Books About Courage For All Ages

Each February at National Heritage Academies, we focus on the moral virtue of Courage. We encourage students to explore what it means to be courageous in an age-appropriate way and do our best to frame the virtue in everyday, practical situations.
 
This includes talking about what it looks like to take a stand for something we believe in and being courageous on behalf of others. Together, we look at leaders throughout history who have demonstrated courage and created change — from a variety of ethnicities and countries.
 
Raising thoughtful, informed, and brave children begins at home. Here are some books that can help:
 
The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright
Recommended reading for: Preschoolers/Kindergarteners
A sweet rhyming book that helps understand change doesn’t have to be scary — in fact, it can open the world to possibilities.
 
A Little Book About Activism by Courtney Ahn
Recommended reading for: Preschoolers/Kindergarteners
Help your child discover the building blocks of empathy, care, and community.
 
I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience by Susan Verde
Recommended reading for: Ages 4-8 years
We often think bravery is fearlessness, but real courage comes from feeling scared and facing our challenges anyway!
 
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Recommended reading for: Ages 5-8 years
We all know what it’s like to feel different — or like we don’t belong. This book encourages us it’s okay to feel like an outsider and find courage along the way.
 
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai
Recommended reading for: Ages 8-12 years
A novel inspired by the author’s childhood experience as a refugee, bravely fleeing Vietnam and migrating to Alabama.
 
The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney
Recommended reading for: Middle Schoolers
Written like a letter from a big sister to her younger sibling, this heartwarming book is ideal for any kid who’s not sure they’re brave enough to begin middle school.
 
Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone
Recommended reading for: Middle Schoolers/Tweens
When school rules seem to only apply to the girls in her grade, Molly Frost stands up.
 
Color Me In by Natasha Díaz
Recommended reading for: High Schoolers
A coming-of-age novel about a biracial girl coming to terms with her identity as her family falls apart.
 
All We Have Left by Wendy Mills
Recommended reading for: High Schoolers
A look at interweaving stories from past and present — bringing September 11th to life.