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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to boost your 10-year-old's confidence and skills? Look no further! Our guide to the best Self Help Books for 10-Year-Olds offers a treasure trove of resources that can help your child navigate the complexities of their world with greater ease and understanding. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to engage, inspire, and empower your young one!

Fun Self Help Books for 10-Year-Olds

• What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book features a child who encounters a chance and is unsure whether to take it. As chances come and go, the child learns about the importance of courage and seizing opportunities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to face their fears and take risks, which is a valuable lesson in both personal growth and developing confidence.
  • Perfect for: Children who are hesitant or fearful of new experiences and opportunities.

• The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey, illustrated by Stacy Curtis
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Character Development
  • Synopsis: Through delightful stories featuring a cast of animal characters, this book introduces young readers to the seven habits that can help them be more successful and happier.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex principles into relatable and understandable concepts for kids, fostering good habits early in life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and parents who wish to instill strong personal values in their children.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivation
  • Synopsis: A young girl decides to make the most magnificent thing with her assistant dog, but the task is harder than she expects. The story explores themes of perseverance and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards setbacks and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who like to build or invent things and sometimes struggle with frustration.

• You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book provides strategies and advice aimed at helping kids build confidence, embrace challenges, and strive to achieve their potential.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tool for building a growth mindset, encouraging children to see effort and practice as paths to success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young minds who need a boost in confidence and motivation to tackle their goals.

• Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Stacy Peterson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness
  • Synopsis: This guide teaches children how to manage their emotions and thoughts through mindfulness and meditation techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical exercises that help children to stay calm, focused, and happy in various situations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who experience stress or anxiety and need tools to manage their emotional well-being.

Educational Self Help Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Big Life Journal: A Growth Mindset Journal for Children by Alexandra Eidens
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive journal is designed to encourage children to develop a growth mindset through writing exercises, illustrations, and stories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, resilience, goal-setting
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses engaging activities and prompts that inspire children to embrace challenges and persist after setbacks.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive learning and parents who want to support their child’s emotional and intellectual growth.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Inspirational
  • 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. She is also brave, confident, and the star of this uplifting story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, dealing with bullying
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to appreciate their own uniqueness and stand proud despite challenges.
  • Perfect for: Children who might feel different or face bullying, and need a boost of confidence.

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Emotional Growth
  • Synopsis: This book follows Beatrice Bottomwell, a girl who never makes mistakes until one fateful day, which changes everything she thought about perfection.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping with mistakes, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand that it's okay to make mistakes and that errors can lead to growth.
  • Perfect for: Perfectionist children or those who fear failure and making mistakes.

• What Should Danny Do? by Ganit Levy and Adir Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Decision Making
  • Synopsis: This interactive book empowers kids by letting them choose the outcome of the story, focusing on a day in the life of Danny, a superhero-in-training.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, understanding consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fun, engaging way for kids to learn about the impact of their choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy being part of the story and learning about the power of decisions.

• I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the joys and challenges of being human, encouraging children to show compassion and empathy towards themselves and others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It gently guides children on how to be compassionate and connected in a diverse world.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about empathy, friendships, and the importance of understanding both themselves and others.

Challenging Self Help Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Empowerment
  • Synopsis: This book empowers young girls to embrace who they are and encourages them to find confidence in their abilities, relationships, and bodies.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex issues of self-esteem and confidence with scientific research and real-life examples that are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides actionable advice and inspiring stories that can help girls navigate the challenges of growing up with confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are looking to build self-esteem and confidence.

• Grit for Kids by Lee David Daniels
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids the concept of "grit"—the combination of passion and perseverance that is key to achieving long-term goals.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced psychological concepts and requires readers to engage in self-reflection and long-term planning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are goal-oriented and those who could benefit from learning how to persevere through challenges.

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Originally a commencement speech, this book outlines the author's life lessons learned from Navy SEAL training and how they can apply to everyday life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's concepts are drawn from military experiences which might be complex and profound for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers simple, effective lessons that promote discipline, resilience, and the importance of small daily tasks.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in leadership and self-discipline.

• The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Decision Making
  • Synopsis: This book guides teenagers through the major decisions they face, which include dealing with friends, school, and family, and avoiding or overcoming habits like drug use and recklessness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to think critically about their future and make decisions that can have a long-term impact on their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a framework for making wise choices and prepares young readers for the complexities of teenage years and beyond.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who are approaching significant life choices and challenges.

• The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Parenting
  • Synopsis: This book explores the critical importance of allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them, promoting independence and resilience.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges the conventional protective instincts of parenting, advocating for a more hands-off approach that can be complex for young minds to appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages resilience and self-reliance, teaching kids the value of experiencing and learning from failure.
  • Perfect for: Kids and parents alike, especially those who find it difficult to accept failure as a part of growing up.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop some great reading habits, incorporating exercises that are both fun and beneficial can make a world of difference. Here are a few exercises tailored specifically for young readers who are diving into self-help books. These activities are designed to enhance their understanding and foster a lifelong love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Book Discussion Dates
  • What it is: Schedule regular times to discuss the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for sharing different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare some discussion questions in advance to guide the conversation.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the book’s chapters or main ideas.
  • How it helps: Helps with the retention of information and understanding the structure of the book.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map more engaging and easier to remember.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Set up a challenge such as reading a certain number of books in a month.
  • How it helps: Adds a fun competitive element to reading.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards like choosing the next family movie or a small toy.

Using these exercises, your young reader will not only improve their reading habits but also enjoy the process of exploring new books. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light and fun, so they always look forward to their reading time! Happy reading!