10+ Best Self Help Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for self help books for 9-year-olds that can empower and inspire your little ones? You're in the right place! Navigating the world at this age can be a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and the right book can make a world of difference. Keep reading to discover a variety of self help books for 9-year-olds that are perfect for nurturing resilience, sparking creativity, and boosting confidence. Let's dive in and find the perfect reads to support your child's journey!

Fun Self Help Books for 9-Year-Olds

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This inspirational book follows a child who comes up with an idea and, despite initial doubts, learns to nurture and embrace it as it grows and ultimately blossoms into something big and wonderful.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and confidence in young readers, teaching them the value of nurturing their own ideas and the importance of perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and inventors, and any child who might be learning to trust in their own creative potential.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl decides to build the most magnificent thing with the help of her canine assistant. Despite facing challenges and frustrations, she learns the importance of perseverance and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic story about the rewards of not giving up and the lessons learned through trial and error.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who might need a boost in resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive book shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. A torn piece of paper, a spill, a smudge - each can become something beautiful with a little creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids that mistakes aren’t just okay; they can be the beginning of something great.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be perfectionists or afraid to make mistakes, helping them to see the creative potential in every error.

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book educates children about the human brain and its ability to grow and stretch through experiences and challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a scientific background to personal development, encouraging kids to embrace learning and growth.
  • Perfect for: Young learners curious about science and psychology, and any child needing encouragement to try new things and not fear challenges.

• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ramon loves to draw, but when his brother laughs at his pictures, he nearly gives up—until his sister shows him that his drawings don't need to look exactly like real life. They can look "ish."
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the idea of self-expression and the beauty of imperfection in creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who may be dealing with self-doubt about their abilities or the pressure to be perfect.

Educational Self Help Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer, illustrated by Kerry Lee MacLean
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness
  • Synopsis: This charming book introduces young readers to the concept of mindfulness through the story of Monkey, who is always busy and restless, and Panda, who is calm and mindful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mindfulness, focus, stress management
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children the importance of being present in the moment and how this can lead to happiness and peace.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are often anxious or restless and could benefit from learning how to calm their minds.

• 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 frog being squeezed. Despite this, her grandmother taught her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes these lessons to heart.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, confidence, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and stand strong in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Children who might feel different or insecure and need a boost in confidence and self-acceptance.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Creativity
  • Synopsis: Vashti believes she cannot draw, but her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. This simple act leads her to discover her own creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, encouragement
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to explore their artistic side and shows the power of a simple encouragement.
  • Perfect for: Young students who are hesitant to express themselves or think they are not creative.

• Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud, illustrated by David Messing
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Emotional Intelligence
  • Synopsis: This book uses the metaphor of a "bucket" to teach children how to express kindness, appreciation, and love to fill others' buckets and in turn, fill their own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, kindness, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides children with clear examples of how positive behaviors look in daily life and the happiness they bring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning how to interact positively with others and build healthy relationships.

• What Should Danny Do? by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Choose Your Own Adventure
  • Synopsis: This interactive book puts readers in the shoes of Danny, a superhero in training, who faces several choices throughout his day that will affect the outcome of his story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, consequences, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children by showing them how their choices can impact their day and ultimately their lives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive stories and those learning about the impact of their decisions and actions.

Challenging Self Help Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse as they travel together. The narrative is filled with important conversations about life, love, and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text delves into complex philosophical ideas and emotional intelligence that are typically not explored deeply at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights and life lessons in a simple, accessible manner that encourages empathy and introspection.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and those in need of comfort and wisdom.

• Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Gerald the giraffe wants nothing more than to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the other animals tease him, until he finds the right music that inspires him to dance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of self-acceptance and social exclusion in a way that challenges young readers to think about empathy and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that promotes confidence and the importance of finding one's own rhythm and path.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel out of place or different and are learning to celebrate their unique traits.

• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: Brian feels invisible at school, never included in activities or noticed by his classmates. That changes when a new student arrives and sees Brian for who he really is.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the subtle yet complex issue of social isolation and the impact of kindness and inclusion.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book teaches the importance of noticing and including others, fostering empathy and kindness in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel overlooked or undervalued and can benefit from seeing the power of inclusion and friendship.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrated by Mark Pett
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Beatrice Bottomwell is known in her town for never making mistakes—until one day, she does, and learns that life goes on and can even improve when you let go of perfection.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative challenges the notion of perfectionism, encouraging readers to embrace errors as part of learning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great story for helping kids understand that it's okay to make mistakes and that no one is perfect.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist young readers who need to learn the value of flexibility and the positive aspects of making mistakes.

• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Michael Jordan's early years and how his family helped him work through self-doubt and frustration in his journey to becoming a basketball legend.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to biographical storytelling and themes of perseverance and self-belief in adversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a real-life example of how determination and hard work can lead to achieving one's dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and any child who needs motivation to keep pursuing their goals despite challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a curious 9-year-old at home or are just looking to encourage young readers to dive into the world of self-help books, here are some fun and effective exercises to help them develop great reading habits. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial, ensuring that reading becomes a joy, not a chore.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Themed Dress-Up Day
  • What it is: Choose a day to dress up as a favorite character from a book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and fun, deepening engagement with the book.
  • Tips: Pair this activity with a discussion about why they chose that character.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend some time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and comprehension, and it's a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the story more lively and entertaining.

• Use Bookmarks to Track Progress
  • What it is: Use fun bookmarks to mark where you stopped reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of accomplishment by visually showing how much has been read.
  • Tips: Make homemade bookmarks as a craft project for a creative break from reading.

• Join or Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it regularly.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and promotes social skills.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manageable, and let the kids have a role in choosing the books.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: After finishing a book, write a short review expressing thoughts and opinions about it.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Share the reviews with family or friends, or post them in a designated area like a family bulletin board.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're helping to lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. So, pick a couple to start with, and watch your young reader flourish!