In the tumultuous journey of adolescence, finding stories that resonate and inspire can be truly transformative. Here at Empowering Books Publishing, we believe in the profound power of literature to shape young minds, foster resilience, and illuminate pathways to self-discovery.
This curated list of the top empowering teen and young adult books, have been voted by our team. Novels that highlight stories that go beyond entertainment, offering young adults and teens vital life lessons, a sense of purpose, and the courage to navigate their own unique coming-of-age adventures.
If you buy through the links on this page, a small commission is paid at no extra cost to you. Empowering Books only recommend empowering Teen & YA books we truly believe in.
1
OSU
Sub Title: A coming-of-age novel – an empowering book of self-acceptance & resilience
Author: Sensei Sarhn
Publisher: Empowering Books
Recommended Reading Age: 12+
Description: In the dojo, Olive discovers her empowering strength. Outside, she faces her greatest challenge.
Sixteen-year-old Olive has always been an outsider and when her family uproots her from the bustling city
to sleepy Buxton, she’s sure her life is over. That is, until she stumbles upon a local karate school.
The dojo becomes Olive’s sanctuary, and her natural talent catches everyone’s eye—especially Boyan, the enigmatic son of her sensei. As Olive and Boyan’s connection deepens, she realises he’s fighting battles of his own.
But just as Olive begins to find her footing, a devastating secret threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must summon every ounce of her newfound strength to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out.
Osu is a gripping, empowering coming-of-age-tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of finding where you belong. In this unforgettable debut, Sensei Sarhn reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves can be our
greatest enemy—or our most powerful ally.
2
Out of My Mind
Author: Sharon M Draper
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Recommended Reading Age: 10+
Description: Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced.
She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.
3
Fish in a Tree
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Recommended Reading Age: 10+
Description: Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker.
With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her-and to everyone-than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.
4
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
Author: Sean Covey
Publisher: TOUCHSTONE
Recommended Reading Age: 12-17 years
Description: Based on his father”s bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean Covey applies the same principles to teens, using a vivacious, entertaining style. To keep it fun, Covey writes, he “stuffed it full of cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world . . . along with a few other surprises.” Did he ever!
Flip open to any page and become instantly absorbed in real-life stories of teens who have overcome obstacles to succeed, and step-by-step guides to shifting paradigms, building equity in “relationship bank accounts,” creating action plans, and much more. As a self-acknowledged guinea pig for many of his dad’s theories, Sean Covey is a living example of someone who has taken each of the seven habits to heart: be proactive; begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be understood; synergize; and sharpen the saw.
He includes a comical section titled “The 7 Habits of Highly Defective Teens,” which includes some, shall we say, counterproductive practices: put first things last; don’t cooperate; seek first to talk, then pretend to listen; wear yourself out . . . Covey’s humorous and up-front style is just light enough to be acceptable to wary teenagers, and down-and-dirty enough to really make a difference.
5
How to Win Friends & Influence People for Teen Girls
Author: Dale Carnegie & Associates
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Recommended Reading Age: 13+
Description: Based on the bestselling, timeless classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls is the essential guide for a new generation of teenage girls on their way to becoming empowered, savvy, and self-confident young women.
How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls, based on the beloved classic by Dale Carnegie, has become the go-to guidebook for girls during the difficult teenage years. Presented by Donna Dale Carnegie, daughter of the late motivational author and teacher Dale Carnegie, this new edition brings her father’s time-tested lessons to the newest generation of young women on their way to becoming self-assured friends and leaders.
In these pages, teen girls get invaluable, concrete advice about the most powerful ways to influence others, defuse arguments, admit mistakes, and make self-defining choices. The Carnegie techniques promote clear and constructive communication, praise rather than criticism, emotional sensitivity, empathy, tolerance, and an optimistic outlook in every situation.
Written in an empowering, relatable voice and filled with anecdotes, quizzes, reality check sections, and questionnaires, this new and fully revised edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls is required reading for a new generation of strong female leaders.
6
Barefoot Kids
Author: Scott Pape
Publisher: Barefoot Publishing AU
Recommended Reading Age: 8 – 12 years
Description: If you want the kids in your life to be good with money, hand them this book.
Teaching kids about money isn’t easy. So let Scott Pape, the Barefoot Investor, do it for you!
