The most recommended books on confidence

Who picked these books? Meet our 7 experts.

7 authors created a book list connected to confidence, and here are their favorite confidence books.
Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of Confidence is my Superpower

J. L. Hunt Author Of Beautiful Boy

From my list on motivational stories for young children.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up in a household with a large family, I recall times when it was difficult to find my voice, having to compete with multiple family members to be heard. Over the years, I developed a special compassion for children who may feel overlooked, or unseen, which also prompted my decision to become a children’s book author, catering to write empowering stories. So, I am especially passionate about this list of children’s stories that also helps to shape the trajectory of every child, by instilling in them early on their true value & infinite capabilities

J. L.'s book list on motivational stories for young children

J. L. Hunt Why did J. L. love this book?

This story really instills the importance of putting forth genuine effort and trying your best. 

I also love how it challenges you to adjust your viewpoint on things that may initially seem daunting, with a more positive perspective. 

It brilliantly illustrates that with the proper encouragement & support, you can truly do amazing things.

By Alicia Ortego,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Confidence is my Superpower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Do you want your kid(s) to feel more confident and capable?

Every child faces low self-esteem and poor self-confidence at least once in their life. Children are often ready to give up on their goals, especially if they encounter obstacles and challenges. We must support them and teach them to believe in themselves. Failure is the key to success.

After a series of failures at school, little Leonardo feels sad and disappointed. But, by interacting with his parents, he soon realizes that his superpower is, in fact, his self-confidence.

“I am loved! I can choose! I am brave! I am…


Book cover of How to Be a Brilliant Writer

Leon Conrad Author Of Story and Structure: A complete guide

From my list on writing without killing creativity.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a writer, I love words and am continuously fascinated by the way they work. In terms of writing manuals, I particularly value the work of writers who combine knowledge and understanding of writing techniques while also providing inspiration and keys to freeing the imagination. I’ve found these books brilliantly complement my professional interest in story structure and how story works, and match my own approach to combining theory with practice; craft with art in my work on story. I hope you find they inspire creativity in you, too.

Leon's book list on writing without killing creativity

Leon Conrad Why did Leon love this book?

If you’re in need of inspiration, this book will either make you fall in love with writing or fall back in love with it again. Although it’s a book for the younger writer (aged 9-12), it’s a perfect book for the young-at-heart, grown-up kid. It’s full of energy and verve – just the thing to boost creativity and confidence. Although it’s one of the shortest books on my list, its content packs a punch. It contains exercises to spark the imagination, helpful hints and tips from established authors, and plenty of advice on writing both fiction and nonfiction.

By Jenny Alexander,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Be a Brilliant Writer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A lively and humorous self-help book for children aged 9-12 on being a writer. It shows them how to develop writing practice as part of their everyday lives, rather than just in the classroom. The book offers advice on avoiding unhelpful feelings such as anxiety, impatience and self-rejection and shows how writing is a brilliant tool for building self-confidence, understanding and effectiveness throughout life. "Aimed at schoolchildren, here is a book that should capture their imagination, make them realise that writing can be fun, and inspire them to create their own written material." Writing Magazine


Book cover of Tomorrow I'll Be Brave

Jill Heinerth Author Of The Aquanaut

From my list on young explorers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a world-class underwater explorer, writer, photographer, speaker, and filmmaker. A pioneer of technical rebreather diving, I have led expeditions into icebergs in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes, and submerged caves worldwide. As a child, these fanciful places were just a part of my wildest dreams. The Aquanaut tells the story of how I turned my imaginative journeys into reality and became a celebrated underwater explorer.

Jill's book list on young explorers

Jill Heinerth Why did Jill love this book?

This inspirational book for young explorers offers uplifting messages for kids, encouraging them to try new things and not fret about failure. Hand-lettered words of wisdom help to define what it means to be brave and confident, while teaching patience and tenacity. The colorful illustrations are memorable and immersive, offering opportunities for discussion about each page of positive values.

By Jessica Hische,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tomorrow I'll Be Brave as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Tomorrow I'll be all the things I tried to be today:

Adventurous, Strong, Smart, Curious, Creative, Confident, & Brave.

And if I wasn't one of them, I know that it's OK.

Journey through a world filled with positive and beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, inspiration, and motivation. As this book reminds readers, tomorrow is another day, full of endless opportunities - all you have to do is decide to make the day yours.

"Jessica Hische, one of the great designers and typographers, now shows herself equally adept at creating gorgeous and immersive images for young readers. This is a joyous…


Book cover of The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self

Carole McDonnell Author Of Wind Follower

From Carole's 12-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Armchair anthropologist Asian drama addict Christian Perseverer

Carole's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Carole's 10, and 12-year-old's favorite books.

Carole McDonnell Why did Carole's 12-year-old love this book?

I gave this book to my neighbor’s grand-niece on her birthday. The kid loved it. It really boosted her confidence and made her feel as if she could make her way around in the world. 

She carried the book around with her, smiling and reading it as if it had opened some great adult wisdom to her.

I felt she was understanding the dynamics of how life worked and was beginning to figure out where she went wrong in some of her relationships. It seemed to be a tool for her.

