Self-Esteem
Many factors influence the development of our children's self-esteem.The messages children receive from family, school and media all help to shape their self-image. We want to help children develop as positive a self-image as we possibly can, and there are many great books that can help. Check out my YouTube video as well as the links to the books listed below. Happy reading!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Be You - I love this book! The simple message of this book is that no matter who you are, where you go, or what you’re destined to do, just be yourself.
Her Body Can - I’m so in love with this book! It’s full of empowering messages about body positivity, girl power and self-love. Featuring gorgeous illustrations of all the things our incredible bodies can do. I love the way this book teaches us to embrace and love ourselves, exactly as we are. The rhymes on each page make it even more engaging. We need more size-inclusive books like this. **A very special thank you to East 26th Street Publishing for sending us a copy of Her Body Can.**
I Like Myself and I’m Gonna Like Me are both odes to self-love through the ups and downs of every day life. I Like Myself has both an English and Spanish version. Our local library had I’m Gonna Like Me as a kit with an audio CD. The kids in my classroom enjoyed reading the book while listening to the narrator (Jamie Lee Curtis!). You can find it on Audible or get the CD if you’re library doesn’t have it.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be - This sweet and special book illustrates all of the hopes and dreams that parents have for their children. As our little ones grow, we watch and wonder who they’ll be. Emily Winfield Martin has expertly captured the feeling we have when we look at our children and imagine how bright their futures are. Check out the Spanish edition.
Be Who You Are, It’s Ok To Be Different (English) Spanish Edition and It’s Okay To Make Mistakes are some of my favorite books! They’re simple and silly, and give us endless reasons to remember that we’re all perfect just the way we are (even when we make mistakes)! Todd Parr is just a fantastic author and his books combine important messages with a bit of humor. Check the links above or your local library for Spanish editions of these books!
A Boy Like You & A Girl Like You- I love these books for so many reasons. They’re full of intelligent and empowering messages for all kids. Frank Murphy encourages kids to be themselves, follow their dreams, listen to the stories of others and share their emotions. With gorgeous illustrations of diverse characters by Kayla Harren, these books have it it all!
All The Way To Be Smart - a celebration of our strengths, in all of their unique and beautiful ways. This message is an important one for all children. It helps them to understand how vital each of our talents and roles is.
My Kinky Coily Hair - an absolutely beautiful book! Meet Naomi and follow her on her journey, as she learns to love and celebrate who she is. We first meet Naomi as she looks into the mirror and wishes she had hair like her friends. By the story’s end, she’s a strong, confident young girl, who is empowered by her grandmother’s words: “these coils of yours show how strongly we are connected in our community, with our culture and with our ancestors.” I love the way this book shows readers that just a small shift in our mindset can make a big impact. A special thank you to author, Ms. Aisha Rice, for sharing this book with me!
The Day You Begin - an awesome book featuring many diverse characters. This book illustrates the challenges that children face when they feel like they’re too different from their peers. It encourages the reader to take a brave first step and share their stories. Available in Spanish.
Just Ask! - this book explains so many different and important topics to children in clear and appropriate ways. In this book, readers will meet children who help them explain Asthma, allergies, Diabetes, Autism, blindness, deafness, Dyslexia, using a wheelchair, Tourette’s Syndrome and stuttering. I love the way each child in the book explains their needs and helps readers draw parallels to their own lives. Written by U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, who struggled to explain her diabetic needs to other children in her early life. This book is one of my new favorites!! Also available in Spanish.
Hooray For You by Marianne Richmond celebrates all of the special qualities that make us unique. This book is colorful, sweet and perfect for any little one who could use a self-esteem boost.
Thelma the Unicorn - Thelma, the donkey, wants nothing more than to be a beautiful unicorn. But what happens when she gets her chance? She finds that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be and longs to be herself again. A fun and simple book about the advantages of just being yourself. *UPDATE* Check out The Return of Thelma The Unicorn.
Marvelous Me Inside and Out This book has everything! Messages about body positivity, self-esteem and even explain why it’s important to eat broccoli!
Be Brave Little One - a sweet and simple book about having courage in the face of challenges. This book is perfect for any little reader who is going through a rough transition or phase.
I Belong - a gorgeous book, full of affirmations about the special places that we hold in our families and friendships. This book is great for toddlers, twos and young preschoolers, because it helps promote their senses of belonging. Books like these are so important because they help children understand that they are safe and loved.
Her Body Can - I’m so in love with this book! It’s full of empowering messages about body positivity, girl power and self-love. Featuring gorgeous illustrations of all the things our incredible bodies can do. I love the way this book teaches us to embrace and love ourselves, exactly as we are. The rhymes on each page make it even more engaging. We need more size-inclusive books like this. A very special thank you to East 26th Street Publishing for sending us a copy of Her Body Can.
