One easy way to encourage growth mindset is through engaging, purposeful read-alouds. Here are some of our favorite growth mindset books for kids, all of which can help jumpstart conversations about failure, risk-taking, and persistence.
1. What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada
In this story, a child discovers that it takes courage to take chances and say yes to new opportunities. But in the end, taking chances can lead to incredible experiences.
2. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Little Jabari is absolutely, maybe, pretty sure that he’s ready to jump off the high dive. After much observation and lots of stall tactics he finally works up the courage to face his fears and take a leap.
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3. The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
Sometimes things that look like smudgy messes actually evolve into the most beautiful pictures. Beautifully illustrated, this story teaches us that creating (art and life) is a process that requires patience and faith.
4. My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength by Niels Van Hove
This charming story is chock-full of helpful practical tips to help children (and all of us, really) build a strong mind.
5. When Sophie Thinks She Can’t… by Molly Bang
Sophie is frustrated when she can’t solve a puzzle and comes to the conclusion that she just isn’t smart. But with the help of her wise teacher, she learns with patience and perseverance she can solve any problem she sets her mind to.
6. I Can’t Do That, YET by Esther Cordova
A tale that teaches the importance of the word ‘yet’ in developing a growth mindset. The main character imagines all of her potential future selves and realizes with hard work and dedication she can reach any goal she desires.
7. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
In this inspirational story, a young stargazer wishes to catch a star of his very own. Despite his many creative attempts, he learns in the end that sometimes having your dreams come true requires a little flexibility. A great story for encouraging kids to dream big and never give up.
8. Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
“Oh, how Willie wished he could whistle …” begins this beloved classic. Young Willie longs to be able to whistle for his dog, but try as he might, he just cannot figure out how to do it. We follow along as Willie goes through his day, trying, trying and trying some more until finally his efforts are rewarded with a tweet!
9. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka
This sweet tale follows the course of a little one trying to learn to ride a bike, a milestone to which younger students will surely relate. With determination and practice, as well as a fair share of frustration, her trials ultimately lead to triumph.
10. Flight School by Lita Judge
Penguin has big dreams of soaring through the sky with the seagulls. Although his body is not remotely designed for flight, Penguin’s creativity and ingenuity, not to mention his persistence, lead to the fulfillment of his dreams. A wonderful story for encouraging kids to think outside the box.
11. After the Fall by Dan Santat
This beautiful retelling of “Humpty Dumpty” imagines what the fragile egg would do to regain his courage after falling from the wall.
12. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant
This whimsically illustrated story tells the tale of a talented artist who grows up immersed in the joy of creating art until he is tragically injured in a war. Very patiently, with great determination, he slowly regains some of the control in his injured right arm, and although his abilities aren’t exactly the same, he goes on to become a celebrated artist.
13. Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty
When Rosie’s attempt to build a flying contraption for her aunt doesn’t turn out quite as she plans, she feels like a failure but learns that in life the only true failure is giving up. A story of pursuing one’s passion with perseverance.
14. Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson
Although he was born with one misshapen leg, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah pursued life with a tenacity that helped him accomplish all that he set his mind to. Encouraged by his mother, who told him to pursue his dreams regardless of his handicap, this story is an inspiring true story of triumph over adversity.
15. Brave Irene by William Steig
Irene, the loyal young daughter of a dressmaker, must forge through a dreadful storm to deliver her mother’s work to the duchess. She must brave the howling wind, the freezing temperatures and many dangerous obstacles in order to complete her mission. An inspiring story that teaches that with proper motivation, there are no age restrictions on accomplishing great things.
16. Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Rafael López
An inspiring true story about a girl who dared to dream of being a drummer in a culture that said girls could not. She practices in secret and never gives up on her dream. Ultimately, her perseverance and belief in herself change a culture and reverse a long-held taboo.
17. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chiere Uegaki
Hana’s worried about playing her violin in the talent show. She longs to play beautiful music like her grandfather in Japan, but she’s only a beginner. She is determined to play her best though, so she practices every day. This inspiring story offers hope and confidence to all children who are yearning to master something difficult and teaches that sometimes there is more than one way to be successful at a task.
18. Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges
Ruby is a young girl filled with curiosity and a hunger for learning in a time when schooling is traditionally a boy’s privilege. Her hard work and courage result in her skills being recognized by her powerful grandfather, who breaks with tradition and clears the way for Ruby to further her education. This is a great story for inspiring kids to break down barriers in their pursuit of the love of learning.
Teachers, what are your favorite growth mindset books for kids? Come share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE! group on Facebook.
Also, get our free poster “8 Phrases That Nurture Growth Mindset” for your classroom here!
