5 Back to School Confidence-Boosting Books for Middle Grade Readers

You Are Awesome, by Matthew Syed
British Olympian Matthew Syed knows a thing or two about perseverance and positive thinking. In this collection of advice, anecdotes, and statistics, he shares the power of a positive mindset, goal-setting, and successful failures. Focusing on not only his own story, but those of recognizable pop culture figures, this a motivational text that will appeal to middle grade readers. For teachers and parents, a list of additional resources and discussion questions is also included.

Positively Teen: A Practical Guide to a More Positive, More Confident You, by Nicola Morgan
While recognizing that the teen years are full of awkward moments, this text focuses on how to navigate these minefield years with positivity. Readers are challenged to focus on themselves as individuals, identifying their own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that these strengths and weaknesses are what make each teen’s journey different, even while so much brain development is the same. Issues such as stress, relationships, sleep habits, social media, and building empathy are tackled using a conversational style. Advice to readers is broken up with quizzes, humor, and quick activities. Readers will be continuously engaged, and reminded of the community available to support them.

Fearless: The Confidence Journal for Girls, by Jennifer Calvert
 Sometimes, navigating the changes of the adolescence and teen years can feel overwhelming. This guided journal includes not only quotes and wise words of inspiration, but also 60 journal prompts that encourage self-reflection, acceptance, and yes, even mess-ups and scratched-out ponderings. It’s journaling for those who need a little more help organizing their complex feelings, or recognizing the value in their own successes and failures. And who, teen or otherwise, doesn’t need that?

The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life, by Kwame Alexander
Newbery Award-winner Kwame Alexander has gathered words of wisdom and linked them to sports metaphors in a way that both athletes and non-athletes can appreciate. Written in poetic form, the advice is given in  quick vignettes. In addition to Alexander’s poems, the book includes quotes not only from figures from across the sports world, but also other notable individuals who have overcome obstacles to become the best versions of themselves.

Stick Up For Yourself!: Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem, by Gershen Kaufman Ph.D and Lev Raphael Ph.D
Based on a program originally developed for adults, and now in its third edition, this guide to finding your voice has withstood the test of time. Exercises guide the reader through identifying personal feelings and goals, as well as challenges. An emphasis is placed on learning problem-solving skills, taking responsibility for behavior, and making choices that are best for the individual. There are also opportunities for journaling.