Top 20 Books To Help Kids Develop Growth Mindset

Here are our top picks for books to help kids develop growth mindset.

The Growth Mindset Workbook: 60 activities for kids by DaddiLife Books

The Growth Mindset Workbook is a fun and interactive book designed to help young learners develop a positive outlook towards life, and cultivate a growth mindset. With engaging activities, reflective prompts, and colorful illustrations, this workbook is the perfect tool to help kids build resilience, embrace challenges, and become a problem solver. The workbook includes a variety of hands-on exercises and a 7 Day Growth Mindset Journal that encourage kids to think critically, set goals, and develop a growth-oriented approach to learning and life. Whether your child is looking to build their confidence, boost their self-esteem, or simply learn to see challenges as opportunities, the Growth Mindset Workbook is the ideal tool for children aged 6-12 years to help them achieve their full potential.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrations by Mark Pett

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes is the perfect book for children who seek perfection. It also teaches kids how life may be a little more interesting when they worry less. Children learn from the story that making mistakes is the best way to learn.

In this story, Beatrice is a young girl who has never made a mistake in her life. She consistently wins in the school’s annual talent competition. In her hometown, she is famous for being The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. However, she once made a mistake in front of everyone at a competition. The story continues, “What happens when she is not perfect? How does she handle the stage, and what has she learned from the mistake?”

I Can’t Reach It! by Jana Buchmann, illustrations by Eduardo Paj

This book, “I Can’t Reach It!”, teaches an important lesson about maintaining one’s self-esteem and not giving up.

Moyo, a baby giraffe, experiences new challenges every day (she cannot reach things yet). Her mother never stops coming up with new ideas to support and encourage her. One day, with her mother’s support, she discovers that anything is possible if one has belief in their abilities and skills to achieve the goal.

A World without Failures: Growth Mindset by Esther Pia Cordova, illustrations by Maima Adiputri

This book, “A World without Failures: Growth Mindset,” will highlight how mistakes are important for effective learning and how failures are actually a good thing.

In this story, a young boy named “David” hates making mistakes. One day, he started to dream of a world without failure. He consequently discovers that there are many things missing in this new world, and he soon begins to feel alone. Finally, he understands that a world without failure is not a happy place to live. So for development in life, mistakes and failures are important.

My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength by Niels Van Hove

The children’s book “My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength” is perfect for introducing kids to self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

In this story, there is a cheerful and active girl by the name of “Kate.” She meets all of her daily challenges with a strong mind and a positive attitude. In order to live a happy, successful life, she also uses techniques like goal-setting, accepting failure as a lesson, visualizing a problem, and controlling distractions.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

This book, “The Most Magnificent Thing,” teaches children about the importance of never giving up on yourself.

In this story, a girl will create something truly unique. She started to build the things in her mind with the help of her little dog. As she made one thing after another, it did not come out the way she had imagined. She gets frustrated, and her little dog suggests taking a long walk. As they walk, her thinking gradually becomes more clear, and she develops a new strategy to construct what she had imagined.

What Do You Do With A Problem? by Kobi Yamada, illustrations by Mae Besom

This book, “What Do You Do With A Problem?”, teaches children to face problems. With every problem, there is an opportunity to work through it.

In this story, a boy faces a problem one day. He started to avoid the problem because it was quite scary. But, until he decides to face it, his problem will continue to bother and upset him. Once he made the decision to handle his problem, it turned out to be something quite different than it first appeared to be.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

This book, “Jabari Jumps,” teaches children that it is normal and okay to experience fear occasionally, but the most important thing is to overcome those fears!

A boy in this story named “Jabari” who completed his swimming lessons and passed his swimming test. He is now a great jumper. Jabari looks cool and calm when watching other kids have their turns. But when his dad approached him, he looked to be under a lot of stress. What happens next in this story? Did Jabari overcome his fear to take his turn or not?

Hana Hashimoto by Chieri Uegaki, illustrations by Qin Leng

This book, “Hana Hashimoto,” is perfect for handling emotions and expressing perseverance, preparation, courage, self-confidence, and love.

In this story, Hana, a young girl, hears the violin being played by her grandfather. She started taking violin classes after falling in love with the sound. After completing three lessons, she was given the chance to perform in a talent show and she decided to do so. She gets teased by her brother, but she is stubborn and finds a unique way to play her best. Hana finally surprises everyone — including herself!

