10+ Best Self Help Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect self-help books for 8-year-olds? Navigating the world of children's literature can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry—we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll dive into various lists of carefully selected self-help books that are ideal for helping your little ones grow, learn, and understand the world around them. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to engage and inspire your eight-year-old!

Fun Self Help Books for 8-Year-Olds

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows a child who discovers an idea and learns how to nurture it, despite doubts and fears, until it grows into something wonderful.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and perseverance, showing kids that their ideas matter and can make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and inventors, and any child who needs a boost in confidence.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing, facing frustrations and challenges along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of perseverance when facing difficult tasks.
  • Perfect for: Young makers and creators who need encouragement to overcome obstacles.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Art, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive book shows that when you think you have made a mistake, it might just be a wonderful opportunity in disguise.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a positive attitude towards mistakes and shows how they can lead to unexpected and delightful outcomes.
  • Perfect for: Artistic kids and anyone who might be afraid of making mistakes.

• Thanks for the Feedback, I Think by Julia Cook, illustrated by Kelsey De Weerd
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: RJ learns about receiving feedback and using it to grow, even when it’s not delivered in the best way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand how to accept feedback positively and use it for personal improvement.
  • Perfect for: Students and any child learning how to handle criticism constructively.

• I Can Handle It! by Laurie Wright
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides kids with simple affirmations and strategies to manage everyday challenges and build emotional resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children to handle their emotions and stress, promoting mental strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who experience anxiety or stress and need practical coping mechanisms.

Educational Self Help Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer, illustrated by Kerry Lee MacLean
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming book follows Monkey as he learns from Panda how to be mindful and appreciate the present moment rather than being distracted by past or future worries.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mindfulness, focus, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of mindfulness in a simple, engaging way, helping them to find calm and contentment in their daily lives.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are learning to manage their thoughts and feelings.

• The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Emma teaches her little brother, Henry, who is like a hurricane, how to sit still and use meditation to calm himself down.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Meditation, self-control, sibling relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical introduction to meditation for kids, showing them how they can use it to deal with their own energetic moments and emotions.
  • Perfect for: Energetic kids and their parents looking for ways to introduce calmness and focus.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s 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. She is often teased at school, but she learns to embrace her unique qualities with the help of her grandmother's advice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, resilience, anti-bullying
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to accept themselves and others, promoting confidence and the strength to face bullies.
  • Perfect for: Children facing bullying or struggling with self-esteem issues.

• What Should Danny Do? by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Choose Your Own Adventure, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive book allows children to make choices for Danny, a superhero-in-training, as he navigates his day, which teaches them about the power of decision-making.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, consequence evaluation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers kids by showing them how their choices can lead to different outcomes, teaching them about responsibility and the impact of their actions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive stories and learning about personal responsibility.

Challenging Self Help Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Philosophy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a lonely boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse as they journey together and discuss life's important questions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text delves into complex philosophical questions and emotional truths that might challenge younger readers to think deeply about life, friendship, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights and inspirational messages through simple conversations, encouraging compassion and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy thoughtful narratives and those in need of comfort and wisdom.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Creativity, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A story about a girl named Vashti who believes she cannot draw, but her teacher challenges her to make a mark on a piece of paper, which becomes the beginning of her journey to self-expression.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages readers to think about creativity in a broader sense and challenges them to step outside their comfort zones.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to embrace their creativity and shows the power of a simple act of courage in overcoming self-doubt.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who doubts their own abilities.

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Educational, Children's Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids about the different parts of the brain and how they can stretch and grow their brains through learning and making mistakes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex neurological concepts in a child-friendly way, which can be intellectually stimulating for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the brain and encourages a growth mindset, helping children understand how they learn and grow.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids interested in science and how their minds work.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Beatrice Bottomwell is known in her town for never making a mistake until one day, something goes wrong, and she learns that life goes on and can even improve when mistakes happen.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the theme of perfectionism, which is a complex emotional issue, encouraging readers to accept and learn from mistakes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a comforting story for perfectionist children, teaching them the value of mistakes and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who struggle with anxiety about making mistakes and those who aim for perfection.

• What You Do Matters by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Inspirational, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This box set includes three books: "What Do You Do with a Chance?", "What Do You Do with a Problem?", and "What Do You Do with an Idea?" Each story inspires kids to deal with challenges and opportunities creatively and bravely.
  • Why this book is challenging: Each book presents abstract concepts of handling life's challenges and opportunities, which requires deeper thinking and reflection from young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to face fears, embrace opportunities, and discover the potential of their ideas.
  • Perfect for: Children facing new challenges and those needing encouragement to explore their potential.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old build strong reading habits while enjoying some fantastic self-help books, you're in the right place. Below are some fun and easy exercises designed to engage young readers and foster a love for reading. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: Create a bingo card with different types of books or reading tasks.
  • How it helps: Encourages children to read a variety of books and complete reading challenges.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for completing a row or the entire card.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading, guess what the book might be about based on the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Engages critical thinking and curiosity before the reading begins.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they change as you read the book.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read until it goes off.
  • How it helps: Helps build concentration and stamina for reading.
  • Tips: Start with short periods and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: After reading, act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make it more fun and engaging.

• Read Aloud Days
  • What it is: Dedicate specific days where you read a book aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared activity.
  • Tips: Try to use different voices for different characters to keep it lively.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art projects based on themes or scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Allows expression of understanding and interpretation through creativity.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials—paints, crayons, clay—to keep things interesting.

By incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine, you not only make reading more fun but also help develop strong, lasting reading habits. Each of these activities is designed to engage different aspects of reading and comprehension, ensuring that your child finds joy and growth in every page they turn. Happy reading!