The Best Growth Mindset Books for Teachers & Classrooms
This post and its photos may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.
Are you ready to sprinkle some magical growth mindset dust in your classroom?
We’re talking about that “you got this” vibe that turns “I can’t” into “I’ll try” and transforms challenges into springboards for success.
It’s time to discover some great books that are not just a teacher’s ally but a secret superhero for our little learners’ brains.
Enter the world of growth mindset books for teachers, your go-to treasure trove that’s brimming with stories, strategies, and the kind of classroom wisdom that sticks with kids way past their school years.
These gems are not just books; they’re your sidekick in fostering a can-do attitude and a belief in the power of yet among your kiddos.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get cozy, and find that perfect book to turn your classroom into a vibrant garden where every student’s potential blossoms.
Growth Mindset in the Classroom
Teaching young minds to have a strong, growth-oriented mindset may seem like a big task, but there are tricks and tools that can make it much easier.
One of the coolest ways to do this in your classroom is through children’s books!
These special stories aren’t just fun to read—they also teach us really important lessons about never giving up, learning from mistakes, and enjoying the journey of learning.
When we share these stories in our classroom, we create a special space to discuss challenges and how to overcome them.
Gain access to our library of free printables!
Because we all want our kids to be happy and healthy — not just for right now, but for the rest of their lives.
Favorite Growth Mindset Books for Teachers
Stories help to take kids on a transformational journey into a world of imagination and possibility.
Here are some of our favorite growth mindset books for teachers to read in the classroom. This could also be used for homeschooling or just to read at home by parents who are helping to encourage a growth mindset in their children!
Beatrice Bottomwell offers a lesson we could all benefit from: learn from your mistakes, let go, laugh and enjoy the ride.
Mike Curato's book introduces us to Little Elliot, a small elephant living in a big city. Through Elliot's adventures, children learn about overcoming challenges, finding their place in the world, and the value of a growth mindset.
For the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes.
'Ish" is a heartwarming story that celebrates creativity and the idea that 'ish' is sometimes better than perfect. It encourages children to embrace their unique expressions and not be afraid of imperfection.
Featured resource
Growth Mindset Lesson Plans
Dive deep into these growth mindset lessons designed to give kids the tools they need to develop resilience, grit, and determination in the face of challenges.
This book focuses on growth mindset for kids and handling emotions. The story is easy to read, contains a rhyming scheme, and is a great tool for developing literacy alongside social skills.
”I Choose to Try Again” is a story with social emotional learning (SEL) in mind. It has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide. This story told from Kiara’s point of view will help open your child's mind to what it feels like to fail, and then try again. Kiara will teach your child how to be mentally strong.
This book follows the journey of a young boy determined to catch a star. It encourages children to dream big, persist in the face of challenges, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals.
The Little Engine that Could" is a timeless classic that teaches the value of a can-do attitude and determination. It encourages young readers to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome challenges.
This great story is actually a true story of the basketball legend Michael Jordan. It discusses how he had to overcome a ton of obstacles and have a growth mindset.
The story of basketball legend Michael Jordan, told by his mother and sister, emphasizes the importance of perseverance and a growth mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult, this encouraging and uplifting book reminds us that we all have things we haven't learned...yet!
This tells the story of Gerald the Giraffe, who learns that with determination and self-belief, he can dance in his own unique way. It encourages children to embrace their individuality and believe in their abilities.
This growth mindset children's book follows Jabari as he faces his fear of jumping off a diving board. The story encourages children to approach challenges with courage and highlights the rewards of pushing beyond their comfort zones.
In Kobi Yamada's "What Do You Do with a Chance?", a child learns the value of taking risks and seizing opportunities. It promotes a growth mindset by emphasizing the transformative potential of embracing chances.
This explores how a child deals with a persistent problem. It encourages readers to face challenges with courage and creativity, highlighting the potential for growth and learning in every difficulty.
