35+ Books to Help You (or your child!) prepare for life and adulthood

How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
I shared a question someone asked about books to help teach adult skills to kids and this was BY FAR the most recommended. Hundreds of you grabbed copies (we shot it to bestseller status on Amazon for a few days!) and lots of you mentioned that you were giving it to your kids headed off to college!

The Hands-On Ranch Book by Mary Heffernan
If you’ve ever wanted your kids to learn real-life, hands-on skills, this one is packed with ideas to get them started. From gardening and baking to caring for animals and even starting a small business, it’s full of simple projects that get the whole family outside, learning, and actually doing – whether you live on a ranch or not.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
This is the teen version of the classic! It’s essentially a roadmap for the teen years, helping you figure out where you want to go and how to actually get there. It offers advice on everything from friendships and goals, to peer pressure and social media (plus stories from real teens).

52 Modern Manners for Kids and 52 Modern Manners for Teens and 52 Modern Manner for Teens Volume 2 by Brooke Romney
My excitement level over this kids version of the Modern Manners book is through the roof! These are modern manners and social skills you want your kids to learn but maybe haven’t thought of specifically teaching them. Perfect for dinner table talk! (It’s less of a book, and more of a table top flip book, that has both manners and practice scenarios.)

1001 Things Every Teen Should Know Before Leave Home by Harry H. Harrison Jr.
Stepping into independence sounds great…until you realize how much there is to figure out. This one breaks it all down with practical, real-life tips – from managing money and landing a job to picking a roommate and handling basic responsibilities (like car care), so teens feel ready for life on their own.

The Care and Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer
Not only is this a helpful, reassuring guide to puberty and the changes girls experience, it’s also packed with practical tips for everyday self-care and hygiene. From caring for hair and skin to handling things like bad breath and body odor, it offers clear, age-appropriate advice to help girls feel confident and prepared.

Guy Stuff: A Body Book for Boys by Dr. Cara Natterson
This is essentially The Care and Keeping of You, but for boys. It’s a go-to guide for all of the questions that come with growing up (puberty). There are tons of tips from a pediatrician on everything from skincare and hygiene to body changes, it helps kids feel more confident and prepared for what’s ahead.

Guy Stuff: Feelings by Dr. Cara Natterson
Big feelings are a normal part of growing up, but they can definitely feel confusing at times. This one helps boys understand what they’re feeling (from anger to embarrassment to happiness) and gives simple, practical ways to handle those emotions in a healthy, positive way.

American Girl Guide to Middle School by Julie Williams Montalbano
I’ve yet to find an American Girl book I didn’t love, and this one is no exception. Starting middle school can feel like a lot, and this one is like having a friendly guide to walk you through it. It walks through tips on everything from lockers and classes to making friends (plus fun quizzes and real advice from other girls), it helps take the stress out of those first days and makes the whole transition feel a lot more manageable.

Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard J. Maybury
Perfect for teens, this one explains how money and the economy work in a way that’s actually easy to understand. It’s told through letters and full of simple examples (especially from history), it breaks down things like inflation and recessions so they feel way less confusing and a lot more relevant.

How to Talk So People Will Listen by Lizzie Waterworth
Speaking with confidence doesn’t always come naturally, but this one makes it feel doable with fun, practical tips and behind-the-scenes insights from professional voice artists. With advice on everything from calming nerves to using your voice effectively, it helps kids and teens find their voice and actually use it.

How Rude! The Teen Guide to Good Manners by Alex J. Packer
Manners might not sound exciting, but this one makes them actually funny…and surprisingly useful. Packed with real-life tips for everything from school and social situations to phones and online behavior, it helps teens learn how to handle themselves with confidence (and maybe even enjoy it).

Finance 101 for Kids by Walter Andal
Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated, and this one makes it simple and approachable (perfect for kids ages 8–12). With clear explanations and real-life examples, it walks kids through everything from earning and saving to investing and spending.

Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin
This one is packed with clever, bite-sized truths that somehow say exactly what you need to hear, right when you need to hear it. Whether you’re stuck in indecision, navigating change, or just trying to make it through the day, this little book delivers big.

