Books About Mistaken Identity

The Best Mistaken Identity Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about mistaken identity? 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 Mistaken Identity

Yolk
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Yolk

By Mary H. K. Choi

Estranged sisters must reunite and swap identities to face life-threatening challenges.

390 pages
3.9 Goodreads · 31,992 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jayne and June Baek, once inseparable sisters, are now estranged. June's cancer diagnosis forces them back together, compelling Jayne to help her sister by swapping identities. As they navigate family secrets and personal struggles, will they uncover truths about each other and themselves? Can Jayne face her own hidden illness while trying to save June? This emotional journey tests their bond and reveals unexpected depths in their relationship.
The Prince and the Pauper
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1881

The Prince and the Pauper

By Mark Twain · Signet Classics series

Two boys swap lives, revealing the thin line between royalty and poverty.

240 pages· 66,817 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 127,194 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In a twist of fate, Tom Canty, a pauper, and Edward Tudor, a prince, swap lives. As Tom navigates the royal court's opulence, Edward faces the harsh realities of London's slums. This identity swap challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdity of class distinctions. Will they reclaim their true selves, or remain trapped in their new worlds? Discover the humor and critique of social injustice in this timeless tale of mistaken identities.
The Princess and the Pig
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

The Princess and the Pig

By Jonathan Emmett, Poly Bernatene (Illustrator)

A princess and a piglet swap lives, sparking a fairy tale twist.

32 pages· 833 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 3,735 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a whimsical mix-up, Princess Priscilla and piglet Pigmella switch places. As Priscilla finds joy on a farm, Pigmella faces royal challenges. Can a fairy tale kiss change their fates? Discover a delightful tale filled with magic, humor, and unexpected turns.
The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2010

The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts

By Dori Hillestad Butler, Jeremy Tugeau (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The Buddy Files series

A dog must solve the mystery of two switched pets while searching for his lost family.

128 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 321 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Buddy, a clever dog adopted from the pound, loves his new family but can't forget his first owner, Kayla. While unraveling the mystery of her disappearance, Buddy faces a new challenge: two dogs, Muffin and Jazzy, have been swapped. Can Buddy reunite them with their rightful owners and uncover the truth about Kayla? Dive into a tale of loyalty, adventure, and canine detective work.
Shark in the Park!
Sale price
$474
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2000

Shark in the Park!

By sharratt-nick

A boy spots a mysterious shape through his telescope. Is it a shark?

24 pages· 267 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 1,355 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Timothy Pope is at the park with his new telescope, spotting curious shapes. Each glimpse through the lens reveals something unexpected. Could it be a shark lurking nearby? With every turn of the page, the mystery deepens. Children will love peeking through die-cut holes to uncover the truth. Is it really a shark, or just a playful illusion? Dive into this rhyming adventure and find out!
Trading Faces
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2008

Trading Faces

By Julia DeVillers, Jennifer Roy · Book #1 in the Trading Faces series

Twins swap lives to escape cliques, discovering true selves.

304 pages· 49,649 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 6,215 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Identical twins Emma and Payton start seventh grade at a new school with different schedules. Tired of their cliques, they switch places, leading to a comedic journey of self-discovery. Can they navigate the chaos and learn to be true to themselves?
Paws Off, Cheddarface!
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2004

Paws Off, Cheddarface!

By Geronimo Stilton, Larry Keys (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Geronimo Stilton series

A mouse named Geronimo Stilton is impersonated by a lookalike who causes chaos in his life.

113 pages· 10,632 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 8,060 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Geronimo Stilton faces a bizarre crisis in New Mouse City: a doppelgänger is impersonating him, causing chaos and even fooling his sister, Thea. As this impostor tries to seize control of "The Rodent's Gazette," Geronimo must unravel the mystery and reclaim his life. With the help of Thea and his cousin Trap, he embarks on a thrilling quest to expose the fraud. Will Geronimo outsmart his cunning double and save his beloved newspaper? Dive into this whisker-licking adventure to find out!
Bolivar
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Bolivar

By Sean Rubin · Bolivar series

A dinosaur secretly lives in New York City, but his life is turned upside down when he is mistaken for the mayor and chaos ensues

224 pages· 3,450 words· Est. 39 min read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,866 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In bustling New York City, only Sybil sees her neighbor Bolivar for what he truly is—a dinosaur. As a parking ticket drags Bolivar into an unexpected adventure, he faces a choice: remain hidden or reveal his true identity. Will the city finally see the dinosaur in their midst, or will Bolivar continue to blend into the urban jungle? Join Sybil and Bolivar on a journey from City Hall to the Natural History Museum, where secrets and surprises await. Can Bolivar embrace his uniqueness, or will he stay in the shadows forever?
Mother Bruce
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

Mother Bruce

By Ryan T. Higgins · Book #1 in the Mother Bruce series

A grumpy bear's life is disrupted by a group of goslings who mistake him for their mother.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2016)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2016)
44 pages· 455 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 9,351 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Bruce the bear's solitary life is disrupted when his breakfast eggs hatch into goslings. Now, these little birds believe he's their mother, and Bruce's attempts to send them south fail hilariously. Can Bruce find a way to reclaim his peace, or will he embrace his unexpected role? Discover the heartwarming chaos as Bruce navigates this feathered family dilemma.
Riding Freedom
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 1998

Riding Freedom

By Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

A girl defies 1800s norms to live her dream life with horses.

160 pages· 20,363 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 8,786 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Charlotte Parkhurst, raised in a boys' orphanage, dreams of a life with horses. In the 1800s, society expects her to conform, but Charlotte is determined. Disguising herself as a man, she becomes a renowned stagecoach driver, outwitting bandits and finding love. Her true identity remains hidden until her death, leaving a legacy of courage and defiance. Can Charlotte truly live the life she desires, or will society's constraints hold her back?
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Mistaken Identity Picture Books

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

The Prince and the Porker
Sale price
$1695

The Prince and the Porker

Ages 5–7 · 2015

A pig's pastry theft leads to a royal mix-up and unexpected alliance with a prince.

Horse Meets Dog
Sale price
$1799

Horse Meets Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A horse and a dog hilariously mistake each other for something else.

Outfoxed
Sale price
$1699

Outfoxed

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A clever duck outsmarts a hungry fox by pretending to be a dog.

Eee-Moo!
Sale price
$1799

Eee-Moo!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A misplaced platypus believes he's an emu. Can friends help him find his true home?

Niblet & Ralph
Sale price
$1799

Niblet & Ralph

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two cats swap homes by mistake. Can they return before their owners notice?

Batman
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$399

Batman

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A monstrous creature threatens Gotham, and Batman must clear his name.

Elmer and the Monster
Series
Sale price
$1695

Elmer and the Monster

2014

A patchwork elephant befriends a furry creature who is mistaken for a monster by other animals in the jungle.

View all mistaken identity picture books
Browse by age

Mistaken Identity Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mistaken identity for developing and independent readers.

Bhai for Now
Sale price
$1799

Bhai for Now

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Twins separated at birth swap lives to reunite with their estranged parents.

Twelfth Night
Sale price
$789

Twelfth Night

2009

Shipwrecked, Viola disguises as a boy, entangling herself in a web of mistaken identities and love triangles.

Claws Out
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

Claws Out

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Heroes face ancient powers, deceit, and time travel. Can they protect their secrets from evil's grasp?

De-Evilize
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

De-Evilize

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Paris faces chaos as superheroes battle mind-controlling chefs, giant robots, and identity-shifting foes.

View all mistaken identity chapter books
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