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Grit is one of the most powerful traits we can nurture in children—it helps them keep going when things get tough, believe in themselves, and bounce back from challenges. Books about grit give kids the encouragement they need to face obstacles with a brave heart and a determined mind.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite grit-themed books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included reflection questions and activities to help build resilience and spark meaningful conversations. Let me know which book resonates most with your child or students!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About GRIT?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about GRIT
- 11 GRIT Books For Children
- What GRIT Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About GRIT?
Books about grit help children understand that failure is part of learning and that effort matters more than perfection.
Through uplifting stories and relatable characters, kids see that persistence, courage, and a positive mindset can carry them through difficult moments—whether they’re trying something new, facing a fear, or solving a problem.
These books inspire children to keep trying, even when it’s hard, and remind them that mistakes are stepping stones to growth.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about GRIT
Grit-themed books model perseverance in action, showing kids that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re opportunities to grow stronger.
Whether a character is climbing a mountain, learning a skill, or standing up for what’s right, these stories reflect the emotional highs and lows that come with pushing through. Many of them also touch on growth mindset, resilience, and self-confidence—essential life skills for every age.
By following characters who don’t give up, children begin to internalize the idea that they, too, are capable of hard things.
How to Use Books about GRIT with Children
Here are some ideas to make grit-themed books even more impactful:
- 💪 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What was the hardest thing the character faced? or Can you think of a time you kept going, even when something was tough? In class, try Turn and Talk to encourage reflection and connection.
- 🎨 Engage in Grit-Building Activities: Invite kids to draw their “grit superhero,” write about a time they felt proud of not giving up, or set a small personal challenge to work toward over a week. Use journals or vision boards to track progress.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When children face tough moments—like learning something new, handling mistakes, or dealing with frustration—remind them of how a character showed grit. Connect the story back to their real-life experience.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share grit-focused books with families and include prompts for at-home reflection, like “Talk about a time when a grown-up in your life showed grit.” These conversations help normalize effort and persistence at every age.
11 GRIT Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li
This story follows a young girl who constantly makes mistakes but learns that each error is an opportunity to grow and improve. Through her journey, she discovers the value of resilience and self-acceptance.
The book emphasizes embracing mistakes as part of the learning process, fostering a growth mindset, and building self-confidence.
Activity Suggestion:
🎨 Art from Mistakes – Let kids “mess up” on paper (e.g., scribbles or spills), then turn the mistakes into something beautiful and creative.
Discussion Questions:
- How did the girl feel about making mistakes at the beginning of the story?
- What changed her perspective on mistakes?
- Can you share a mistake you made and what you learned from it?
#2 The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
A classic tale of a small engine tasked with pulling a heavy train over a mountain. Despite doubts, the engine repeats the mantra “I think I can” and succeeds through determination.
Highlights the power of positive thinking, perseverance, and self-belief in overcoming challenges.
Activity Suggestion:
🚂 Obstacle Course with Positive Mantras – Set up a course and have kids repeat “I think I can!” as they complete each section.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did the little engine face?
- How did the engine’s attitude help it succeed?
- Can you think of a time when you achieved something by believing in yourself?
#3 I Am!: Affirmations for Resilience by Bela Barbosa
This book introduces children to affirmations that promote resilience, self-love, and mindfulness, encouraging them to embrace their inner strength.
Focuses on building emotional resilience, self-empowerment, and the practice of positive self-talk.
Activity Suggestion:
🌟 Affirmation Poster – Children design posters featuring their favorite affirmations and decorate them with images that make them feel strong.
Discussion Questions:
- Which affirmation in the book resonated with you the most?
- How do affirmations make you feel when you say them?
- Can you create your own affirmation that makes you feel strong?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Gritty Ninja by Mary Nhin
Part of the Ninja Life Hacks series, this story follows Gritty Ninja, who learns that perseverance and hard work can help overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
Teaches the value of grit, determination, and maintaining effort despite difficulties.
Activity Suggestion:
🥋 Ninja Grit Badges – Kids earn badges by completing challenges that require effort, patience, or trying again.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did Gritty Ninja face?
