Books About Contests · 377 titles considered

The Best Contests Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Competition, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about contests? 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 Contests

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1964

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory series

A poor boy finds a golden ticket to visit a mysterious and magical chocolate factory

164 pages· 31,115 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 951,527 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy, wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. Alongside four other children, each with their own quirks, Charlie embarks on a fantastical adventure. As they explore the factory's wonders, unexpected challenges test their character. Will Charlie's honesty and bravery help him navigate the surprises within? What secrets does the factory hold, and who will emerge changed forever? Discover the magic and mystery behind the factory's doors.
The View from Saturday
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

The View from Saturday

By E.L. Konigsburg

A teacher's mysterious team selection leads to unexpected victories and deeper truths.

Newbery Medal (1997)
176 pages· 42,685 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 46,945 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Mrs. Olinski's return to teaching brings an unexpected challenge: forming a winning Academic Bowl team. Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian surprise everyone with their victories, but the real mystery lies in how they were chosen. As they triumph over older students, questions arise about their unique bond. Each member's story reveals a piece of the puzzle, from accidental weddings to saving turtles. Mrs. Olinski finds confidence in her team, but the true reason behind their selection remains a secret known only to them. Discover the surprising answers hidden within their intertwined tales.
The Candymakers
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

The Candymakers

By Wendy Mass · Book #1 in the The Candymakers series

Four kids compete to create the ultimate candy. Who will win?

480 pages· 102,490 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 29,221 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a quest to craft the ultimate candy, four unique kids face off. Logan senses chocolate by touch, Miles avoids pink, Daisy lifts taffy with ease, and Philip guards his secrets. As they compete, mysteries unfold and friendships form. Who will create the most delicious treat?
Squint
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Squint

By Chad Morris, Shelly Brown

A boy races against blindness to finish his comic, while a new friend risks popularity to discover her own talents.

256 pages· 51,448 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,165 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Flint, nicknamed Squint, is racing against time to complete his comic before losing his sight. At school, he meets McKell, the new girl who defies her popular friends to befriend him. As Flint battles his eye disease, McKell faces her own fears of sharing her hidden talents. Together, they navigate the challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to be true to themselves. Will they find the strength to reveal their true selves and see what truly matters? Discover the inspiring journey of two unlikely friends who learn to trust and believe in each other.
The Hunger Games
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins · The Hunger Games series

Survive a deadly game or face certain death in a dystopian world.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2010)Cybils Award (2008)
374 pages· 99,856 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 10,264,994 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: In a dystopian future, sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the brutal Hunger Games to save her sister. Thrust into a televised fight to the death, she must navigate deadly challenges and moral dilemmas. As she becomes an unexpected contender, Katniss faces choices that pit survival against humanity and life against love. Can she outwit the Capitol's cruel spectacle and emerge victorious, or will the Games claim her life? The stakes are high, and the world is watching.
The Westing Game
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1978

The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin · Puffin Modern Classics series

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Newbery Medal (1979)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1978)
182 pages· 50,662 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 241,248 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sixteen strangers gather for the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find themselves embroiled in a mysterious game. With a fortune at stake, they must unravel cryptic clues amidst blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. As alliances form and secrets unravel, the question remains: what is the true nature of Westing's final challenge? In this twist-filled mystery, the dead man's game is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than anyone imagined. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?
The Selection
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

The Selection

By Kiera Cass · Book #1 in the The Selection series

A girl must choose between love and a crown in a life-changing competition.

336 pages· 79,732 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,815,658 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: America Singer is thrust into the Selection, a competition for Prince Maxon's heart, offering escape from her caste. Torn between her secret love, Aspen, and the unexpected allure of palace life, America faces a choice that could redefine her future. Will she embrace a destiny she never wanted, or follow her heart's true desire? As intrigue and romance swirl around her, America must navigate a world where every decision could change everything. Dive into a tale of love, choice, and unexpected possibilities in a glittering royal setting.
Hi! Fly Guy
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Hi! Fly Guy

By Tedd Arnold · Book #1 in the Fly Guy series

A boy befriends a fly and tries to enter him into a pet show.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2006)
32 pages· 357 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,686 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Buzz captures a fly for The Amazing Pet Show, but everyone insists a fly can't be a pet. As Buzz and Fly Guy form an unexpected bond, they must convince the world that their friendship defies the rules. Will Fly Guy's antics win over the judges, or will Buzz's hopes be dashed? Discover the hilarious journey of a boy and his unconventional pet in this delightful tale of friendship and determination.
Camila the Baking Star
Sale price
$2025
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2021

Camila the Baking Star

By Salazar, Alicia, Damiao;Thais (Illustrator) · Camila the Star series

Can Camila and her papa overcome chaos to win a baking contest?

32 pages· 627 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 43 ratings
$21.32Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Camila and her papa face a high-stakes TV baking competition. Determined to lead, Camila takes charge of their strawberry-iced cake pops. But without teamwork, disaster looms. Can they unite in time to become baking stars, or will their dreams crumble? Discover the sweet twists and turns in their culinary adventure.
Robot Queen
Sale price
$2152
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Robot Queen

By Marci Peschke, Tuesday Mourning (Illustrator) · Kylie Jean series

Can Kylie master robotics and coding to win the big competition?

112 pages· 8,217 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 26 ratings
$22.65Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Kylie Jean is captivated by the school's robotics team, the RoboGirls. Determined to join them, she dives into the world of coding and robot-building. As the competition looms, Kylie must prove her skills and impress the older girls. Will her dedication and newfound knowledge be enough to secure her place on the team and achieve victory?
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Contests Picture Books

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

Going Places
Sale price
$1899

Going Places

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A young person sets out on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Cleonardo
Sale price
$1899

Cleonardo

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Can a young inventor prove her ideas are worth creating on her own?

Brave Young Knight
Sale price
$1599

Brave Young Knight

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A young knight wins a kingdom's contest by choosing truth over strength.

Little Red Gliding Hood
Sale price
$1799

Little Red Gliding Hood

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Little Red must win a skating contest with a surprising partner. Can she succeed?

Super Rabbit All-Stars!
#8 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Super Rabbit All-Stars!

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A group of characters compete in a series of games to be crowned the Ultimate All-Star Champion.

View all contests picture books
Browse by age

Contests Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about contests for developing and independent readers.

The Kite Fighters
Sale price
$999

The Kite Fighters

Ages 8–12 · 2000

Two brothers' kite skills catch a king's eye, challenging tradition and family honor.

Shine!
Sale price
$1699

Shine!

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can Piper find her own light in a world where everyone else shines?

Home Run
#4 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Home Run

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A young baseball player must hit home runs to win a house and save his family from losing everything.

The Underdogs of Upson Downs
Sale price
$1799

The Underdogs of Upson Downs

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl and her dog must win a championship to save their home, but the dog only listens when unobserved.

The Last Super Chef
Sale price
$799

The Last Super Chef

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young chef competes to win a cooking show and discover his father's identity.

View all contests chapter books
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