Being Me A Kids Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem by Wendy L. Moss

In a world where kids face increasing pressure—from social media, school expectations, and peer dynamics—self-confidence can feel like an elusive superpower. Being Me: A Kid's Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem by Wendy L. Moss, PhD, is a refreshing, practical, and empowering book that helps young readers navigate these challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

As a psychologist with decades of experience, Moss crafts a guide that doesn’t just preach self-esteem—it actively teaches kids how to build it. Whether you're a parent, educator, or a young reader yourself, this book offers actionable advice wrapped in relatable stories and engaging exercises.

But does it truly deliver on its promise? Let’s dive deep into what makes Being Me stand out—and why it might just be the confidence-boosting manual your child needs.

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Unlike traditional fiction, Being Me is structured as an interactive workbook, blending storytelling with exercises, reflection prompts, and real-life scenarios. The book follows a conversational tone, as if Moss is sitting down with the reader, gently guiding them through common struggles like:

• Feeling insecure about abilities
• Handling criticism and bullying
• Overcoming fear of failure
• Celebrating personal strengths

Each chapter tackles a different aspect of confidence, using relatable anecdotes (like a kid nervous about trying out for a team or struggling with a tough homework assignment) to illustrate key lessons. The book doesn’t just tell kids what to do—it shows them how through step-by-step strategies.

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Since Being Me is a guide rather than a novel, the "characters" are the readers themselves. Moss cleverly uses hypothetical scenarios featuring diverse kids—some shy, some outgoing, some struggling academically or socially—to help readers see themselves in the lessons.

For example, one chapter introduces Jamal, who’s afraid to raise his hand in class because he worries about being wrong. Another follows Sophia, who feels left out when her friends form a group without her. These vignettes aren’t just filler; they serve as mirrors for kids to reflect on their own experiences.

The brilliance lies in how Moss encourages readers to become the hero of their own story. By the end, kids aren’t just reading about confidence—they’re practicing it.

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Moss’s background as a child psychologist shines in her writing. She avoids jargon, opting for simple, affirming language that feels like a trusted mentor chatting with the reader. The tone is:

• Encouraging – "Mistakes don’t mean you’re bad at something; they mean you’re learning!"
• Interactive – Exercises like "Draw a picture of yourself doing something brave" make the lessons stick.
• Validating – She normalizes struggles instead of dismissing them ("It’s okay to feel nervous").

The book’s structure—short chapters, bullet points, and bolded key ideas—makes it easy for reluctant readers to digest. It’s also visually engaging, with playful illustrations and plenty of white space to prevent overwhelm.

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The core message of Being Me is that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Moss dismantles the myth that some kids are "just confident" by breaking down self-esteem into learnable skills:

1. Self-Awareness – Identifying strengths and areas for growth.
2. Positive Self-Talk – Replacing "I can’t" with "I’ll try."
3. Resilience – Bouncing back from setbacks.
4. Assertiveness – Speaking up kindly but firmly.

One standout theme is the idea of "small steps." Moss reassures kids that they don’t need to transform overnight—tiny victories (like saying "hi" to a classmate) count.

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As someone who struggled with shyness as a kid, I wish I’d had this book. The exercises (like listing things you’re proud of) seem simple, but they’re powerful. I tested a few with my niece, and seeing her light up after writing down her "superpowers" (she loves drawing!) was proof of Moss’s approach.

The book also doesn’t shy away from tough topics. One chapter addresses bullying with practical scripts like, "I don’t like when you say that. Please stop." It’s not preachy—it’s useful.

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Compared to other kids’ self-esteem books (like The Confidence Code for Girls or Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon), Being Me stands out for its:

• Practicality – Less theory, more "try this today."
• Inclusivity – Diverse examples that reflect real classrooms.
• Balance – It acknowledges fears without dwelling on them.

Where some books focus on pep talks, Being Me gives kids a toolkit.

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✅ Actionable advice – Kids finish each chapter with a new strategy.
✅ Normalizes imperfection – No toxic positivity here.
✅ Great for adults too – Parents/teachers will pick up tips.

❌ May need adult guidance – Younger kids might need help with some exercises.
❌ Not a storybook – Kids craving narrative might prefer fiction hybrids.

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• Kids ages 8–12 – Perfect for upper elementary/middle school.
• Parents & educators – A fantastic resource for teaching resilience.
• Kids facing transitions – Starting a new school? This helps.

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"You don’t have to be the best to be good enough."
"Confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about knowing your voice matters."

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Being Me isn’t just a book—it’s a confidence coach in paperback form. Moss’s blend of expertise and empathy makes this a standout guide that kids will return to whenever they need a boost.

Whether you’re buying it for your child, your classroom, or even yourself, this book delivers on its promise: helping kids feel stronger, braver, and more sure of themselves.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

• What’s one small step you could take today to feel more confident?
• How do you handle negative self-talk?
• Which book character (real or fictional) do you think embodies confidence?

Have you read Being Me? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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