Books About Underdogs

The Best Underdogs Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about underdogs? 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.

Series

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Underdogs

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2002

Have a Hot Time, Hades!

Book #1 in the Myth-O-Mania series

Can Hades and siblings overthrow their tyrant father to rule the universe?

144 pages· 23,362 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 1,906 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Hades and his siblings, swallowed by their father Cronus due to a prophecy, must escape and challenge him for control of the universe. With Zeus leading the charge, can they outwit their powerful father and fulfill their destiny? Tensions rise as they navigate family dynamics and ancient rivalries. Will they succeed in their daring quest, or will Cronus maintain his iron grip on power? Discover the twists and turns of this mythological battle for supremacy.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Red Zone

By Tiki Barber, Ronde Barber · Barber Game Time Books series

Can the team overcome a chicken pox outbreak to reach the playoffs?

176 pages· 33,652 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 165 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: The Hidden Valley Eagles are on the brink of playoff glory, driven by teamwork and determination. But as a chicken pox outbreak looms, their dreams hang in the balance. Will they conquer this unexpected challenge, or will their championship hopes be dashed? With the state championship game approaching, the stakes have never been higher for these young athletes.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

Haikyu!!

By Haruichi Furudate · Book #1 in the Haikyu!! series

A determined volleyball player faces his rival as a teammate. Can he rise above the challenge?

192 pages· 12,462 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.5 Goodreads · 77,488 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Shoyo Hinata dreams of becoming the best volleyball player, inspired by the legendary 'Little Giant.' Despite his height, he aims to soar higher than anyone. After a crushing defeat by Tobio Kageyama, the 'King of the Court,' Hinata vows to surpass him. But high school brings an unexpected twist: his rival becomes his teammate. Can Hinata overcome this new challenge and achieve his dreams, or will rivalry turn into an unexpected alliance? Dive into a world where passion and perseverance redefine the game.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2014

Quarterback Rush

By Carl Bowen · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Why can't the Otters win when their quarterback throws perfectly?

72 pages· 1,463 words· Est. 14 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 223 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: The Otters excel in practice, but on game day, they falter. Receiver Steve Michaels suspects quarterback Aaron Corbin's fear of getting hit is the issue. As Steve and his teammates work to toughen Aaron up, they uncover a deeper problem. Can they solve it before the season slips away? Discover the true challenge behind the Otters' struggle and whether they can unite to turn their potential into victory.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Medusa the Rich

By Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams · Book #16 in the Goddess Girls series

Medusa's golden touch turns from gift to curse. Can she reverse it?

272 pages· 33,440 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 838 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Medusa revels in her newfound ability to turn everything she touches into gold. But when her golden touch affects food and people, delight turns to dread. As chaos ensues, Medusa must find a way to undo the curse before it consumes her world. Can she restore balance, or will her gift become her downfall?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

Undefeated

By Steve Sheinkin

A team defies odds, challenging privilege and history on the football field.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2017)

288 pages· 54,283 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 3,360 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: In 1907, Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner unite at the Carlisle Indian School, forging a football team that defies the odds. As they battle elite opponents like Harvard, they confront not only rivals but the harsh realities of a system designed to erase their culture. Can they triumph against both the gridiron and societal prejudice? Discover the true story of resilience and innovation that changed American sports forever.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Game Changers

By Mike Lupica · Book #1 in the Game Changers series

A young athlete must choose between friendship and his dream of being quarterback.

224 pages· 48,310 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 2,331 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ben McBain is the ultimate team player, but he dreams of being the starting quarterback. The only obstacle? Shawn, the coach's son, who struggles despite his pedigree. As Ben grapples with loyalty and ambition, an unexpected chance arises, threatening to change everything. Can Ben balance friendship with his own aspirations, or will the pressure of the game force him to choose? Discover the twists and turns of sportsmanship and rivalry in this gripping tale of dreams and dilemmas.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$683

Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2011

Quarterback Scramble

By Brandon Terrell, Gerardo Sandoval (Illustrator) · Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels series

Backup quarterback faces unexpected pressure when the star player is suspended. Can he find the right solution to lead the team?

