20 Best Books about Resilience for Kids and Teens
Resilience Books
“It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment.”
Bram Stoker, Dracula
It’s a great quote about resilience, isn’t it? Unfortunately, too many kids are losing their resilience skills. Sure, we could sit here all day and point fingers are parents, schools and society. All three have a role. But, I’m not going to tell anyone how to parent their child. Does your child struggle with resilience? How do you know if they lack resilience skills? And, most importantly, what can you do?
Definition of Resilience
- the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
That is the definition of resilience. Think of the average toddler, who freaks out when you give them their drink in the green cup instead of the blue cup. This is how kids first learn to deal with disappointment and bounce back. It’s also why, even in the moment it’s easier to just give them the blue cup, it’s probably more valuable for the long run to make it a teachable moment.
When parents fix things instead of teaching them how to deal with disappointment, it can hinder resilience skills.
However, this is not to say that all kids who lack resilience skills have bad parents. Or, that for a real trauma or disappointment, that they should just “buck up and shake it off.” That’s not helpful either. There are a lot of factors that go into resilience, and our kids may struggle a bit more due to learning differences.
My point is, first, parenting is hard. But also that kids do need to learn to deal with life’s disappointments.
Kennett Ginsburg (one of his books in on the list) has written about this, and he defines resilience into 7cs.
7 Cs of Resilience
- Competence
- Confidence
- Connection
- Character
- Contribution
- Coping
- Control
Resilience at School
If a child lacks resilience skills, this may affect them at school. You may want to consider adding a Social-Emotional IEP goal, or SEL. You can find some ideas in that link.
For more information about these concepts of resilience and more in the resilience books below. The first list is books that a child would read, or that you would read to a child. The second list is resilience books for teens.
The last list is parenting books about resilience. Or, books that a parent would purchase and read. And then implement the ideas at home.
Resilience Books for Kids
SaleBestseller No. 1
Still I Fly: Designed to help children build confidence, resilience, grit, positive thinking, and perseverance.
- Ace, Nikki (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 41 Pages - 03/11/2019 (Publication Date) - Ace Publishing (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience
- Hardcover Book
- Neimark, Jill (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 09/07/2015 (Publication Date) - Magination Press (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Resilience: A book to encourage resilience, persistence and to help children bounce back from challenges and adversity
- Sanders, Jayneen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 42 Pages - 05/15/2017 (Publication Date) - Educate2Empower Publishing (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 4
Bounce Back Betty (Social Skills for Kids)
- Whiteside, Cindy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 39 Pages - 07/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Three Frogs Press (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 5
The Grit Workbook for Kids: CBT Skills to Help Kids Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Build Resilience
- Nebolsine LCSW, Elisa (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 136 Pages - 11/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Instant Help (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
My Strong Mind II: A children's book about resilience, growth mindset, confidence, mental health and positive emotions. Ideal for kids age 5, 6 or 7 (Social Skills & Mental Health for Kids 2)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- van Hove, Niels (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 17 Pages - 09/02/2019 (Publication Date) - Truebridges media (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 7
Resilience - Facing challenges: (Children´s Books about Resilience, Emotions Management, Kids Age 6 to 10) (EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR KIDS)
- Rodrigues, Fabiano (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 25 Pages - 05/06/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings (The Big, Big)
- Hardcover Book
- Britney Winn Lee (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 08/20/2019 (Publication Date) - Beaming Books (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 9
My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength (Social Skills & Mental Health for Kids)
- van Hove, Niels (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 10/20/2017 (Publication Date) - Truebridges Media (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 10
The Kids' Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate their Emotions and Senses
- Jessica Kingsley Publishers
- Hardcover Book
- Brukner, Lauren (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 112 Pages - 07/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Publisher)
Resilience Books for Teens
SaleBestseller No. 1
The Resilience Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Gain Confidence, Manage Stress, and Cultivate a Growth Mindset
- Bradshaw MA, Cheryl M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 05/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Instant Help (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 2
Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Ginsburg, Kenneth R (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 429 Pages - 05/26/2020 (Publication Date) - American Academy of Pediatrics (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
Growing Up Mindful: Essential Practices to Help Children, Teens, and Families Find Balance, Calm, and Resilience
- Willard, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 06/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Sounds True, Inc. (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 4
The Parents’ Practical Guide to Resilience for Preteens and Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum
- Jeannette Purkis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 200 Pages - 05/21/2018 (Publication Date) - Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
52 Essential Coping Skills: for Stress Management, Anxiety Relief - Exercises to Build Emotional Resilience, Confidence, Positivity and Well-Being - Created by Harvard Educator for Therapy & Self Care
- DEVELOPED BY HARVARD RESEARCHER TO REDUCE STRESS. Build emotional resilience and life well-being. Powerful strategies to help you become happier, calmer, wiser, and stronger in life.
