The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids of 2024

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Did you know that teaching your kids to have a growth mindset can alter the way they look at everyday situations and obstacles? Having a growth mindset means understanding that despite your intellectual level with hard work and dedication, you can grow and succeed. Have you introduced your child to this concept?  Imagine your child is learning to ride their bike, and the first time they fall, they quit and never try again. That wouldn’t be embodying the growth mindset. Instead, imagine them falling 20 times and each time getting back on their bike with a smile. This list of the best mindset books will aid your child in doing just that. These growth mindset books for kids are perfect for building their spirit and will to grow.

If you find this list helpful, be sure to also check out our list on the best perseverance books here. We also have great picks for the best books to teach kids about money here.

Our Top Growth Mindset Book
X: A Novel
Our Top Growth Mindset Children's Book
Not Yet
Our Top Growth Mindset Picture Book
Brontorina
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Book Title
X: A Novel
Not Yet
Brontorina
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
X: A Novel
Book Title
X: A Novel
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Children's Book
Not Yet
Book Title
Not Yet
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Picture Book
Brontorina
Book Title
Brontorina
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Book Title
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-03-28

Award-Winning Growth Mindset Books for Kids

X: A Novel by Ilyasah Shabazz

Malcolm Little didn’t grow up carefree. His father was murdered, his mother was taken, and being a lawyer no longer seemed realistic. Despite his parents telling him that he could be anything he puts his mind to, he drowns his sorrows in the nightlife of New York and Boston. Yet, no matter what he does, his freedom is only an illusion.  At twenty, he finds himself in jail for theft where he allows enlightenment to take him down a new path. (Young Adult+)

Malcolm X embodies a growth mindset; he doesn’t become the intelligent and well-spoken Malcolm X that many people are familiar with until much later in his life.  This story of his beginnings proves that when you alter your thinking, you can change your life. X: A Novel has won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor.

On Sale
X: A Novel
  • Shabazz, Ilyasah (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages - 08/02/2016 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

The Most Magnificent Thing is the story of a little girl who sets out to make something magnificent. She knows exactly what it will be and how it will look.  Though her frustration almost gets the best of her, she does not.  She keeps pressing on to make the most magnificent thing.  (Ages 3-7)

The Most Magnificent Thing has won a plethora of literary awards, which include the 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2014, ALA Notable Books for Children 2015, and NSTA Best STEM Books for Students K–12 in 2017. That main character, while extremely resilient ultimately learns that her attitude determines how she responds to a problem and to create something magnificent, she must be prepared to grow and change.

On Sale
The Most Magnificent Thing
  • Book about the challenges of creativity and the value of finding a new perspective
  • Encourages confidence, persistence, determination
  • Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires

Last update: 2024-03-28


Recommended Growth Mindset Children’s Books

Not Yet by Lori Hockema and Lisa Cox

The story takes place in a day in the life of the main character, Lorisa. Lorisa goes through her life at home and school with a positive attitude, despite some minor setbacks. Lorisa’s mother exudes confidence and belief in her daughter, whereas her brother watches her with admiration. Though Lorisa is not without fault and doesn’t have it all together, she is content being a work in progress. (2-5 years old)

Lorisa embodies several qualities that even adults struggle with.  She is a model of poise and perseverance.  No matter what obstacle is put in her way, she keeps a positive attitude. Her story is one that many children can benefit from and is a significant growth mindset books for kids.  Not Yet embodies the notion that every day is a chance to learn something new and to be better than you were the day before.

Not Yet
  • Cox, Lisa (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 08/07/2019 (Publication Date) - Doodles and Dreams Publishing (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do with An Idea is the story of one child with one fantastic idea. Many things can happen with an idea.  The idea can fade. The idea can even diminish with time. However, an idea can do something far more magical.  Like the child in the story, an idea can blossom into something amazing.  In this story, the idea blossoms as the child’s confidence grow.  (5-8 years old)

This text is one of many excellent growth mindset books for kids and even adults.  Your children can permit themselves to think more prominent as they learn, as they become more aware and like the main character, more confident. This notion is what a growth mindset is about.

On Sale
What Do You Do With an Idea? — New York Times best seller
  • Hardcover Book
  • Yamada, Kobi (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Thanks for the Feedback, I Think... (Best Me I Can Be!) by Julia Cook

Thanks for the Feedback uses its main character RJ to teach children how to accept feedback. Throughout RJ’s day, he does tasks and activities that he finds pleasure in and is ultimately good at. However, when RJ receives a compliment, he is confused and doesn’t know how to respond. Late that same day RJ’s teacher gives him on criticism on things he could be doing better.  Once again, RJ is at a loss for words. (Ages 5-12)

Throughout RJ’s journey, he learns how to respond to feedback and grow. Feedback is an essential part of growth.  The more kids take in compliments and work on areas where feedback is given, the better your child will continue to be.

On Sale
Thanks for the Feeback... I Think? (Best Me I Can Be! Series)
  • Julia Cook (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 02/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Boys Town Press (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

Emmanuel’s Dream is the story of renowned cyclist, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who in 2001 rode more than 400 miles across Ghana. Unlike many kids, Emmanuel was born in West Africa with one deformed leg.  Though many people would not give him the time of day, his mother was his biggest cheerleader, always pushing him towards his dreams. As a child, he did not and could not use his disability as a crutch.  He walked to school; he learned soccer and even left home to provide for his family. (0-8 years old)

Emmanuel's Dream embodies what it means to be a growth mindset children’s book.  If Emmanuel would have let his disability hinder him, he would never be where he is today.   He continued learning and growing each day to push himself to do more.  This bock is an example that all children can learn from seeing.

On Sale
Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
  • Hardcover Book
  • Thompson, Laurie Ann (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Recommended Growth Mindset Picture Books

Brontorina by James Howe & Randy Cecil

Despite everything against her, Brontorina knows that she is supposed to be a ballerina.  Regardless of her large stature, her determination and talent are larger. Despite not having the right shoes and being more massive than her dance school, Brontorina knows that she is a dancer no matter who rejects the notion. (4-8 years old)

This book is an excellent read for children when they feel like they can’t do something.  This selection is one of the best growth mindset picture books because it shows little readers that no obstacle is too big for them to overcome; all they have to do is try.

On Sale
Brontorina
  • Howe, James (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 02/12/2013 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


My Truck Is Stuck! by Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk

This story is of two dogs whose bone truck gets stuck in a pothole.  The story, full of rhyming and chanting, is all about the two-dog’s journey to get their vehicle unstuck. (2-4 years old)

My Truck Is Stuck! is one of the best mindset books to get your little ones going.  It makes this list not only as one of many children’s books about perseverance but as a fun read for preschoolers to chant along.  It exemplifies the notion that if you’re stuck, you should never be afraid to ask for help.

My Truck Is Stuck!
  • Lewis, Kevin (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 30 Pages - 02/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Owen by Kevin Henkes

Every child has a possession that they can’t live without.  This item generally makes them feel safe and goes everywhere with them.  Owen is no different. His yellow fuzzy blanket goes everywhere with him.  Owen is about to start school, and no matter what his parent’s say he doesn’t want to part with it.  You will have to read further to find out how he overcomes this tragedy. (4-8 years old)

Owen makes this list because many of your children have been in a similar situation, and to grow, they must step out of their comfort zones.

On Sale
Owen: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner (Caldecott Honor Book)
  • Oversize hard cover book
  • Hardcover Book
  • Henkes, Kevin (Author)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Recommended Growth Mindset Books for Young Adults

The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities by Donna Pisani

The Power of Not Yet uses four significant principles to get you out of the funk that you are sitting in.  These four principles include being entrusted with choice, entrusted with the process, entrusted with “brave” and entrusted with leadership.  The book aims to teach readers how to live a life without fear but instead with endless possibilities. (Young Adult+)

This book is included on this list because it shows readers how to grow their mind to grow to their full potential.  It teaches readers to find bravery and strength within themselves to grow. This is truly one of the best mindset books for readers who are religious and have a strong belief in faith.

The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
  • Pisani, Donna (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 126 Pages - 06/02/2016 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit is all about how our habits shape our lives good or bad.  If we want different results, we must change our habits to fit the lifestyle we are looking to lead or to get to. You can learn to be healthier and lose weight by simply changing your habits. You can write a best-selling novel by picking up habits that direct you to that path.  You can ultimately transform anything about your life by creating and sticking to habits which warrant it. Charles uses a variety of real-life examples to show us this. (Young Adult+)

This is an excellent book for this list because it not only teaches you about the power of habits but how you can use them to improve in your personal or even business-centric life.

