Books on Bravery for Kids Ages 6 – 8
by Melissa Taylor
How can we encourage children to be brave? We can talk about what bravery is and isn’t, and we can read good books that show people being brave.
Childhood fears and worries are a normal part of growing up, having new experiences, and discovering the world. Our job as grown-ups is to empathize and allow space for children to do hard things. These 10 stories will inspire and encourage kids to be brave.
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Lillian’s Right to Vote
Available from:Lillian, a 100-year-old Black woman, slowly climbs a steep hill to cast her ballot. As she walks, she thinks of her slave ancestors, the 15th Amendment, and the struggle for equal rights — including the right to vote. Her difficult walk metaphorically echoes the challenges throughout history to gain equal rights.
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I Am Brave
“I am brave” repeats throughout this early reader about a little girl on a family vacation encountering many new things. From her first plane ride to a giant water slide, she handles new situations with positive thinking.
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Bold & Brave
Available from:Beautiful illustrations accompany inspiring two-page biographies about 10 hard-working women who devoted their lives to improving women’s rights in the United States, particularly the right to vote. Show children what activism looks like in action by reading this stunning book with your children and discussing each woman’s contributions.
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Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough
Available from:Dory’s good-hearted attempt to help her older sister, Violet, gets hijacked by her imagination, which includes a pirate boat, her imaginary friend named Mary, and her old nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Gracker. Will Dory’s wild bath time adventure result in helping Violet with her friendship issues?
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Brave Clara Barton
Available from:This inspiring early reader tells the story of a shy girl named Clara Barton, who grew up to be a brave hero who helped wounded soldiers during the U.S. Civil War. This age-appropriate biography shows how even shy people can find their inner strength.
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Pawtriot Dogs: Save the Sanctuary
Available from:Retired from the army after an explosion, a Belgium Malinios dog named Sgt. Rico now lives at a sanctuary for animals. There, he finds a new mission — to protect the sanctuary from the evil Mr. Mososo, joined by his fellow animal friends.
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Brave Batgirl!
Available from:Simple text and short sentences introduce growing readers to Batgirl, the superhero, who is actually Barbara Gordon, the police chief’s daughter.
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Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
Miss Hazeltine welcomes shy cats into her home and gently helps them learn about cat things like climbing, making friends, pouncing, and birds. But when Miss Hazeltine goes missing, these timid cats must be brave to help find and rescue her.
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Jabari Jumps
Available from:Jabari wants to dive off the diving board, but he’s feeling too nervous. His father expresses empathy and gives him some helpful advice that Jabari implements. He takes a deep breath, tells himself that he’s ready, thinks of the fun surprises ahead, and jumps!
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Kaia and the Bees
Available from:Even though her dad is a rooftop beekeeper, Kaia is scared of bees. But when her dad needs help, Kaia wants to overcome her fears. And she does, despite being stung, Kaia moves from fear to bravery, aided by her new understanding of the value of bees in the world.
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