His books have sold millions of copies and counting … and now he’s written a guide book you can hand straight to KIDS!
No, seriously: this is one book kids will WANT to read.
Scott takes them on an epic, page-turning money ADVENTURE – with fun projects, inspiring stories from 45 kids, rewards and real-life stickers.
It’s easily the most unique finance book ever written. After all, how many books about money have Slime Queens, TikTok stars and dogs pooping on the page?
Kids will roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and learn the value of a buck the old-fashioned way.
Over six action-packed steps, Scott teaches kids:
- Why they should help out around the house for free
- How to set up their own money buckets
- How to SAVE for (and get) anything they want (that their parents approve of)
- How to turbocharge their savings by running their own mini business
- Why they should use their GIVE bucket to make a real difference to other people (kindness counts!)
- How to kick-start a lifetime of compound interest by investing with as little as $5
As the parent, you’ll call all the shots, of course – but you won’t have to lift a finger. The kids will do all the work (and they’ll love it!). You’ll be blown away by what they achieve.
This book holds the secret to raising smart, resilient, kind and hard-working kids who will grow up knowing how to manage their money. Give this book to every kid you know. It’s the best investment you can make in their future.
7
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens
Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki
Publisher: Plata Publishing
Recommended Reading Age: 12-17 years
Description: You’re never too young to learn the language of money… and the lessons that rich dad taught Robert. Like it or not, money is a part of our everyday lives and the more we understand it, the better the chance that we can learn to have our money work hard for us-instead of working hard for money all our lives. That starts with learning the language of money.
This book, created from the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, shares Robert’s inspiring person story but teaches how to make smart choices. Packed with straight talk, sidebars, and quizzes, this book will jumpstart a child’s personal and financial success by teaching: How to speak the language of money, ways to make money work for you, tips for success (including: “Work to learn, not to earn.”), and why games can help you understand money, investing, and ways to choose your best path to financial freedom.
8
Daring to Take Up Space
Author: Daniel Koepke
Publisher: Thought Catalog Books
Recommended Reading Age: 12-17 years
Description: In her first poetry collection, Daniell gives voice to the fear and anxiety, as well as the perseverance and strength, that has been fundamental to her own personal growth journey and the path to deeper and more meaningful self-love and acceptance.
In her own words, this book is for “the 17-year-old Daniell who was convinced she was worthless; who was convinced she would never survive or amount to anything. This is for the friends and family who never stopped believing in and supporting her. This is for all the people who feel that they have to shrink and hide who they are in order to be loved and accepted and worth something.
This is for anyone who needs a reminder that you deserve to take up space in the world and that you are enough.”
9
You’ve Got This
Author: Domonique Bertolucci
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books
Recommended Reading Age: 15+
Description: You’ve Got This is packed with straightforward and inspiring advice from bestselling author Domonique Bertolucci that encourages us to enjoy life more by being kinder to ourselves. All too often, we find ourselves asking ‘why don’t I have what others have?’ In You’ve Got This, Domonique refocuses our attention to the things we might already have: a home filled with laughter, a child’s love, compassionate friends, good health that lets us live life to the full – there is much to be thankful for. Turning our minds to what we have, rather than what we don’t have, brings back the joy of living.
You’ve Got This shows us how to be generous to ourselves and gain more time and energy to enjoy the things that really do matter. It invites us to make simple changes to the way we think: changes that will leave us feeling more relaxed, calm and confident, instead of stressed and overwhelmed, and over time, make our lives happier.
10
Inspiring Stories For Teens
Author: Dave Schafer
Recommended Reading Age: 11-18 years
Description: In the post-COVID world, teenagers are feeling more anxious and hopeless than ever. The world seems to be conspiring against them. They’re overwhelmed and skeptical in the face of so much adversity, and as a result, they’re passively living the life being given to them rather than striving for the life they want. They’re unmotivated because they don’t believe that accomplishing their dreams and goals is possible when so many obstacles stand in their way.
It doesn’t have to be like this.
inspiring stories for teens, by award-winning journalist Dave Schafer, shows teenagers that no matter what their situation or what the obstacles they face, there’s always a way forward.
