regulate their emotions. These books offer relatable stories and practical strategies to manage frustration in healthy ways.
A study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School found that almost two-thirds of U.S. adolescents have experienced severe anger outbursts, including threats of violence, property destruction, or aggression toward others [*].
It’s normal for kids under age 4 to have up to 9 tantrums per week, and most children naturally grow out of this behavior by kindergarten [*].
To support parents and caregivers in guiding children through these challenges, we've curated a list of 15 books to help kids deal with anger. These books provide diverse approaches to managing anger and are ideal resources for children of different ages.
Anger Management Books for Kids Ages 3 to 5
Help your little ones manage their emotions with these books about anger for kids.
A Little Spot of Anger: A Story About Managing BIG Emotions by Diane Alber
Managing big emotions like anger can be a challenge for kids, especially in frustrating situations like sharing toys or facing difficulties. This story introduces playful strategies, such as counting spots and breathing exercises, to help children calm down and handle their feelings.
Price: $11.04 on Amazon, $11.99 on Barnes and Noble
When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman
Part of the "The Way I Feel" series, this book explores anger through a bunny rabbit and her family. It helps young children identify their emotions and offers strategies to express feelings constructively.
Price: $8.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
Using mindfulness and breathing exercises, this book teaches kids how to use their "magic breath" to calm down when they're upset. Its interactive nature makes it a great pick for children who enjoy hands-on learning.
Price: $11.79 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Jim the chimpanzee is grumpy, and despite the beautiful day, he can't shake his bad mood. This playful story about a monkey having a "bad day" teaches kids to embrace their emotions without judgment.
Price: $9.98 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble
How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control by Lauren Brukner
This book turns self-control into a fun superhero. It equips kids with techniques to manage emotions and build resilience. It's perfect for empowering young readers with confidence and self-awareness.
Price: $19.95 on Amazon, $23.95 on Barnes and Noble
Anger Management Books for Kids Ages 6 to 8
Help elementary-aged children navigate their emotions with these top picks.
Soda Pop Head by Julia Cook
This relatable story uses the metaphor of a soda bottle to help kids understand how anger builds up and how to release it safely. It's a perfect tool for teaching self-regulation in a fun and engaging way.
Price: $7.99 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble
Mad Isn't Bad: A Child's Book About Anger by Michaelene Mundy
This children’s book teaches children how to identify anger triggers and find healthy ways to cope with big feelings.
Price: $9.97 on Amazon, $6.49 on Barnes and Noble
The Mindful Dragon: A Dragon Book About Mindfulness by Steve Herman
This charming book uses a dragon to teach children how mindfulness can help them control their temper and stay calm during challenging situations.
Price: $12.39 on Amazon, $12.95 on Barnes and Noble
What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When Your Temper Flares helps children and their parents explore cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing anger. With interactive exercises, engaging illustrations, and practical strategies, this book empowers kids to develop healthier emotional responses and improve self-control.
Price: $13.40 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble
Anh's Anger by Gail Silver
This beautifully illustrated story follows Anh as he learns to sit with his anger and process it constructively. The book emphasizes mindfulness and compassion, and how taking time to process anger can help children resolve their feelings.
Price: $16.09 on Amazon
Anger Management Books for Kids Ages 9 to 12
Equip older kids with tools to manage anger and build emotional intelligence with these books.
Angry Ninja by Mary Nhin
Part of the "Ninja Life Hacks" series, this book provides pre-teens with easy-to-understand tools and strategies to manage anger through a fun and relatable story.
Price: $11.99 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble
The Anger Volcano: A Book About Anger for Kids by Amanda Greenslade
This book offers children practical tools and motivation to manage their temper. Using rhymes and exercises for brain training, it helps kids reframe their emotional responses.
Price: $6.99 on Amazon, $6.99 on Barnes and Noble
I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright
This empowering book encourages kids to solve their problems independently, handle their emotions constructively, and use positive self-talk for improved mental health.
Price: $11.99 on Amazon, $11.99 on Barnes and Noble
How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis
This book uses humor, relatable examples, and easy-to-follow tips to teach kids how to identify their anger triggers and express their emotions in constructive ways. The revised edition also tackles topics of anger on text messaging and social media.
Price: $9.29 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble
Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad by Samantha Snowden, MA
This interactive workbook provides kids with practical tools to recognize and manage their anger through engaging activities like drawing, mindfulness exercises, and problem-solving games. It's an excellent resource for helping children build emotional awareness and develop healthier coping strategies.
Price: $9.00 on Amazon
The Bottom Line
The right books to help a child learn to manage anger can make a big difference in teaching them how to identify and control their emotions. Combining engaging stories, practical strategies, and fun activities, these books provide valuable tools for emotional growth.
For extra support, check out our collection of anger management worksheets to complement these resources and guide your child toward healthier emotional regulation.
Sources:
- Uncontrollable Anger Prevalent Among Youth: Intermittent Explosive Disorder affects up to 6 million U.S. adolescents. (2012, July 2). Harvard Medical School. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/uncontrollable-anger-prevalent-among-youth
- Anger, irritability and aggression in kids. (2022, June 28). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/anger-issues-in-children-and-teens
