10+ Best Self Help Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect self-help books for 11-year-olds that can inspire, motivate, and teach valuable life skills? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate resources that resonate with pre-teens can be a game-changer. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of self-help books specially tailored for 11-year-olds, designed to help them navigate this exciting stage of life with confidence and curiosity.

Fun Self Help Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book adapts the timeless principles of the 7 Habits to teens and the tough issues and life-changing decisions they face. It's an engaging, step-by-step guide for teens to improve their self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, and get along with their parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's tailored specifically for teenagers, making it relatable and easy to understand. It encourages good habits, responsible decision making, and the development of a strong character.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers looking to navigate their formative years with confidence and self-awareness.

• You Are a Champion: How to Be the Best You Can Be by Marcus Rashford, illustrated by Carl Anka
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Written by footballer Marcus Rashford, this book offers guidance on how to achieve your dreams and be your best self, combining stories from Rashford's own life with practical advice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and motivational, perfect for young readers who need a boost in confidence and ambition. It also includes tips on how to stay disciplined and motivated.
  • Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and any young person looking to find inspiration and motivation to achieve their goals.

• Big Life Journal: A Growth Mindset Journal for Kids by Alexandra Eidens
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This interactive journal is designed to help kids develop a positive mindset and persistent attitude through writing prompts, stories, and quotes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages self-reflection, resilience, and gratitude, all crucial for personal development. The activities are engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive learning and parents looking for a tool to support their child’s emotional and intellectual growth.

• Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Stacy Peterson
  • Genre(s): Mindfulness, Meditation, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book introduces mindfulness and meditation practices to kids in an accessible and fun way. It includes practical exercises that teach kids how to manage stress, calm down, and focus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to mindfulness for kids, helping them to deal with anxiety and stress while improving their attention and emotional regulation.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be dealing with stress or anxiety and any young person interested in learning about meditation and mindfulness.

• Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way by Patti Kelley Criswell, illustrated by Angela Martini
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: This book offers advice on handling bullies and difficult situations with friends. It provides tips on how to stand up for yourself and others while maintaining respect and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important social skills through relatable examples and practical advice. It empowers kids to handle conflicts and stand up against bullying.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating complex social situations in school and need guidance on how to assert themselves respectfully.

Educational Self Help Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book empowers young girls to embrace their imperfections, take risks, and build confidence through engaging stories and practical exercises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, risk-taking, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It specifically addresses the challenges girls face and provides them with the tools to boost their confidence and embrace their true selves.
  • Perfect for: Young girls looking to build confidence and self-belief.

• What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go for It! A Guide for Teens by Beverly K. Bachel
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Goal Setting
  • Synopsis: This guide helps teens learn how to set and achieve their goals through step-by-step strategies and real-life examples.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Goal setting, planning, self-motivation
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice and tools for young readers to start setting and achieving their own goals, which is a critical life skill.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are eager to start planning their future and achieving personal and academic goals.

• The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book tackles six major decisions that teenagers have to make about school, friends, parents, dating, addictions, and self-worth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, critical thinking, self-analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a clear framework for making wise choices during the turbulent teen years, backed by stories and science.
  • Perfect for: Teens facing significant life choices and looking for guidance on how to handle them responsibly.

• Your Happiest You: The Care & Keeping of Your Mind and Spirit by Judy Woodburn, illustrated by Josee Masse
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mental Health
  • Synopsis: This book teaches young girls about caring for their mental and emotional health through self-care, positive thinking, and strong interpersonal relationships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, mental health awareness, self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the often overlooked aspect of mental health in young people, offering practical advice for maintaining a healthy mind and spirit.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are learning how to navigate their emotions and stress in a healthy way.

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Based on a commencement speech that went viral, this book outlines the little things that can change your life and maybe even the world, starting with the simple task of making your bed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Discipline, personal responsibility, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple, straightforward book that distills complex life lessons into practical daily actions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate straightforward advice and are looking to instill small habits that lead to big changes.

Challenging Self Help Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores profound conversations between four friends: a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse as they discuss life’s essential lessons on kindness, friendship, and understanding.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex philosophical ideas and emotional intelligence which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartwarming, thoughtful exploration of friendship and life's big questions, encouraging empathy and introspection.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep conversations and philosophical questions about life.

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book discusses the concept of "grit," a blend of passion and perseverance, as a key attribute for success beyond raw talent.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates psychological research and complex ideas about human behavior, which are typically advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of resilience and hard work, providing young readers with strategies to cultivate their own perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Ambitious young readers interested in self-improvement and understanding the science behind success.

• The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey
  • Genre(s): Parenting, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers insight into the critical importance of allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their actions to foster growth and learning.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges conventional protective parenting styles and encourages a more resilience-focused approach, which can be a complex shift to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young readers to embrace failures as learning opportunities, fostering independence and better problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning to navigate failures and setbacks independently.

• The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces a simple tool that can help push the reader to act with courage, overcome fear, and start a journey towards a more fulfilling life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The concept encourages immediate action which can be a difficult habit to adopt, especially for younger readers used to hesitation or procrastination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a straightforward, actionable strategy to boost confidence and productivity, useful for overcoming daily challenges.
  • Perfect for: Proactive young readers looking for practical methods to enhance their decision-making and confidence.

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book explains how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results through the compound effect of habits over time.
  • Why this book is challenging: It dives into behavioral psychology and habit formation, which are advanced topics requiring introspection and long-term commitment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches practical and effective strategies for habit formation that can help young readers achieve consistent personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in self-discipline and developing lifelong positive habits.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're an 11-year-old diving into the world of self-help books, you're already on a fantastic path. To make the most out of your reading experience, it's great to develop some solid habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you build those habits and get the most from your books. Let’s dive in!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances your focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves your understanding and retention of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Bookmark to Reflect
  • What it is: Write a quick note or question on your bookmark related to what you just read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and thinking critically about the material.
  • Tips: Update your bookmark notes after each reading session.

• Read at the Same Time Every Day
  • What it is: Schedule a regular daily time slot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine that can enhance your reading consistency.
  • Tips: Morning or bedtime are popular choices, but choose a time when you’re most alert.

• Keep a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new words and their meanings in a notebook.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and enhances your understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Review this list regularly to reinforce new words.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, write a few sentences summarizing the main points.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory retention and ensures you understand the content.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of self-help books but also boost your reading skills significantly. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to stick with your new habits. Happy reading!