10 Teen Books About Self-Esteem
It's National Teen Self-Esteem Month and so celebrate, we thought we would share a recommendation of 10 books that revolve around self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-awareness.
We chose 5 non-fiction and 5 fiction books so there's something for everyone to enjoy!
We found that many of these non-fiction books surrounding self-esteem were self help books aimed at providing facts and tips on boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. These kinds of books are great for some people, but other people might not enjoy them as much. That's why we also chose some fiction options too!
Non-Fiction
1. The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens - Megan Maccutcheon
Conquer insecurities, journey through life with confidence.Sometimes, feeling self-confident and secure seems impossible. This workbook helps make it possible by giving you practical tools to boost your self esteem, work through insecurity, and be content with who you are.
2. I Would, But My Damn Mind Won't Let Me! - Jacqui Letran
In today’s world of social media distortion, teens face their toughest challenges yet. The battlefield is in the mind and they’re not prepared for the fight.
There’s good news…
Teen Confidence Expert, Jacqui Letran, is here to help. With a Masters of Science in Nursing and over 20-years of experience with young adults, she’s skilled at equipping teens with the tools they need to win the battle with their minds.
3. Positively Teenage - Nicola Morgan
The media so often portray adolescence negatively but this book shows you how to approach these years far more positively so that you can really flourish and be in control. You'll find simple strategies to develop a positive attitude, growth mindset, self-understanding, determination and resilience and you'll see how those strengths will help you cope with any challenges, enjoy life and achieve your potential.
Full of practical, proven strategies for physical and mental health, Positively Teenage will show you lots of ways to flourish physically and mentally.
4. You Are A Champion - Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the pitch – but before he was a Manchester United and England footballer, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an ordinary kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now the nation's favourite footballer wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide for life.
5. Just As You Are - Michelle and Kelly Skeen
If you're like many teens, you probably feel pressured to live up to the impossible standards set by our culture, the media, and even by your peers. After all, everyone wants perfect hair, a perfect body, cool friends, and good grades. But while it's okay to strive to be your best, it's also easy to get caught up in a never-ending comparison game that can feed your inner critic and rob you of your happiness. So, how can you break free from negative self-criticism and learn to appreciate your strengths?
Fiction
Not all of these fiction novels are directly about self-esteem, but self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-confidence are woven into the stories in to the lines of each of these stories.
We've chosen a diverse selection, so hopefully there is something for everyone!
6. With The Fire on High - Elizabeth Acevedo (Ages 14+)
Ever since she got pregnant, seventeen-year-old Emoni's life has been about making the tough decisions - doing what has to be done for her young daughter and her grandmother. Keeping her head down at school, trying not to get caught up with new boy Malachi. The one place she can let everything go is in the kitchen, where she has magical hands - whipping up extraordinary food beloved by everyone. Emoni wants to be a chef more than anything, but she knows it's pointless to pursue the impossible. There are rules she has to play by. And yet, once she starts cooking, and gets that fire on high, she sees that her drive to feed will feed her soul and dreams too. And anything is possible.
7. Heartstopper Volumes 1-4 - Alice Oseman (Ages 12+)
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they've never met ... until one day when they're made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance.
But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised.
8. The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins (Ages 13+)
Set in a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place.
Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called The Hunger Games.
There is only one rule: kill or be killed.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence.
But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.
9. Turtles All The Way Down - John Green (Ages 12+)
Aza's life is filled with complications.
Living with anxiety and OCD is enough but when Daisy, her Best and Most Fearless Friend, brings her on a mission to find a fugitive billionaire things are about to get even more complicated.
To find Russell Pickett, Aza must enter the world of his geeky, but maybe kind-of-cute son, Davis.
But the chances of a first kiss, and maybe even a first love, could send Aza into a spiral of anxiety.
10. The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson (Ages 14+)
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life – and suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two boys. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow; the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...