Helping children dream big is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. But chasing dreams takes more than just imagination—it requires courage, persistence, and belief in oneself. That’s why picture books can be such powerful tools. Through relatable characters and true stories, kids can see that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about effort, resilience, and the willingness to keep going even when it’s hard.
The four picture books featured in this post are perfect for encouraging children to aim high, challenge limits, and stay focused on their goals. Whether your students are budding athletes, aspiring artists, or simply learning to believe in themselves, these stories offer inspiration that sticks.
For some of the book on this website, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:
(As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through the links on my posts. Thank you for your support!)
Summary: On an island pulsing with rhythm and tradition, a young girl dreams of becoming a drummer—despite a cultural rule that says only boys may play. She practices in secret, hiding her passion until the day her music is finally heard. Based on the real-life story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, Drum Dream Girl is a lyrical celebration of courage, determination, and the power of dreams to break boundaries.
Description: This beautifully illustrated picture book blends poetry with a powerful message about challenging gender roles and pursuing passions. It offers a rich backdrop for discussing perseverance, equality, and cultural change in an age-appropriate way. The story doesn’t pit girls against boys—instead, it encourages every child to follow their dreams with respect and confidence. The lush illustrations and rhythmic language make it especially engaging for read-alouds, music-themed lessons, and social-emotional learning around courage and goal-setting.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers consistently describe Drum Dream Girl as both enchanting and empowering. Parents, educators, and even percussionists have praised its gentle but inspiring message and exquisite artwork. Teachers report using it successfully in both music and general education classrooms to promote cultural awareness, determination, and self-expression. Families love how the story sparks curiosity and confidence in young readers, often becoming a beloved bedtime favorite. Importantly, many reviewers appreciate the book’s balanced approach—uplifting girls without diminishing boys—making it a thoughtful and inclusive choice for any classroom or home library.
Summary: Before he became a basketball legend, young Michael Jordan worried that he’d never grow tall enough to compete. His dreams felt out of reach—until his parents reminded him that greatness doesn’t come from wishing alone. With their encouragement, Michael learns that hard work, patience, and perseverance matter far more than height. Written by Michael Jordan’s own mother and sister, Salt in His Shoes shares a tender and inspiring story of a family’s support and a child’s unwavering drive.
Description: This heartfelt book blends biography and life lesson, giving young readers a glimpse into the early struggles of one of the most iconic athletes in history. It’s a wonderful teaching tool for introducing themes like goal-setting, determination, and the value of effort over instant success. While the story includes elements of faith and family tradition—such as praying and putting salt in his shoes to grow—it ultimately emphasizes inner strength, discipline, and self-belief. Perfect for discussions about growth mindset, sportsmanship, or the realities of working toward a big dream.
Reviews and Considerations: Teachers and parents consistently praise Salt in His Shoes for its gentle storytelling and relatable message. Many educators use it at the start of the school year to spark conversations about perseverance and goal-setting. Readers appreciate that the book shows even Michael Jordan had setbacks—and that it’s his determination, not just talent, that helped him succeed. Some families note the book’s mention of prayer, which may be important to consider in secular settings, but overall, the focus on encouragement and effort resonates widely. With beautiful illustrations and a deeply personal perspective, this book leaves young readers feeling empowered to work hard and believe in themselves.
Summary: This empowering teaching book for children follows a boy with big dreams who begins to doubt himself after hearing phrases like “I’m not smart enough” or “It’s too hard.” As he learns to recognize those thoughts as excuses, he discovers that achieving his dream starts with changing the way he talks to himself. Through clear, relatable examples and a fun end-of-book quiz, No Excuses! helps kids understand how negative self-talk can hold them back—and how they can push past it to accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Description: Unlike traditional storybooks, this is a mindset-focused teaching book designed to build self-awareness and personal responsibility. It’s ideal for social-emotional learning lessons around perseverance, confidence, and internal motivation. With bright illustrations and straightforward language, it introduces a powerful life skill: noticing and eliminating excuses. While some readers have noted the story includes a few adult-like motivational tones, the core message is accessible and effective, especially when shared with a supportive adult who can guide discussion. This is a valuable resource for helping kids reflect on their own thought patterns and shift from “I can’t” to “I can try.”
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators describe No Excuses! as a conversation starter—an effective way to help children recognize when negative self-talk is holding them back. The story and message resonate with a wide age range, and the included quiz at the end is often highlighted as a fun and helpful tool for reinforcing the lesson.
That said, some reviewers offer a few points to consider. A handful of parents felt the message might be too advanced or emotionally complex for very young readers, particularly when the child in the story must challenge limiting beliefs expressed by trusted adults like teachers or family members. While the book encourages kids to believe in themselves despite others’ doubts, this could feel emotionally tricky for children who are taught to respect adult authority. Additionally, a few readers felt that the adult characters were drawn too simplistically—either discouraging or overly dismissive—while the mentor figure appears as an idealized “hero” instead. These critiques don’t negate the value of the book but may be helpful for adults guiding the discussion. With thoughtful support, the core message remains a powerful one: our words and beliefs can either lift us up or hold us back.
Summary: Before she made Olympic history, Nadia Comăneci was a lively, fearless girl in a small Romanian town who just couldn’t sit still. Her endless energy led her to gymnastics, where she trained, fell, tried again—and eventually soared into fame with seven perfect 10s at the 1976 Olympic Games. This engaging picture book biography follows Nadia’s journey from playful child to world-class athlete, showing that perfection doesn’t come easily—it comes from persistence, passion, and practice.
Description: This is a true story of determination told in a way that inspires children to embrace both movement and mistakes. Through colorful, dynamic illustrations and honest storytelling, young readers see that success is built on resilience and hard work, not instant talent. The book doesn’t shy away from the ups and downs of training, making it an excellent read for children involved in sports or other high-effort activities. With factual back matter and historical context, it’s also ideal for biography units or Olympic-themed lessons. The title’s emphasis on Nadia’s natural energy makes it a relatable and empowering read for any child who has ever been told to sit still.
Reviews and Considerations: Families and educators praise Nadia for its ability to inspire a love of sports, perseverance, and historical role models. Gymnastics fans in particular find it motivating, with many readers saying it sparked new interest or deepened admiration for Nadia Comăneci. The artwork is widely celebrated for its movement and charm. While a few parents mention that the text is slightly longer than expected for a picture book, most agree that it holds children’s attention—especially when paired with the excitement of learning about a real Olympic champion. Whether read aloud or independently, this book is a favorite among young athletes and aspiring dreamers alike.
Sign up now to receive a free sample of “The Invisible Boy” Interactive Read-Aloud Lesson Plan! This comprehensive resource includes engaging activities designed to help your students develop empathy and inclusion.
By signing up, you will also join our newsletter, where you’ll receive:
Join our community of educators dedicated to fostering social-emotional growth in the classroom!
( ) = Coming Soon
(Body Safety & Personal Boundaries)
(Bravery & Trying New Things)
(Conflict Resolution)
(Compromise / Cooperating)
(Coping with Change)
(Creativity & Imagination)
(Dreams & Aspirations)
(Dyslexia)
Feelings & Emotional Awareness
(Kindness & Generosity)
(Managing Physical Actions)
(Mindfulness)
(Organization & Planning)
(Peer Influence)
(Perseverance)
(Physical/Medical Disabilities)
(Positive Attitude)
(Sensory Processing)
(Separation Anxiety)
(Sharing)
(Speaking Politely)
(Teasing & Bullying)
(Technology)
(Trauma Recovery)
(Winning & Losing)