This story celebrates the idea that it's perfectly fine to be 'just okay' at some things. It encourages self-acceptance and reminds kids that growth and improvement are ongoing processes.
Featured resource
Growth Mindset Bestsellers Bundle
Don’t miss out on this gigantic collection of activities, crafts, and worksheets to help the kids in your life develop a ‘can do’ attitude.
This tells the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who overcame physical challenges with his leg to ride a bike across Ghana. This book emphasizes the power of determination and a growth mindset in the face of adversity.
This story highlights how some famous inventions came about through unexpected mistakes. It encourages a positive perspective on errors and showcases the potential for creativity and innovation.
This amazing book follows the story of Rosie, a young inventor. It promotes a growth mindset by showing how Rosie overcomes challenges and learns from her mistakes on her journey to becoming a successful engineer.
Written in a "Choose Your Own Story" style, the book follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, through his day as he encounters choices that kids face on a daily basis. As children navigate through the different story lines, they will begin to realize that their choices for Danny shaped his day into what it became. And in turn, their choices for themselves will shape their days, and ultimately their lives, into what they will be.
This book introduces children to the concept of positive energy and a growth mindset. It inspires young readers to approach life with optimism, resilience, and a can-do attitude.
This one tells the story of a seemingly 'bad' seed who decides to change his ways. It teaches children about the potential for growth and transformation, even when things might seem challenging.
This story celebrates the idea that mistakes can lead to something wonderful. It encourages creativity and a positive attitude towards making and learning from errors.
This one shows Humpty Dumpty's journey after his famous fall. It beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance and a growth mindset, reminding kids that setbacks are just opportunities for a fresh start.
This one compares two mindsets: a 'bubble gum brain' that's flexible and open to new ideas (aka-a growth mindset), and a 'brick brain' that's resistant to change (aka-a fixed mindset.) It encourages children to have a flexible mindset for better learning and problem-solving.
This amazing book teaches kids about the incredible capabilities of their brain. It shows how our brains can grow and change, emphasizing the idea that with effort and practice, we can learn and achieve amazing things.
This book emphasizes the importance of having a positive mindset. It encourages young readers to believe in themselves and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
This story follows a young girl who learns to add the word "yet" to her vocabulary, signifying that she can't do something now, but with effort and practice, she can achieve it in the future. It promotes a growth mindset and the belief in one's potential.
10 Growth Mindset Discussion Questions
Reading books to kids about growth mindset in the classroom and at home is a really great way to help incorporate this type of positive thinking.
Finding some favorite picture books with relatable characters resonates with young readers.
To effectively use the growth mindset picture books below, you also want to engage your students in thoughtful conversations about the main characters, the problem and solution, and how these stories can relate to real life.
The questions below should help kids reflect on how they can apply these concepts in their lives. You can pick and choose which ones make sense to use.
Try having students journal about their answers and incorporate some writing into your lessons with these growth mindset books.
Check out these growth mindset discussion questions:
1. What challenges did the main character face in the story, and how did they approach them?
2. Did the main character believe in their ability to overcome difficulties? How did this belief affect their actions?
3. Were there any moments in the story where the main character made mistakes? How did they handle these mistakes?
4. Did the main character seek help or advice from others when they faced challenges? Why or why not?
5. How did the main character feel when they accomplished something they had been working hard on?
6. Can you relate to any of the feelings or experiences of the main character in the story?
7. What strategies or techniques did the main character use to learn and grow throughout the story?
8. Is there a part of the story that surprised you or made you think differently about approaching challenges?
9. What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character? How might you apply a growth mindset?
10. Can you think of a time in your own life when you faced a challenge and used a growth mindset to overcome it?
Why Mindset Matters: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
Whether a child is in elementary, middle, or high school….mindset absolutely matters! (It matters when you’re an adult, too!)
Let’s think of a fixed mindset, sort of like a puzzle with only one solution. People with a fixed mindset believe there’s only one way to succeed.
