Books About Self-esteem And Self-reliance · 2,189 titles considered

The Best Self-esteem And Self-reliance Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

Caleb and Kit
One for the Murphys
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-esteem And Self-reliance

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 8–12 · 1991

Shiloh

A boy risks everything to protect a runaway dog from its abusive owner.

Newbery Medal (1992)
144 pages· 29,820 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 90,770 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Year of Billy Miller

By Kevin Henkes · Book #1 in the Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of second grade while dealing with family dynamics and his own self-doubt.

240 pages· 21,830 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 9,073 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
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%
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 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

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

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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 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%
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Browse by age

Self-esteem And Self-reliance Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about self-esteem and self-reliance 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.

Cloudette

Ages 2–5 · 2011

A tiny cloud seeks to make a big impact.

The Hair Book

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Celebrate every kind of hair and embrace your unique beauty.

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 and self-reliance board books
Browse by age

Self-esteem And Self-reliance Picture Books

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

We Dream of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2020

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

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.

Browse by age

Self-esteem And Self-reliance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Firekeeper's Daughter

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

Slay
Sale price
$1999

Slay

Ages 13–18 · 2019

A teen game developer battles a troll threatening her secret game and identity.

Tyrell

Ages 14–18 · 2006

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

The Most Beautiful Place in the World
Sale price
$699

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

Ages 7–11 · 1988

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

Eliza and Her Monsters
Sale price
$1199

Eliza and Her Monsters

Ages 13–18 · 2017

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

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.

The Cruel Prince

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A mortal girl defies a cruel faerie prince to survive court intrigues and looming war.

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.

Fangirl

Ages 12–18 · 2013

Can Cath navigate college life and find herself without leaving her fandom behind?

Keep exploring
Books about self-acceptanceBooks about abuseBooks about animal abuseBooks about animal rescueBooks about belongingBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about bullyingBooks about censorship

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