The best fiction books with strong female leads to boost a child’s self-confidence

Having self-confidence can help a child make friends, do well in school and cope with various challenges that they may encounter in their everyday life. However, there is a disturbing rise in mental health issues in children: research by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies indicates that low self-esteem, along with depression and anxiety in children, are at their highest levels in a decade. Some factors that are said to affect British children’s self-worth include cyber bullying, negative labelling and the pandemic, among others.

Finding ways to boost a child’s self-confidence and mental health should be every parent’s priority, and one of the best ways to do this is by encouraging children to read for pleasure. There is scientific evidence that shows that reading can help to improve self-esteem. Some books may even help to boost a child’s self-confidence as the characters in these novels have shown tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of being true to oneself. Here are some of the best fiction books that can help to improve a child’s self-worth.

Matilda (Roald Dahl)

A UK study has found that spending just 30 minutes a day reading for pleasure can improve mental health as readers are 10% more likely to feel confident than non-readers. Moreover, readers can also make stronger connections with friends and have greater empathy for others. These are the reasons why giving children a good start in reading is crucial, so it’s worth taking the time to teach the kids to develop a love for reading. Parents can do so by setting an example so their kids will be encouraged to pick up a book. They can also provide books that are fun, while also  inspiring the child to be their best self, such as the Roald Dahl classic, Matilda.

In the book, Matilda, who’s a bookworm herself, is not only an outsider in her family, but she also faces oppression in school from an authority figure. But Matilda remains kind and faces her problems head-on, learning to control her emotions as she channels them into special powers. Best of all, though, she’s young and burdened by problems, but she exudes self-confidence as she makes it a point to stand up for herself, no matter if she’s faced with negativity or abuse. Matilda teaches children that no matter the cards that they’re dealt with in life, it’s possible to make decisions that can change life for the better.

Pippi Longstocking (Astrid Lindgren)

Pippi Longstocking, who is the main character in a series of children’s books by Astrid Lindgren, is a highly independent child who’s playful and imaginative, and she also knows that it’s okay to be yourself and love yourself. In one of the books, Pippi enters a shop to ask about a sign advertising a certain product, since she can’t read very well. It turns out that the sign is for a jar of freckle salve, and when the shopkeeper points out that Pippi is covered in freckles, implying that she needs it, the girl tells her that she’s not bothered at all by them and that she loves her freckles very much. In a world of ever-changing beauty standards, Pippi teaches everyone that there’s nothing wrong with the way you look.

Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery)

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s feisty heroine, Anne Shirley has been a longtime inspiration for young readers. Though she has a tragic background, she refuses to be a victim of her past and, instead, she focuses on everything that’s good in her life. She has no problem speaking her mind if she feels that someone has wronged her. Anne has also shown readers that it’s alright to be passionate about the things you love, teaching kids that even if they’re into hobbies that may not be popular among others, or if they dress differently than their peers, they should be proud and not hide who they are.

Books can be a young person’s refuge during challenging times. Some novels and the characters within them can also become a source of inspiration as they can lift the spirit and instil confidence and strength in readers. Any of these books is a great choice to boost a child’s self-confidence, so they can thrive and be happier as they grow. 

The editorial unit