Books About Winning And Losing

The Best Winning And Losing Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about winning and losing? 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 Winning And Losing

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Dumb Bunny

By Barbara Park, Denise Brunkus (Illustrator) · Book #27 in the Junie B. Jones series

A first-grader navigates the challenges of friendship and growing up.

119 pages· 11,366 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,379 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Junie B. Jones, the world's funniest first grader, faces an Easter egg hunt at Lucille's mansion. Stuck in a cumbersome bunny suit, Junie B. struggles to find eggs while tripping over her oversized feet. The prize? A coveted play date at Lucille's indoor pool. Can Junie B. overcome her clumsy costume and win, or will the day bring surprising twists? Dive into this hilarious adventure to find out!

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Shoot-Out

By Mike Lupica · Comeback Kids series

A star player must choose between quitting or transforming his losing team.

208 pages· 28,046 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 521 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Jake, once a soccer champion, now faces defeat with the worst team. As his sportsmanship is tested, he must decide whether to quit or find new ways to lead. With teammate Kevin's help, Jake learns that true leadership extends beyond the field. Can he inspire his team to rise from the ashes, or will he walk away from the game he loves? Discover the journey of resilience and unexpected friendship in this gripping tale of sportsmanship and personal growth.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Cheetah Can't Lose

By Bob Shea

Cheetah races clever kittens. Who will outsmart whom?

40 pages· 426 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 769 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: On race day, a confident cheetah challenges a group of clever kittens. Though the cheetah boasts speed and strength, the kittens have cunning tricks ready. Will brains triumph over brawn in this feline showdown? Discover the unexpected twists in this witty tale of competition and cleverness.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2001

Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day

By Barbara Park, Denise Brunkus (Illustrator) · Book #16 in the Junie B. Jones series

Junie B. Jones learns about the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship during kindergarten Field Day

66 pages· 6,257 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,833 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Junie B. Jones, the spirited kindergartner, faces a challenge as team captain on field day. With Room Eight winning event after event, Junie B. must rally Room Nine to become champions. Can her quirky leadership turn the tide, or will someone else step up to save the day? Join Junie B. in this hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and a quest for victory.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

Simon Ellis, Spelling Bee Champ

By Claudia Mills, Rob Shepperson (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Franklin School Friends series

A spelling bee tests Simon's friendship and competitive spirit. Will he let others shine or win at all costs?

160 pages· 15,009 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 91 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Simon Ellis faces a dilemma in the third-grade spelling bee. His best friend, Jackson, is tired of losing to him, but Simon's competitive nature is hard to resist. As the pressure mounts, Simon must decide whether to secure victory for his team or risk their chance at an all-you-can-eat pie buffet by letting others take the spotlight. Can Simon balance friendship and competition, or will his choices cost him more than just a win? Discover the true meaning of success in this heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2020

The Golden Acorn

By Katy Hudson · Too Many Carrots series

Squirrel races for the Golden Nut but must learn teamwork to win.

32 pages· 526 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 632 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Summary: Squirrel dashes through autumn leaves, eager for The Golden Nut Hunt. This year, it's a team event, and Squirrel must work with friends she doubts. Will her competitive nature ruin the race, or can she embrace teamwork and friendship? Discover the true meaning of winning in this lively tale of cooperation and forgiveness.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2004

Winners Never Quit!

By Mia Hamm, Carol Thompson (Illustrator)

A young soccer player learns the true meaning of teamwork and perseverance.

32 pages· 421 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 325 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Mia loves soccer but struggles when she can't score a goal. Frustrated, she quits, only to find herself sidelined by her siblings. Can Mia discover that being a team player matters more than winning? This inspiring tale explores the emotional journey of a young athlete learning the value of perseverance and teamwork.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

Tallulah's Tap Shoes

By Marilyn Singer, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator) · Tallulah series

A dance camp rivalry reveals unexpected common ground.

48 pages· 1,158 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 203 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Tallulah eagerly anticipates ballet classes at dance camp but dreads the mandatory tap lessons. As a novice, she struggles, especially when faced with a peer who's a tap prodigy. Yet, this talented tap dancer falters in ballet, sparking a surprising connection. Can their shared challenges forge an unexpected friendship? Discover how Tallulah navigates rivalry and camaraderie in a summer of dance and discovery.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2011

I Want to Win!

By Tony Ross · Little Princess Stories series

A young girl learns the true joy of earning her victories.

32 pages· 251 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.5/5 Goodreads · 132 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: At home, she's always the winner, but school is a different story. The Little Princess struggles to succeed despite her best efforts. Can she find the satisfaction of a well-earned victory, or will she remain overshadowed by her peers? Discover how she learns that true triumph comes from genuine effort and perseverance.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2020

Karate Rebels

By Jake Maddox · Jake Maddox Sports Stories series

A fierce rivalry shifts when Aliyah trains her rival's sister, discovering winning isn't everything.

72 pages· 5,899 words· Est. 50 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 11 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Summary: Aliyah thrives on karate, driven by her rivalry with Suma. But when Suma's sister, Zoya, joins the dojo, Aliyah sees a reflection of her own fiery spirit. Tasked with training Zoya, Aliyah must confront her own competitive nature. As they spar and grow, Aliyah learns that true strength lies beyond victory. Can she guide Zoya and herself to a new understanding of what it means to win?

The Bookroo Book Club