74 Self-Esteem Resources for Girls
In a world shaped by comparison, appearance pressure, and constant messaging about how girls should look, act, and succeed, self-esteem can take an early hit. The right books, programs, worksheets, podcasts, and activities can help girls build confidence, understand their feelings, and develop a stronger sense of self.
To make the list easier to use, these resources are grouped by age and audience: young girls, teen girls, and adults who work with girls. Some are better for individual reflection, some work well in counseling or classroom settings, and others are designed for parents, caregivers, or mentors.
These resources are supportive and informational, but they are not a substitute for mental health care. If a girl is struggling with persistent anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, eating concerns, or another serious emotional challenge, working with a licensed mental health professional may be the best next step.
View the available resources that are geared toward unique age groups using the links below:
The following resources are for informational purposes only; individuals should consult with a clinician before making decisions about mental health.
Web Pages
- Self-Esteem Worksheets for Children, Therapist Aid: A useful set of printable worksheets that helps children explore feelings, gratitude, strengths, and self-esteem.
- How to Empower Young Girls and Build Confidence, Special Ed Resource: A helpful piece on encouraging confidence in girls, especially those with learning or developmental needs.
- How to Build Positive Self-Esteem, Understood: A straightforward resource with tips for helping children build a healthier view of themselves.
Books
- Being Me: A Kid’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem by Wendy L. Moss, PhD: A child-friendly guide to identifying strengths and building confidence in everyday life.
- I Am Enough by Grace Byers: A warm picture book about self-worth, kindness, and embracing who you are.
- Curlee Girlee by Atara Twersky: A story about a girl learning to love the way she looks and feel more comfortable in her own skin.
- Books for Smart, Confident, and Courageous Girls, A Mighty Girl: A curated catalog of books that celebrate bravery, identity, and self-belief.
- I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont: A playful read-aloud that encourages children to appreciate themselves just as they are.
- Meet Danitra Brown by Nikki Grimes: A poetry collection about friendship, pride, and the bond between two young Black girls.
- Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh: Stories of women inventors that can spark creativity and confidence in young readers.
- Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen: A story about persistence, talent, and believing in yourself even when you feel out of place.
- Speak Up by Miranda Paul: A vibrant picture book that encourages children to use their voices and trust that what they say matters.
Podcasts and Videos
- Girl Tales—Feminist Stories for a New Generation: Reimagined fairy tales and stories centered on brave, curious, and empowered girls.
- Peace Out: A calming podcast that mixes stories with breathing and mindfulness exercises.
- Dream Big: A motivating podcast that encourages kids to think boldly and believe in big possibilities.
- But Why: A curiosity-driven podcast that helps kids feel confident asking questions and exploring ideas.
- Fierce Girls: Stories about adventurous girls and women that can inspire courage and self-belief.
- Molly of Denali: Audio stories connected to the PBS series, centered on a capable, resourceful Alaska Native girl.
- Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: Audio stories about influential women and girls, designed to inspire young listeners.
- Calm Kids Podcast: Gentle, sleep-friendly stories that can help children feel calmer and more grounded.
- Henry & Leslie (A Children’s Story About Confidence and Self-Love): A specific read-aloud video about self-love and building confidence.
- Building Self-Esteem, Sesame Street: A specific Sesame Street video about appreciating yourself and others.
Apps
- Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame: A child-friendly app that helps kids practice calming, problem-solving, and emotional language.
- Avokiddo Emotions: A playful app that helps children identify and talk about feelings.
- Headspace for Kids: Guided mindfulness content for children focused on calm, kindness, and emotional well-being.
Events/Programs
- Confident Girls: Workshops, camps, and after-school programs focused on friendship, self-esteem, and leadership for younger girls.
- Book Club through Girls Leadership: Book recommendations and tools for starting confidence-building book clubs with girls.
- Girls Rock Camp Alliance: A network of camps that uses music, creativity, and community to build confidence.
- Sole Girls: Running and empowerment programs designed to help girls build inner strength and resilience.
- REALgirl: Workshops focused on life skills, self-esteem, and emotional growth before the teen years.
Web Pages
- How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem? (for Teens), Nemours TeensHealth: A clear introduction to what self-esteem is and how teens can build it over time.
- Confidence (for Teens), Nemours TeensHealth: A practical explanation of confidence and how it grows through experience.
- Self-Esteem Worksheets for Adolescents, Therapist Aid: Downloadable activities that help teens reflect on self-talk, strengths, and emotions.
- 13 Ways to Boost Your Daughter’s Self-Esteem, Child Mind Institute: A thoughtful guide for adults supporting tween and teen girls.
- How To Help Your High-Schooler Handle School Cliques, Understood: A practical resource on navigating social pressure, belonging, and exclusion.
