18 Perfect Read-Alouds for Teaching Growth Mindset

A simple method to support a growth mindset is through intentional read-aloud to kids. Below is a handful of our ideal growth mindset books for kids. Without exception, all can help start conversations about risk-taking, perseverance, and failure. 

  1. What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada

In this book, a child soon finds out that it requires one to be courageous to take chances and embrace new challenges. However, in the climax, taking chances can spurn one to great experiences. 

  1. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

A small Jabari, certainly, or perhaps knows whether he’s ready to jump off a high dive. But after a lot of consideration and some tactics that seemed not to work, he finally summoned the courage to face his darkest fears and jumped the high dive. 

  1. The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

The ugly of some situations often turn out to be the fairest picture. With awesome illustrations, this story teaches that art and life is simply a process that takes patience and faith to get to the top of it.

  1. My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength by Niels Van Hove

This story takes you from the top of your head to the tip of your feet. Full of practical aids that can support children in building a strong, unwavering mind. ( Even for adults too)

  1. When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang

Sophie becomes troubled whenever she can’t find answers to a puzzle and comes to a resort that she’s not just the smart type. However, with the help of her experienced instructor, she learns with patience, and she can solve any puzzle that comes her way. 

  1. I Can’t Do That Yet by Esther Cordova

 The story teaches the great utility of the word ‘yet’ in building a growth mindset. The main character sees the potential capabilities and realizes that she can achieve any of her desired goals with hard work and commitment. 

  1. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers

This inspiring story shows a young stargazer who wishes to get a star of his own. However, after many of his good attempts, he finally learns that for your dreams to come true, it requires a bit of flexibility. This story will encourage kids to dream big and never be intimidated by the circumstances. 

  1. Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

“Oh, how Willie wished he could whistle…” starts this lovely story. Little Willie wishes he could be able to whistle for his dog. However, no matter how Willie tried, he would not get the whistling technique. Despite his failed attempts, Willie kept trying until he got to the silver lining.

  1. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka

This interesting tale tells of a young chap trying to learn how to ride a bike, as this is quite a famous achievement for every younger student. With intent in his heart and continual practice, coupled with frustrations, her woes finally came to the limelight.

  1. Flight School by Lita Judge

Penguin has huge ambitions of soaring through the sky with seagulls. However, his body is not wired for such a flight, with Penguin’s creativity and perseverance leading him to achieve his desired dreams. This story will help kids not to be confined by their four walls in life.

  1. After the Fall by Dan Santat

This story retells the fascinating “Humpty Dumpty” who sees what the fragile egg would do to reclaim his courage after initially falling from the wall. 

  1. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant

This amusing illustrated story tells the story of a skillful artist who grows up falling in love with art creativity until he, unfortunately, was injured in a war. With much patience and total commitment, he gradually regains strength in his injured right arm; however, with his abilities slightly declining, he would become the most decorated artist.     

  1. Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Rosie’s attempt to build a flying contraption for her aunt didn’t turn out as planned; she soon feels like a failure but recognizes that the only true failure in life is giving up. This story sums up acts of never giving up or in. 

  1. Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson

 Despite being born with one deformed leg, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah pursued life with a determination that aided him in accomplishing all his mind was set to do. While backed by his mother, who told him not to see his deformity as a barrier to his dreams, this tale is a captivating true story of success over adversity.

  1. Brave Irene by William Steig

Irene, the devoted young daughter of a dressmaker, must walk through a storm to deliver her mom’s work to the duchess. She must scale through the freezing temperatures and many dangerously poised situations to have a successful mission. A motivational story teaches that there are no age barriers to achieving great things.     

  1. Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Rafael López

It is an encouraging story about a girl who, against all odds, chose to be a drummer in a culture that preached against girls doing so. She would rather practice where no one could see her. Eventually, her perseverance and doggedness broke the bias. 

  1. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chiere Uegaki

Hana looks troubled about performing with her violin in the upcoming talent show. She desires to play skillfully like her grandfather in Japan, although she’s just a beginner. This inspiring story plays songs of hope to kids who are longing to gain mastery of a difficult situation and illustrates that there are various methods to be successful at a task. 

  1. Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

Ruby, young, pretty, filled with readiness and an unmatched desire towards learning, when learning is practically boys’ entitlement. However, Ruby’s tenacity and braveness led to her talent being recognized by her experienced grandfathers, who, against the norms, broke norms for Ruby to be accommodated in school.

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