My Magical Words is a fabulous book about the power of our words and how they effect our self-esteem. With fun rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations, this book is full of empowering messages about all the wonderful things that we are, and all we can be. Author, Becky Cummings, and, illustrator Zuzana Svobodova, offer practical tools for children and families in their “The Magic of Me” series.
Their latest book, My Magical Choices, allows readers to take a closer look at the choices they make, and how these decisions impact themselves and those around them. I absolutely LOVE this series of books because they allow children to take ownership of their words, choices and behaviors, in order to promote self-regulation.
Mirror- is such a special book! Have you ever seen your child looking in the mirror, lost in his/her own reflection? Mirror celebrates these special moments, in which our children find themselves in their reflections and explore all that they can be. Follow our main character as she goes from baby to big kid, growing into a confident, powerful and capable young girl.
Benny’s True Colors - This book is so sweet and heartwarming, it’s a definite MUST READ! Benny is bat who doesn’t feel like a bat. He stays awake during the day and hates eating bugs. He loves flying with the butterflies, admiring their beautiful colors and patterned wings. With the help of his butterfly friends, and lots of love and support from his mom, he finds a way to make his outer appearance match his inner butterfly. The messages in this book encourage readers to be who they are, not to please others, but just for themselves. They also illustrate how important it is for kids to have our unconditional love and support as they navigate questions about identity and orientation.
The Magical Yet and I Am Just Right - Are two great books I’ve recently fallen in love with. So often our kids get bogged down in all of things they can’t do. These heart-warming books remind us that there are so many things they can already do, and so much more they will achieve.
I Am Enough and I Believe I Can- are two gorgeous books by author and actress, Grace Byers, and illustrator Keturah A. Bobo. They feature children from all different ethnic backgrounds and of different abilities. They’re full of positive affirmations, presenting the message that we are all enough, just as we are and that we can achieve anything. The gorgeous illustrations and inspiring text will give you all the feels.
Perfectly Norman - When Norman sprouts wings one day he’s afraid of what others will think of them. He tries to hide them from everyone. He hides inside of a winter coat, missing out on his life with his friends and family. When he finally decides to show everyone his wings he is overjoyed to find others like him who love to fly.
Most Marshmallows - is a book that will make you laugh out loud! Most marshmallows go to school and learn marshmallow things, like how to be squishy. But some marshmallows, like our kids, have big dreams and know that they can learn how to accomplish anything. This fun and captivating book will inspire your little one to believe in themselves and chase their dreams!
I Am Perfectly Designed - I’m in love with this sweet book, which brings us into the world of an inseparable father and son. They share adventures, make sweet memories and explore their city, all the while celebrating that they are perfectly designed for each other. Make sure you have a tissue nearby because it made me tear up!
You Are So Wonderful - This book begins with the words “you are so wonderful. This is true. God made no one else like you.” A beautiful ode to all of the things that make us unique and beautiful, from our smiles to our fingers and toes. Great for conversations about both faith and self-esteem, featuring children from many diverse backgrounds.
Incredible You! 10 Great Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through - I’m always on the lookout for books with practical strategies and this one definitely makes the cut. I love the way the author, Dr. Dyer, pairs empowering messages with ideas for children to make the world a better place.
All Because You Matter - A simply beautiful book, full of love and affirmations from parents to their young son. Charles and Collier weave powerful, lyrical text, and enchanting illustrations creating an indispensable tool for empowering young children of color. I love the way this book invites readers to connect with their ancestors and the rich tapestry of African American history.
Your Name is a Song - After her teacher and friends mispronounce her name, Kora-Jalimuso, is frustrated, and doesn’t want to go back to school. She finds inspiration and a renewed sense of pride when her Momma teaches her that her name is a beautiful song. She helps Kora-Jalimuso tap out the syllables and sounds of her name and many others. Upon returning to school, she teaches her whole class how to sing their names, and how to say hers properly. I LOVE the way this book teaches readers the importance of saying names correctly and the impact it makes on young children.
Don’t forget to check out the glossary of names mentioned in the book, which includes the pronunciation, meaning, and country of origin of each!
Have I Ever Told You? - Have you ever wished you could take all of your sweet sentiments, wisdom, and memories about your children, and weave them together? If you could, that tapestry would look like this.
I’m Growing Great - this book is absolutely gorgeous and I was so excited to find it at my local library. With stunning illustrations and heartfelt affirmations, this book celebrates the growth of each child’s mind, body, and spirit.
Quick Tips:
Preview the books before you read them, this will help you decide if they're right for your child.
While reading, take your time, let your child take in the words and pictures.
As you read, listen carefully to the questions that come up. You'll gain insight into how your child is thinking and feeling based on what they say.
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
