The 10 Best Inspirational Books for Teens to Get Them Motivated and Empowered

Build confidence with these motivational books that teens won't want to put down

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Collage of inspirational books we recommend for teens on a pink background

Verywell Family / Kevin Liang

By the time kids become teenagers, they're experiencing a wide range of emotions and starting to think about their future. Books are excellent resources to help them navigate these thoughts and feelings, and the more inspiring they are, the more hope they offer. Every teen is different, meaning the best inspirational books for teens vary widely, from journals to sport-inspired guides. 

When deciding on the subject matter, think about the teen you’re shopping for. Some kids enjoy focusing on a topic they care about, while others may be interested in engaging with a journal or workbook. Finally, it’s important to consider the age of the teen. There’s a vast difference in maturity between kids in the early teenage years and those nearing adulthood.

In order to find the best inspirational books for teens, we researched recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on what to look for in age-appropriate self-help books. With this guidance in mind, we identified 40 of the top inspirational books for teens on the market, penned by revered authors and experts alike. To evaluate them, we considered areas of interest, subject matter, and intended age level. Ten books made it to our list of top picks. Finally, a psychotherapist from our Review Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and how to evaluate inspirational books for teens.

Best Overall

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens"

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

The adult version of this classic self-help book has seen incredible success over the years, so it’s no wonder a teen edition was written. It’s meant to serve as a “road map” for teens, teaching them how to find success in all aspects of their lives. And, let's face it: As teens become adults, it doesn't hurt to have a little extra guidance. Some of the habits included in the book include being proactive and practicing understanding. The book highlights the important things in life, like relationships and staying hopeful when things get tough. It’s the kind of book that’s encouraging in so many different situations and can be read over and over again.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 12 to 17 years
  • Number of Pages: 288

Why We Recommend It

According to Admiral William H. McRaven, changing the world can begin with one step: making your bed. Admiral McRaven’s words of advice went viral back in 2014 after he included that simple, yet motivational piece of advice when addressing the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin. In this book, McRaven shares tales from his life, including his time devoted to the military, providing practical advice, wisdom, and words of encouragement to readers of all ages. 

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: Not listed
  • Number of Pages: 144

Why We Recommend It

Building high self-esteem can be incredibly difficult for a lot of teenagers, and this book helps navigate the topic. The tone is inspiring: encouraging readers to value themselves, stop comparing themselves to others, and silence the nagging, critical voices in their heads. It’s written by a clinical psychologist, who teaches self-awareness and self-compassion and helps readers develop their own plan of action to stay positive as they move forward in the future.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 12 to 17 years
  • Number of Pages: 176

Best for Success

Shoot Your Shot

Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

For a book that is especially inspiring for teens—particularly those with an interest in sports—this is one of the best. It’s written in the context of basketball and divided into “quarters,” similar to a basketball game. Throughout the book, readers learn life lessons gained and practiced by some of the greatest athletes, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry. “Shoot Your Shot” aims to embolden readers to find success in anything they do in life, whether it's athletics, academics, the arts, or something in between.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: Not listed
  • Number of Pages: 198

Most Relatable

Never Fight Alone

Never Fight Alone by Shelomo Solson

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Sometimes, teens just want to be heard by someone who understands, like someone their own age. “Never Fight Alone” consists of 51 inspiring interviews with people—from former professional athletes to authors and teen entrepreneurs—who have faced various life problems, like anxiety, depression, and more. These interviewees detail how they overcame life’s challenges and provide tips for readers to do the same. 

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 13 to 17
  • Number of Pages: 306

Best for Body Positivity

The Body Image Book for Girls

"The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless"

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Body positivity can be extremely difficult to achieve, especially during the teenage years. This book is for kids between 12 and 17 years old and is authored by a psychologist and body image expert. It provides words of wisdom and encouragement as well as hard facts on topics including mental health, self-care, diet culture, and the effects of social media on body image. Additionally, it includes real-life stories from girls who’ve struggled with body image as well as tips for maintaining both their physical and mental health since they have such a strong link.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 12 to 17 years
  • Number of Pages: 226

Best for Activism

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

From the outside, it might seem like every young person is ready to fight for what’s right, but knowing how to be an ally and activist isn’t necessarily instinctive. This book educates readers on how they can impact the fight against racism, including what it’s looked like throughout history, as well as some examples of how it may appear today. It also provides insight into what to do and say when they see injustice and explains how even a small act can make a big impact. Teens will really benefit from this book, whether they’re brand new to allyship and activism or they’re ready to learn how to become more meaningfully involved in the fight.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 11 to 15 years
  • Number of Pages: 160

Best Workbook

The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens

"The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens"

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

While an inspiring book about self-esteem is fantastic, so is a workbook that asks teenagers to engage with what they’re reading and think critically about what it means for them. This workbook has more than 50 exercises, such as journaling prompts, checklists, personality quizzes, and goal-setting activities. Readers will also find real-life stories from other teens and general words of encouragement and tips to help them put their self-esteem work into actual practice to start feeling more confident and assured.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: Grade level 10 to 12
  • Number of Pages: 156