- 15 Tips To Build Self-Esteem and Confidence in Teens, Big Life Journal: A practical list of strategies for encouraging confidence and a growth mindset.
Books
- Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and JillEllyn Riley: A well-known guide for girls who want to build courage and confidence.
- A Strong Girls’ Guide To Being: Exercises and Inspiration for Becoming a Braver, Kinder, Healthier You by Lani Silversides: Part workbook, part journal, with exercises around confidence, bravery, and kindness.
- Love for Imperfect Things by Haemin Sunim: A reflective book on self-acceptance and compassion that may resonate with older teens.
- Chocolate for a Teen’s Soul by Kay Allenbaugh: A collection of real stories about the challenges, emotions, and growth that come with adolescence.
- Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven: A novel that touches on body image, grief, and identity.
- you are enough: a tale of healing and self-love by vp wright: A poetry collection about healing, reflection, and self-love, now linked to the exact book listing.
- Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim: A powerful essay collection about identity, voice, and representation.
- Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes, Too!) The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls by Sonya Renee Taylor: A body-positive guide to puberty that is clear, affirming, and accessible.
- Brave by Sissy Goff: A supportive guide to emotions, anxiety, and self-trust.
- The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Overcome Insecurity, Defeat Your Inner Critic, and Live Confidently by Megan MacCutcheon: A practical workbook centered on insecurity, self-talk, and confidence.
- Badass Black Girl by M.J. Fievre: A journal for teen girls exploring body image, creativity, aspirations, and identity.
- Feeling Better: CBT Workbook for Teens by Rachel Hutt: A CBT workbook focused on managing mood, anxiety, and self-esteem.
- A Girl’s Guide to Epic Outdoor Adventures, Girls Leadership & REI: A toolkit that connects confidence-building with outdoor exploration and brave choices.
Podcasts and Videos
- Let’s Be Real With Sammy Jae: Honest conversations about growing up, identity, and life in public.
- Teen Girl Talk: The exact Apple Podcasts listing for the show about teen media and real-life reflections.
- Eleanor Amplified: Story-driven audio adventures starring a bold, fearless journalist.
- 3 Tips To Boost Your Confidence, TED-Ed: The exact TED-Ed lesson page explaining where confidence comes from and how to strengthen it.
Apps
- HappiMe for Young People: An app review page covering a positive-thinking app aimed at young people.
- Stop, Breathe, & Think: An app focused on mindfulness and emotional regulation.
- Unique Daily Affirmations: A daily affirmations app that encourages positive self-talk.
- MindShift CBT: A well-known free CBT tool for anxiety, self-consciousness, and coping.
- moodgym: An interactive program designed to help users track mood and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
- SuperBetter: A resilience-building app that uses game-style tools to support optimism and motivation.
Programs
- Girls With Confidence: Leadership and confidence programs for girls in upper elementary through high school.
- Girls Support Group Palatine, New Transitions: Group counseling support for teen girls around self-esteem, conflict, and emotional support.
- The Butterfly Effect, Enlighten Education: A resilience-focused workshop about self-esteem, peer influence, and emotional awareness.
- Girls GLOW Program: Workshops designed to help girls support one another while building confidence and self-awareness.
Web Pages
- Positive Affirmations for Kids: 189 Positive Things to Say to Your Child, Meraki Lane: A long list of affirming phrases adults can use to encourage confidence and emotional steadiness.
- Self-Esteem Activity Guide for Youth Leaders, Dove: A practical guide for adults leading groups and activities with young people.
- Self-Esteem: Everything Parents Need To Know, The Center for Parenting Education: A broad overview of self-esteem, including what it is and how adults can help support it.
- How To Praise Children, Understood: A helpful guide to using praise in ways that support growth instead of pressure.
- A Mighty Girl: A large resource hub for adults looking for books, movies, toys, and media that support confident, courageous girls.
Books
- Kid Confidence: Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and Develop Real Self-Esteem by Eileen Kennedy-Moore: An evidence-based parenting book about helping children build real confidence.
- Full of Ourselves: A Wellness Program To Advance Girl Power, Health, and Leadership by Catherine Steiner-Adair and Lisa Sjostrom: A long-standing wellness and body-confidence curriculum for girls in grades 3–8.
- Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon: A reflective book on identity and self-expression that can help adults support girls and gender-expansive youth more thoughtfully.
Podcasts and Videos
- How To Raise Girls’ Self-Esteem, Jodi Aman: The exact video page with suggestions for adults supporting girls’ body image and self-worth.
- Raising Daughters: The exact Apple Podcasts page for the parenting show focused on adolescent girls.
Programs and Organizations
- Girl & Grown-up Workshops, Girls Leadership: The exact Girls Leadership page for family-based workshops that bring girls and caregivers together around confidence and emotional growth.
Information last updated: April 2026