By Katty Kay, Claire Shipman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Confidence Code for Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller!

Girls can rule the world-all they need is confidence. This empowering, entertaining guide from the bestselling authors of The Confidence Code gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless.

Packed with graphic novel strips; appealing illustrations; fun lists, quizzes, and challenges; and true stories from tons of real girls, The Confidence Code for Girls teaches girls to embrace risk, deal with failure, and be their most authentic selves.

It's a paradox familiar to parents everywhere: girls are achieving like never before, yet they're consumed with…


Book cover of Raising Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Strong

Rachel Dodds Author Of Are We There Yet? Traveling More Responsibly with Your Children

From my list on traveling more responsibly with children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love travel and I'm also passionate about making the world more sustainable. When I was 13, on vacation in Mexico, I saw raw sewage running down the beach. My father said to me, "you can choose to be part of the solution or part of the problem." I think that set me on a track that we need to help animals, the environment, and those who do not have a strong voice. Even if I can only do one thing better – that's still better than not doing anything at all! I'm passionate about traveling more responsibly with my family because we ultimately make life better for our children and also for ourselves.

Rachel's book list on traveling more responsibly with children

Rachel Dodds Why did Rachel love this book?

I found Raising Girls to be a wonderful insight into what my daughter needed at different ages. The book has good examples and has been a useful guide as she has grown up. It is full of ideas about how children of different ages need different levels of support. For example, it explains that it is especially key to provide a nurturing, safe environment for kids through 5 and under.

By Steve Biddulph,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Raising Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A practical guidebook and passionate call-to-arms for parents of girls that empowers them to raise confident, well-rounded daughters in an exploitative world, from the author of the international bestseller Raising Boys.

In today's world, it's especially critical for girls to grow up strong and capable. In this impassioned follow-up to his bestselling Raising Boys, author Steve Biddulph brings together the best thinking from around the world on how to raise daughters of sound character who know that they are loved, and can stand up for themselves and others. Biddulph teaches parents how to build their daughters' self-assuredness, encourage friendships, and…


Book cover of Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline, and a Winning Attitude

Bo Yoder Author Of Optimize Your Trading Edge: Increase Profits, Reduce Draw-Downs, and Eliminate Leaks in Your Trading Strategy

From my list on helping you optimize your trading edge.

Why am I passionate about this?

I first fell in love with the markets when in 1995, I made more on 1 stock investment than I did working all winter in the freezing cold as a ski instructor. I see it as the world’s greatest game and it has given me a life of unparalleled freedom that I am eternally grateful for. Trading has allowed me to pursue my interests and go deep into behavioral psychology, economics, neurobiology, and would never have had the breakthroughs I have had like the Bottega method for AI or the Myalolipsis technique for developing effortless, unshakable self-discipline if I hadn’t been an active trader.

Bo's book list on helping you optimize your trading edge

Bo Yoder Why did Bo love this book?

Trading is a mental sport.

I have been teaching and mentoring traders since 1999. In that time I have seen over and over again that success comes from the ability to maintain discipline and withstand emotional discomfort.

Everybody wants to buy a system or strategy “that just works”. Well, as somebody who has developed many great strategies I can tell you this harsh truth… The best system in the world is worthless if you can’t follow its rules.

This is the core reason why over 90% of traders fail, lose money, and quit in disgust.

This book is one of the best I have found on the subject of trading discipline and mindset. If you are at all serious about your success in the market…start here!

By Mark Douglas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trading in the Zone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Douglas uncovers the underlying reasons for lack of consistency and helps traders overcome the ingrained mental habits that cost them money.  He takes on the myths of the market and exposes them one by one teaching traders to look beyond random outcomes, to understand the true realities of risk, and to be comfortable with the "probabilities" of market movement that governs all market speculation.


Book cover of Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger: Social Emotional Book for Kids about Diversity and Kindness

Matthew Ralph Author Of Family Means...

From my list on children’s books about diversity and inclusion.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a British author who specializes in writing about diversity and inclusion. I’ve always been a firm believer in equality for all, and I think diversity is such a vital subject for children to learn. It’s so important to teach children to love themselves and treat others how they would want to be treated, even if they are different than you. I believe a little bit of love goes a long way. I hope you enjoy my list of children’s books about diversity and share in my passion for children’s books that champion love and acceptance for everyone.

Matthew's book list on children’s books about diversity and inclusion

Matthew Ralph Why did Matthew love this book?

This story is told in bouncy rhyme and teaches children an important message of self-love and acceptance of others. Most importantly, the message of the book is genuinely charming and heartwarming. The rich and engaging illustrations in this book are a joy to look at and perfectly fit with the theme of this book. I especially appreciate the variety of characters shown in the book: every gender, ethnicity, and body type is showcased beautifully. 

By Elizabeth Cole, Julia Kamenshikova (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

If you want to teach your child to accept himself and others as they are, then this picture book about diversity will be your best assistant. It will help your little ones to respect all the differences that make us unique.

In this kids’ book, our little hero named Nick will show your children that we all are different in many ways, and everyone is unique—which is great! Nicky is afraid that his friends will not accept him because of his new reading glasses. By talking to his peers on the way to school, he discovers the beauty of diversity…