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Perseverance is a crucial trait for success and happiness, teaching us to overcome obstacles and believe in our ability to face challenges. The overall character trait of perseverance helps kids build a growth mindset, supports self awareness, self management, identity, and more! Picture books are one of my favorite tools to introduce and reinforce this in young children. Here are 10 picture books highlighting perseverance.
10 Picture Books Highlighting Perseverance
1. “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
This charming book follows a young girl and her assistant, a dog, who decide to make the most magnificent thing. Despite several failed attempts, the story highlights the importance of keeping a positive attitude and trying again. I love how this book can easily tie in with STEM activities, inventing, art creations, growth mindset, and more.
2. “Jabari Tries” by Gaia Cornwall
This picture book highlighting perseverance is so captivating! A young boy, Jabari, is determined to make a flying machine with his dad. The story beautifully illustrates the theme of perseverance as Jabari encounters setbacks in his project, but through creativity, resilience, and some help from his younger sister, he continues to try and learn from his mistakes. This book highlights the importance of persistence and family support in overcoming challenges. I also love how Jabari takes a pause to “reset” when he becomes overwhelmed and frustrated. What a perfect lesson to draw on!
3. “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg
This is such a fun, interactive book that teaches kids that mistakes are not just okay; they can be beautiful. Each page uses a spill, tear, or cut to create something new, encouraging creativity and persistence. I frequently find myself saying “Oh, it’s a beautiful oops!” when a child makes a “mistake” on an assignment or art project. It’s such a simple and powerful tagline to use and carry over into everyday life.
4. “The Girl Who Figured it Out” by Minda Dentler
This is is an inspiring true story of a girl who navigates significant challenges due to polio. This picture book highlighting perseverance showcases her journey of pursuing her goal to compete in sports despite her physical limitations. It powerfully connects to the theme of perseverance, showing how determination and a positive mindset can lead to achieving seemingly impossible goals.
5. “The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander
This picture book highlighting perseverance is a powerful and poetic celebration of the enduring spirit of Black history and culture in America. Using lyrical prose and very intentional illustrations, the book highlights the triumphs and struggles of individuals who stood up against adversity and made enormous contributions despite facing significant obstacles. The book’s central theme of perseverance is shown through its vivid recounting of the resilience and unbreakable spirit of historical figures and everyday heroes alike.
6. “Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream” by Deloris Jordan
Written by Michael Jordan’s mother, this book tells the story of young Michael and how his family helped him practice basketball and remain patient to grow taller. With basketball lovers and athletes among our student populations, this text is so relatable and helps kids make connections.
7. “After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)” by Dan Santat
A classic twist on the tale about Humpty Dumpty after his infamous fall, focusing on his fear of heights and how he faces it to feel whole again. I love when picture books highlighting perseverance can also incorporate childhood themes and humor, this book being a great example.
8. “Lion on the Inside” by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir
This is is an inspiring and heartbreaking true story of a girl who navigates discrimination due to her religion and her headcovering. This picture book highlighting perseverance shares Bilqis experience being an all-star basketball player that eventually gives up her career as a professional athlete because she is not allowed to play while wearing her hijab. It powerfully connects to the theme of perseverance as the reader follows how Bilqis fiercely advocates at high levels for religious freedom in sports.
9. “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
Another book by Reynolds, this story encourages a girl who believes she can’t draw to make her mark, literally starting with a small dot. When her teacher perseveres to encourage the girl to continue building her craft as well as when the young artist perseveres through her frustrations and insecurities as an artist, it really helps illustrate this character trait well.
10. “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams
This book follows a girl and her family as they save money to buy a big new chair after a fire destroys their home, showing resilience and familial love.
Why picture books highlighting perseverance?
These picture books are not only fun to read but also carry profound lessons about perseverance, making them perfect for young readers. Each story offers unique insights and artistic expressions that can inspire children to keep trying, no matter the obstacles they face. Research backs up the idea that picture books, or books in general, can provide concrete and meaningful opportunities to teach emotional vocabulary and teach tough SEL concepts in non-threatening, accessible ways. Picture books highlighting perseverance provide opportunities for teachers and clinicians to recall back to meaningful stories as examples as we encourage students to persevere and forge forward during tough moments.
