Every parent wants to raise a child brimming with self-esteem and confidence. A child ready to take on any new challenge or adventure.
In fact, teaching our kids to love who they see in the mirror each morning is one of a parent’s most important jobs.
We want our kids to be daring and creative; to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.
That’s where children’s books about confidence
Sometimes, reading the words of someone who isn’t Mom or Dad can help cement a lesson or concept in a child’s mind.
Seeing a character proudly accept themselves, overcome an obstacle, or trust in their abilities can help kids find confidence in their own lives.
That’s why we put together a list of our favorite books about confidence. Whichever ones you pick, these books will have your child cheering “I can do it!”
BONUS: (2022 ) 12 Best Children’s Books on Kindness, Gratefulness, Manners, Leadership, Diversity and More…
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Best Children’s Books About Confidence
1. Chrysanthemum
Author: Kevin Henkes
Age: 4-8 Years old
Chrysanthemum is one of our favorite children’s books about confidence starring a little mouse with a beautiful, nature-inspired name.
All is well with Chrysanthemum until she goes to school where she is teased for her flower name.
Chrysanthemum starts to think it would be better to have a different, more “normal” sounding name. A special teacher, however, reminds her of the joys of being different which helps boost her self confidence.
2. Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun
Author: Maria Dismondy
Age: 4-11 Years old
Spaghetti in A Hot Dog Bun is a “life lesson” book about embracing individuality. Lucy is teased for the things she loves, like the dish in the title.
Do your kids ever worry that the things they like might make them weird? This is a great story for them.
Being one of a kind hurts Lucy, until she is able to help someone in need and then she finds not only self-love, but acceptance amongst her peers.
3. Unstoppable Me: 10 Ways To Soar Through Life
Author: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Age: 4-8 Years Old
In Unstoppable Me, Dr. Dyer uses ten values to teach traits that make us all special and unique.
From creativity, healthy ways to deal with stress and risk-taking, each one is illustrated in a way that helps children see the strengths that lie within.
The book includes positive affirmations to help kids think positive thoughts.
4. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Author: Patty Lovell
Age: 3-8 Years Old
In Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, Molly Lou is tiny and buck-toothed, but it doesn’t doesn’t bother her one bit while Grandma’s around. Grandma always says, “Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too!”
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But then Molly Lou has to move far away from both her friends and her beloved Grandma.
Soon the local bully is calling her “shrimpo” and “bucky-toothed beaver.” Fortunately, Molly Lou remembers her Grandma’s words and sets out to prove herself.
In the end, even the bully is won over by Molly Lou’s talent and determination. A great children’s book about confidence.
5. Millie Fierce
Author: Jane Manning
Age: 3-7 Years Old
In Millie Fierce the main character is tired of getting ignored because she’s quiet, so she makes the decision to be fierce!
But crazy hair, sharpened nails, and wild behavior don’t get Millie the kind of attention she wants.
In the end Millie learns there’s nothing wrong with being nice, so long as you keep a little fierceness ready for when you need to make your feelings known.
This quiet but ferocious heroine makes a great jumping off point for discussions about how to stand up for yourself without being cruel to others.
6. I Am Enough
Author: Grace Byers
Age: 4-8 Years Old
I am Enough is a New York Times bestseller. Written by Empire actor and activist Grace Byers, this is a beautiful ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind.
The story teaches that we are all here for a purpose and we are more than enough. We just need to believe in ourselves.
7. I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras)
Author: Laurie Wright
Age: 4-8 Years Old
Positive self-talk is incredibly important for improving and maintaining mental health and self esteem.
I Can handle It helps plant the seeds of positivity right into you child’s head!
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When faced with a tough situation, kids can remember the mantra, ‘I can handle it’ to help them make it through.
Even if they aren’t saying the words out loud, reading the story and practicing the mantra can make it a part of their self-talk.
8. It’s Okay To Be Different
Author: Todd Parr
Age: 2-6 Years Old
It’s Okay To Be Different communicates the message of self-acceptance, but goes beyond appearances to every aspect of children’s lives.
On every page, kids are reminded that whatever their situation, it’s okay; to be adopted, to need help, to be embarrassed, to come in last, to be whatever you are.
One of our top picks for children’s books about confidence, this story inspire self-love and acceptance of others.
9. What Should Danny Do?
Author: Adir and Ganit Levy
Age: 4 Years and Up
What Should Danny Do is 9 stories in 1! Written in a “Choose Your Own Story” style, the book follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, through his day as he faces choices that kids face on a daily basis.
This book empowers kids to make positive choices while showing them the natural consequences of negative choices.
It’s a great book for teaching the tenets of character, and a wonderful resource for teaching growth mindset and self confidence.
10. For Boys – Just Kidding
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Age: 6-9 Years Old
Just Kidding is a rare look at emotional bullying among boys. D.J.’s friend has a habit of teasing D.J. and then saying, Just kidding!” as if it will make everything okay.
It doesn’t, but D.J. is afraid that if he speaks out, his friends will think he can’t take a joke.
With the help of his father, brother, and an understanding teacher, D.J. progresses from feeling helpless to having the confidence to take positive action.
This story tackles the difficult subject of relational aggression, the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others, from a boy’s point of view.
11. For Girls – Beautiful Girl, Celebrating The Wonders Of Your Body
Author: Dr. Christiane Northrup and Kristina Tracy
Age: 4-10 Years Old
Beautiful Girl: Celebrating the Wonders of Your Body is a lovely tribute to the power of the female body.
This book reminds girls to treat themselves with love and respect, and to understand that changes in their body are a natural part of growing up.
The authors believe that helping girls learn at a young age to value the wonder and uniqueness of their bodies can have positive self esteem benefits that will last throughout their lives.
12. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Knowing What to Say
Author: Patti Kelley Criswell
Age: 9-12 Years Old
The American Girl Library offers several books to help tweens feel confident in a variety of situations.
In A Smart Girl’s Guide to Knowing What to Say, girls will learn how to handle social situations from introducing herself to a new bunch of people, to apologizing for damaging a friend’s property, to comforting a friend who’s grieving.
With its mix of pre-prepared responses and its suggestions, tips, and techniques, this book gives girls all the advice they need to find the right words at the right time.
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