Best for Journaling

The Mindfulness Journal for Teens

The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Two things that are useful for anyone, whether kids, teens, or adults, are regular journaling and practicing mindfulness. This book brings them together. It’s full of different journaling prompts that require teens to be present in the moment, as well as tips for practicing age-appropriate mindfulness even when they’re not journaling. Teens will also learn ways to be mindful in everyday situations, like when they're eating or even walking between classes, and the book is filled with inspirational quotes meant to encourage strength throughout the day.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 13 to 18 years
  • Number of Pages: 150

Best Self-Help

A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens

A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

As an adult, it’s sometimes difficult to remember just how hard life can feel during the teen years, but it’s very real. This self-help book is written for teenagers, and it not only acknowledges how tough this season of life sometimes is, but it also provides daily doses of motivation and inspiration to fill an entire year. It’s designed to help teens create a more positive mindset, reduce stress and anxiety, and work through some of the difficulties they face, whether it’s navigating friendships, struggling with social media, or staying focused and motivated.

Key Specs:

  • Recommended Ages: 12 to 17 years
  • Number of Pages: 276

How We Selected Inspirational Books for Teens

To select the best inspirational books for teens, we reviewed recommendations by the AAP on how books teach important values in life and what to look for in books for children of all ages. Then, we researched more than 50 popular inspirational books for teens of all ages, including preteens to those nearing adulthood. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings and researched reviews from customers and competitors. 

Next, we narrowed our list to the 10 top-rated options and studied their material and length. We selected inspirational books for teens that help empower them and build confidence. We carefully considered:

  • Age recommendations: We looked for inspirational and empowering books specifically geared toward a teenage audience.
  • Number of pages: Most of our picks range from about 150 to 300 pages; not so short that it won't have an impact, but not so long as to be intimidating.
  • Reading levels: By choosing books aimed at teens, we ensured that the material was presented in an accessible manner.
  • Material: We wanted to offer books on a range of topics so as to meet various needs for empowerment and inspiration among teens.
  • Overall value: To assess overall value, we compared the price against the book's length, the author's expertise, the writing style, and its impact and educational value.

What to Look for in Inspirational Books for Teens

  • Interests: Even though they will continue to evolve, teenagers (whether 13 or 18), have well-defined interests, and if you want them to actually pick up a book to read in their spare time, then it needs to play into what they actually like. When looking for the right inspirational book for your teen, think about what they like. Are they really into style and fashion? Maybe a book about careers in the clothing industry or a memoir by a fashion designer would appeal to them. Or, if they have shown a deep interest in mental health, perhaps there’s a self-help book that teaches self-awareness in an inspirational way. Whatever it is they’re into, try to find a book that incorporates their interests into the narrative. 
  • Subject: Choosing a book with an appropriate subject is also essential. For example, a teen who has mastered the art of self-confidence may not get much out of a self-esteem workbook. And a book about exploring career options may not be very useful to a seventh-grader who isn’t really focused on the future yet. Of course, not every inspirational book has a specific subject matter. Some of them are just meant to be generally inspiring. Think about the teen you’re shopping for and consider whether they would benefit more from a broadly inspirational book or one with a defined focus. 
  • Age Level: There is a significant difference in maturity level between a 13-year-old and an 18-year-old. Finding an age-appropriate book is extremely important for teenagers, and it can be a tricky task, particularly for younger teens who tend to think they’re older than they actually are. Some topics simply make more sense for certain age ranges (such as puberty versus transitioning into adulthood). For subjects that are harder to decipher, look at the book’s reviews to see if anyone has commented on the content or brought up an age-range suggestion. If not, find out if there’s an option to review the table of contents or even the first few pages of the book to help you get a sense of whether or not it's appropriate for your teen.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you motivate teens?

    Teens are motivated when they feel good. Avoid placing pressure on your teen to succeed and focus instead on encouragement. Reward your teen's achievements. Creating positive experiences will increase your teen's dopamine levels, which will in turn motivate them to put their full effort into their endeavors.

  • How to do you help your teen discover their passion?

    When teenagers have control over the activities they participate in, they are more likely to find their passions. Consider requiring your teen to choose a certain number of extracurriculars to be involved in, while allowing them to choose which ones. This ensures that they are exposed to a wide variety of activities while empowering them to follow their own interests.

  • How do you build self-esteem in your teen?

    To build self-esteem in teenagers, praise them for the process rather than the product. Instead of focusing on their grades or how well they performed in sports, point out how hard they studied or how much time they spent practicing the piano. This encourages teenagers to value their efforts and helps them see themselves as capable.

  • How do you help your teen set goals?

    Teens can benefit tremendously from goal-setting. Help teens visualize their goals and write them down in precise language. Then, guide them to break down their goals into bite-sized chunks. Celebrate with them as they meet their short and long-term goals.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products and key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include design, age appropriateness, and user reviews.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina has always been a fan of journaling, especially options with prompts to help get the brain flowing. She recommends "The Mindfulness Journal for Teens" because, in addition to journaling prompts, it includes tips for practicing age-appropriate mindfulness.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommended reading: books to build character & teach your child important values.

  2. Wise RA. Dopamine, learning and motivation. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2004;5(6):483-494. doi:10.1038/nrn1406

  3. Xing S, Gao X, Jiang Y, Archer M, Liu X. Effects of ability and effort praise on children's failure attribution, self-handicapping, and performance. Front Psychol. 2018;9:1883. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01883