Books About Talent Shows · 102 titles considered

The Best Talent Shows Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about talent shows? 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.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Talent Shows

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2011

Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

By Rachel Renée Russell · Book #3 in the Dork Diaries series

A talent contest could save Nikki's secret and her dad's job.

336 pages· 27,798 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,427 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Nikki Maxwell faces a dilemma: keep her scholarship secret or risk exposure. Her dad's job as the school's exterminator is the price of her education. When a talent contest offers a scholarship, Nikki sees a chance to change everything. Can she win and protect her reputation, or will her secret come out? Join Nikki as she navigates friendship, crushes, and the chaos of competition in a bid to save her dad and herself from embarrassment. With humor and heart, Nikki's journey is full of unexpected twists and turns.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2013

Heidi Heckelbeck Is Ready to Dance!

By Wanda Coven, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Heidi Heckelbeck series

A talent show, magical shoes, and a spellbook—can Heidi find her hidden talent?

128 pages· 4,548 words· Est. 51 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 517 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Heidi Heckelbeck faces the Brewster Elementary Talent Show with trepidation, convinced she lacks talent. Discovering a mysterious pair of shoes in the attic, she decides to dance, but magic might be her only hope. Will her Book of Spells provide the enchanted boost she needs, or will it lead to unexpected surprises? Join Heidi on a whimsical journey of self-discovery and courage, where a little magic could make all the difference.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Showing Off

By Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, Emily Jenkins · Book #3 in the Upside-Down Magic series

Magic misfits face a talent show challenge with secrets and spies.

208 pages· 27,540 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,734 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Nory and her Upside-Down Magic friends face a school talent show, but their unpredictable powers could spell disaster. With a spy lurking, they must unite to outshine expectations and protect their secrets. Can they turn their 'flops' into a show-stopping performance, or will their magic unravel under pressure?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

We Will Rock Our Classmates

By Ryan T. Higgins · Penelope Rex series

A young T. rex named Penelope wants to participate in her school's talent show, but she's worried that being a dinosaur will hold her back.

48 pages· 812 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,753 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Penelope, a T. rex with a passion for guitar, is eager to rock the school talent show. But revealing her true self is daunting when her classmates expect something different. Can she overcome her fears and shine on stage with a little help from her friends? Discover if Penelope can break free from expectations and embrace her inner rock star.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

Don't Tap-Dance on Your Teacher

By Katherine Applegate, Brian Biggs (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Roscoe Riley Rules series

A boy named Roscoe breaks a rule and gets in trouble, but then he finds a new passion in tap dancing.

128 pages· 6,072 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 392 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Roscoe Riley loves making noise, and tap shoes are perfect for that. But when his schoolmates mock tap dancing as 'just for girls,' Roscoe faces a dilemma. He promised his friend Emma he'd join her in the school talent show. Will he stand by his word or buckle under peer pressure? Join Roscoe in a humorous journey of friendship and courage, where every step counts. This edition includes fun activities to enjoy after the laughs.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2014

Mrs. Lane Is a Pain!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the My Weirder School series

A group of students participate in a talent show at their school, with a secret grand prize at stake

112 pages· 7,983 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 640 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: At Ella Mentry School, A.J. and his friends face a new challenge: the school talent show. Principal Klutz hires Mrs. Lane, a talent coach with her own agenda. As A.J. struggles to find his talent, Mrs. Lane's antics threaten to derail the event. Can A.J. and the gang save the show from chaos? Discover the hilarious twists in this quirky adventure.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2012

Bink & Gollie: Two for One

By Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, Tony Fucile (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Bink and Gollie series

Two friends visit a state fair and participate in various activities.

96 pages· 840 words· Est. 13 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,101 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: At the state fair, opposites Bink and Gollie tackle games and a talent show. Energetic Bink aims for a giant donut, while artistic Gollie seeks to impress the crowd. A visit to fortune-teller Madame Prunely hints at their unbreakable bond. Can teamwork and wit guide them through the fair's wonders?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Stand Up

By Matt Stanton · Funny Kid series

Max must win a talent quest to reclaim his funny reputation.

272 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 400 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Summary: Max's joke flops, earning him the title of Un-Funny Kid. To redeem himself, he must win the town talent quest with a killer stand-up routine. With his friend Hugo and pet Duck by his side, Max faces a heckling clown and his own nerves. Can he prove he's the funniest kid around?

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Genius Ideas (Mostly)

By L. Pichon · Tom Gates series

Tom juggles band dreams and family chaos before the school talent show.

320 pages· 17,676 words· Est. 2.5 hour read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,879 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Tom faces a whirlwind of chaos as he prepares for the school talent show with his band, DogZombies. Between his dad's embarrassing antics in bizarre cycling shorts and the shock of seeing his sister without her sunglasses, Tom's life is anything but ordinary. As sports day looms, the pressure mounts for DogZombies to practice hard, especially with the chance of the legendary band DUDE3 making a surprise appearance. Can Tom balance his rock star dreams with his family's hilarious mishaps, or will it all fall apart?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Drummer Girl

By Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator) · Jasmine Toguchi series

A young girl named Jasmine Toguchi struggles to find her talent for the school talent show.

128 pages· 9,115 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 293 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi faces a dilemma: what talent to showcase at the school talent show? Her friends have their acts ready, but Jasmine struggles to find hers. Enter the taiko drum, a traditional Japanese instrument that might just be her perfect match. As she learns to play, Jasmine must decide if she can master it in time to outshine Maggie Milsap, the self-proclaimed 'Miss Perfect.' Will Jasmine discover that trying her best is more important than being the best? Join her on this rhythmic journey of self-discovery and courage.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Talent Shows Picture Books

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

Sale price

$599

Talent Show Scaredy-Pants

Ages 5–7 · 2005

A talentless first grader faces a bully and a talent show dilemma.

Sale price

$1799

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A girl known for never making mistakes finally makes one in front of a crowd.

Sale price

$1699

Fancy Nancy: The Show Must Go On

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A girl is assigned a new partner for the school talent show and they must come up with an act together

Sale price

$1495

Chicken Dance

Ages 3–7 · 2009

Chickens face off against ducks in a barnyard talent showdown.

Sale price

$1799

The Good Egg and the Talent Show

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A good egg discovers its hidden talents by helping others during a talent show.

The Scrambled States of America Talent Show

Sale price

$899

The Scrambled States of America Talent Show

Ages 6–10 · 2002

Stage fright threatens a talent show. Can the show go on?

Sale price

$999

Andy & Sandy and the Big Talent Show

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Shy Andy must save the talent show when Sandy freezes on stage.

Sale price

$1595

Penguin's Hidden Talent

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Penguin can't find his talent for the show. Will he discover it in time?

Sale price

$1799

ZooZical

Ages 3–7 · 2011

Zoo animals beat winter blues with a musical adventure.

Sale price

$1699

The School Show

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A girl and her dog discover a unique talent for the school show.

Sale price

$1699

All Afloat on Noah's Boat!

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Grumpy animals on Noah's Ark need a lively cabaret to lift their spirits. What will be the grand finale?

Sale price

$1499

Felix Stands Tall

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A timid guinea pig must confront bullies after a talent show win.

View all talent shows picture books

Browse by age

Talent Shows Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about talent shows for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

That's What Friends Aren't For

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A secret diary reveals unexpected friendships and hilarious dilemmas.

Sale price

$599

The Talented Clementine

Ages 7–9 · 2007

A young girl navigates the challenges of a school talent show while trying to find her own unique talent

Sale price

$999

Camp Rolling Hills

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Summer camp turns chaotic as a prank war erupts. Can two unlikely allies restore peace?

Sale price

$599

Hopping Mad

Ages 6–9 · 2010

Can the boys stop frogs from ruining the talent show?

Sale price

$699

Night of the Puppet People

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Twins face their puppet phobia to win a contest, but something sinister lurks.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Positively Izzy

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Two middle schoolers face unexpected drama at a talent show.

Sale price

$699

One Tough Chick

Ages 9–12 · 2013

Can Annabelle judge the talent show fairly without losing friends or love?

Sale price

$999

Shake, Rattle, and Hurl!

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A shy guitarist must overcome stage fright to win a crucial talent contest.

Sale price

$699

Trouble Magnet

Ages 7–9 · 2010

George's stagehand debut at the talent show spirals into unexpected chaos.

Sale price

$1580

The Talent Show from the Black Lagoon

Ages 7–9 · 2003

Kids face stage fright in a talent show, but surprises await on stage.

Sale price

$799

The Case of the Best Pet Ever

Ages 6–10 · 2003

A missing prize medal, a pet show, and a mystery to solve.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Sink or Swim

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A boy battles anxiety and fractured friendships as he faces his fear of swimming again.

View all talent shows chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About Talent Shows

Great books, picked for their age.

Talent Shows Picture Books

Talent Shows Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo