Books to Help Students Develop a Positive Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset helps students achieve their educational and personal goals. That is why My Teaching Library has developed these products for the classroom.
Along with these products, here are some suggested books to add to your classroom that can help students learn to have a growth mindset…
- Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
Horton the elephant hears a cry coming from a piece of dust. In it, he finds a tiny town of people who need help. No one believes Horton, but he doesn’t give up. He works hard to prove that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”
- Making A Splash by Carol E. Reiley
Inspired by the popular mindset idea that hard work and effort can lead to success, Making A Splash is the first of its kind type of story.
- The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly.
- Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
The book shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful.
- The Empty Pot, by Demi
Ping is excited! Each child has one royal seed to plant, and the child with the best flower becomes the next Emperor. Ping cares for his seed, but it doesn’t grow. Still, Ping stands out for trying hard to grow his seed, even though he has an empty pot.
- Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook & Allison Valentine
This creative story centered on growth mindset teaches children (and adults) the valuable lesson that becoming is better than being, which can open the door to a whole new world of possibilities!
- Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
A story about Willie who goes through his day, trying, trying and trying some more until finally his efforts are rewarded with a tweet!
- Not Yet by Lisa Cox
The setting of the book is one full day in the life of Lorisa, the main character. The story takes you through her day at home and at school as she models for children a positive attitude as she makes some mistakes and experiences successes.
- I Think, I Am! Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations by L. Hay and K. Tracy
Fun illustrations and simple text demonstrate how to make the change from negative thoughts and words to those that are positive. The happiness and confidence that come from this ability is something children will carry with them their entire lives!
- She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton & Alexandra Boiger
The book is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.
- Thanks for the Feedback, I Think (Best Me I Can Be!) by Julia Cook
Parents and teachers will love taking kids on RJs journey as he discovers feedbacks many forms, and learns to accept and grow from criticism and compliments at home, school and with friends.
- What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.
- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, by Robert C. O’Brien
Mrs. Frisby is a dedicated mouse mom who needs help for her sick son. She gets it from a group of smart laboratory rats. Together they have adventures. Their journey to safety is scary — but fun to follow!
- Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
Michael feels the reason he isn’t very good at basketball is because he is short. His mother suggests a little bit of salt in his shoes would help him grow. Months go by and he still isn’t any taller. Michael later learns that his practice and determination are more important than being taller.
- Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Wayne W. Dyer
In this book, Dr. Dyer teaches children how to hold on to the no-limit thinking he believes they were born with, rather than just trying to “fit in.” In doing so, they can learn to truly enjoy life and become unstoppable as they strive to attain their dreams.
- Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki
Hana’s worried about playing her violin in the talent show. She’s only a beginner! She is determined to play her best, so she practices every day. This inspiring story is about mastering something difficult. It teaches that sometimes there is more than one way to be successful at a task.
- The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires
An inspiring story about overcoming the fear of failure and trying new things.
- Stone Fox, by John Reynolds Gardiner
Willy’s grandfather can’t work on their farm, and they may lose it. So Willy enters a dogsled race for prize money to keep the farm. He has to compete with Stone Fox, who’s never lost a race. Stone Fox becomes a challenge — and an inspiration — to Willy.
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
This award-winning contemporary classic is the survival story with which all others are compared—and a page-turning, heart-stopping adventure, recipient of the Newbery Honor.
- Kira-Kira by C. Kadohata
When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it’s Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it’s Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow