Top 85 Growth Mindset Books For Children And Adults
One easy way to help children develop a growth mindset is to introduce them to books that promote persistence, love of learning, learning from mistakes, and other key growth mindset ideas. Here's a list of our favorite and most popular books for you and your kids!
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our FREE Personal & Family Values. This printable provides a great opportunity for your family to explore and identify values that can help guide you and your children in making the right choices.
Ages 1 - 4
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by Tony Wilson A cow jumps over the moon... But the moon is very high in the sky. How many attempts will it take before the cow makes her famous highflying leap? |
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by Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk In this lyrical read-aloud, young drivers are introduced to the ins and outs of hauling, beeping, and repairing -- get ready for a fun ride! |
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by Anna Dewdney Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn't come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. |
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by Watty Piper and Loren Long The story of a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children. After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill. |
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by James Howe & Randy Cecil Brontorina has a dream. She wants to dance. But Brontorina is rather large — too large to fit in Madame Lucille’s dance studio. Brontorina does not have the right shoes, and everyone knows you can’t dance without the proper footwear. Still, Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina.
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by Demi Demi's exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping's embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.
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by Leo Lionni While the other field mice work to gather grain and nuts for winter, Frederick sits on a sunny rock by himself. “I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days,” he tells them. And when the food runs out, it is Frederick, the dreamer and poet, whose endless store of supplies warms the hearts of his fellow mice, and feeds their spirits during the darkest winter days. |
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by Kevin Henkes Owen had a fuzzy yellow blanket. "Fuzzy goes where I go," said Owen. But Mrs. Tweezers disagreed. She thought Owen was too old for a blanket. Owen disagreed. But when school started, Owen't mother knew just what to do, and everyone -- Owen, Fuzzy, and even Mrs. Tweezers -- was happy. |
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by Dr. Seuss From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within. |
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by E. Litwin Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes, along the way, he steps in piles of big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good. |
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Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster by M. Nelson-Schmidt James finds himself in a new situation, he hears his Whatif Monster asking all kind of questions to stop him trying something new: What if it's scary? What if they laugh? Finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own. |
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be by E. Winefield Martin From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. |
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by D. Daywalt Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! |
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by G. Andrea and G. Parker-Rees With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. |
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by M. Sheehan This sweet and inspirational book reminds us of the simple things that really do make for a happier life: making friends, being thankful, dreaming big, and most of all—being happy! |
Ages 4 - 8
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This guided journal is the world's first growth mindset journal created specifically for children. It is packed with stories, poems, quotes, illustrations, and writing prompts. Children explore important topics like resilience, confidence, believing in yourself, staying positive, and learning from failure. |
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After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat This masterful picture book reminds readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up. |
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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by J. Deak This fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain will empower each young reader to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their Fantastic, Elastic Brain!
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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.
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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. |
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The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein Meet Beatrice Bottomwell: a nine-year-old girl who has never (not once!) made a mistake. Life for Beatrice is sailing along pretty smoothly until she does the unthinkable she makes her first mistake. And in a very public way! |
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by Barney Saltzberg The book shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful.
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by Margaree King Mitchell & James E. Ransome This book is great for story hours featuring relatives, and it could start children saving for their own dreams.
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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! |
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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! |
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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. |
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Mindset Matters (Without Limits) by Bryan Smith & Lisa Griffin An entertaining and eye-opening look at the power of the "gonna get it done"mindset.
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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. |
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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo It is a children's book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.
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Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be by Charlotte Foltz Jones & John O'Brien The book offers forty of unusual tales, along with hilarious cartoons and weird and amazing facts.
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Thanks for the Feedback, I Think (Best Me I Can Be!) by Julia Cook Parents and teachers will love taking kids on RJ s journey as he discovers feedback s many forms, and learns to accept and grow from criticism and compliments at home, school and with friends. |
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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.
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What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada What Do You Do With a Problem? is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It's a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it's here.
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by Deloris Jordan Michael feels the reason he isn’t very good at basketball is that 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. |
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Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still by Karlin Gray Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games. This story shows that her triumph was the result of years of practice and dedication. |
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Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, this book tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. |
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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. |
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Creatrilogy Box Set (Dot, Ish, Sky Color) by Peter Reynolds The Dot An enchanting invitation to self-expression! Don’t worry, just make a mark — and see where it takes you. |
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Dreams Come True...All They Need Is You! by Mike Dooley An enchanted night reveals what every little girl and boy already knows: that dreams come true, all they need is you! |
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by Lita Judge Although little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn’t built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly! A wonderful story for encouraging kids to think outside the box. |
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by William Steig Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on. An inspiring story that teaches that anyone (no matter how small) can accomplish great things.
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by Ole Konnecke It is a simple, funny picture book with an encouraging positive message. It's a great gift for anyone embarking on a new venture: a child about to start school, a teenager finishing high school, a college student graduating, or anyone starting a new job or going overseas. |
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by Wayne W. Dyer In this book, Dr. Dyer teaches kids about excuses: what they are, where they come from, and how to eliminate them so boys and girls can reach their full potential. This is a story of a boy with a seemingly impossible dream who almost lets excuses stand in his way. |
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by Shirin Yim Bridges Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. This book will inspire children to go after their big dreams. |
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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. |
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by Oliver Jeffers Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars and emerging with a friend. A great story for encouraging kids to dream big and never give up.
