book where mc is underestimated and proves everyone wrong

[Kate]

I enjoy stories where the MC is very underestimated by the other characters in the book but by the end of the story they have proven their worth to everyone. Maybe they just joined a team or became a leader and no one thinks they are worthy of being with them. Or alternatively, the MC is pretending to be incompetent as a disguise and later in the story reveals that they are actually very competent. Suggestions in any age range and genre are welcome thanks!

[Incog]

Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer Fate's Forsaken series by Shae Ford

[[deleted user]]

The Thief my absolute favorite book with this theme.

[Shanna]

These are all Juvenile lit:

Perloo The Bold Cute fantasy hero story with animal characters.
Masterpiece Cute mystery story with an unusual character!
Riding Freedom Inspirational girl-power historical fiction, based on a true story.

[Ceilidh]

Renegades by Marissa Meyer
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
Dune by Frank Herbert
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

So these are mostly YA, but they're in different genres. The underestimation falls in different places in each one. I'm sure I could think of more, but my brain is asleep right now...

[LauraW]

I think this book qualifies: The False Prince.

[Rosa]

The Brave Apprentice

[Rachel]

The Trespasser is a crime novel about a detective who doesn't fit in and has to prove herself.

[SamSpayedPI]

The Crime at Black Dudley AKA The Black Dudley Murder.

[Kirstin]

The Sea King by C.L. Wilson

[Rosa]

The Sea King for the link.

[Heather]

For a contemporary perspective, try:

Dumplin'

[Pamela]

The Warrior's Apprentice, by Lois McMaster Bujold The Warrior's Apprentice

[The Reading Raccoon]

Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories

This series has a heroine that is very underestimated (even by her own family) and grows a lot and proves herself

[Shivani]

I loved Kiss an Angel. It's a slow-burn romance contemporary where the spoilt female mc is forcibly wedded to a circus performer and has to work and live within the circus. Everyone, even the male mc, thinks lowly of her and that she's not suited to the circus life. I was hardcore rooting for the female mc in this one and it's such a beautiful read.

[Aerulan]

Dragon Bones definitely fits though I don't want to spoil the details.

[Kezia Goodman]

Curse of the Gods by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington

[Pamela]

Dragonsong and Dragonsinger, by Anne McCaffrey Dragonsong Dragonsinger