It’s like a locked door that will never open. A fixed mindset discourages exploration and innovation.
But when you have a GROWTH mindset?
Well, then, you see challenges as opportunities for creative play!
It’s like an open door inviting you inside to explore all things that are possible!
In a fixed mindset, people might feel stuck or frustrated when things get tough.
They might think:
‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’m just not good at it.’
This way of thinking can make it hard to bounce back from setbacks.
On the other hand, with a growth mindset, challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and grow.
People with a growth mindset might say, ‘I’ll try a different way’ or ‘I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will!’
This positive outlook can make a big difference in how we approach problems and achieve our goals. So, remember, having a growth mindset is like having a secret tool that helps us turn challenges into chances for success!
Did you know we have a growth mindset activity journal for kids available on Amazon, too?!
Teach kids to tackle anything that can (and will) come up in life.
5 Growth Mindset Strategies to Teach Kids
Kids with a growth mindset are powerhouses of potential—they’re confident in their abilities and know that with effort and persistence, they will only get better.
They don’t shy away from the tough stuff; instead, they push through, undeterred by hurdles.
This attitude does wonders for their self-esteem right from a young age.
As educators and parents, we have a golden opportunity to teach them some simple strategies to help increase their growth mindset.
1. Embrace Challenges: Encourage kids to see challenges as exciting opportunities to learn and grow. Help them understand that making mistakes is a natural part of learning, and that it’s okay to ask for help when faced with difficulties.
2. Set Goals and Celebrate Progress: Teach kids to set specific, achievable goals. Celebrate small victories along the way to show them that progress is something to be proud of. This helps instill a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
3. Use Positive Self-Talk: Help kids develop a positive inner dialogue. Encourage them to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations like “I can do this” or “I’ll give it my best shot.” This shift in thinking fosters confidence and resilience.
4. Learn from Mistakes: Emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them. Discuss what went wrong, what can be done differently next time, and how they can use that knowledge to improve.
5. Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Foster a sense of curiosity and a love for learning. Encourage kids to explore new interests and activities, even if they might initially find them challenging. This helps them develop a growth mindset by being open to new experiences.
Final Thoughts on Growth Mindset Books for Teachers to Incorporate into the Classroom
And there we have it, our journey through the world of growth mindset books for the classroom.
We’ve turned pages together, unearthed strategies, and discovered activities that will transform our classrooms into hotbeds of positivity and perseverance.
As we close this book (literally and figuratively), remember that fostering a growth mindset is more than just a teaching strategy; it’s a gift we give to our students, equipping them with the courage to face challenges head-on and the resilience to keep going when the going gets tough.
So, take these books and let them be the guide by which you cultivate a new generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers.
May your classrooms buzz with the energy of potential, and may each child you teach grow to see that their abilities are as boundless as their imaginations.
Keep nurturing those little minds, keep inspiring those tiny hearts, and above all, keep being the amazing teacher that you are.
Here’s to growth, here’s to mindset, and here’s to making every moment in the classroom count!
Gain access to our library of free printables!
Because we all want our kids to be happy and healthy — not just for right now, but for the rest of their lives.
Resources You’ll Love
Our shop is filled with printable resources to help you calm the chaos and assist your amazing little humans to believe in the amazing little humans they are!
$15
Calm Down Corner Bundle
$13
Mindful Minute
$12
Feelings Fun Kit
$19
Social Story Bundle
Fall SEL Resources
Now Available!
Dive into fall with these fall-themed social-emotional learning activities
Connect with other parents + teachers
Love this article? Make sure to connect with me on your favorite social platform below, and leave a comment so we can chat!
Similar Posts
Free Printable Winter Coloring Bookmarks
25 Free Printable Halloween Bingo Cards for Kids
5 Senses Walk With Kids – Truly Genius
120+ Engaging Conversation Starters for Kids
Free Printable Easter Coloring Pages (Simply Eggtastic!)
60 Easy Brain Break Ideas for Kids to Energize & Recharge