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A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant This story tells the tale of a talented artist with great determination and creativity. He did not allow his unfortunate circumstances to prevent him from becoming a celebrated artist. |
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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. |
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by Ashley Spires An inspiring story about overcoming the fear of failure and trying new things.
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by Andrea Beaty Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials.
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by Andrea Beaty Touching on themes of never giving up and problem- solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions.
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by A. Levy & G. Levy An interactive book that empowers kids with the understanding that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives into what they will be.
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by D. McGill With fun and silly pictures, and a simple but positive message, "I Won't Quit" teaches children about their very own superpowers.
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I Can’t Do That, YET: Growth Mindset by E. Cordova Enna is a girl who doesn't believe in herself and often utters the phrase "I can't do that!" She develops a growth mindset throughout her journey and instead of saying "I can't do that," she learns to say "I can't do that YET!”. |
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by K. Yomada In this story, a child is visited by his first chance and unsure what to do with it, he lets it go. Later on, when a new chance arrives he reaches for it, but this time he misses and falls. Embarrassed and afraid, he begins ignoring each new chance that comes by, even though he still wants to take them. Then one day he realizes that he doesn't need to be brave all the time, just at the right time, to find out what amazing things can happen when he takes a chance. |
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by S. Covey For the Seven Oaks friends, there is always something to do. Whether they're singing along with Pokey Porcupine's harmonica or playing soccer with Jumper Rabbit, everyone is having fun and learning all sorts of things. These seven stories show how practicing the 7 Habits makes this possible for the whole Seven Oaks Community. From learning how to take charge of their own lives to discovering how balance is best, the Seven Oaks friends have tons of adventures and find out how each and every kid can be a happy kid! |
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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! |
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by S. Magsamen A life full of adventure first requires big dreams. And big dreams need big encouragement. From world-renowned author and artist Sandra Magsamen comes You!, offering inspiration and hope to readers from 1 to 100. Includes colorful, lively illustrations along with whimsical rhyming text that can be cherished in almost any setting. |
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I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by S. Verde When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice from the bestselling picture-book dream team that brought us I Am Yoga. Express emotions through direct speech. Find empathy through imagination. Connect with the earth. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Breathe, taste, smell, touch, and be present. |
Ages 9 - 12
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by Natalie Lloyd Right before her mother died, Emma promised that she'd do whatever it took to fulfill her destiny. But when Emma's dream finally arrives, it points her toward an impossible task--finding a legendary treasure hidden in her town's cemetery. This book is about determination and following your dreams. |
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by Emily Arnold McCully With charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, this introduction to one of the most prolific female inventors will leave readers inspired.
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by Astrid Lindgren Read the book that inspired Studio Ghibli's series, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter! A thrilling adventure crafted by the author of Pippi Longstocking.
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by Astrid Lindgren Tommy and his sister Annika have a new neighbor, and her name is Pippi Longstocking. She has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another! |
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by Betty MacDonald Perfect for fans of Mary Poppins and Nanny McPhee, this classic series is all about learning and problem-solving. Young readers will love this book.
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by L.M. Montgomery Anne is described as bright and quick, eager to please, talkative, and extremely imaginative. She has a pale face with freckles and usually braids her red hair. The book recounts Anne's adventures in making a home: the country school where she quickly excels in her studies; her friendship with Diana Barry (her best or "bosom friend" as Anne fondly calls her); her budding literary ambitions; and her rivalry with classmate Gilbert Blythe, who teases her about her red hair. For that, he earns her instant hatred, although he apologizes many times. As time passes, Anne realizes she no longer hates Gilbert but cannot bring herself to admit it. However, by the end of the book, they become friends. |
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by R.J. Palacio August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. |
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by K. Parker Girls being fearless. Girls being silly. Girls being wild, stubborn, and proud. Girls whose faces are smeared with dirt and lit up with joy. So simple and yet so powerful, Strong Is the New Pretty celebrates, through more than 175 memorable photographs, the strength and spirit of girls being 100% themselves. |
Ages 14 +
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by Gayle Forman Heart wrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time. |
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by Roald Dahl After James Henry Trotter's parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. |
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A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket This book features unfortunate events, but it also teaches some valuable lessons. Despite numerous misfortunes children do not give up, stay positive and come up with constructive ways of dealing with their losses. |
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by Beth Bracken Dorothy never stopped trying to get home even when the Wicked Witch of the West sent flying monkeys after her. The book teaches that when the going gets tough, stick to your yellow brick road and you'll overcome your obstacles too.
