Books That Highlight Courage and Confidence for Kids

1 November 2025

Every parent wants their child to grow up brave and self-assured, ready to face the world with confidence. But let’s be honest—getting them there can be a wild ride. One moment, they're slaying imaginary dragons with a plastic sword, and the next, they're too shy to order their own ice cream.

So, how do you nurture courage and confidence without turning your living room into a full-time motivational seminar? Books! Books are magical little portals that help kids see bravery in action, learn from relatable characters, and (hopefully) absorb some of that bold energy like a sponge.

If you're on a quest to fill your child's bookshelf with tales of fearlessness and self-belief, you're in luck. Here's a list of the best books that highlight courage and confidence for kids—with a little humor thrown in for good measure!

Why Courage and Confidence Matter for Kids

Before we jump into the book recommendations, let's talk about why these traits are so important.

Life Is One Big Adventure (With Occasional Monsters)

Kids face new challenges all the time—making new friends, trying out for the soccer team, tackling long division (which, let’s be honest, is an act of bravery in itself). Having a solid dose of courage helps them push past fear and embrace new experiences instead of hiding under their blankets at the first sign of uncertainty.

Confidence Helps Them Navigate the Playground (and Life)

Confidence isn’t about being the loudest kid in the room—it’s about believing in themselves, even when things don’t go as planned. Whether it's standing up for themselves, presenting a school project, or asking for extra sprinkles on their ice cream, confidence makes all the difference.

And what better way to teach these life skills than through stories? Here are some fantastic books to inspire your little ones to be brave and bold.

Books That Teach Kids to Be Courageous and Confident

1. "The Thing Lou Couldn't Do" by Ashley Spires

Lou is fearless—except for one tiny issue: she can’t climb a tree. Gasp! Instead of immediately conquering the challenge, she makes about a million excuses. Sound familiar? This book hilariously showcases that courage isn’t about succeeding immediately but about trying, failing, and trying again.

✅ Best For: Kids who struggle with new challenges
✅ Lesson Learned: Trying (even failing) builds confidence

2. "Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae

Gerald the Giraffe wants to dance, but, well… giraffes aren’t exactly known for their moves. With a mix of humor and heart, this book teaches kids that confidence comes from believing in yourself, even when others think you can’t. Plus, who doesn’t love a breakdancing giraffe?

✅ Best For: Kids who feel like they don’t fit in
✅ Lesson Learned: Confidence comes from within

3. "Jabari Jumps" by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is ready to take on the high dive—until he’s standing at the edge, knees shaking. This book perfectly captures the moment of hesitation before a child does something scary, making it a great story for kids who need a little extra nudge to take their own leaps of faith.

✅ Best For: Kids afraid of trying new things
✅ Lesson Learned: Facing fears makes you stronger

4. "Brave Irene" by William Steig

Irene has an impossible mission: deliver a dress in the middle of a raging snowstorm. Most kids would say, “No, thank you!” and go back inside for hot cocoa, but not Irene. With sheer determination, she proves that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about pushing forward even when things get tough.

✅ Best For: Kids who give up too easily
✅ Lesson Learned: Perseverance is the key to courage

5. "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds

Vashti doesn’t believe she can draw—until a single dot changes everything. This beautifully simple story encourages kids to believe in themselves, embrace creativity, and just start instead of worrying about perfection.

✅ Best For: Kids who lack confidence in their abilities
✅ Lesson Learned: Confidence grows when you take the first step

6. "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton

This inspiring book shares stories of real women who refused to give up, despite facing obstacles. From Harriet Tubman to Oprah Winfrey, these short yet powerful stories remind kids (especially girls) that persistence and courage can change the world.

✅ Best For: Strong-willed kids (or those who need a push)
✅ Lesson Learned: Determination leads to confidence

7. "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty

Rosie loves to invent things, but when one of her creations flops, she’s ready to throw in the towel. This book hilariously highlights the importance of resilience, showing that every mistake is just another step toward success. Also, who doesn’t love the idea of a cheese-powered helicopter?

✅ Best For: Future inventors and problem-solvers
✅ Lesson Learned: Failure is part of the journey

8. "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers

This beautifully written and illustrated book reassures kids that they are strong, worthy, and enough—just as they are. It’s a confidence booster disguised as a bedtime book, and honestly, we could all use a reminder like this.

✅ Best For: Kids who need a self-esteem boost
✅ Lesson Learned: Self-love fuels confidence

9. "The Lion Inside" by Rachel Bright

A timid little mouse dreams of roaring like a lion, but how could such a tiny creature be brave? This heartwarming story teaches kids that bravery doesn’t always mean being the loudest—it’s about believing in yourself (even if your roar is more of a squeak).

✅ Best For: Kids who want to be braver
✅ Lesson Learned: Courage comes in all sizes

10. "What Do You Do With A Problem?" by Kobi Yamada

This book takes a unique approach to problem-solving, showing kids that problems aren’t scary monsters—they’re opportunities in disguise. It’s a clever way to teach resilience and bravery when life throws curveballs.

✅ Best For: Kids who worry too much
✅ Lesson Learned: Problems help us grow

How to Use These Books to Boost Your Child’s Confidence

Okay, so you’ve got the books—now what? Here are some quick tips:

📖 Make It Fun – Read together using silly voices, dramatic pauses, and over-the-top reactions. The more engaging, the better!

🗣 Talk About It – Ask your child questions like, “What would you do in this situation?” or “Have you ever felt like this character?” Discussions help reinforce the lessons.

🌟 Practice Confidence-Building Activities – Encourage your child to try something new, speak up, or take small risks in everyday life. Books are great, but experience is even better.

Final Thoughts

Courage and confidence aren’t just traits kids are born with—they’re skills they can learn, just like riding a bike or mastering the art of making the tallest Lego tower. And books? They’re like the cheat codes to helping kids develop these game-changing life skills.

So, the next time your little one hesitates to step onto the playground, raise their hand in class, or try that mysterious green vegetable, remind them of these fearless fictional characters. After all, if a giraffe can learn to dance and a mouse can find its roar, your kid is capable of anything.

Happy reading—and may your child’s courage (and book collection) grow as big as their imagination!