10+ Best Self Esteem Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

As a parent or educator, you know how crucial it is to nurture self-esteem in children, especially around the pivotal age of 10. That's why we've rounded up a selection of self-esteem books for 10-year-olds, designed to boost confidence and encourage positive self-perception. Curious about which books made our list? Keep reading to discover our top picks of self-esteem books for 10-year-olds that can truly make a difference in their young lives.

Fun Self Esteem Books for 10-Year-Olds

• You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed, illustrated by Toby Triumph
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book encourages kids to dream big, embrace failure, and know they can be awesome. It combines real-life stories with hands-on activities and challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic tool to boost confidence and resilience, showing children that failure is often part of success and not something to fear.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a boost in confidence and those interested in personal development.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. But her grandmother has taught her to be proud of herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to embrace their uniqueness and be confident in who they are, regardless of their physical appearance.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning to love their quirks and those facing bullying.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: This story follows Vashti, a girl who believes she cannot draw until her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and confidence in one's abilities, emphasizing the importance of getting started and seeing where your journey might lead.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who doubts their creative skills.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing, but the task isn't as easy as she thinks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful story about perseverance and the rewards of not giving up, despite facing challenges.
  • Perfect for: Inventors and young engineers, as well as any child who needs encouragement to keep trying despite setbacks.

• What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the challenges of dealing with problems and the hidden opportunities they can bring.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps kids see problems in a new light, not just as obstacles, but as potential sources of growth and empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Children who might feel overwhelmed by challenges and need perspective on overcoming them.

Educational Self Esteem Books for 10-Year-Olds

• I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This energetic and whimsical book features a confident little girl who loves everything about herself, from her wild hair to her mismatched socks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, confidence, reading fluency
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and fun celebration of self-esteem that encourages children to appreciate themselves exactly as they are.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a boost in self-love and appreciation for their unique traits.

• Incredible You! 10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer with Kristina Tracy, illustrated by Melanie Siegel
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book offers 10 life lessons for kids to help them see their own greatness and learn how to share it with the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, interpersonal skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides simple, practical advice that kids can use to develop a positive self-image and a resilient attitude towards life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking to develop their inner strength and self-confidence.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: This interactive book shows that it's okay to make mistakes and that an error can turn into something wonderful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that mistakes aren't just acceptable, they're opportunities for creative discovery.
  • Perfect for: Children who are perfectionists or afraid to make mistakes and need encouragement to embrace imperfections.

• Only One You by Linda Kranz
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book follows Adri, a young fish, as he learns wisdom from his parents about how to live a happy and fulfilling life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Values, life lessons, self-reflection
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with simple yet profound life advice, beautifully illustrated to captivate and inspire young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children needing guidance on values and those who could benefit from gentle wisdom about life's journey.

Challenging Self Esteem Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Beatrice Bottomwell is known in her town for never making a mistake—until one fateful day when everything begins to go awry.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into themes of perfectionism and the pressure to always succeed, which are complex issues for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of embracing imperfections and the freedom that comes with accepting mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist kids and those who feel pressure to always succeed.

• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book empowers young girls to embrace their confidence through actionable advice and real-life examples.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces psychological concepts and research in an accessible way, pushing young readers to engage with complex ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides tools and strategies for building self-esteem and courage, crucial for personal development.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking to boost their confidence and self-awareness.

• A Smart Girl's Guide: Worry by Nancy Holyoke
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This guide helps girls learn how to handle worries and stressors, offering tips and strategies to manage anxiety.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the topic of anxiety management, encouraging readers to confront and understand their feelings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical resource for managing emotions and stress, promoting mental health and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Girls who experience anxiety or stress and need effective coping mechanisms.

• The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, and how his philosophies and leadership were shaped from a young age.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces philosophical concepts and historical contexts that are usually not explored deeply at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of self-discipline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, philosophy, and leadership.

• Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway for Teens by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Adapted for teenagers, this book encourages facing fears and taking on new challenges with confidence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It pushes young readers to step out of their comfort zones and tackle personal fears, which can be a daunting task.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers teens to overcome obstacles and embrace growth, fostering a proactive attitude towards life's challenges.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are dealing with fears or looking to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop better self-esteem through reading, incorporating some simple exercises alongside self-esteem books can be a game-changer. Here are a few exercises designed to enhance their reading experience and build confidence. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a personal space that makes reading a comforting and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from a book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the character’s traits and boosts empathy and self-identification.
  • Tips: Discuss the character's decisions and feelings, relating them to personal experiences.

• Reading Together
  • What it is: Schedule regular times to read the same book alongside your child.
  • How it helps: Strengthens the bond with your child and provides opportunities for discussion and guidance.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the story to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story with drawings or pictures that outline the plot and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story details.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map engaging and easier to remember.

• Goal Setting with Books
  • What it is: Encourage your child to set reading goals, such as number of books to read in a month.
  • How it helps: Teaches goal-setting skills and gives a sense of achievement upon completing each goal.
  • Tips: Celebrate achievements with small rewards or recognition to keep the motivation high.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only make reading more fun but also significantly boost their self-esteem. Each activity is designed to engage them in a thoughtful and interactive way, helping them to see reading as a valuable and enjoyable part of their lives. Give these a try and watch your child's confidence soar through the magical world of books!