5 Self-Development Books to Read As A High Schooler

By
Charles Norris
Published on
July 8, 2024

Books are a great way to learn and gather some much-needed guidance, especially when you’re at a time in your life that can be full of change and challenges. Gen Z readers started reading self-help books much earlier than their predecessors, with the average Zoomer starting between ages 10 and 15. Additionally, surveys reveal that most of this generation feels more confident about penning life advice based on their experiences compared to other generations.

With all the pressures of society and the world, today’s high schoolers are no strangers to finding resources that help navigate the ups and downs of growing up and making it through the educational system. There maybe outdated sayings that say the ‘real world’ only starts after high school, but the rough patches you could face during this phase are as real as they get for this point in your life. 

Thankfully, materials that equip you for these moments are much more accessible in our digital age. Everand Books is one place where you can find a great collection of Ebooks and audiobooks across genres. You can start with a 30-day free trial and then gain access to an all-you-can-read subscription afterward.

If you’re a teen growing yourself-development library, make sure these books make the cut. 

1. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga 

The Japanese sensation went viral on TikTok because of its radical approach to finding personal joy and fulfillment. This book doesn’t ask you to be negative and unlikable but instead encourages you to free yourself from limiting social expectations. If you’re looking for guidance to declutter your mind and take better care of yourself, then embrace The Courage to Be Disliked. Kishimi and Koga do a great job of tackling complex ideals and simplifying them so you can focus on what makes you happy and what direction you want your life to take. 

2. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Ducksworth 

It’s easy to feel conscious when you compare skill level and talent with your peers, although these are both factors you can develop overtime. It just takes passion and perseverance. In other words, you will need to hone your grit. Angela Duckworth dives into this perfectly from experience, having been told she lacked ‘genius’ and ultimately becoming a successful researcher and professor. As the American high school system continues to push for standardized testing and rigid curriculums, you can equip yourself with ideas and tips that can help you develop lifelong interest and effort beyond your current standards and circumstances. 

3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

There is a lot of debate on whether or not being a well-rounded student is worth it. While the general idea is that well-roundedness is valuable, colleges now seek out students with more mastery in specific fields or categories. Whether you are trying to have a good grasp of different skills or you want to improve your performance with your focus, you’ll want to learn the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens — which we've recommended before but is still worth mentioning. Sean Covey expertly tackles these habits in an easily digestible way that doesn’t feel preachy so you can comfortably follow a roadmap that helps you achieve your goals, improve your self-image, handle social media, and more. 

4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 

You might think a book first published almost 100 years ago wouldn’t have much relevant advice for today’s teens, but How to Win Friends and Influence People remains one of the classics of non-fiction for a reason. Dale Carnegie’s words continue to resonate and inspire writers that follow to this day, with updated elements to fit the modern era. If you’re struggling to communicate effectively, navigate social situations, or accomplish tasks, you may find plenty of helpful lessons in this book legitimately passing the test of time. 

5. Atomic Habits by James Clear

High schoolers today are more depressed than ever, with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics showing 42% of students feeling persistently hopeless and sad. Puberty, grades, and young love are enough to get you stressed, but today’s youth also face climate and political unrest with threats of violence. Although much of the action must be held toward the adults in power, there are helpful ways to manage personal mental struggles. In Atomic Habits, James Clear helps readers “get 1% better every day.” As you read, you learn ways to let go of the toxicity and practically build healthier habits you can carry for the rest of your life. 

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