Best Children's Self-Esteem Books of 2025

Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day by Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill is a beautifully illustrated picture book filled with inspiring affirmations that remind children of their worth and infinite wonder. The book emphasizes the importance of self-love and standing firm, regardless of outside voices and doubt. The digital illustrations have a DIY feel that may inspire kids to create their own art. This treasure trove of positive affirmations and heartening title will help instill much-needed feelings of self-worth in little ones.

The "A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book Box Set" is an excellent tool for parents to help their children learn about emotions. The set comes with a hardcover special edition book and eight plush toy emotions, including Anger, Anxiety, Peaceful, Sadness, Happiness, Love, Confidence, and Scribble. The book has a bonus mirror and a feelings poster, which helps children identify facial expressions. The set makes a perfect gift and is an excellent addition to any children's emotions books. Overall, the set is a unique and effective way to teach children about emotions.

Holes by Louis Sachar is a modern classic that follows the misadventures of Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to a boys' detention center for a crime he didn't commit. The boys at Camp Green Lake spend all day digging holes, but Stanley soon realizes that there's more to their punishment than meets the eye. This inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment, social commentary, tall tale, and magic realism is well-crafted and thought-provoking. Holes is a must-read for kids and adults alike, and it's easy to see why it won the Newbery Medal and National Book Award.

A New York Times Best Seller and award-winning book, What Do You Do With an Idea? is for anyone who's ever had a big idea.. This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started.. Praise for What Do You Do With an Idea?. National best seller, appearing in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.. Gold medal winner of the Independent Publishers Award, the Washington State Book Award, and the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.. "What makes this message so unique is the simple but beautiful way it's delivered, in narrative and illustration, through the eyes and voice of an innocent and hopeful child. What Do You Do With An Idea? is a spectacular book for all ages and is a wonderful treasure for any home or school library."—The Children's Book Review "Despite the fact that it's Yamada's first time writing a children's book, it's had breakout success, selling over 300,000 copies since its publication date of January 2014."—Publisher's Weekly

The bestselling Giraffes Can't Dance is now a board book!Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face—who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird.. And don't miss R.J. Palacio's highly anticipated new novel, Pony, available now! I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.  August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

An Instant New York Times Bestseller!Be a smart cookie—and don’t miss the fifth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from creators Jory John and Pete Oswald! This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!Check out Jory John and Pete Oswald’s other funny, bestselling books for kids 4-8 and anyone who wants a laugh:The Bad SeedThe Good EggThe Cool BeanThe Couch PotatoThe Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape!The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, the Spooky!That’s What Dinosaurs Do

This empowering collection of true stories from teenage Scripps National Spelling Bee champ and Guinness World Record holder Zaila Avant-garde is a must-read for kids who need inspiration to embrace their inner weirdness and persevere through obstacles. Zaila shares her personal anecdotes that have shaped her life and extends advice to readers on living authentically. Her peppy, casual tone is sure to speak to young readers and encourage them to reach for the stars. With solid advice and insightful humor, Avant-garde delivers an inspiring how-to manual that compels readers to lean into what makes them different and to never be ashamed of acknowledging their wins. Overall, "It's Not Bragging If It's True" is an upbeat volume that celebrates uniqueness and encourages young people to follow their dreams.