- EVIDENCE-BASED SELF CARE THERAPY & MENTAL HEALTH TOOL: 50+ research-backed exercises to address negative emotions such as anger, disappointment, jealousy, shame, and low self-esteem. Help to identify personal triggers and learn how to respond.
- OVERCOME ANXIETIES. Adaptive coping strategies for dealing with daily and major challenges in life. Clear, relatable, and actionable exercises organized by emotion-focused, appraisal-focused, and problem-focused strategies.
- INCLUDES ONLINE COPING ASSESSMENT AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE QUIZ! Take the online assessments to understand where you are and how you can get better.
- FOR TEENS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, ADULTS. Build the essential skills and habits that last a lifetime! This is the Level 3 Deck in the series of AWARD-WINNING 52 Essential Cards Collection.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers - Variety Pack of 6 Shower Bombs with Essential Oils. Purple Set: Lavender, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Menthol & Eucalyptus, Vanilla & Sweet Orange, Peppermint
- Smells Ah-mazing! Just ask the thousands of women who have already melted away stress with our Shower Steamer Aromatherapy Variety Pack. Because we use only pure essential oils and nature identical fragrance, you get the true benefits of aroma therapy. Set includes 6 Shower Melts: Lavender, Menthol/Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Watermelon, Grapefruit and Peppermint. Which relaxing spa experience will you melt into first?
- Beautifully Gift Packed: You may notice, most people gift this to themselves! And why not? But just in case it wasn’t obvious, they also make great Valentines Day Gifts, Mothers Day Gifts, Fathers Day Gifts and stocking filler Christmas Gifts! So if you need gift ideas for girlfriend, gifts for boyfriend, wife gifts, gifts for husband or any birthday gifts for women or men in your life. Shower bombs for women make perfect sense, and also any essential oil loving men!
- The Strongest Scent: We’ve experienced those other shower steamers too, you know the ones that boast the strongest scent (but are anything but). So If you, like us, enjoy strong scents (but not pungent and strange), then you’ll adore Cleverfy Shower Steamers natural aromas that allow you to take slow, deep breaths and enjoy every relaxing moment. Try this home spa kit now, and see.
- Melt Away to Another Place: Simply place one of your shower fizzies into the corner of your shower. For best results, do not submerge. Allow the heady aromas to whisk you away into relaxation and enjoy your small, yet meaningful moment of self care. And unlike other shower tablets, Cleverfy Shower Steamers are non-slip, safe for septic systems, vegan, and cruelty free for a complete feel-good immersion.
- E-book Bonus for Aromatherapy Lovers: If you adore beautiful scents and the powers of Aromatherapy, then you’ll also love the free E-Book that comes with your order (valued at $12). Discover the essential oils that have the most impact in your life, for any of life’s challenges that come your way.
