When kids face challenges—whether it’s struggling with a math problem, learning to ride a bike, or feeling left out during recess—it’s not uncommon for them to want to give up. But perseverance is one of the most powerful skills a child can develop, and stories are a meaningful way to teach it. These carefully selected picture books model what it looks like to keep going, even when things get tough.
From real-life heroes like Wilma Rudolph and Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah to relatable characters who stumble before they soar, each of these books introduces children to the value of persistence, effort, and self-belief. Whether you’re a teacher looking for SEL-friendly read-alouds or a parent supporting a child through big emotions, these stories offer both inspiration and practical takeaways.
Let’s dive into powerful picture books that help kids learn to try again, stick with it, and grow stronger with each attempt.
For some of the books 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:
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Summary: Diggory Doo, the lovable pet dragon, is back—and this time, he’s facing some big challenges. From learning to ride a new bike to coping with the disappointment of losing a swim meet, Diggory finds himself tempted to give up when things get tough. But with the help of his owner, Drew, Diggory begins to understand that perseverance means sticking with something even when it doesn’t go as planned. Together, they explore how trying again—and again—can lead to growth, confidence, and eventual success.
Description: This teaching book is part of the popular My Dragon Books series, designed to help children build emotional and social skills through fun and familiar storylines. In A Dragon Has to Persevere, Steve Herman offers clear, kid-friendly examples of what perseverance looks like in everyday life. Whether it’s not quitting after a fall, working through a friendship hiccup, or trying again after failing, Diggory’s experiences are highly relatable to young readers. The book emphasizes that failure is part of learning and that grit, not perfection, is what truly matters.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, teachers, and counselors consistently praise this series for making big emotional concepts easy to understand. Reviewers appreciate the book’s engaging format, accessible storytelling, and practical life lessons. Children respond well to the dragon character and often return to the story when facing their own challenges. Educators note that it’s a valuable read-aloud for classroom discussions about growth mindset, while families find it sparks important conversations about trying your best. This story is a gentle yet powerful reminder that setbacks are part of the journey—and giving up isn’t the answer.
Summary: Tanisha doesn’t feel strong—especially not in gym class when she’s faced with the towering rock-climbing wall. She compares herself to Cayla, who seems to scale it with ease, and wonders if she’ll ever measure up. But with gentle encouragement from her family and a fresh perspective, Tanisha starts to understand that strength isn’t just about muscles. It’s about speaking up, helping others, trying again, and standing together. True strength, she learns, comes from within—and it grows when shared.
Description: Be Strong is a heartfelt companion to the bestselling Be Kind, and it tackles perseverance through a broader lens. Rather than focusing only on grit or determination, this story expands the concept of strength to include emotional resilience, empathy, and community support. It’s an ideal read for children who may not see themselves as “strong” in the traditional sense, but who are learning to keep going even when something feels hard. Pat Zietlow Miller’s warm storytelling and Jen Hill’s expressive illustrations work together beautifully to inspire quiet confidence and inner strength.
Reviews and Considerations: Reviewers consistently highlight how Be Strong encourages children to redefine what strength looks like. It’s especially powerful for kids who struggle with physical tasks or fear failure—helping them feel seen, capable, and hopeful. Many teachers use this book to spark classroom discussions about perseverance, teamwork, and helping others. Parents and educators alike love that it celebrates everyday acts of courage, making it an accessible and encouraging choice for kids who are just learning what it means to be determined.
Summary: Kiara doesn’t like making mistakes. Whether she’s struggling with schoolwork, sports, or friendships, giving up feels easier than trying again. But through reflection, support, and resilience, she begins to understand that failure isn’t the end—it’s how we grow. Told in rhyming verse from Kiara’s point of view, this empowering story helps children see the value of persistence and the power of choosing to keep going, even when things feel hard.
Description: Part of the I Choose series created with educators and therapists in mind, I Choose to Try Again teaches perseverance through relatable experiences and simple language. Kiara models how to bounce back from disappointment, reinforcing both emotional awareness and a growth mindset. The book is designed as a gentle SEL resource, particularly helpful for younger children who are just beginning to experience frustration or self-doubt. It includes affirmations and real-life examples that show how small choices build long-term confidence.
Reviews and Considerations: Educators and caregivers praise this title for its straightforward, encouraging message. While a few readers have noted that the rhymes can feel uneven at times, the overall impact of the story is undeniable—especially for children who struggle with confidence. Many families say it helped spark meaningful conversations and gave their kids the language to talk about setbacks. With inclusive illustrations and a focus on emotional strength, I Choose to Try Again stands out as a valuable addition to any SEL toolkit.
Summary: Diggory Doo the dragon can do many things—light a campfire, celebrate birthdays with flair, and follow commands like “sit” and “roll over.” But when it comes to challenges? He’s quick to give up. In this entertaining story, his friend Drew helps him understand that real strength comes from doing the hard things—speaking up, persevering, trying again, and making brave choices, even when they’re uncomfortable.
