10 Books About Leadership for Kids I Personally Recommend

Leadership books for kids can be powerful tools to teach important life skills. Leadership is not just for adults. Kids can show leadership in school, in friendships, and at home.

Children who lead often demonstrate key traits such as problem-solving and the motivation to overcome challenges [*]. Research has found that even young children can learn to lead, especially when given encouragement and guidance from adults [*].

As a child and family therapist, I often work with kids who are building confidence and learning how to lead with kindness and courage. The right book can give them the tools they need.

These ten books are ones I recommend to families. Each book shows how kids can display leadership skills in different situations, while keeping the lessons fun and easy to understand.

Leadership Books for Kids

These books help kids understand that leadership comes in many forms. A strong leader listens, cares, and tries their best to do the right thing, even when it is hard.

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

Taking a chance and being brave are core aspects of effective leadership. This story follows a child who is unsure about taking a chance. At first, fear keeps the child from trying. Over time, the child learns that taking risks is part of growing.

This book shows kids that trying something new, even when scared, can lead to something great. Taking chances can teach us more about ourselves, what we want and need, and the world around us.

Price: $8.27 on Amazon, $17.95 on Barnes and Noble

2. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Based on a true story, this book tells how a boy in Malawi uses creativity and determination to build a windmill and bring electricity to his village. It all started when the drought hit William’s village, which affected their crops and caused everyone to go hungry.

It shows that leadership can begin with a simple idea and the will to help others. Kids see how a leader can solve big problems by staying curious and not giving up.

Price: $12.75 on Amazon

3. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

When Grace finds out that the United States has never had a woman president, she decides to be one. Her teacher organizes an election, and Grace finds herself campaigning against a popular boy from another class.

To become president, Grace learns about elections, teamwork, and responsibility. This inspiring story tells kids the importance of courage and hard work. It also introduces them to the American electoral system and the importance of voting.

Price: $10.67 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Every leader faces setbacks. Persistence means not giving up when plans fail or goals take longer than expected.

This book shares the stories of 13 women who never gave up. Each story shows that persistence and strength are key parts of reaching their dreams. These examples show kids how one person can make a lasting impact.

Price: $10.29 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

This book tells about the life and message of Martin Luther King Jr in an easy-to-understand way. It covers his early experiences with racism and his belief in fairness, justice, and nonviolence.

The goal of the book is to teach kids that real heroes are people who stand up for what's right, even when it's hard. Martin Luther King, Jr. led by using his voice and peaceful actions. His story teaches that courage, kindness, and hope can move people toward justice.

Price: $9.59 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

In this story, Princess Elizabeth takes control after a dragon ruins her kingdom and kidnaps the prince she was supposed to marry. She uses clever thinking and bravery, not weapons and magic, to save the day.

Elizabeth takes action, can solve problems, and is confident. These are traits of a good leader. Kids learn that true strength comes from brains, bravery, and self-respect, not fancy clothes or royal status.

Price: $9.97 on Amazon, $19.95 on Barnes and Noble

7. Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds

This beautifully illustrated book encourages kids to use their voice to make a difference—whether that means speaking up for someone else, sharing an idea, or standing up for what’s right. It shows that words have power, and even small voices can lead to big change.

Kids learn that leadership isn’t always loud or bold. Sometimes, it starts with the courage to speak up and the willingness to be heard.

Price: $9.80 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The story follows Vashti, a young girl who believes she can’t draw. Her art teacher encourages her to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” Frustrated, Vashti jabs a dot onto a blank page.

That dot leads to a journey of creativity and confidence. The Dot is about finding the courage to start, even when you doubt yourself. It shows how a little encouragement can unlock creativity, confidence, and leadership. It reminds readers that everyone has the potential to make their mark.

Price: $7.90 on Amazon, $15.00 on Barnes and Noble

9. Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome by Robby Novak and Brad Montague

This is an inspiring book filled with fun ideas and real advice about being kind, staying positive, and making a difference. It’s written in the same humorous, energetic style as Kid President’s viral videos, with messages that encourage positivity, empathy, and leadership.

The book helps kids see that leadership is about small acts that brighten someone’s day. As they read through the book, they learn that they can lead right now, wherever they are.

Price: $10.39 on Amazon, $12.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Because I Had a Teacher by Kobi Yamada

This beautifully illustrated book expresses gratitude to the teachers who help us believe in ourselves, grow, and discover our potential. Each page begins with the phrase "Because I had a teacher..." and finishes with a meaningful reflection on how that teacher changed the narrator’s life for the better.

The book celebrates the quiet and powerful role teachers play in shaping who we become. Kids are reminded that a good leader often starts with someone who inspires and guides them.

Price: $7.81 on Amazon, $12.95 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Kids can learn to be great leaders when we give them the right tools and support.

The All About Leadership Skills worksheet and these fun, age-appropriate books about leadership help them understand what it means to lead, solve problems, and make good choices. These resources make it easier for children to grow into confident leaders at school, at home, and in their communities.

For more digital resources to support leadership skills check out our Growth Mindset Posters collection.

References:

• Mehrotra, Rashmi & Prakash, Ved & Sumiya, Bushar & Agrawal, Gaurav. (2022). The Significance of Building Leadership Skills in Bright Children. World Journal of English Language. 12. 179. 10.5430/wjel.v12n3p179.
• Dicarlo, C.F., Dowell, MM.S., Fazio-Brunson, M. et al. Using Teacher Prompts to Increase Leadership Skills in Preschool Children. Child Youth Care Forum 54, 45–65 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-024-09806-8