Empowering Books for Kids & Teens

This is a collection of books to build confidence and inspire children to make a difference in their worlds.


I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

A joyful little girl shares many reasons why she likes herself no matter what. (Preschool-Grade 2)

What Do You Do with An Idea? by Kobi Yamada
This thoughtful book encourages its readers to cherish their ideas even if others think they are silly or strange. (Kindergarten-Grade 3)

Check out Yamada's newest book What Do You Do with a Problem? for a similarly styled story about overcoming obstacles and finding new possibilities.

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Rosie overcomes her fear of failure as she works to make creative inventions. (Preschool - Grade 2)

Beaty has several other books with similar themes including Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist.

Drum Dream Girl
A young girl followers her dream of playing the drums. (Grades 1-4)

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Students learn how to practice their teacher's lesson on kindness when a new student arrives. (Grades 2-5)

Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome by Brad Montague
The YouTube sensation shares 100 ideas to make the world more awesome. (Grades 3+)

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
A 5th grade student named Auggie struggles to fit in with his new class. (Grades 3-7)

I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai (Grades 6+)
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, shares her story of growing up under the Taliban's rule in Pakistan.


For more great books to empower the children in your life, check out the Children Cooperative Book Center's list on Civic Engagement: Selected K-5 Books for Reflecting on One's Place in the World and 50 Books about Peace and Social Justice