into an ordinary stick, he struggles to adapt to his new reality. With the help of fellow stick friends, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that sometimes unexpected changes lead to meaningful transformations. Can he embrace his new identity and find his place in the world?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Right as Rain

By Lindsey Stoddard

A secret burdens Rain as her family moves to the city, threatening to unravel everything.

304 pages· 60,344 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 1,121 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Rain carries a heavy secret about her brother's death, a secret that no one knows. As her family relocates to bustling New York City, she feels more isolated than ever. With her parents' tensions rising and the anniversary of the tragedy looming, Rain struggles to keep her secret buried. But she knows that hidden truths have a way of growing beyond control. Will Rain find the courage to face her past, or will her secret tear her family apart? Discover the strength of a small heart in this tender tale of love and resilience.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

How to Win a Slime War

By Mae Respicio

A slime-selling showdown tests a boy's creativity against family expectations.

288 pages· 49,788 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 445 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Alex Manalo, a young slime enthusiast, faces a sticky challenge: out-sell a rival to dominate the slime market. But his dad, the new soccer coach, wants him to focus on sports. As Alex juggles school friendships and family pressures, he must decide between his passion and his father's expectations. Will Alex's unique slime recipes win the day, or will he be forced to abandon his dreams? It's a colorful clash of creativity and tradition in this race to see who will ooze out on top.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Let's Pretend We Never Met

By Melissa Walker

New school, new friend, tough choices. Can Mattie stay true to herself?

240 pages· 39,341 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 455 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Mattie Markham's world turns upside down when her family moves mid-school year. In Pennsylvania, she befriends Agnes, a quirky neighbor who makes her laugh. But at school, Agnes is labeled the 'weird girl.' Mattie faces a dilemma: fit in with the crowd or stand by her new friend. As she navigates sixth grade's social maze, Mattie must decide what friendship truly means. Will she choose popularity over loyalty, or can she find a way to be herself and keep her friend? Discover the heartwarming journey of growing up and staying true to oneself.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2016

Life Just Got Real

By Sadie Robertson

Two teens from different worlds clash on reality TV, but can they find true friendship amid the chaos?

288 pages· 74,685 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,079 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: A.J. Smith, a down-to-earth girl from Louisiana, moves to Nashville and finds herself thrust into the glamorous world of Kate Kelly, a reality TV star. As producers stir drama for ratings, A.J. and Kate's lives spiral into chaos. When prom plans unravel and relationships falter, A.J. unexpectedly becomes Kate's ally. Can these two opposites forge a genuine friendship amidst the staged conflicts and high-stakes drama? Discover if they can stay true to themselves and each other in a world where reality is anything but real.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1990

Stan the Hot Dog Man

By Leonard P Kessler, Ethel Kessler

A blizzard strands a school bus. Can a hot dog vendor save the day?

64 pages· 1,284 words· Est. 22 min read

4.1 Goodreads · 267 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Stan trades bakery life for the open air as a hot dog vendor, relishing new friendships and fishing trips. But when a fierce blizzard traps a school bus, Stan faces an unexpected challenge. With only his hot dog cart and wits, can he rescue the stranded children? Discover how an ordinary day turns into an extraordinary adventure, testing Stan's courage and resourcefulness. Will he rise to the occasion and become an unlikely hero?

Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at Last!): A Junie B. Jones Book, #18 (Bound for Schools & Libraries)

Sale price

$1876

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9

Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at Last!): A Junie B. Jones Book, #18 (Bound for Schools & Libraries)

A first-grader navigates friendship changes, classroom challenges, and a new pair of glasses through a series of journal entries.

96 pages· 6,290 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 9,349 ratings

$19.75Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 11–+ · 2015

All That Glitters

By Holly Smale · Book #4 in the Geek Girl series

A geek turned supermodel struggles with friendship and fame. Will she shine or stumble?

464 pages· 75,536 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 6,164 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Harriet Manners, a self-proclaimed geek, unexpectedly becomes a supermodel. While she knows quirky facts, she’s clueless about navigating friendships and her new glamorous life. As her old friends drift away, Harriet faces the daunting world of fashion. Can she balance her geeky roots with her newfound fame, or will she falter under the spotlight? Discover if Harriet's moment to shine is a dream come true or a looming disaster.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street

By Lindsay Currie

A haunted house hides a century-old secret. Can she uncover it?

304 pages· 56,295 words· Est. 8 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 2,755 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Tessa Woodward's move to Chicago turns eerie when her new home reveals chilling secrets. Flickering lights, mysterious drawings, and a doll crying real tears suggest a ghostly presence. With three friends, Tessa must unravel a century-old mystery tied to her new house on Shady Street. What does the past want from her?

The Bookroo Book Club