Building Student Self-Confidence

At First Book, we often talk about the power of books to open doors to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. But just as importantly, books and classroom experiences can help students build confidence, something they carry with them in and out of the classroom.  

Research from First Book Research & Insight’s Student Mental Health in Communities of Need Survey (2022), underscores the link between self-esteem and learning, with 76% of educators identifying low self-esteem as a sign of mental health struggles and 98% agreeing it impacts students’ ability to learn.  

Yet for many students in under-resourced classrooms and learning environments, access to these books and the experiences that help build confidence is not guaranteed. 

Building self-confidence starts with feeling like you belong.  

When students feel seen, respected, and valued, they are more likely to share their ideas and take risks in their learning. Educators can help build that sense of belonging within the classroom.  

Empathy In Action: How to Create Welcoming Learning Environments (2025), created in partnership with the Kids Mental Health Foundation, offers practical strategies to help educators foster inclusive, supportive classrooms. Creating these environments gives students the foundation they need to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.   

Confidence grows through trying, failing, learning, and trying again. 

Our changemaking resources focus on developing key qualities like empathy, teamwork, leadership, and taking action. The Changemaker Action Journal & Educator Guide helps students identify their strengths and passions and encourages them to make a positive impact.  

Taking action, especially when facing uncertainty or setbacks, helps students see themselves as capable contributors, even if they don’t get it right the first time. 

Creativity allows students to express their ideas and see value in their own thinking. When students can use their creativity in activities that are both achievable and appropriately challenging, they begin to build confidence in their problem-solving skills and unique ideas.  

Several First Book Accelerator resources are designed with this in mind. By encouraging students to explore and solve problems creatively, these tools create space for collaboration and experimentation. Through these experiences, students build confidence with every new challenge they take on. 

For First Book members, the impact of these resources is clear:  

“One of my struggling readers picked up a novel I recently purchased from First Book, and he couldn’t put it down. The high-interest, low-Lexile novel was a perfect fit for him. He gained more confidence and is eager to read more books!” — Jessica K.

“As a result of the discount prices, I have been inspired to purchase books for my students as incentives or as gifts that promote mindfulness, character development, and giving to others. Some books I have purchased have addressed personal issues that assist in building my students’ self-esteem … Through First Book, I have been empowered to demonstrate to my students that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!” — Diane G. 

“First Book offers books that all of my students can relate to. When they see themselves represented in the books in my classroom they are excited to read and it helps to build their self-confidence and pride in their differences. I have found First Book to be an invaluable resource to myself and my students.” — Katie C.

Confidence isn’t built overnight, but when educators have access to the right resources, they can create environments where students feel safe to try, learn, and grow. First Book helps ensure that these books, tools, and resources reach the students who need them most.  

Educators can join First Book’s Network — the largest online community of individual educators, professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting children in need across North America — to bring new books, educational resources, and supplies to their classroom or program.