Description: This installment in the beloved My Dragon Books series helps kids recognize the difference between what’s easy and what’s right. With colorful illustrations and real-life dilemmas, Train Your Dragon To Do Hard Things uses relatable situations—from learning new skills to standing up for a friend—to model a growth mindset. Young readers learn that bravery doesn’t mean having all the answers, but rather being willing to keep going when things feel tough.
Reviews and Considerations: Fans of the series consistently praise the engaging tone and practical lessons. Teachers, parents, and counselors note how useful the book is for sparking conversations about perseverance and courage. While some reviewers find the storytelling style repetitive across the series, many agree that the repetition reinforces the message for younger audiences. With its humorous yet meaningful approach, this title is especially helpful for kids who avoid challenges or are working on emotional resilience.
Summary: Emmanuel’s Dream tells the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a boy born in Ghana with one leg and a powerful message: “disability is not inability.” Encouraged by his mother to pursue his dreams, Emmanuel defies societal expectations, hopping two miles to school, playing soccer, and eventually riding a bicycle 400 miles across Ghana to advocate for people with disabilities. His story of resilience and determination reminds readers that one person truly can make a difference.
Description: This beautifully illustrated picture book combines poetic language with mixed-media artwork to introduce young readers to a real-life hero who didn’t let physical challenges limit his goals. Emmanuel’s Dream is an exceptional tool for teaching perseverance, empathy, and disability awareness. It helps children see that courage is not the absence of hardship—but the choice to keep going despite it.
Reviews and Considerations: Widely praised by educators, parents, and counselors, Emmanuel’s Dream resonates across age groups. Teachers frequently use it to open discussions on growth mindset, resilience, and inclusivity. Children are drawn in by the vibrant visuals and emotional storytelling, while adults appreciate the powerful message and real-world connection. Many readers are deeply moved, calling it one of the most inspiring children’s books they’ve encountered.
Summary: Try and Stick With It introduces young children to the concept of perseverance by showing that trying something new—and sticking with it even when it’s hard—is a skill they can build. The story features diverse children tackling real-life challenges like learning to ride a bike or struggling with a new task, while also highlighting the emotional ups and downs that come with persistence. It’s part of the Learning to Get Along series and includes practical tips for adults to support the message.
Description: Unlike a traditional storybook, this is a teaching book designed to support social-emotional growth in young children. The text is straightforward and gently encourages children to keep trying even when they feel frustrated. It offers realistic, age-appropriate examples that help make perseverance concrete. The illustrations reflect a range of backgrounds and abilities, including a child using a wheelchair, reinforcing inclusion and accessibility.
Reviews and Considerations: Educators, therapists, and parents widely praise this series for its clarity and utility, especially for children who need support with emotional regulation and follow-through. While the book may not have a narrative arc, it excels as a classroom or home tool to spark discussion. Some readers note that it feels more instructional than story-driven, but for teaching perseverance in a simple, relatable way, Try and Stick With It delivers exactly what many early childhood educators are looking for.
Summary: Wilma Unlimited tells the powerful true story of Wilma Rudolph, a girl born in rural Tennessee who overcame childhood polio to become the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. Despite doctors telling her she would never walk again, Wilma refused to give up. Through sheer determination, family support, and relentless practice, she not only walked—she ran faster than anyone expected, breaking records and barriers.
Description: This beautifully illustrated biography combines lyrical text with bold, expressive art to bring Wilma’s journey to life. It’s a picture book biography ideal for elementary students, highlighting perseverance in the face of both physical disability and racial discrimination. Wilma’s story offers a valuable message: success isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, determination, and believing in your own potential even when others don’t.
Reviews and Considerations: Teachers, parents, and counselors praise Wilma Unlimited as both inspiring and educational. Many note its usefulness for sparking discussions about goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and historical challenges related to disability and race. While a few readers found the portrayal a bit idealized, the overwhelming response is one of admiration for Wilma’s strength and the book’s engaging delivery. It’s a frequent favorite during Olympic seasons and a standout read-aloud for character education.
Summary: In Zach Hangs in There, young Zach wants nothing more than to master the tricky trapeze rings at school. But each time he tries, he falls short—literally. With help from his friend Sonya and some strategic thinking, Zach learns a simple four-step plan for perseverance: set a goal, make a plan, revise the plan if needed, and keep going. With positive self-talk and determination, Zach finally succeeds—and writes down his steps to use next time he faces a tough challenge.
Description: This story is part of the Zach Rules series, which focuses on everyday social and emotional struggles faced by kids. Zach Hangs in There stands out for its clear, actionable framework for teaching perseverance and growth mindset. It introduces young readers to the power of goal-setting and adapting when things don’t go as planned. The positive self-talk strategies modeled throughout the book are useful for all children, especially those who get discouraged easily.
Reviews and Considerations: Educators, counselors, and parents appreciate the practicality of this book. Many report using it with children on the autism spectrum or with emotional regulation needs due to its straightforward structure and relatable scenario. The illustrations and pacing make it accessible for early elementary students, and the included adult note makes it easy to extend the learning. It’s especially popular with kids who benefit from explicit tools for handling frustration and building confidence through small wins.
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