Bestseller No. 7
CBT 123: The Hilariously Fun Game That Empowers Kids and Teens to Take Charge of Their Thoughts, Actions, and Emotions - Updated Version
- NEW UPDATED VERSION 2.0! You asked for it, we made it: now with 80% more cards for more diverse gameplay
- HELPS TEACH CBT: CBT 123 uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach kids how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected
- EXCITING GAMEPLAY: Players work to pick up sets of 1, 2, and 3 cards, acting out the fun situations on the sets
- EASY TO PLAY: CBT 123 is extremely easy to learn and put into practice. A game can be played in 15-20 minutes
- Great for school counselors, therapists, and other professionals who work with children on anxiety, anger, depression, and coping skills. Includes a link for a free downloadable worksheet to expand its therapeutic value. For 2-4 players, ages 7-16
SaleBestseller No. 8
Giant Tumbling Timber Toy - Jumbo JR. Wooden Blocks Floor Game for Kids and Adults, 56 Pieces, Premium Pine Wood, Carry Bag - Grows from 2-feet to Over 4-feet While Playing, Life Size Yard Tower Game
- FUN FOR EVERYONE: Get the whole family involved in a super fun game! The Jumbo Wooden Blocks Game provides hours of entertainment for everyone of all ages. Children and adults will love the thrill and excitement! Block measures 6.4" L x 2.1" W x 1.2 ".
- HIGH-QUALITY & DURABLE: Each block piece is made from 100% pine wood that provides long-lasting durability. The premium quality wood withstands wear and tear and won’t receive damage after each tumble of the tower.
- CARRYING CASE: A super convenient carrying case makes it easy to transport and store all the pieces of the puzzle. Each block piece fits perfectly stacked in the zippered bag and it features two handles that make it easy to hold.
- OUTDOOR & INDOOR USE: Take the fun from the house to the lawn. This classic game is perfect for outdoor and indoor events like birthdays, BBQs, tailgating, frat parties, picnics, camping, baby showers and so much more!
- PLAY IT YOUR WAY: 20 blocks are numbered so that you can create your own rules or bonus rules like reverse direction, skip player or go again. Customize the game and make it appropriate for kids or adults.
Bestseller No. 9
Big Life Journal - Teen Edition: A Growth Mindset Journal – Interactive Journal for Teens with Writing Prompts – Journal for Teens & Tweens – Inspirational Goal Planner Guided Journal
- EMPOWER TEENS & TWEENS: This growth mindset workbook encourages children age 11+ to dream about their future. The guided journal for teens and tweens helps them develop resilience, gratitude and positivity.
- POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: Show teens the power of their own mind – this is a writing journal for teens to learn the importance of self-talk and how their mindset is shaped by their thoughts.
- TURN DREAMS INTO GOALS: The inspirational teen journal allows them to dream up their future life and the goal planner shows how to turn their BIG dreams into a series of achievable goals.
- DISCOVER INTERESTS: With fun activities and writing prompts, this is an engaging interactive journal for teens to discover their true interests – it’s the teen and tween journal they will want to use!
- BEAUTIFUL KEEPSAKE: The perfect teen journal for boys and girls, this growth mindset book has a durable hardcover and 160 pages of high-quality paper. The life goals journal turns into a great keepsake.
Bestseller No. 10
Cards Against Humanity
- Cards Against Humanity is a party game for horrible people.
- This is the main game. Buy this first.
- Contains 500 white cards and 100 black cards for maximum replayability.
- Includes a booklet of sensible game rules and preposterous alternate rules.
- America's #1 gerbil coffin.
Resilience Parenting Books
Bestseller No. 1
Resilience Parenting: Raising Resilient Children in an Era of Detachment and Dependence
- Santillo, Chris (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 156 Pages - 03/22/2019 (Publication Date) - Lioncrest Publishing (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
10 Rules for Resilience: Mental Toughness for Families
- Hardcover Book
- De Sena, Joe (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages - 10/19/2021 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings
- Ginsburg, Kenneth R (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 05/26/2020 (Publication Date) - American Academy of Pediatrics (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 4
Forgiven
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dean Cain, Kristi Lawerence, Aslyn Sowards (Actors)
- Jason Campbell (Director) - Jason Campbell (Writer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore
- Guilford Publications
- Hoffman, Kent (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 280 Pages - 02/06/2017 (Publication Date) - The Guilford Press (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Raskin, Jamie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 444 Pages - 01/04/2022 (Publication Date) - Harper (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 7
The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child
- Siegel, Daniel J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 208 Pages - 01/08/2019 (Publication Date) - Bantam (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
Kid Confidence: Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and Develop Real Self-Esteem
- Kennedy-Moore, Eileen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages - 01/01/2019 (Publication Date) - New Harbinger Publications (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers - Variety Pack of 6 Shower Bombs with Essential Oils. Purple Set: Lavender, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Menthol & Eucalyptus, Vanilla & Sweet Orange, Peppermint
- Smells Ah-mazing! Just ask the thousands of women who have already melted away stress with our Shower Steamer Aromatherapy Variety Pack. Because we use only pure essential oils and nature identical fragrance, you get the true benefits of aroma therapy. Set includes 6 Shower Melts: Lavender, Menthol/Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Watermelon, Grapefruit and Peppermint. Which relaxing spa experience will you melt into first?
- Beautifully Gift Packed: You may notice, most people gift this to themselves! And why not? But just in case it wasn’t obvious, they also make great Valentines Day Gifts, Mothers Day Gifts, Fathers Day Gifts and stocking filler Christmas Gifts! So if you need gift ideas for girlfriend, gifts for boyfriend, wife gifts, gifts for husband or any birthday gifts for women or men in your life. Shower bombs for women make perfect sense, and also any essential oil loving men!
- The Strongest Scent: We’ve experienced those other shower steamers too, you know the ones that boast the strongest scent (but are anything but). So If you, like us, enjoy strong scents (but not pungent and strange), then you’ll adore Cleverfy Shower Steamers natural aromas that allow you to take slow, deep breaths and enjoy every relaxing moment. Try this home spa kit now, and see.
- Melt Away to Another Place: Simply place one of your shower fizzies into the corner of your shower. For best results, do not submerge. Allow the heady aromas to whisk you away into relaxation and enjoy your small, yet meaningful moment of self care. And unlike other shower tablets, Cleverfy Shower Steamers are non-slip, safe for septic systems, vegan, and cruelty free for a complete feel-good immersion.
- E-book Bonus for Aromatherapy Lovers: If you adore beautiful scents and the powers of Aromatherapy, then you’ll also love the free E-Book that comes with your order (valued at $12). Discover the essential oils that have the most impact in your life, for any of life’s challenges that come your way.
Bestseller No. 10
Thought-Spot I Know What to Do Feeling/Moods Book & Poster; Different Moods/Emotions; Autism; ADHD; Helps Kids Identify Feelings and Make Positive Choices; Laminated (FLIPBOOK)
- 😍 STEM TOY AND GAME - Playing with STEM LEARNING toys in early childhood is important for many reasons. First, it helps young children to explore and understand the world around them. Plus, it allows them to collaborate with their peers, and express their thinking or creativity. Later in life, children with these skills are better able to answer complex questions, investigate issues, and develop solutions for real-world problems.
- 🛠 ADHD / AUTISM TOOL - Helps parents better understand their children's feelings. GREAT EDUCATIONAL STEM TOY AND GAME - This is a helpful learning tool for ANY child, particularly those in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary schools.
- 😎 18 DIFFERENT EMOJI MOOD TABS - Angry, bored, confident, confused, embarrassed, excited, frustrated, grumpy, happy, hungry, impatient, sad, scared, shy, sick, tired, ungrateful and worried. Kids will easily find and flip to the emotion or feeling that expresses their current mood, and the corresponding positive choice that can be taken.
- 😃 SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT - This book is designed to improve children’s social skills by role-playing with parents, siblings or other caregivers. Educational Game with lots of FUN & Creative gameplay.
- 🔍 LARGE EASY TO READ LAMINATED PAGES - Measures 8" x 9.25" with built-in 3.5" stand, Hardcover to protect inner tab pages.
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