Posted by Megan Habel on Nov 17, 2016
10 Children's Books To Help Inspire Young Readers
These inspirational children's books will engage and motivate your young readers.
One of the greatest things — out of a vast number of things — that books can do is inspire. For young children, it’s important to instill a sense of motivation and hope early on in life. Below, we’ve provided a sampling of books that will boost the spirits of any young reader and remind them that even in the face of adversity or fear, there’s always the potential to do and be something great.
10 Children's Books That Will Inspire Your Young Readers
1. One Love by Cedella Marley
One Love is an ode to Bob Marley’s positively upbeat song “One Love,” adapted by his first child, Cedella Marley, that features beautiful illustrations by Vanessa Newton. This unique picture book will inspire any young reader to get up and embrace the day.
2. Courage to Soar by Simone Biles
This popular new release tells the story of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles — straight from the gold medalist herself! From going through foster care to earning fourteen gold medals, Simone’s story is truly an inspiring tale of staying positive and having faith.
3. One Minute by Somin Ahn
At first look, this adorable picture book appears to be teaching children how to tell time. Yet, at its heart, One Minute is a testament to living each moment with purpose and meaning. This new children's book is great for instilling both basic concepts and profound lifelong principles.
4. Shy by Deborah Freedman
As the name suggests, Shy is about being just that — shy. A social issue that many children face, this picture book uses a simple but poignant story as well as original illustrations to help pull children out of their shyness and embrace the many wonders of life.
5. Gertie's Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley
This new release intended for elementary school readers offers both laughs and heart. When Gertie’s mother leaves town, young Gertie decides she’ll become the most amazing fifth grader there ever was (and is) in spite of her mother’s absence. Gertie’s story takes the negative in life and turns it into something wonderful.
6. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
I Dissent is the first picture book about the amazing — but often obstacle-ridden — life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg has stood up for her beliefs her entire career despite the fact that she was going against the grain. Young girls in particular will find her bold story motivating and inspiring.
7. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
As one of the most recent installments in a series of picture books focused on sharing the stories of different scientists with young children, Ada Twist, Scientist tells the true stories of Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie. This picture book both illustrates a prominent moment in science and teaches young readers about the role of diversity and gender behind famous discoveries.
8. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a classic education title and Newbery Honor winner inspired by a Chinese fairytale. While the story itself may be fictional, it reminds readers of the amazing power stories have to inspire us and take us to unbelievable heights.
9. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known children’s authors and Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is one of his most cherished titles. In classic Seussian form, filled with colorful illustrations, this book perfectly reminds children of all the potential that lies ahead of them.
10. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
This simple and elegant picture book is written by the illustrator of popular children's title: The Day the Crayons Quit. We all want to reach for the stars in life, but one boy wants to do it — literally. Yet, it proves to be much more difficult than he expected. In fact, at one point, he feels like giving up on his quest entirely. But as it turns out, there is so much more in front of him than just the stars.
What books have inspired your students? Leave a comment below to share your story with us!
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This post was written by Sydney Moorhead, the product specialist at BookPal. She is currently reading Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.