On Sale
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
  • Life changing novel
  • Duhigg, Charles (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Recommended Growth Mindset Books About Perseverance for Mid­dle Grade Readers

Raise Your Hand by Alice Paul Tapper

Raise Your Hand was created by Alice Paul Tapper, the daughter of CNN’s Jake Tapper. Alice is a typical 11-year-old who randomly realizes one day that girls don’t participate as much as boys.  This is generally done by raising their hands. As a girl scout, she wanted to do something that would make girls feel more confident and ultimately raise their hands, and they would earn a girl scout badge. In order to get the badge, the girls had to pledge to be more confident. (4-9 years old)

This is one of the great growth mindset children's books.  It shows how the girls grow and learn to be more confident in themselves, a notion that many school-age children would do well to understand.

On Sale
Raise Your Hand
  • Hardcover Book
  • Tapper, Alice Paul (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly

Fish in a Tree centers around Ally Nickerson. Ally is a sixth-grader who has been keeping a big secret from everyone; she can’t read. Though she does well in math and art, the other students often tease her and call her dumb. She is often considered a troublemaker by teachers and even classmates. However, Ally finally finds better days when she befriends to other misfits, and a new teacher starts. The new teacher soon realizes that she has dyslexia, and instead of dismissing her as most teachers do, he decides to help. This is an emotional story where uniqueness is celebrated. (8-13 years old)

This book is a true story of perseverance and growth as we see Ally fighting through continuous obstacles and ultimately coming out better on the other side.

On Sale
Fish in a Tree
  • Mullaly Hunt, Lynda (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 320 Pages - 03/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Nancy Paulsen Books (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is perfect for people who enjoy characters like Nanny McPhee.  It is a series of books about an eccentric, colorful fun woman who lives in an upside-down house and was at one time married to a pirate. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle babysits a variety of children.  The series goes into her adventures with each set of children and the lessons that she teaches. (Ages 8-12)

The entire series is based on the growth mindset as she teaches kids lessons and works through problem-solving as they go out of control.  Her solutions typically work, and children have fun while learning something new.

On Sale
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
  • Betty MacDonald (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 128 Pages - 08/14/2007 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-03-28


Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, Inspired by Historical Facts by Nikki Grimes

Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, the hypothetical story about what might happen if Susan B Anthony and Harriet Tubman sat down to have tea.  The story recounts both of their life’s experiences in a conversational manner.  They talk about their triumphs, their struggles, and what individuals played a part in their stories. (Ages 6-10)

This book is a part of this list because both women grew up in very different settings, but both made several triumphs that we still benefit from today.  If Harriet would have simply looked at herself as a lowly slave, how would all of our lives have been impacted?  They changed their mindset and ultimately changed their circumstances.

Last update: 2024-03-28


Summary of the Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids

Wrapping everything up, here are the growth mindset books for kids we went over today:

Our Top Growth Mindset Book
X: A Novel
Our Top Growth Mindset Children's Book
Not Yet
Our Top Growth Mindset Picture Book
Brontorina
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Book Title
X: A Novel
Not Yet
Brontorina
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
X: A Novel
Book Title
X: A Novel
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Children's Book
Not Yet
Book Title
Not Yet
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Picture Book
Brontorina
Book Title
Brontorina
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Growth Mindset Book
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Book Title
The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-03-28

Having a growth mindset is not easy to do, but it is undoubtedly necessary.  This sentiment feeds the notion that we are more than our most basic skills and that we can grow and develop through practice and learning. This list contains several children’s books about perseverance and even more growth mindset books for kids. Books like The Most Magnificent Thing, What Do You Do with an Idea, and “My Truck Is Stuck!” are great growth mindset books for kids that prove to them that it’s okay to dream big.  Your dreams get bigger and better as you work harder. If you are looking for a book for a young adult, the Power of Habit and The Power of Not Yet: Living a Life of Endless Possibilities is a perfect option.  No matter which book you choose, you won’t be disappointed with anyone of them.

Did you find this interesting? Check out our other reading lists here!

> The Best Books for Teaching Kids About Money

> The Best Self-Improvement Books for Young Adults

> The Best Self-Motivational Books for Students

Professor Conquer
Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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