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by Jerry Spinelli Jeffrey Lionel "Maniac" Magee might have lived a normal life if a freak accident hadn't made him an orphan. After living with his unhappy and uptight aunt and uncle for eight years, he decides to run--and not just run away, but run. |
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by Caren Baruch-Feldman Written by a clinical child and school psychologist and based on the latest research, The Grit Guide for Teens will help you build perseverance, resilience, self-control, and stamina. |
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse who lives in a garden, must move her family before the farmer begins plowing. Will the rats of NIMH - a group of highly intelligent laboratory rats - help her find a solution to her dilemma? |
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by John Reynolds Gardiner Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. |
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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.
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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 |
Growth Mindset Books for Adults
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Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. |
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Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed—be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people—that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” |
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How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter for success have to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control. |
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Mindsets for Parents: Strategies to Encourage Growth Mindsets in Kids by Mary Cay Ricci This book gives parents and guardians powerful knowledge and methods to help themselves and their children learn to embrace life's challenges with a growth mindset and an eye toward increasing their effort and success! |
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The Growth Mindset Coach: A Teacher's Month-by-Month Handbook for Empowering Students to Achieve by Annie Brock A complete and easy-to-follow guide for inspiring every student with the power of growth mindset. |
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The Growth Mindset Playbook: A Teacher's Guide to Promoting Student Success by Annie Brock An easy-to-implement collection of creative ideas and new strategies that inspire students with the power of growth mindset. |
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The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander Presenting twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into all human endeavors, The Art of Possibility is the dynamic product of an extraordinary partnership. |
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Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes Shonda’s sister laid down a challenge: just for one year, try to say YES to the unexpected invitations that come your way. Shonda reluctantly agreed―and the result was nothing short of transformative. |
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by Jo Boaler This book provides a proven, practical roadmap to mathematics success for any student at any age. |
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The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child by D. Siegel In The Yes Brain, the authors give parents skills, scripts, ideas, and activities to bring kids of all ages into the overwhelmingly beneficial “yes” state.
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How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk by A. Faber Filled with straightforward advice and written in their trademark, down-to-earth style sure to appeal to both parents and teens, this all-new volume offers both innovative, easy-to-implement suggestions and proven techniques to build the foundation for lasting relationships. |
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7 Practical Ways to Teach Children Growth Mindset by Big Life Journal This growth mindset parenting eBook is astep-by-step guide packed with research-based tips, real-life examples, and talking scripts to help you integrate a growth mindset into your child's everyday life so it sticks. |
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by L. Daniels Teach your kids to develop Grit, that combination of passion, purpose, and perseverance that has been identified as a key to success!
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by S. Guise Perfectionism is a naturally limiting mindset. Imperfectionism, however, frees us to live outside the lines, where possibilities are infinite, mistakes are allowed, and self-judgment is minimal.
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Recommended Parenting Books
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The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey This groundbreaking manifesto focuses on the critical school years when parents must learn to allow their children to experience the disappointment and frustration that occur from life’s inevitable problems so that they can grow up to be successful, resilient, and self-reliant adults. |
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Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide by Rebecca Eanes Filled with practical, solution-oriented advice, this is an empowering guide for any parent who longs to end the yelling, power struggles, and downward spiral of acting out, punishment, resentment, and shame--and instead foster an emotional connection that helps kids learn self-discipline, feel confident, and create lasting, loving bonds. |
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The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman Discover your child's primary language—then speak it—and you will be well on your way to a stronger relationship with your flourishing child. |
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Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Laura Markham This remarkable guide will help parents better understand their own emotions—and get them in check—so they can parent with healthy limits, empathy, and clear communication to raise a self-disciplined child. Step-by-step examples give solutions and kid-tested phrasing for parents of toddlers right through the elementary years. |
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The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. |
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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber Enthusiastically praised by parents and professionals around the world, the down-to-earth, respectful approach of Faber and Mazlish makes relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding. |
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The Danish Way Of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids by Jessica Joelle Alexander With illuminating examples and simple yet powerful advice, The Danish Way of Parenting will help parents from all walks of life raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world. |
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by Kim John A manifesto for protecting the grace of childhood, Simplicity Parenting is an eloquent guide to bringing new rhythms to bear on the lifelong art of raising children.
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No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel Complete with candid stories and playful illustrations that bring the authors’ suggestions to life, No-Drama Discipline shows you how to work with your child’s developing mind, peacefully resolve conflicts, and inspire happiness and strengthen resilience in everyone in the family. |
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Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla Kabat-Zinn With the growing interest in mindfulness as a way of living, and with increasing scientific evidence of its value for optimal health and well-being, including a new field in psychology devoted to mindful parenting, and with mindfulness being increasingly integrated into K-12 education, there has never been a better time for cultivating greater mindfulness in parenting and in family life. |
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by Lea Waters Unlock your children’s potential by helping them build their strengths. |
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by Dr. Tsabary This innovative parenting style recognizes the child’s potential to spark a deep soul-searching leading to transformation in parents. Instead of being merely the receiver of the parents’ psychological and spiritual legacy, children function as ushers of the parent’s development. |
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Such a great list with so many amazing books. I’m honored that our book “I Can’t Do That, YET” that empowers especially young girls with a growth mindset is a part of this wonderful selection.
We just recently listened to Fish In A Tree, a story about a dyslexic girl struggling through school and learning to read. Great growth Mindset examples.