Books About Unlikely Heroes

The Best Unlikely Heroes Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about unlikely heroes? 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.

#1 in Series

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#1 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Unlikely Heroes

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Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2022

Barb and the Ghost Blade

By Dan Abdo (Author/Illustrator), Jason Patterson (Author/Illustrator), Dan & Jason · Book #2 in the Barb the Last Berzerker series

A young warrior and her yeti friend must save their land from an evil sorcerer.

256 pages· 6,020 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 368 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Barb, a young Berzerker, faces her greatest challenge: rescuing her fellow warriors from the clutches of the evil Witch Head. With her trusty yeti friend, Porkchop, and a motley crew of unlikely allies, Barb must infiltrate the monster capital, Maug Horn. Their mission is to find Franny Fire Fingers and the Wise Wizards, the only hope against Witch Head's dark power. As Barb confronts dangers beyond her imagination, she discovers that her true strength lies within her heart. Can she harness this power in time to save Bailiwick?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2019

The Piper's Pursuit

By Melanie Dickerson · Fairy Tale Romance Series series

A village plagued by rats and a beast. Can one woman save the children before it's too late?

320 pages· 79,020 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,772 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina battles a rat infestation, a deadly beast, and her sinister stepfather. Determined to save the village's children, she plans to slay the Beast of Hamlin. Enter Steffan, a duke's son with a mysterious charm and a talent for music. As they join forces, Katerina must decide if she can trust him. Together, they face a perilous quest to stop the abductions, but their actions might unleash an even greater danger. Will they save Hamlin, or doom it to a darker fate?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Zorgamazoo

By Robert Paul Weston

A brave girl discovers a fantastical creature underground. What secret does it hold?

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2009)

288 pages· 29,234 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,276 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Katrina Katrell, a daring girl, stumbles upon a mysterious creature in the subway. What is this fantastical being, and what secrets does it guard? Join Katrina and Morty the Zorgle on a rhyming adventure filled with whimsy and wonder. As they delve deeper into the unknown, will they uncover the truth behind the secret of Zorgamazoo? This tale promises a journey of courage and curiosity, perfect for those who crave intrepid adventures. Are you ready to explore the mysteries that lie beneath?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2014

Moldylocks and the Three Beards

By Noah Z. Jones · Book #1 in the Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe series

The adventures of a princess who falls into a magical land called the Land of Fake-Believe

80 pages· 2,279 words· Est. 34 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,148 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the Land of Fake Believe, Princess and her quirky friend Moldylocks stumble into the home of the Three Beards. After sampling their chili and bouncing on their beds, the girls face the wrath of the hungry Beards. Can they escape becoming the main course? This whimsical twist on classic tales promises laughter and adventure, perfect for young readers exploring the world of fractured fairy tales.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

SumoPuppy

By David Biedrzycki · Book #2 in the SumoKitty series

Can a playful puppy learn the feline art of mouse-catching?

48 pages· 547 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 212 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: SumoKitty, a seasoned feline, takes on an unlikely apprentice—a boisterous puppy eager to learn the art of mouse-catching. But with her drooling, snoring, and incessant barking, this pup seems more of a hindrance than a help. As chaos ensues in the sumo stable, can this mismatched duo find harmony and friendship? Will the puppy discover her place and win SumoKitty's heart, or is she destined to chase away more than just mice? Dive into this delightful tale of unexpected friendship and see if opposites truly attract.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2019

Super Potato's Galactic Breakout

Book #2 in the Super Potato series

A hero's daring escape from an alien's cosmic zoo.

56 pages· 1,185 words· Est. 14 min read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 181 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Captured by a space slug named Zort, Super Potato finds himself in a cosmic menagerie. With the reluctant aid of Zort's robot assistant, he plots a daring escape. Can Super Potato outwit his captor and return home, or will he become a permanent exhibit in Zort's collection? The galaxy's most unusual jailbreak is about to begin.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2001

The Day My Butt Went Psycho

By Andy Griffiths · Book #1 in the Butt Trilogy series

A boy battles berserk butts to save Earth. Can he succeed?

240 pages· 47,511 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 2,616 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Zack's world is turned upside down when his butt goes rogue, leading a rebellion of berserk behinds. As chaos erupts, Zack must confront the biggest, meanest butt ever to save the planet. Will he manage to restore order and find happiness with his runaway rear? Dive into this wild adventure where the fate of the world rests on an unlikely hero and his rebellious rump. Can Zack outsmart the chaos and bring peace to a world overrun by unruly posteriors?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Hedgie Blasts Off!

By Jan Brett · Hedgie series

A tiny astronaut must save a fading geyser to become a hero.

32 pages· 907 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

3.5/5 Goodreads · 646 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Hedgie dreams of space travel and gets his chance when the geyser, Big Sparkler, starts to fail, disappointing alien tourists. Only Hedgie can fit into the spaceship to Mikkop, where he uncovers the mystery clogging the geyser. With a clever solution, he restores Big Sparkler, earning cheers from aliens and scientists alike. Join Hedgie on this cosmic adventure filled with quirky aliens, canine scientists, and bird reporters. Will he save the day and fulfill his astronaut dreams?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Apocalypse Meow Meow

By James Proimos III Jr.

Stray dogs face a giant cat to claim a Twonkies factory in a post-apocalyptic world.

224 pages· 1,867 words· Est. 21 min read

3.5/5 Goodreads · 235 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where food is scarce, Brownie, Apollo, and their stray dog crew stumble upon a Twonkies factory, seemingly a paradise of endless treats. But a colossal, cunning cat guards this treasure. Can these determined dogs outsmart their feline foe and secure their survival? Join this hilarious, action-packed adventure as the Proimos duo delivers a graphic novel filled with unexpected twists and canine courage. Will the dogs' hunger drive them to victory, or will the cat prove too formidable? Dive into this lively tale where every page promises laughter and suspense.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Punycorn and the Princess of Thieves

By Andi Watson · Book #2 in the Punycorn series

A clumsy unicorn and friends face deceptive foes in a whimsical quest.

208 pages· 8,701 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 46 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Punycorn, the clumsiest unicorn, embarks on a heroic quest with a fireless dragon and a grandiose dung beetle. As they battle a dimwitted warlord and their own insecurities, they uncover hidden truths and unexpected allies. Can this unlikely trio save their friend and prove that true heroism comes in unexpected forms? Discover a world where friendship and laughter conquer all.

The Bookroo Book Club