56 pages· 1,607 words· Est. 15 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 142 ratings

$7.19Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ben Paulson, content as the backup quarterback, is thrust into the spotlight when the Hawks' star player is suspended. As the team's performance falters, Ben shoulders the blame. A potential fix for his passing woes emerges, but is it the right choice? With the team's success hanging in the balance, Ben must decide whether to take a risky chance or find another way to prove himself. Will he rise to the occasion or crumble under pressure?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1971

Corgiville Fair

By Tasha Tudor

A goat race at the Corgiville Fair pits Caleb against Edgar's cunning tricks.

48 pages· 2,209 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 555 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In Corgiville, the annual fair's highlight is the thrilling goat race. Caleb Corgi has trained his goat, Josephine, tirelessly for victory. But Edgar Tomcat, with his speedy goat and sly tactics, poses a formidable challenge. As the race approaches, Caleb must navigate the excitement and potential sabotage to claim the prize. Will determination and fair play triumph over cunning? Discover the heart and humor of small-town rivalry in this delightful tale.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2017

Warcross

By Marie Lu · Book #1 in the Warcross series

A hacker enters a virtual game, uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.

353 pages· 99,029 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 124,561 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Teen hacker Emika Chen accidentally glitches into the Warcross Championships, catching the eye of the game's creator. Hired to uncover a security threat, she dives into a world of fame and danger. As she navigates this high-stakes tournament, Emika discovers a plot that could shake the Warcross empire. Can she trust anyone in this virtual realm where reality blurs with illusion?

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Underdogs Picture Books

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

Sale price

$799

Roberto: The Insect Architect

Ages 5–8 · 2000

A termite defies his family's expectations to build a dream city for bugs.

Series

Sale price

$3564

Indiana Pacers

Ages 9–11 · 2011

Discover the highs and lows of the Indiana Pacers' NBA journey.

Sale price

$799

Leo Cockroach... Toy Tester

Ages 4–8 · 1999

A toy tester's secret job switch leads to unexpected chaos.

Sale price

$2865

The World Series

Ages 8–14 · 2014

Uncover the epic battles and legendary moments of the World Series.

Sale price

$399

Turbo Racing Team

Ages 4–6 · 2013

Discover racing snails with unique skills and personalities.

Series

Sale price

$3564

Phoenix Suns

Ages 9–11 · 2011

Discover the highs and lows of the Phoenix Suns' quest for NBA glory.

Sale price

$999

Hooray for Snail!

Ages 4–+ · 1984

A snail plays a game of baseball that sends a ball into space and races around the field to score the winning run.

Series

Sale price

$3422

Joe Flacco

Ages 7–11 · 2013

Discover the journey of a Super Bowl MVP beyond the field.

Series

Sale price

$3422

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ages 8–14 · 2016

Explore the legendary moments and stars of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sale price

$1719

¡Viva Valenzuela!

Ages 7–10 · 2026

A rookie pitcher ignites pride and becomes a hero to millions.

View all underdogs picture books

Browse by age

Underdogs Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about underdogs for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

The Big Field

Ages 8–12 · 2008

A shortstop's loyalty is tested when betrayal strikes before the championship.

Sale price

$1699

The Ambrose Deception

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Three unlikely students uncover a mysterious truth behind a scholarship competition in Chicago.

Sale price

$1699

The Final Four

Ages 12–+ · 2012

Four players, one championship. Who will rise under pressure?

Sale price

$899

Flawed Dogs

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A dachshund seeks revenge and redemption at a dog show after being framed.

Series

Sale price

$795

Unstoppable

Ages 6–10 · 2018

A 1912 football game tests skill, strategy, and legacy.

Sale price

$599

The Adventures of Alfie Onion

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy discovers his true heroism on an unexpected adventure.

Sale price

$1899

Half Moon Investigations

Ages 10–14 · 2006

Young detective framed for a crime must solve the mystery in twelve hours or face the consequences.

Series

Kooks in the Cafeteria

2008

A student uncovers a mystery lurking in the school cafeteria.

Stories of Robots

Ages 7–9 · 2004

Discover tales perfect for young readers starting their journey.

Series

Sale price

$699

Double Reverse

Ages 7–11 · 2014

A high school freshman steps into the role of quarterback after his brother's departure and leads his team to find strength in unexpected places.

Series

Sale price

$1199

Ronaldo

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A striker's journey from illness to World Cup glory.

Sale price

$995

The Mad Dash

Ages 6–12 · 2017

Can a losing Little League team defeat their unbeatable rivals?

View all underdogs chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About Underdogs

Great books, picked for their age.

Underdogs Picture Books

Underdogs Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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