Social Skills & Self Esteem Books
Books that focus on social skills, self-esteem, and etiquette can be incredibly helpful for elementary-aged children because they introduce key concepts like empathy, communication, confidence, and emotional self-awareness in ways that are engaging and relatable. Through characters and stories kids can see themselves in, these books help children understand how to navigate social situations, manage big feelings, and build respectful relationships with others.
Reading about social situations and positive behavior also opens up natural opportunities for parents or educators to discuss why kindness, listening, and good manners matter—skills that support healthy friendships and confidence both in and out of school. These kinds of books function as gentle, fun tools for reinforcing social-emotional learning and boosting self-esteem in early development.
Here are some books that are available on Amazon that come highly recommended:
You’re a Star: A Child’s Guide to Self‑Esteem – Uses simple CBT-inspired strategies to help children understand and grow their self-worth and confidence.
Being Me: A Kid’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self‑Esteem – A highly rated, kid-friendly guide to building a positive self-image.
Social Skills for Kids 3 to 10: 90 Fun Activities – A book packed with activities to practice making friends, understanding social cues, and navigating interactions.
Sometimes I Feel Like I Don’t Have Any Friends – A relatable story that can help children working through feelings of loneliness and social uncertainty.
What Can I Say: A Kid's Guide to Super-Useful Social Skills to Help You Get Along and Express Yourself; Speak Up, Speak Out, Talk about Hard Things, and Be a Good Friend