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still by Karlin Gray, illustrations by Christine Davenier

This book, “Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still,” is a biography of the famous gymnast Nadia Comaneci.

Nadia Comaneci was always active and full of energy in early childhood, her mother enrolled her in gymnastic classes after noticing her energy, and the rest is history. She received a remarkable seven flawless scores during her debut as an Olympic gymnast. This book portrays Nadia’s journey from a small-town girl to a world-class athlete with many imperfect moments.

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg

This book, “Beautiful Oops!” is for parents who want their children to learn that it is “okay” to make mistakes.

This story illustrates the idea that every mistake offers the opportunity to create something beautiful. We (people of all ages) make mistakes, but children sometimes struggle to accept them. If your child has smeared, damaged, or torn up their favorite drawing, consider it an opportunity to create something beautiful!

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

This book, “The Dot,” describes the impact of one adult’s action on a child’s life. It also shows the value of teacher-student bonding.

This story features a girl named “Vashti” who thinks she cannot draw, but her teacher took her word for it. Vashti is encouraged by the teacher to angrily sign a piece of paper. Later, it shows how a teacher’s creative thinking can influence a child’s creativity and self-confidence.

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

This book, “The Book of Mistakes,” teaches children that sometimes the best ideas come from the biggest mistakes. One artist modifies her work in surprising ways by incorporating accidental spots into her art.

I Can’t Do That, YET: Growth Mindset by Esther Pia Cordova, illustrations by Maima Adiputri

This book, “I Can’t Do That, YET: Growth Mindset,” teaches children to believe in themselves.

Enna, the main character of this story, is a shy girl who lacks confidence. The path of Enna’s dream is portrayed in this story; Enna is surprised by everything she has learned to do as her dreamscape exposes her possible side. Finally, she understood that growth would not be quick; it would require patience, wisdom, and commitment. Can Enna develop the ability to handle challenges with a smile?

Your Thoughts Matter: Growth Mindset by Esther Cordova, illustrations by Mariya Elizarova

This book, “Your Thoughts Matter: Growth Mindset,” serves as a manual for teachers and parents to help children better understand how to encourage positive thinking and how to develop self-esteem.

In this story, a girl named “Romy” is hiding a secret from everyone, including her mother. She has two friends (voices) inside her head: Fixi and Growi. Growi encourages her to be positive about new things and push herself outside of her comfort zone, while Fixi pushes her to play it safe and avoid trying anything new. The story continues. Which voice will Romy choose to listen to?

My Strong Mind II: THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING by Niels Van Hove

This book, “My Strong Mind II: THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING,” teaches children to learn additional methods for strengthening their minds.

The main character of the story is a good-hearted and joyful youngster named “Jack”. He had to deal with peer pressure, negative self-thoughts, anger management, and accepting his fears. Jack uses all of his mental strength to handle his daily challenges with a positive attitude.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

This book, “The Day the Crayons Quit,” focuses on a young boy named “Duncan” and his box of crayons. One day, Duncan wants to draw but has no supplies because the crayons have been on strike. In order to keep his crayons happy, Duncan wants to find a way to solve this problem.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

This book, “The Wonderful Things You Will Be,” is perfect from the point of view of parents who are excited to watch their child’s development.

This story expresses all the wonderful thoughts that parents have about their children (such as who they will be and what interests they will possess), while they look upon them. In the end, a child’s future holds an almost endless variety of opportunities.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez

This fun book, “The Day You Begin,” tells the story of understanding that, although being unique from everyone else, once you have the guts to tell your story, the world will give you the space you deserve, people will listen, and you will undoubtedly feel less alone.

Magical Mia Super Self-Talk! by Julie Cassetta, illustrations by Elena Taranenko

This book, “Magical Mia Super Self-Talk!” teaches children to recognize and challenge negative thoughts as well as how to take control of their moods, thoughts, and experiences.

In this story, a girl named Mia tries soccer for the first time, but she is not very good. She started to criticize herself and became frustrated. Thankfully, Mia’s friend gives her a way to help her identify and challenge the negative thoughts she has about herself and change her thinking.

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

The main character of this story, Ramon, likes to draw, but one day his elder brother makes fun of one of his creations, shattering both Ramon’s self-esteem and the joy he finds in his work. However, his sister has a different perspective and opens his eyes to something much more valuable than getting things just “right”.