10 Best Books on Building Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

As parents, we all want our children and teens to feel confident, capable, and proud of who they are. But growing up isn’t always easy, especially when kids are still learning how to handle big emotions, social pressure, or negative self-talk. That’s where self-esteem books can make a difference.

In fact, research shows that high self-esteem brings many good benefits — better friendships, doing well in school and work, better mental and physical health, and fewer problems with behavior [*].

These books on self-esteem help young people understand their worth and feel more secure in themselves. We’ve gathered 10 powerful books that are specially written to support them on their journey.

Best Books on Building Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

If you’re wondering when to introduce these books, the answer is — anytime your child or teen could use a confidence boost or a reminder of their value. Here are 10 of the most popular self-esteem books:

1. The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li

The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes is a heartwarming picture book about Millie, a young girl who learns that making mistakes is part of becoming strong and successful. Great for children ages 4-8, this story helps young readers develop self-esteem and the courage to keep going — even when things don’t go as planned.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes & Noble

2. The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright

The Lion Inside is a beloved children's picture book that delivers a powerful message about self-esteem, inner strength, and self-worth. It follows a small mouse who feels unnoticed and timid. He thinks he needs to be more like the mighty lion to be respected, so he sets out to learn how to roar. This reflects how kids (and adults!) often look up to others and feel they need to change who they are to be “enough."

Readers love how the story reminds children to believe in themselves and recognize their own worth, no matter their size, personality, or fears.

Price: $16.47 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes & Noble

3. I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Written by actress, activist, and bestselling author Grace Byers, I Am Enough reminds children that they are worthy just as they are. It encourages young readers to embrace their unique gifts and respect others’ differences. It’s more than just a story — it’s an invitation for children to see their value in a world that often tells them to do more or change who they are.

Price: $8.73 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes & Noble

4. We’re All Wonders by RJ Palacio

We’re All Wonders is a beautifully illustrated picture book adaptation of R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel Wonder. This story introduces children to Auggie Pullman, a boy who feels ordinary on the inside but is often seen as different on the outside.

Perfect for classrooms, bedtime reading, or gifts, We’re All Wonders reminds us all that we each have something unique and wonderful to offer.

Price: $4.99 on Amazon, $4.99 on Barnes & Noble

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls by Donna Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls is a fun book that teaches girls how to make good friends and feel good about who they are. It is based on a famous book by Dale Carnegie, and this version was written by his daughter, Donna Dale Carnegie, just for teen girls.

This book teaches key principles such as handling conflict gracefully, making a lasting impression, and staying true to yourself. It’s a wonderful gift for any girl who is learning how to make good choices!

Price: $13.22 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes & Noble

6. Building Unstoppable Self-Confidence for Teens by Derek T. Freeman

Building Unstoppable Self-Confidence for Teens is a valuable resource to support a child’s self-esteem during one of the most identity-shaping phases of their life. It offers insight into the pressures teens face — from social comparisons to body image struggles — and provides tools to help them overcome these challenges.

Price: $19.34 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes & Noble

7. Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way by Jocko Willink

When fifth-grader Marc faces a tough school year filled with struggles in academics, physical fitness, and bullying, everything changes when his Navy SEAL uncle Jake comes to stay for the summer.

As Marc trains, studies, and overcomes obstacles with his uncle's support, he learns that he’s capable of far more than he believed. Way of the Warrior Kid helps kids build self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth by showing them that confidence is earned through effort.

Price: $7.29 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes & Noble

8. Just As You Are: A Teen’s Guide to Self-Acceptance and Lasting Self-Esteem by Michelle and Kelly Skeen

Just As You Are helps teens break free from the constant pressure to be perfect. The book, written by psychologist Michelle Skeen and her daughter Kelly Skeen, teaches teens how to stop comparing themselves to others and develop genuine self-worth. It uses tools grounded in mindfulness, self-acceptance, and values-based living.

Price: $14.66 on Amazon, $17.95 on Barnes & Noble

9. The Teenager’s Guide to Life, the Universe, and Being Awesome: Super-Charge Your Life by Andy Cope

The Teenager's Guide to Life, the Universe and Being Awesome is an uplifting and energizing book that reminds teens of their inherent worth. It inspires personal development by helping teens identify what makes them special and build daily habits that harness their strengths.

Price: $14.66 on Amazon, $14.99 on Barnes & Noble

10. The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless by Charlotte Markey

The Body Image Book for Girls by Dr. Charlotte Markey is a science-backed guide for girls aged 9 to 15 that helps them understand and appreciate their bodies. It addresses common struggles with body image and helps ease the pressures that may lead to low self-esteem, disordered eating, and mental health issues.

The goal is to help young readers feel confident in their own skin and become advocates for body positivity.

Price: $13.07 on Amazon, $14.95 on Barnes & Noble

Summary

Each of these carefully selected books to improve self-esteem offers unique messages of acceptance and the power of believing in yourself. They can be wonderful tools anytime your child or teen could use a reminder of their value.

To deepen the impact, consider pairing these popular self-esteem books with additional support through our Self-Esteem Worksheets at Mental Health Center Kids!

References:

1. Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2021). Is High Self-Esteem Beneficial? Revisiting a Classic Question. The American Psychologist, 77(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000922