14 Black Children’s Books About Confidence, Determination, and Self-Esteem

Support your child or student in building confidence, determination, and self-esteem with these incredible Black children's books!

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo
The purpose of this book is to teach kids that they are perfect the way they are regardless of one’s abilities, culture, looks and to recognize diversity and respect for one another.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Mistakes Are How I Learn by Kiara Wilson, illustrations by Kentura A.Bobo, Balzer 
This book teaches emotional social needs and helps you understand that everyone makes mistakes, we all learn from them but also helps us as individuals with perseverance.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

I Will Be Fierce  by Bea Birdsong, illustrations by Nidhi Chanani
This book with pictures talks about strength, self-esteem, courage, and encouraging words on how each person is fierce in their own way.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Mary Can  By Mary J. Blidge,  illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner Ashleigh Corrin
This book is letting you know that you can do anything you put your mind to.  No matter how hard it gets, keep trying and you are bound to be successful at it.  She tells a story about how she never gave up and wants females in general to understand YOU CAN do anything you put your mind to. 

​Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

I am Courage/Book of Resilience  by Susan Verde,  illustrations by  Peter H. Reynolds
This book teach kids how to stay courageous and believe in their inner strength.  To know that they are smart in everything they do.  

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

.You Can Do It  by Tony Dungy,  illustrations by Amy June Bates
This book talks about encouragement.   Want kids to know  they can do anything they put their mind too.  That no matter the situation, never give up on trying.  Most importantly, to have self motivation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

The Boy Who Never Gave Up  by Anthony Curcio, illustrations by Anthony Curcio
This book is about a professional NBA basketball player named Stephen Curry, who plays for Golden State.  It tells you a story about how he was in highschool and was the weakest person on the high school basketball team but he kept trying because he wanted to be the best.  Now he is one of the best NBA basketball players today because he never gave up!

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

You are Important   by Todd Snow,  illustrations by Melodee Strong
This book helps kids know they are important and they matter.  The children today is our future and it speaks about how important you are as an individual while communicating and helping others.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

Because I am Me  by Ericka J. Gibson, illustrations on November 30, 2020
This book was designed to let children know that they have brown skin, that you are who you are and that you are beautiful. Helps build up self esteem and positive affirmation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

I can Do Hard things  By Gabi Garcia,   illustrations by Charity Russell
This book help confirm what you already know.  Affirmation on esteem and how to overcome different challenges that may come your way.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Planting Peace/The story of Wangari Maathai   by Gwendolyn Hooks,   illustrations by Margaux Caarpentier
The first Black woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize.  This encouraging story speaks on women’s rights as activists and the first environmental warriors who conquered a movement by planting trees in Kenya in the 1960’s.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Little Legends/ Exceptional men in Black History  by Vashti Harrison, illustrations by November 19, 2019
This nonfiction book is about true stories of black men in history. You will hear about several activists, artists, pop stars, athletics. 
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Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

Little Dreamers/Visionary Women around the World  by Vashti Harrison, Illustrated on November 6, 2018
This inspiring book talks about women all over the world who were dreamers just like you.  educating and inspiring little dreamers to grow up to something  wonderful and amazing.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here.

I Choose To Try Again/Story of perseverance and diligence.  by Elizabeth Estrada
This book teaches young ones how to keep going and to never give up when things get too hard. They need to know and understand that you learn from your mistakes so they can help you grow fierce in any situation.

Watch a live read-aloud of this book here. 

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