10+ Best Self Esteem Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect self-esteem boost for your 9-year-old? You're in the right spot! Our latest roundup features the best self-esteem books for 9-year-olds, each packed with inspiring stories and empowering messages. Whether you're looking to bolster confidence or encourage positive self-image, these books are tailored just for your young reader. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to resonate and inspire!

Fun Self Esteem Books for 9-Year-Olds

• I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This vibrant and energetic book celebrates self-esteem and self-acceptance as a little girl embraces all her unique qualities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with positive affirmations and whimsical illustrations that encourage kids to appreciate themselves as they are.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhyming texts and colorful illustrations, and anyone needing a boost in self-confidence.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor, but she doesn't mind. Her grandmother has taught her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes these lessons to heart.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to embrace their imperfections and to stand tall despite challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are feeling out of place or different and need encouragement to see their unique traits as strengths.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: This story follows Vashti, a girl who believes she cannot draw, but her teacher's encouragement leads her to make a mark on a piece of paper, which becomes the start of her journey into creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and confidence in personal abilities, showing that a simple mark can lead to bigger things.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who doubts their own abilities and needs a little push to explore their potential.

• Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Grace loves stories and acting them out, and she doesn't let anyone discourage her from playing the role of Peter Pan in the school play, despite objections from classmates that Peter was neither black nor a girl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story about determination and the importance of pursuing dreams, regardless of what others say.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring actors and readers looking for a story about courage and following one's dreams.

• Incredible You! 10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer with Kristina Tracy, illustrated by Melanie Siegel
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book offers 10 life lessons for kids to help them see the positive in themselves and the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical tips in a kid-friendly language for enhancing self-esteem and personal value.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who could benefit from positive thinking and self-empowerment strategies to help them realize their inner greatness.

Educational Self Esteem Books for 9-Year-Olds

• You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything by Matthew Syed
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: The book encourages children to see the potential in themselves, focusing on the power of a positive mindset and the importance of practice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, resilience, growth mindset
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering read that breaks down complex concepts into engaging, child-friendly language and examples.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a boost in confidence and those looking to embrace challenges.

• What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story explores the exciting possibilities that appear when you take a chance, encouraging kids to step out of their comfort zones.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, courage, opportunity recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a simple yet profound narrative to teach children about the importance of seizing opportunities.
  • Perfect for: Children who are hesitant to try new things or take risks.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrated by Mark Pett
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Beatrice Bottomwell is known for never making mistakes until one day she does, and learns that life is more fun when you enjoy everything, even the mishaps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perfectionism, stress management, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that helps children understand that it's okay to make mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist kids and those who fear failure or making mistakes.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Motivational
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing, but find out that creating something new isn't as easy as it looks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the trials and errors of making something and teaches resilience and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who might get frustrated when things don’t go as planned.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: This interactive book shows how a mistake like a tear or a spill can be turned into something beautiful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perspective shifting, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to see the potential in their mistakes and to think creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and anyone who needs to learn how to embrace and learn from their mistakes.

Challenging Self Esteem Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a lonely boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse as they journey together and discuss life's important questions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text delves into complex philosophical ideas and emotional intelligence that challenge young readers to think deeply about friendship, kindness, and life's big questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights in a simple, accessible manner, encouraging children to think about personal values and the importance of compassion and support.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and any child who enjoys thought-provoking stories and beautiful illustrations.

• Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the other animals tease him, until he finds a music that he loves and discovers that he can dance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rhyming text and its rhythmic cadence enhance reading skills, while the story addresses overcoming limitations and stereotypes, which are sophisticated themes for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful read that promotes self-acceptance and perseverance, showing that everyone has a unique talent that can shine in the right circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dancing and animals, and those who need encouragement to try new things despite fears of inadequacy.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young Korean girl, moves to America and decides she needs an easier, American name. Her classmates fill a jar with names for her to pick from, but through her journey, she learns the importance and pride of her own name.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of cultural diversity and identity, encouraging readers to appreciate their own heritage and the differences of others.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s cultural identity in a multicultural world.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with cultural identity issues or anyone interested in a story that celebrates diversity.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth is set to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle, kidnaps Ronald, and burns all her possessions. Wearing only a paper bag, Elizabeth sets out to rescue him, discovering her own resourcefulness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It flips traditional fairy tale narratives, promoting themes of independence and self-reliance while challenging gender stereotypes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that encourages young readers to think critically about traditional roles and to value inner strength and cleverness over appearances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories featuring strong, clever protagonists.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows Alice Rumphius, who longs to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. She achieves all these things and finds her purpose in spreading beauty by planting lupines everywhere she goes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses life’s phases and the concept of leaving a legacy, which are advanced topics that encourage young readers to think about their own impact on the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to dream big and to consider how they can contribute positively to the world, just like Miss Rumphius.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and nature lovers, and any child who is interested in stories about life’s adventures and fulfilling one’s dreams.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you’re looking to help your 9-year-old build self-esteem through reading, you’ve come to the right place. Books are a fantastic tool for growth and development, and pairing them with engaging exercises can boost their effects. Here are some fun and effective reading exercises that are perfect for young readers.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading a more enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Character Role Play
  • What it is: Dress up and act out scenes from a favorite book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and characters, boosting empathy and self-reflection.
  • Tips: Discuss character choices and feelings after the role play to deepen understanding and connection.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member for shared reading times.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity, which can be motivating and enhance comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Choose books that both buddies are interested in to keep the activity engaging for both participants.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the events of a story.
  • How it helps: Helps with the retention of plot and aids in understanding the sequence and connection of events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to differentiate between different types of events or characters.

• Book Review Vlogs
  • What it is: Create short video reviews of books read, discussing likes, dislikes, and lessons learned.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and verbal expression, while integrating technology and creativity.
  • Tips: Keep the videos fun and light; they can be shared with family or friends to increase confidence in expressing opinions.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only improve their literacy skills but also enhance their self-esteem. Each activity is designed to be fun, engaging, and beneficial in multiple aspects of personal growth. So, grab some books and let’s make reading a superpower for self-esteem!