Books About Self-esteem · 2,126 titles considered

The Best Self-esteem Books for Kids

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.

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%

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

One for the Murphys

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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%

Summary: Carley, a street-smart foster child, is thrust into the warm embrace of the Murphys, a family unlike any she's known. As she navigates their loving chaos, she grapples with belonging and identity. When her mother reappears, Carley faces a heart-wrenching decision: return to her past or embrace a future she never imagined. Will she find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

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%

Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart · Book #1 in the Coyote Sunrise series

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

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have roamed the country in a bus for five years. When Coyote learns her childhood park is being demolished, she hatches a secret plan to return home and retrieve a buried memory box. As they travel 3,600 miles, they gather a quirky group of travelers, each with their own dreams and struggles. Will Coyote's journey lead her to healing and a new beginning, or will the past prove too difficult to face? Discover the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past in this heartwarming adventure.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

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

Newbery Honor (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%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Ban This Book

By Alan Gratz

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%

Summary: When her favorite book is banned from the school library, shy fourth grader Amy Anne takes a bold stand against censorship. With her friends, she creates a secret library of banned books and challenges the system with humor and determination. As they fight for the right to read, Amy Anne discovers her own voice and the power of standing up for what she believes in. Will their grassroots rebellion succeed, or will the forces of censorship prevail? Dive into this inspiring tale of courage and the fight for freedom of expression.

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%

Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$1348

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

$13.99Save 4%

Summary: Tyrell, a teen in a homeless shelter, grapples with his father's incarceration, a supportive girlfriend he feels unworthy of, and a complicated attraction to another girl. Desperate to improve his situation, he faces the temptation of quick money. As he teeters on the edge of right and wrong, Tyrell must decide if he will follow his father's path or carve out a new future. Can he break the cycle, or is he destined to repeat it? The stakes are high, and every choice could change his life forever.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1988

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

By Ann Cameron

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%

Summary: In the heart of Guatemala, seven-year-old Juan dreams of escaping his shoe-shining routine for the classroom. Abandoned by his mother, he lives with his grandmother, who holds the key to his future. As he gathers the courage to ask for her permission, Juan faces a surprising response that challenges him to stand up for himself. Will he find the strength to pursue his dreams amidst the harsh realities of his world? This poignant tale of hope and resilience unfolds with warmth and dignity, inviting readers to journey with Juan as he navigates his path to education.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1998

The Skin I'm In

By Sharon Flake · Book #1 in the The Skin I'm In series

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

192 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 17,424 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Maleeka endures daily bullying over her appearance and clothes. When Miss Saunders, a new teacher with a unique look, arrives, Maleeka expects more trouble. Instead, she finds inspiration. Miss Saunders embraces her own differences, challenging Maleeka to reconsider her self-image. Can Maleeka learn to love herself in a world that constantly judges her? Discover the journey of self-acceptance and empowerment in this compelling story.

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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.

Sale price

$999

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Sale price

$799

Little Pea

Ages 0–5 · 2005

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

Sale price

$999

Tacky the Penguin

Ages 3–6 · 1988

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

Sale price

$799

Be Happy!

Ages 2–5 · 2007

Discover the secrets to happiness and embrace your best self.

Sale price

$699

Giraffes Can't Dance

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

Sale price

$999

The Hair Book

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Celebrate every kind of hair and embrace your unique beauty.

Sale price

$1099

Cloudette

Ages 2–5 · 2011

A tiny cloud seeks to make a big impact.

Sale price

$799

You're All My Favorites

Ages 2–5 · 2004

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

Sale price

$799

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?

Sale price

$799

The Crown on Your Head

Ages 4–8 · 2011

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

Sale price

$799

You're Here for a Reason

Ages 0–5 · 2015

Discover why every life is essential in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$799

Pretty Brown Face

Ages 0–3 · 1997

Join a family meal and celebrate rhythm and movement with a joyful baby boy.

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.

Sale price

$1799

We Dream of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2020

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

Sale price

$999

The Totally Secret Secret

Ages 6–9 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1299

Twinky the Dinky Dog

Ages 6–8 · 2013

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

Sale price

$599

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?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1995

Jane, the Fox & Me

Ages 11–13 · 2012

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

Sale price

$1500

Daisy-Head Mayzie

Ages 5–9 · 1994

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

Sale price

$599

The Littlest Leaguer

Ages 4–6 · 1976

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

Sale price

$1899

A Letter to My Teacher

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Sale price

$1799

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.

Sale price

$1500

The Dot

Ages 5–10 · 2003

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

Sale price

$1799

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.

Sale price

$1699

So Few of Me

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Leo's wish for more time leads to chaos. Can he find a simpler solution?

View all self-esteem picture books

Browse by age

Self-esteem Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Sale price

$2280

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.

Sale price

$799

The Startup Squad

Ages 8–11 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1999

As Brave As You

Ages 10–14 · 2016

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

Sale price

$2450

I Am the Messenger

Ages 14–18 · 2002

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

Sale price

$799

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.

Sale price

$599

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

Ages 7–9 · 2000

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

Sale price

$1699

Paperboy

Ages 8–12 · 2013

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

Sale price

$1699

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$499

Sophie the Awesome

Ages 7–9 · 2010

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

Sale price

$1099

Dumplin'

Ages 13–18 · 2015

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

Sale price

$899

Anything But Typical

Ages 12–15 · 2009

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

Sale price

$699

Freckle Juice

Ages 7–9 · 1978

A young boy named Andrew pays a girl at school fifty cents for a secret recipe for freckles that she claims will bring him many benefits in his life, but it all turns out to be a scam.

View all self-esteem chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about bullying Books about family problems Books about self-acceptance Books about abuse Books about appearance Books about belonging Books about braces (orthodontic appliances)

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-esteem

Great books, picked for their age.

Self-esteem Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Self-esteem Picture Books

Self-esteem Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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