Silent and Strong: 15 Books for Kids and Teens Who Are Introverts
by Dena McMurdie
When my kids get home from school, they quietly disappear into separate rooms until dinnertime. My oldest daughter reads a book or plays “Clash of Clans” while my middle child rearranges doll clothes and draws pictures. I don’t get to hear about their day until we sit down to eat.
In case you couldn’t guess, my kids are introverts. They need time to be alone and unwind.
As an introvert myself, I understand the need for alone time, but it worries me too. Being an introverted child can be exhausting, lonely, and make you feel like you have a social deficiency. Thankfully, many authors are introverts — or understand how introverts feel. Whether kids are looking for validation, acceptance, or tips on handling social situations, there are books for every kind of introvert.
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Picture Books
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Maude: The Not-So-Noticeable Shrimpton
Available from:In a family of attention-loving extroverts, Maude prefers to go unnoticed — especially after her flashy birthday gift (a tiger!) gets hungry. This modern-day fable will appeal to kids who enjoy slightly dark stories with unexpected endings.
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The Invisible Boy
Available from:Brian is ignored by his classmates and even his teacher until he goes out on a limb and befriends the new boy at school. As their friendship develops, they learn to see the value in themselves and each other. A great read about loneliness and the power of friendship.
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Shy
Available from:It's a big, scary world out there and Shy is too timid to come out of hiding — until the day he sees a real bird. With themes of friendship and courage, this gorgeously illustrated picture book will capture your heart.
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Evan's Corner
Desperate for space, Evan claims a corner in his crowded apartment as his own. Uplifting and tender, this story teaches kids the importance of personal space as well as the joy of sharing your world with others.
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When No One Is Watching
Kids who cringe at the thought of being the center of attention will appreciate this story of a young girl that shies away from the spotlight. Having a good friend that understands her is all she needs to feel comfortable in any situation.
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Willow’s Whispers
Willow wants to make friends and be included in activities, but she's not loud enough to get noticed. She learns that speaking up can bring positive results and isn't as scary as she thought. A great story for kids that struggle with being heard.
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Middle Grade
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Hound Dog True
The thought of starting school as the new girl (again) is terrifying for Mattie, and she'll do anything to avoid having to socialize with the other fifth graders. This is a book about a shy, introverted girl finding the courage to take small steps forward.
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King of the Wind
You can conquer the world without saying a word. Agba is mute and prefers to spend his time with his horse. Together, they journey through several adventures until they reach the pinnacle of horse racing stardom.
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The Lost Twin
Ivy has always been quiet, obedient, and overlooked. When she's forced to impersonate her vibrant twin sister, she has to leave her comfort zone behind. This dark mystery features an introvert that meets her challenges and learns to be assertive when she needs to.
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Call It Courage
In order to prove his bravery, Mafatu sets off alone in a boat with only his dog for company. He tames his fear and proves his courage to himself and his village. This is a hope-filled adventure for anyone that has ever felt overlooked and underestimated.
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Ava and Pip
Ava is outgoing and loud. She believes that if her sister, Pip, would come out of her shell, she would have an easier time making friends. These two sisters must learn to accept each other in spite of their differences.
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Young Adult
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Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts
This YA edition of the bestseller Quiet contains true stories of kids overcoming challenges at school, home, and in friendships. With illustrations and insights, this book is a must-read for introverted teens and their parents.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Charlie's story has touched the hearts of thousands of people and is a favorite amongst its readers. He deals with the challenges many teens face every day including sex, drugs, and violence. Introverted teens that feel alone will especially appreciate this book.
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The Goose Girl
Princess Ani can speak with animals, but is uncomfortable talking to people. When her royal title is stolen from her, she must use her unique strengths to win it back. This is one introvert that should not be underestimated.
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The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
For older teens that are looking for the humorous side of feeling awkward, this book is the perfect read. They'll see that even adults can feel out of place, but laughing at yourself goes a long way toward overcoming social obstacles.
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What’s your favorite book for introverts? Let us know in the comments!