Books Like The Contest

For the Fast paced and rhythmic chapters

Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure #3

Everest

Bill Doyle, David Borgenicht

For the child who loves high-stakes games and wants to test their survival skills in the world's most extreme environmen

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

More recommendations

Peak Marcello #1

Peak

Roland Smith

After being caught scaling New York skyscrapers, fourteen-year-old Peak is whisked away to Nepal for a chance to become

Ages 11–16

Find on Bookshop.org

Island #3

Escape

Gordon Korman

Six different kids must survive a shipwreck and a vicious storm on the Pacific Ocean with no food, no water, and almost

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Project X Alien Adventures #10

The Contest

James Noble

For the child who thrives on friendly competition and physical activity, this story celebrates trying your best through

Ages 6–7

Find on Bookshop.org

Island #1

Shipwreck

Gordon Korman

Six teenagers stranded in the Pacific after a vicious storm must set aside their differences and work together to surviv

Ages 8–13

Find on Bookshop.org

Dive #2

The Deep

Gordon Korman

Four friends discover a sunken treasure ship and must use every bit of their cleverness to reclaim what is theirs from t

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Peak Marcello #3

Ascent

Roland Smith

Peak Marcello journeys to one of the most isolated spots on Earth for a high-stakes climb in the mountains of Myanmar.

Ages 10–15

Find on Bookshop.org

Jake Maddox Adventure

Extreme Ice Adventure

Jake Maddox

For the child who thrives on high-stakes action or needs to build confidence in their ability to work with a team when t

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Peak Marcello #2

The Edge

Roland Smith

For the reader seeking to test their limits, this high-stakes adventure explores the grit and courage required to surviv

Ages 12–17

Find on Bookshop.org

Gary Paulsen's World of Adventure #5

The Rock Jockeys

Gary Paulsen

For the adventurous child who thrives on high stakes and outdoor challenges. This gripping tale follows three friends te

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Wild #2

Wild River

Rodman Philbrick

A white-water rafting trip turns into a fight for survival when a dam fails, leaving five middle schoolers stranded with

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Camp Confidential #4

Alex's Challenge

Melissa J. Morgan

For the child navigating tricky friendship circles or feeling the pressure to win, this story explores staying true to y

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Maxx Comedy

Gordon Korman

Max Carmody is determined to prove he is the funniest kid in the world, facing wild obstacles and hilarious mishaps to w

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Matt Christopher Sports Stories

Snowboard Showdown

Matt Christopher

Freddie knows he is a better snowboarder than his older brother, but a dangerous challenge at Devil's Ravine forces him

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Matt Christopher Sports Stories

Challenge at Second Base

Matt Christopher

For the child feeling the pressure of competition and doubting their own talents when a new, skilled peer joins the team

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

Jake Maddox Sports Stories

Kart Competition

Jake Maddox

For the child who thrives on competition but struggles when faced with a steeper learning curve or a more aggressive opp

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

The Fort

Gordon Korman

A hidden bomb shelter unearthed by a hurricane becomes a secret sanctuary where five boys must share their heaviest burd

Ages 10–14

Find on Bookshop.org

The 39 Clues #8

The Emperor's Code

Gordon Korman

Racing through China to find the next 39 Clue, Amy must decide if the hunt is more important than finding her brother Da

Ages 8–12

Find on Bookshop.org

About The Contest

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with intense competition, sibling rivalry, or the pressure to be the best at any cost. This high-stakes adventure follows a group of teenagers competing for a spot on a record-breaking Everest expedition, but the real story lies in the psychological battle between ambition and integrity. It is an excellent choice for kids who may feel overshadowed by a sibling's success or who struggle with the ethics of winning. While the setting is a dangerous mountain, Gordon Korman focuses on the social dynamics and internal grit of the characters. It provides a safe space to discuss how we treat others when the stakes are highest and what truly defines a leader. The reading level is perfect for middle-grade students who want fast-paced action paired with relatable social dilemmas.