11
Different Not Less
Author: Chloé Hayden
Recommended Reading Age: 13+ years
Description: Chloé Hayden shares her transformative journey of growing up feeling like an outsider in a world that seemed incomprehensible. Struggling with eye contact, small talk, and social norms, she navigated through 10 schools in 8 years while learning to adapt to a life that felt alien. Eventually diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Chloé discovered the empowering truth that being different does not equate to being less. Through a blend of heartfelt anecdotes and practical insights, she provides guidance on managing meltdowns, finding supportive communities, and embracing one’s true self. This inspiring narrative is not only a testament to the neurodivergent experience but also a call to foster inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels they truly belong.
12
Making The Most Of It
Author: Lisa Forrest
Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books
Recommended Reading Age: 12+
Description: Nina Hallet is a regular schoolgirl just trying to make her way through her teenage years. She goes to school. She does her homework. She swims.
One of Nina’s dreams is to swim very, very fast. When that dream comes true, Nina Hallet’s world is turned upside down. Nothing she has learned – from school, from swimming or from her parents – has prepared her for the role of international sporting celebrity. But as her list of achievements is dwarfed by mounting expectations, Nina funds herself struggling to satisfy, not just herself, but a nation hungry for heroes.
When the dream becomes a nightmare, Nina begins to learn the lessons that will truly set her up for life.
An exhilarating and joyful novel about finding your place in the world.
13
Tomorrow, When The War Began
Author: John Marsden
Publisher: Pan Australia
Recommended Reading Age: 13+
Description: Somewhere out there Ellie and her friends are hiding.
They’re shocked, they’re frightened, they’re alone.
Their world has changed, with the speed of a slamming door.
They’ve got no weapons – except courage.
They’ve got no help – except themselves.
They’ve got nothing – except friendship.
How strong can you be, when the world is full of people trying to kill you?
14
Game Changers
Sub Title: Inspirational Sports Stories: An Empowering Playbook for Teens to Build Resilience, Crush Goals and Cultivate Exceptional Character
Author: Dan Gold
Publisher: Independently published
Recommended Reading Age: 13+
Description: What if the greatest lessons in life weren’t taught in a classroom—but on the court, the field and the track?
Game Changers is more than just a collection of sports stories—it’s an empowering playbook for teens who want to rise above setbacks, crush their goals and become the kind of leaders the world needs.
Inside, author Dan Gold spotlights legendary athletes who didn’t just play the game—they changed it. From overcoming doubt and disability to breaking barriers and building character, these unforgettable stories offer blueprints for resilience, courage and growth. You’ll meet:
Tom Brady, the overlooked draft pick who became the NFL’s GOAT through grit and self-belief
Michael Phelps, who turned ADHD into Olympic gold with laser focus and mental strength
Abby Wambach, who led by example on the field and off—fighting for inclusion, equality and team over ego
Serena Williams, who silenced critics and smashed records with power, purpose and poise
Michael Jordan, who turned failure into fuel and pressure into performance
Jackie Robinson, whose quiet courage shattered baseball’s color barrier and inspired a nation
Yuna Kim, the South Korean figure skating icon who brought elegance, strength and advocacy to a global stage
And that’s just the beginning.
With over forty compelling stories, plus interactive reflections and practical exercises at the end of every chapter, Game Changers helps readers put the lessons into action—on the field, at school and in life.
Whether you’re a young athlete chasing a dream or a parent looking to inspire your teen, this is the ultimate guide to building confidence, character and unstoppable momentum.
15
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
Sub Title: Guide For Teens
Author: Sumit Sharma
Publisher: Sharmx LLC
Recommended Reading Age: 10-17
Description: Leadership isn’t just for CEOs, class presidents, or team captains. It’s for you—right now, exactly as you are. Whether you’re the quiet thinker, the creative problem solver, or the natural motivator, this book will show you how to step into your power, lead confidently, and make a real impact in your world.
Written by Sumit Sharma, a seasoned executive, mentor, and leadership coach, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders is a practical, inspiring guide that equips teenagers with the skills, mindset, and confidence to lead in any situation. Drawing from real-world stories, psychological insights, and hands-on exercises, this book will help you:
Find Your Voice – Overcome fear, master public speaking, and confidently communicate.
Think Like a Leader – Learn how to solve problems, make decisions, and inspire those around you.
Turn Ideas into Action: Learn how to start a movement, lead a team, or create positive change in your school or community.
