15 Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids in 2024

A child’s mindset can influence how they perceive and respond to situations in life. Having the right set of beliefs and attitudes leads to an increased willingness to learn and take on new and difficult tasks [*]. Growth mindset books for kids can help them appreciate the importance of resilience, persistence, effort, and positive self-talk.

Here, we list the best books about growth mindset. These books can be introduced in classroom settings or read as bedtime stories at home!

15 Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids

When selecting a book for your child, look for titles that encourage children to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and to develop a belief in their ability to improve through effort. It’s also helpful to consider age-appropriate language and themes that resonate with your child's interests.

Here is our list of growth mindset books:

1. What Do You Do With a Chance? — Kobi Yamada

In this tale, a young boy, unsure of what to do, lets his first opportunity pass him by. When another opportunity arises, he tries to seize it but misses and stumbles. Embarrassed and afraid, he begins to avoid new opportunities, despite his desire to take them. Eventually, he realizes that he doesn't always need to be brave to discover the fantastic things that can happen when he takes a chance.

The book receives high praise for its powerful message about embracing life, overcoming fears and insecurities, and seizing opportunities.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes & Noble

2. What the Road Said — Cleo Wade

Parents looking for a growth mindset read-aloud book can give this one a try! Cleo Wade's best-selling book inspires children to approach life with kindness and curiosity. It emphasizes that the most important action we can take is to keep moving forward.

Price: $11.17 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes & Noble

3. Salt in His Shoes — Deloris Jordan and Roslyn Jordan

Written by Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris Jordan, and his sister, Roslyn Jordan, Salt in His Shoes is a heartwarming and inspirational picture book that teaches children about faith, hope, and the importance of family support in achieving dreams.

This book not only entertains but also inspires children to believe in themselves and understand the value of hard work.

Price: $8.09 on Amazon, $8.99 on Barnes & Noble

4. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes — Mark Pett

Beatrice Bottomwell never ever makes a mistake. Her life is ruled by the fear of one day making a mistake up until the day she comes dangerously close to spilling a few eggs. In order to avoid making mistakes, Beatrice starts to withdraw from her activities. Yet following an unexpected event during the school talent show, Beatrice learns a valuable lesson about making mistakes.

Students with growth mindsets view mistakes differently from others, and learning about this new perspective can be valuable for all kids.

Price: $14.82 on Amazon, $14.99 on Barnes & Noble

5. The Little Butterfly That Could — Ross Burach

In Ross Burach's delightful growth mindset read-aloud picture book, readers follow the adventures of a little butterfly who discovers that sometimes, the biggest obstacles can lead to the most beautiful transformations. Soon, they'll find themselves inspired to tackle their challenges with confidence.

Price: $6.75 on Amazon, $5.99 on Scholastic

6. What Do You Do With a Problem? - Kobi Yamada

In this book, a child is faced with a hypothetical issue and is unsure of how to handle it. He worries about his situation, tries to avoid it, and is ultimately afraid of it. The child continues to be terrified until one day, and when he can no longer stand it, he decides he must face the problem. He suddenly realized that it wasn't as serious as he thought it was, and it actually contained a unique opportunity.

Price: $9.38 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes & Noble

7. Jabari Jumps - Gaia Cornwall

In this charming book, a young boy named Jabari tells his father that he is finally ready to jump off the diving board at their swimming pool. However, when it comes time to take the leap, Jabari's initial confidence wavers, and he becomes scared.

In this story, we can see the fear that everyone experiences when confronted with new obstacles. As Jabari struggles to make his first dive, his father helps him by offering encouragement and support.

Price: $6.60 on Amazon, $7.99 on Penguin Random House

8. The Koala Who Could — Rachel Bright

Rachel Bright's The Koala Who Could is a beautifully illustrated book about the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. It focuses on Kevin the Koala, who is a creature of habit. However, when events force Kevin to leave his perch, he discovers that life outside his comfort zone can be rewarding.

Bright is well-known for writing children’s books for growth mindset, and this is a great example of her work.

Price: $6.99 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes & Noble

9. The Most Magnificent Thing - Ashley Spires

A girl sets out to create the most amazing thing. All she needs to do is create it because she already knows how it will work. She tries and fails often because creating this most amazing thing is anything but simple.

She eventually reaches a breaking point and decides to give up. The girl decides to take her dog for a walk and suddenly finds her perspective renewed. She ultimately succeeds in creating the most magnificent thing.

Price: $10.82 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes & Noble

10. The Rabbit Listened — Cori Doerrfeld

The Rabbit Listened is an insightful picture book by Cori Doerrfeld that tells about the importance of empathy. When Taylor experiences sadness, various animals offer advice on how to cope, but none seem to hit the mark. It's only when the rabbit arrives and simply listens that Taylor finds solace.

It serves as a gentle reminder for both children and adults that sometimes, the best way to help someone is to simply listen and be there for them! It’s one of the growth mindset books focused on compassion and resilience.

Price: $11.63 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes & Noble

11. My Strong Mind - Niels Van Hove

Kate is a happy and active girl who does well at school and has many friends. But she sometimes has difficulties at school or at home, just like every girl does. This book explores how Kate approaches her daily struggles with a growth mindset by using her strong mind.

Goal-setting, positive self-talk, accepting failure as learning, visualizing an issue, breathing exercises or mindfulness, gratitude, and controlled distraction are some of the approaches Kate uses in this book. Overall, it can serve as a guide to different growth mindset techniques for kids.

Price: $12.50 on Amazon, $12.50 on Barnes & Noble

12. After the Fall - Dan Santat

Here, young readers discover what happened to Humpty Dumpty after his famous fall from the wall. Once an avid bird watcher who loved being high up on the city wall, Humpty's life changes drastically after his accident, which leaves him terrified of heights and unable to enjoy the activities he once loved.

This book is praised for its powerful message about coping with anxiety, embracing new beginnings, and celebrating personal triumphs. It offers a fresh perspective on resilience and the power of perseverance.

Price: $9.92 on Amazon, $16.49 on Barnes & Noble

13. Flight School - Lita Judge

The young penguin is adamant about learning to fly because he has seen other birds doing it. He also believes he has the soul of an eagle. He enrolls in a flight school to gain the skills, but despite finishing last in his class, he is steadfast in his desire to become a pilot. Finally, the little penguin achieves his goal of flying with a little assistance.

Price: $15.49 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes & Noble

14. I Can’t Do That, YET - Esther Cordova

This book shows us the value of the word “yet” in cultivating a growth mindset. The main character considers all of her possible future selves and learns that with effort and commitment, she is capable of achieving any goal.

Price: $9.90 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes & Noble

15. Manjhi Moves a Mountain - Nancy Churnin

Using a hammer and chisel, Dashrath Manjhi carved a passage through the mountain separating his poor town from the surrounding village with schools, marketplaces, and a hospital. With tenacity, determination, and twenty years to spare, he eventually made it. Everyone can make a difference if their heart is big enough, as Manjhi Moves a Mountain shows us.

Price: $15.76 on Amazon, $5.96 on Scholastic

More Growth Mindset Resources for Kids

Children’s books for growth mindset are excellent resources to encourage learning at home or in the classroom. Whether you read them aloud together or silently to yourself, the above books about growth mindset can help your child develop a more helpful perspective when they encounter life’s obstacles.

Other excellent resources include growth mindset quotes for everyday inspiration and growth mindset posters that can serve as reminders and guides. By using these different resources, kids can become lifelong learners!

References:

1. Ng, B. L. L. (2018). The neuroscience of growth mindset and intrinsic motivation. Brain Sciences, 8(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci8020020