Building up the self esteem of our children is an important job. It is also becoming increasingly difficult in the age of social media. So I am always thrilled when I find empowering books for kids that share how much they can do when they believe in themselves and do their best. This list is full of books that would make graduation gifts for kids of any age!

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Go Get ‘Em Tiger!

Written by Sabrina Moyle and Eunice Moyle

This vibrantly colored book from the team behind Hello!Lucky is bursting with encouraging phrases with a funny tiger theme. The text includes bright and bold fonts to draw attention to the power of the words on the page, and the illustrations follow the adorable tiger character as he does amazing things. The message that kids can do anything they put their minds to, is paired with advice about helping others, staying cool, and being true to yourself. My daughter is pretty tiger obsessed lately, so she has been requesting this one over and over again.

The Sky is the Limit

Written by Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar

This colorful little book comes from the team behind Happiness Is... The sweet rhyming text in this book celebrates all of the things that you can do and all of the amazing experiences that the world has to offer. From large dreams and goals to small daily joys, the text inspires the reader to go out and enjoy life. The vibrantly colored illustrations show kids having fun, working hard, and meeting the goals they set for themselves, encouraging the kids reading it to do the same.

Related Post: 12 Books That Celebrate Being Yourself

Be You!

Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This beautiful book is a perfect gift for kids or even adults who need a dose of encouragement and a reminder of how great they are. Each two page spread shares a bold, empowering statement reminding the reader to be curious, persistent, kind, and more. It also includes a short paragraph giving concrete tips for how to embody that trait. The illustrations are done in Reynolds’ signature style, with a diverse cast of children experiencing life and celebrating all of the things that they can do.

Beautiful You

Written by Katherine R. Christoff and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

This sweet interactive book follows a young girl as she talks directly to the reader about her life. She talks about her worries that she looks differently than other kids her age, and how she talks to her mom about these fears. She also asks the reader if she does the same. The text then explores all of the ways that little girls can be special and unique. It also encourages the reader to think about what makes her special too. The back of the book even includes a space for young girls to draw whatever it is that makes them special. The illustrations are sweet, showing girls of various sizes, races, hairstyles, and more.

Related Post: Empowering Books for Girls and Feminists 

Superluminous

Written and illustrated by Ian De Haes

Nour is a little girl that was born with a special glow around her. She loves her glow, and she believes that it is her superpower. When she starts school and the other kids don’t understand it, she decides that she wants to hide it from the world. Soon, her glow starts to dim. When her little sister needs comfort in the middle of the night, Nour realizes that her light is not only powerful, but allows her to help others. This sweet story is accompanied by bright and beautiful illustrations, and the message reminds kids that self confidence, empathy and bravery can make you feel stronger, and show you the power inside yourself.

Thank You Body, Thank You Heart

Written by Jennifer Cohen Harper and illustrated by Karen Gilmour

As we face the challenges of every day, it’s important that we have a healthy mind and body. This book encourages kids to give thanks to all the parts of their body that help them every single day. This journey of gratitude and self compassion creates a solid bedtime practice for kids as well. Reminding kids of all the amazing things that their bodies can do empowers them to go out and do their very best every day.

You Are Ready! The World is Waiting

Written and illustrated by Eric Carle

This brightly colored book features short, motivational phrases to inspire young kids to make their mark on the world. The text is paired with vibrant illustrations using Eric Carle’s signature style. The vivid colors and various textures are sure to delight fans of his previous books, and keep the attention of very young kids.

What are your favorite empowering books for kids? Share in the comments below!

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