Master Time & Goals – Develop habits that set you up for lifelong success.
Build Emotional Intelligence – Strengthen resilience, navigate setbacks, and lead with empathy.
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s a roadmap to success for every teenager who wants to stand out, speak up, and make a difference. Whether stepping onto the stage, into the classroom, or leading from behind the scenes, the lessons in this book will help you unlock your full potential.
The world needs more young leaders. Are you ready to rise?
16
Standing Up For Myself
Sub Title: An empowering book for Neurodivergent kids and teens about boundaries, sensitivity, personal space, consent, power play and self
Author: Evaleen Whelton
Publisher: Gold Ripple Publishing
Recommended Reading Age: 8-12
Description: This book is the first book to be recommended by Therapist Neurodiversity Collective to be used as a perfect alternative to social skills training. Autistic kids and teens need Neurodiversity-affirming resources and this book provides a space for them to explore the skills they really need to navigate their social world.
Evaleen writes with tremendous empathy and insight and she breaks down the differences between Autistic Culture and the social hierarchy in a very friendly way for young readers.
17
A Growth Mindset For Teens
Sub Title: Practical Lessons & Activities To Build Confidence, Problem Solve, Grow Skills, And Become Resilient in 31 Days
Author: Sydney Sheppard
Publisher: Independently published
Recommended Reading Age: 13-17
Description: You are no longer a child, but not yet an adult. As a teen, you are in a period in your life where more is expected of you as adulthood draws near.
You might find yourself overwhelmed by the pressure from your parents, teachers, and others around you.
What if I fail? What if I don’t know how to be an adult? What if my parents are going to be disappointed in me? What if I don’t land a lucrative career?
Suffocating what-ifs flood your mind, affecting your peace of mind which manifests in difficulties at school and challenges with relationships.
The truth is, you’re not alone in this struggle. Millions of young people share the same dilemma, and even non-teens recognize the woes of emerging adulthood.
A 2021 survey revealed that more than 70 percent of Americans agree that adolescents today face a harder time than previous generations.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all your worries. By equipping yourself with a growth mindset, you’ll be able to discover your potential and bring out the best in you.
Even better, there are strategies to develop a mentality that cultivates and promotes growth, converting your fear of the future into faith in yourself in the process. And adopting these strategies is relatively easy, as long as you have a valuable guide.
This book is a safe space where you can find everything you need to develop persistence, resilience, and inner strength to help you face the exciting challenges ahead. Inside, you’ll discover:
An in-depth understanding of the growth mindset, how it is developed, how it differs from a fixed mindset, and common misconceptions about it
How to rewire the brain and cultivate growth — and effective strategies to boost neuroplasticity for brain health and resilience
The importance of reframing your thoughts and ways to live with your inner critic and turn negative thinking into positivity
Why you must find your strengths to help you break free from limiting beliefs — leave your comfort zone and traverse into the growth zone
The role of self-compassion, empathy, and gratitude in your quest to bounce back from challenges
Stress management skills: emotion regulation, problem-solving, and time management to reduce stress and help you become more productive anywhere
31-day growth mindset challenges to help you achieve your goals ASAP – fun to do with family, friends, or by yourself
18
Friends Forever
Author: Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Reading Age: 10-14
Description: Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever. Everyone keeps changing, her classmates are starting to date each other (but nobody wants to date her!), and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy.
As she works through her insecurities and undiagnosed depression, she worries about disappointing all the people who care about her. Is something wrong with her? Can she be the person everyone expects her to be? And who does she actually want to be?
19
Finding Identity
Author: Silenus
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Recommended Reading Age: 15+
Description: Finding Identity is a collection of poetry and prose, marking the journeys and sentiments of life. The book starts with the feeling of being lost, the course of wanting to give up, to give in, and the persistence of beliefs. Roads of fire and wounds, attempts to make a stand on the ground, the search for a position in the infinite unknown. This book records the view upon city of a delicate soul from a sensitive human, it includes unique perspectives and theories. It ends with the approach of a clearer state in the identity search by gaining emotional independence.
20
Stargirl
Author: Jenny Spinelli
Publisher: Ember
Recommended Reading Age: 10-13
Description: A modern-day classic from Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli, this beloved celebration of individuality is now an original movie on Disney+!
Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’ s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.
Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.
Don’t miss the sequel, Love, Stargirl, as well as The Warden’s Daughter, a novel about another girl who can’t help but stand out.
“Spinelli is a poet of the prepubescent. . . . No writer guides his young characters, and his readers, past these pitfalls and challenges and toward their futures with more compassion.” —The New York Times
21
The Girl Who Fell From The Sky
Author: Emma Carey
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Recommended Reading Age: 16+
Description: From a terrible accident that left her paraplegic, Emma Carey has become an inspiration for hundreds of thousands online to live life to the fullest and remind us that if we can, we must.
There on that helicopter, somewhere over Switzerland on a Sunday in June, came the first tiny whisper. A voice that would carry me for years to come. ‘I’m going to be ok. There’s still joy here.’
When Emma Carey was twenty, she fell from 14,000 feet and survived. In her bestselling memoir, The Girl Who Fell From the Sky Emma tells us the inspirational story of how, through one of her greatest tragedies, she found her truest self.
From waking in the hospital a paraplegic to learning how to use her legs again, through the six-year long court case and now being finally free to make the most of her life, Emma teaches us the importance of courage and resilience.
This heartfelt book is more than a memoir, it’s a call to action that reminds us not to take our lives and abilities for granted – to live every day like it could be our last.
22
The Secret To Teen Power
Author: Paul Harrington
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books
Recommended Reading Age: 14+
Description: The Secret has sold millions of copies worldwide. Now, for the first time, The Secret to Teen Power explores the power of the Law of Attraction for a brand-new audience.
Ask. Believe. Receive.
Since its original publication, The Secret has inspired millions to live extraordinary lives. The Secret to Teen Power explores the Law of Attraction from a teenager’s point of view. All the themes of teenage life – self-image, relationships, school, family, ambitions, values, and dreams – are covered in this all-embracing book. The Secret to Teen Power is crammed with powerful tips and strategies to help young readers discover their purpose, achieve happiness and harmony in every aspect of their lives, and create abundance and joy. In their own language, in words they themselves use, this fantastic new book will empower teenagers all over the world to reach to the stars and to create & live their dreams.
23
Teenpreneur
Author: Errol Lawson
Publisher: EWL Consultants
Recommended Reading Age: 13+
Description: The Ultimate Business Startup Guide for Gen Z Entrepreneurs
Transform your ideas into reality in today’s digital age! Whether you’re a TikTok creator, NFT artist, or traditional entrepreneur, this completely updated guide shows you how to build a successful business as a young founder.
From the Author:
“When I was a teenager, I had the drive but not the direction. School didn’t teach me how to channel my entrepreneurial energy. This book is what I wished I had back then – a practical roadmap for both book-smart and street-smart young people ready to make their mark.”
What’s New in the 2025 Edition:
– AI-powered business tools for young founders
– Sustainable business practices
– Real success stories from teen entrepreneurs
– Step-by-step guides for launching your first product
– Latest tools for building an online presence
This isn’t just another business book – it’s your hands-on manual for:
– Testing ideas before investing time and money
– Finding funding (traditional and digital)
– Building a loyal customer base
– Managing school and business
– Scaling smartly
– Making an impact while making profit
Perfect for:
– High school and college students
– Young creators and influencers
– Tech-savvy teens
– Social entrepreneurs
– Side-hustle starters
Don’t wait until after college to start your business journey. Learn how to turn your passion into profit while making a difference in the world. Join thousands of successful young entrepreneurs who’ve used this guide to launch their dreams.
Get started today with Teenpreneur – because age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurship.
24
Survivors
Author: Ben Hubbard
Publisher: Welbeck Children’s Books
Recommended Reading Age: 7+
Description: Prepare to be amazed by these incredible tales of human strength and determination in the face of disaster. Read 15 amazing survival stories, and let the exciting narrative text and dramatic illustrations drop you right into the action.Disasters often make the headlines, but this book focusses on the survivors. Find out how these real-life heroes survived volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, wildfires, plane crashes, shark attacks and much more, using only their wits, their determination and the most basic of tools. From the much anticipated 2018 rescue of the 13 Thai boys who were trapped in a cave, to Steve Callahan, who was adrift at sea for 76 days, you’ll be astonished by these thrilling stories of survival.
Empowering Books 