- How did Gritty Ninja overcome obstacles?
- Can you share a time when you showed grit?
#5 The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A girl sets out to create the most magnificent thing but becomes frustrated when things don’t go as planned. Through perseverance and creativity, she learns that mistakes are part of the process.
Highlights creativity, problem-solving, and the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Activity Suggestion:
🛠️ Inventor’s Workshop – Provide recycled materials or craft supplies for kids to design their own “magnificent thing.”
Discussion Questions:
- What made the girl frustrated while working on her invention?
- How did she respond to the frustration?
- Why is it important to keep trying when something doesn’t work right away?
#6 Fail-a-bration by Brad and Kristi Montague
This joyful and inspiring book invites kids to celebrate mistakes as steps toward learning and creativity.
Celebrates failure as an essential part of growth and encourages kids to reframe mistakes with humor, grace, and self-compassion.
Activity Suggestion:
🎉 Fail-a-bration Party – Everyone shares a recent “oops!” moment and what they learned—then give a round of applause for each!
Discussion Questions:
- What does the word “Fail-a-bration” mean?
- What’s something you failed at but learned from?
- How can failure help us grow?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 The Grit Book: A Little Story About Not Giving Up by Liz Fletcher
A determined character faces challenge after challenge but keeps going. This book introduces the concept of grit in a simple and engaging way.
Focuses on resilience, emotional regulation, and persistence—especially when progress is slow.
Activity Suggestion:
📈 Grit Chart – Let children track each time they keep trying at something tough, adding a sticker or star each time.
Discussion Questions:
- What is grit, and why is it important?
- How did the character in the story show grit?
- What’s something you’ve worked really hard at?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 A Thousand No’s by DJ Corchin
A girl with a big idea keeps hearing “no,” but each one helps her improve and eventually create something even better.
Highlights growth mindset, creativity, and turning rejection into redirection.
Activity Suggestion:
✂️ No-Collage – Use cut-up “NO” letters to build a fun, creative poster that says “YES” in a new way.
Discussion Questions:
- How did the girl feel after hearing so many “no’s”?
- What did she learn from them?
- What’s a time someone told you “no,” but you didn’t give up?
#9 My Violin Is NOT Broken? by Evelyn Grundy
A young girl struggles to learn the violin and fears she—or her instrument—is broken. With support and practice, she learns that growth takes time.
Explores the frustration of learning something new and the reward of perseverance.
Activity Suggestion:
🎻 Frustration Toolbox – Create a “toolbox” of calming strategies (like breathing or drawing) for when kids feel discouraged.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the girl think her violin was broken?
- How did she learn that she wasn’t broken either?
- What’s something that took you a long time to learn?
#10 Perseverance is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
This empowering story shows how perseverance helps children face challenges and achieve goals—just like a superpower.
Focuses on grit, goal-setting, and emotional resilience in a fun, kid-friendly way.
Activity Suggestion:
🦸 Superpower Cape Craft – Kids design and decorate a cape with words and symbols of their personal strengths and perseverance.
Discussion Questions:
- What is perseverance?
- What challenge did the character overcome in the book?
- What’s one small goal you could work on this week?
#11 Y Is for Yet: A Growth Mindset Alphabet by Shannon Anderson
This ABC book introduces kids to key growth mindset ideas—like “Mistake,” “Effort,” and of course, “Yet.”
Provides a comprehensive and simple introduction to growth mindset concepts, emphasizing learning as a lifelong journey.
Activity Suggestion:
🔤 Growth Mindset ABC Book – Kids make their own alphabet pages with drawings and words that reflect their experiences.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your favorite letter or word in the book?
- How does the word “yet” help change how we think?
- What’s something you’re working on that you can’t do yet?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What GRIT Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Books about grit empower kids to face life’s ups and downs with determination and heart. Whether they’re climbing literal or figurative mountains, these stories remind children that perseverance, not perfection, is the key to success.
Which grit-themed story do you plan to read next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share the books that inspire your little learners to keep going, no matter what!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
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- 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset
