12 Best Children's Books About Perseverance

Teaching kids perseverance is essential for helping them overcome challenges, whether in school, sports, or everyday life. One powerful way to instill this skill is through children's books about perseverance, which showcase characters overcoming obstacles with determination.

A study found that children persist less when adults take over, which emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to work through tasks independently [*]. Additionally, children who are praised for their efforts, such as persistence and hard work, are more motivated to learn and are more confident in taking challenges [*].

12 Best Children's Books About Perseverance

Looking for inspiring children's books on perseverance? These 12 stories teach resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up.

1. The Most Magnificent Thing — by Ashley Spires

A young girl sets out to create the most magnificent thing but soon realizes that things aren’t as easy as she expected. She grows frustrated, makes mistakes, and even considers giving up. However, she takes a break, regains her focus, and keeps trying until she finally succeeds.

This book teaches kids that perseverance and patience can lead to great achievements. The story encourages young readers to embrace creativity and understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

Price: $11.29 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

2. Rosie Revere, Engineer — by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere is a shy girl during the day, but at night, she becomes a clever inventor, as she crafts inventive gadgets from all sorts of materials. Despite her passion for engineering, Rosie hides her creations out of fear that they won't succeed. However, her great-great-aunt teaches her that failure is part of the learning process.

This story emphasizes that perseverance and creativity go hand in hand. It helps children develop confidence in their problem-solving abilities. Rosie’s journey reminds kids that every failed attempt is a step closer to success, which reinforces the idea that persistence pays off in the long run.

Price: $11.10 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

3. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes — by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Beatrice Bottomwell is known for never making mistakes. But one day, she made a big mistake in public. Through this experience, she learns that mistakes are a natural part of life and should be embraced rather than feared.

This book helps children understand that perseverance isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning and growing from mistakes. The story inspires kids to take risks and explore new experiences without the fear of failure. Beatrice teaches young readers that it is more important to fully enjoy the experience rather than fear making a mistake.

Price: $16.19 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) — by Dan Santat

Humpty Dumpty’s famous fall has left him afraid of heights, and he no longer wants to climb back up the wall. Because of this, he can’t enjoy his hobby of bird watching anymore. However, he eventually faces his fears and finds the courage to try again.

This book is a powerful metaphor for resilience and perseverance, as it shows kids that overcoming challenges can lead to unexpected transformations. The story reinforces the idea that failure is never the end—it’s just a stepping stone to something greater.

Price: $10.99 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. Giraffes Can't Dance — by Giles Andreae

Gerald the Giraffe dreams of dancing, but he’s not confident of his skill because of his crooked knees. However, he decides to keep going after support from a friend.

This inspiring story teaches children to accept their differences, overcome insecurities, and keep pursuing their passions despite their perceived shortcomings. Gerald’s experience shows that persistence can lead to unexpected achievements.

Price: $6.50 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah — by Laurie Ann Thompson

Born with one strong leg, Emmanuel defies expectations and rides a bicycle across Ghana to spread awareness about disability inclusion. His journey of perseverance teaches children that physical limitations don’t define what a person can achieve.

This true story is an inspiring example of determination, courage, and making a difference. Emmanuel’s incredible resilience demonstrates that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Price: $11.23 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream — by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan

As a child, Michael Jordan feared he wasn't tall enough and worried he wouldn’t be good enough for basketball. His mother advised him to put salt in his shoes and say a prayer nightly, while his father told him that practice and determination are ingredients to success.

With encouragement from his family, he dedicated himself to practice and hard work. This book teaches children that perseverance, not just talent, is key to success in any pursuit. It highlights the importance of dedication, patience, and putting in the effort to achieve one’s dreams.

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

8. She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World — by Chelsea Clinton

This book highlights 13 remarkable women, including Helen Keller and Harriet Tubman, who overcame challenges and changed history. Their stories inspire young readers to persist in the face of obstacles and never give up on their dreams.

It’s a great book for teaching children about real-life perseverance and determination. Each story showcases how persistence and belief in oneself can lead to remarkable achievements.

Price: $12.26 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. Brave Irene — by William Steig

A dressmaker's daughter, Irene, has an important task: delivering the duchess's gown in place of her sick mother. But a fierce snowstorm and strong winds stand in her way. Despite the harsh conditions, she presses on, determined to complete her mission.

Irene’s unwavering dedication makes this book a great example of perseverance, bravery, and selflessness. The story encourages children to face challenges with courage and to never let obstacles stand in their way.

Price: $6.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Flight School — by Lita Judge

A little penguin dreams of flying, even though everyone tells him it’s impossible. Through determination and creative thinking, he finds a way to achieve his dream in an unexpected way.

This book shows children that perseverance means never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The penguin’s determination teaches young readers that setbacks are part of the journey and that persistence leads to unique solutions.

Price: $11.39 on Amazon, $8.99 on Barnes and Noble

11. The Paper Bag Princess — by Robert Munsch

Princess Elizabeth is left with nothing after a dragon burns her castle and kidnaps her prince. But instead of giving up, she outsmarts the dragon and takes charge of her own destiny.

This empowering story teaches kids that resilience and cleverness matter more than appearances and traditional roles. Elizabeth’s strength and perseverance make her a great role model for young readers.

Price: $2.49 on Amazon, $7.95 on Barnes and Noble

12. Whistle for Willie — by Ezra Jack Keats

Peter wants to learn how to whistle for his dog, Willie, but it’s harder than he thought. He keeps trying, but will he finally succeed?

This book is a simple yet powerful reminder that perseverance and practice lead to progress, no matter how small the goal. The story shows children that persistence in small things can build confidence and prepare them for bigger challenges in life.

Price: $7.43 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Reading books about perseverance for kids helps children understand the value of persistence and resilience. These stories show that challenges are a natural part of growth and that determination can lead to success.

This idea aligns with the concept of growth mindset, which emphasizes that skills and intelligence can improve with dedication and effort. Rather than seeing setbacks as failures, those with a growth mindset view them as learning experiences. By remaining persistent, facing challenges head-on, and using feedback to grow, we strengthen our ability to adapt and succeed.

For additional support, growth mindset posters can help reinforce these important life skills.

References:

• Leonard JA, Martinez DN, Dashineau SC, Park AT, Mackey AP. Children Persist Less When Adults Take Over. Child Dev. 2021 Jul;92(4):1325-1336. doi: 10.1111/cdev.13492. Epub 2021 Jan 23. PMID: 33484166.
• Perseverance key to children’s intellectual growth, Stanford scholar says. (n.d.). Stanford University. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2015/04/dweck-kids-potential-042915?