Books About Self-esteem · 2,133 titles considered

The Best Self-esteem Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about self-esteem? 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.

Maybe He Just Likes You
One for the Murphys
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-esteem

Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,218,556 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,566 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

One for the Murphys

A foster child must choose between her past and a new family life.

224 pages· 45,214 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 34,475 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)
370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Ban This Book

A fourth grader battles censorship to save her favorite book from being banned.

256 pages· 45,851 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 16,619 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

352 pages· 82,710 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 33,536 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 316,859 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2006

Tyrell

By Coe Booth · Book #1 in the Tyrell series

A teen struggles with homelessness, love, and the lure of crime. Will he escape his father's fate?

310 pages· 85,285 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,087 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1988

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

A young boy in Guatemala dreams of school but fears his grandmother's refusal.

64 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,472 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

We Dream of Space

Three siblings face personal struggles as the Challenger launch looms, altering their lives forever.

400 pages· 47,156 words· Est. 6 hour read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,119 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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Browse by age

Self-esteem Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about self-esteem for the youngest readers and listeners.

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Celebrate self-love from head to toe in this joyful storybook.

Little Pea

Ages 0–5 · 2005

A little pea refuses to eat sweets. Can he find a way to enjoy them?

Tacky the Penguin

Ages 3–6 · 1988

An odd penguin's quirks might save his colony from danger.

Be Happy!

Ages 2–5 · 2007

Discover the secrets to happiness and embrace your best self.

Giraffes Can't Dance

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

The Hair Book

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Celebrate every kind of hair and embrace your unique beauty.

Cloudette

Ages 2–5 · 2011

A tiny cloud seeks to make a big impact.

You're All My Favorites

Ages 2–5 · 2004

Three cubs question their parents' love, seeking reassurance in a heartwarming tale.

Animals with Tiny Cat

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Tiny Cat's playful dress-up turns into a wild adventure. Can it handle the beast within?

The Crown on Your Head

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Every child is born with an invisible crown, symbolizing their unique value.

You're Here for a Reason
Sale price
$799

You're Here for a Reason

Ages 0–5 · 2015

Discover why every life is essential in this heartwarming tale.

Kindness Makes Us Strong

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover how small acts of kindness build strong communities.

View all self-esteem board books
Browse by age

Self-esteem Picture Books

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

The Totally Secret Secret

Ages 6–9 · 2015

Two friends with secrets must decide if honesty will strengthen or break their bond.

Twinky the Dinky Dog

Ages 6–8 · 2013

A small dog challenges perceptions to prove size doesn't matter.

The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches

Ages 6–8 · 1978

A young witch discovers her hidden power on Halloween night. Can she outshine her sisters?

Jane, the Fox & Me

Ages 11–13 · 2012

A bullied girl finds solace in fiction and unexpected friendship, challenging her self-worth.

Daisy-Head Mayzie

Ages 5–9 · 1994

A daisy grows on Mayzie's head, sparking chaos and a quest for true values.

The Littlest Leaguer

Ages 4–6 · 1976

A young boy helps his team win a baseball game despite his small size.

The Proudest Blue

Ages 4–8

Two sisters navigate their first day of school with one of them wearing a hijab for the first time.

A Letter to My Teacher

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A teacher's understanding transforms a struggling student into a future educator.

You Are Special

Ages 4–7 · 1997

A wooden boy struggles to find his place in a world where his worth is determined by the stickers given to him by his peers.

The Dot

Ages 5–10 · 2003

A young girl discovers her artistic talent with the help of her teacher.

Petra

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A little rock's journey through ever-changing identities challenges her perspective and self-belief.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Ages 4–8 · 1994

A young girl navigates a new school and a classmate who constantly teases her.

Browse by age

Self-esteem Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about self-esteem for developing and independent readers.

The Skin I'm In

Ages 11–15 · 1998

A bullied girl meets a teacher who changes her view on self-worth and identity.

The Truth About Forever

Ages 12–18 · 2004

Macy's summer plans unravel with a new job and an unexpected connection, challenging her to embrace the unexpected.

The Startup Squad

Ages 8–11 · 2019

Four girls must unite to win a lemonade stand competition, facing friendship and business challenges.

As Brave As You

Ages 10–14 · 2016

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

I Am the Messenger

Ages 14–18 · 2002

A cab driver receives cryptic messages, leading him to help strangers and uncover a hidden mission.

Toliver's Secret

Ages 7–11 · 1976

A young girl must navigate a treacherous journey to deliver a secret message to a tavern owner in a small town.

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

Ages 7–9 · 2000

Judy Moody faces third grade with a bad mood and a unique class project.

Paperboy

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy's stutter challenges him during a life-changing summer paper route in the segregated South.

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl braves a perilous sea quest to save her mother and her future.

Sophie the Awesome

Ages 7–9 · 2010

Can Sophie prove she's truly awesome despite challenges from a pesky classmate?

Dumplin'
Sale price
$1099

Dumplin'

Ages 13–18 · 2015

A girl enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal norms.

Anything But Typical

Ages 12–15 · 2009

An autistic boy fears his true self won't be seen by a potential friend.

Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about self-acceptanceBooks about self-esteem and self-relianceBooks about abuseBooks about aeronautics, astronautics and space scienceBooks about belongingBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about bullying

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