Books That Promote a Healthy Body Image

Body-image issues begin affecting kids as early as elementary school, and media can have a strong influence. Since kids come in all shapes and sizes, we chose some of our favorite books that reflect that. The books on our list feature characters whose lives aren't limited or defined by gender stereotypes of "thin, pretty girl" or "strong, athletic boy." And they just might help young readers feel extra comfortable in their own skin. There's even a guide that focuses on body image. For more examples of positive media, be sure to check out these TV Shows That Defy Gender Stereotypes and Movies That Defy Gender Stereotypes.

Bodies Are Cool Book Cover
BOOK

Bodies Are Cool

age 3+

A vibrant, joyous celebration of body diversity.

By: Tyler Feder (2021)
Flora and the Flamingo Poster Image
BOOK

Flora and the Flamingo

age 3+

Girl makes a feathered friend in whimsical, wordless outing.

By: Molly Idle (2013)
Beautifully Me Poster Image
BOOK

Beautifully Me

age 4+

Family remembers what beauty really is in kind, joyful tale.

By: Nabela Noor (2021)
Brontorina Poster Image
BOOK

Brontorina

age 4+

Dino's gotta dance in sweet, body-positive ballet tale.

By: James Howe (2010)
Her Body Can Poster Image
BOOK

Her Body Can

age 4+

Sweet body-positive book encourages body- and self-love.

Princess Grace Poster Image
BOOK

Princess Grace

age 4+

Princesses shine more than their tiaras in refreshing tale.

By: Mary Hoffman (2008)
Princess Smartypants Poster Image
BOOK

Princess Smartypants

age 4+

A high-spirited tale full of humor.

By: Babette Cole (1986)
Firebird Poster Image
BOOK

Firebird

age 5+

Soaring, rhythmic story for dancers with big dreams.

By: Misty Copeland (2014)
Freckleface Strawberry Poster Image
BOOK

Freckleface Strawberry

age 5+

Teased girl learns self-acceptance in fun friendship tale.

By: Julianne Moore (2007)
Ivy + Bean, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Ivy + Bean, Book 1

age 6+

Friendship tale a sure hit with kids starting chapter books.

By: Annie Barrows (2007)
Giants Beware! Poster Image
BOOK

Giants Beware!

age 7+

Fabulous medieval fairy tale with mighty girl heroine.

By: Jorge Aguirre (2012)
Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child Poster Image
BOOK

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child

age 8+

Charming, realistic take on middle school popularity race.

By: Maria T. Lennon (2013)
Handbook for Dragon Slayers Poster Image
BOOK

Handbook for Dragon Slayers

age 8+

Exciting medieval adventure with brave teens and dragons.

By: Merrie Haskell (2013)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1

age 8+

Magical start of the fantastic boy-wizard series.

By: J. K. Rowling (1998)
The Littlest Bigfoot: The Littlest Bigfoot, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Littlest Bigfoot: The Littlest Bigfoot, Book 1

age 8+

Misfits find common ground, friendship in quirky fantasy.

By: Jennifer Weiner (2016)
Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective: The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit Poster Image
BOOK

Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective: The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit

age 8+

Action-packed mystery teaches kids detective skills.

By: Octavia Spencer (2013)
Book title in blue and red text on black background
BOOK

Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys

age 9+

Science-based, inclusive advice is an amazing resource.

Blubber Poster Image
BOOK

Blubber

age 9+

Honest novel shows brutality of grade school bullying.

By: Judy Blume (1974)
The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless Poster Image
BOOK

The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless

age 9+

Friendly, factual book helps girls appreciate their bodies.

By: Charlotte Markey (2020)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth Poster Image
BOOK

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

age 9+

Greg faces puberty's horrors in funny 5th installment.

By: Jeff Kinney (2010)