Atomic Habits by James Clear
Bart and I both listened to this book when it first came out and couldn’t stop talking about it for months. It can feel so overwhelming and impossible to change your habits, but this really helps you understand how to make it happen and why the littlest habits make the biggest difference. It kind of feels like one of those books that EVERYONE should read. (Full review here)

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A quick read based on ancient Toltec wisdom which reveals four principles to personal freedom, true happiness, and love. Being on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 7 years, this one has to be good.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Told through a really engaging story, this one shows how easy it is to fall into patterns that quietly mess with your relationships and leadership. It offers a simple mindset shift that helps you spot those blind spots and start showing up differently, in work and in everyday life.

Leadership and Self-Deception by the Arbinger Institute
What if the biggest thing holding you back is something you can’t even see? Told through a compelling story, this one uncovers the subtle ways we deceive ourselves in relationships and leadership (maybe sometimes the problem is us!) and offers a powerful shift in perspective that can change how you work, lead, and connect with others.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This book was originally published in 1937, and it’s still widely considered a classic! It dives into the mindset and habits behind building wealth and achieving big goals. Through stories of well-known entrepreneurs and practical principles, it makes the case that what you believe (and how you think) plays a huge role in the results you see.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A total classic for a reason, this one lays out seven simple habits that can genuinely change how you approach your time, goals, and relationships. With practical, principle-based advice (like prioritizing what matters most and thinking win-win), this one is a super helpful guide.

How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen
This is a really quick read, so perfect for a graduate who you know won’t sit down with a 300 page book. It’s so inspiring about balancing work and life, and getting the most out of both of them and getting clear on what is meaningful and important to you personally.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
This is a fantastic read for any small business owner, or soon-to-be small business owner. Not only does this one include advice and strategies for success, but it also dispels common myths. Gerber walks you through the life journey of a business from the starting stages, all the way to maturity, and even includes lessons and tips about franchising.

The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker
Being effective at work isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things well. This classic breaks it down into five practical habits (like managing your time, setting priorities, and making strong decisions) so you can focus on what matters and get meaningful results.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
I read and loved Daring Greatly when it came out (you can read my review of it here) when it came out but hadn’t read any of her books since then. I heard her speak at Mom 2.0 and she was INCREDIBLE. Listening to her narrate this book really speaks to me now since I can picture her in action.

4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
“Work smarter, not harder”, is pretty much the mantra of this book. It shares practical tips and a blueprint on how to turn your 40-hour work week into a 4-hour work week.

Start With Why by Simon Sinek
What sets truly inspiring leaders and organizations apart? This one makes a compelling case that it all comes down to knowing your “why,” offering a simple but powerful framework for building trust, inspiring others, and creating lasting success.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Life is full of change (both personal and professional) and if that feels overwhelming, this book uses a simple, memorable story to show how your mindset can make all the difference. It’s an easy, practical guide to navigating change with less fear and more confidence, no matter what life throws your way.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
It took me maybe 8 months to listen to this audiobook because I felt like I could only absorb a little of it at a time. As my girls move into their teen and tween years, I’m thinking a LOT about how to protect their childhoods and help them develop the skills to function in a screen-heavy world. It kind of feels like every parent and teacher should read this book.

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
I read this book as a new year’s kick off a few years ago and it’s just perfect for a new beginning like graduation!  It’s a delightful road map to help you think about what you want from the upcoming season of your life and how you can achieve it in the most effortless way. I love her focus on finding what works for YOU, whether it’s the kind of thing that works for anyone else or not, and her kind, gentle-humored style. Whether you’re new to Kendra or are already a fan of her podcast, this book is terrific.

How to Skimm Your Life by the Skimm
Ever feel like everyone else got a handbook for adulting and you missed the memo? With a mix of humor and straight-up helpful advice, this guide breaks down everything from money and careers to taxes, travel, and even reading a wine list.

Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands by Liz Frazier
Teaching kids about money can feel overwhelming, but this one breaks it down into simple, doable lessons you can weave into everyday life. With quick activities and step-by-step guidance, it helps you confidently teach the basics – so your kids grow up ready to make smart, responsible financial choices.

Girls Garage by Emily Pilloton
Get ready to build, fix, and create with confidence. Packed with step-by-step projects (like birdhouses and bookshelves), clear tool guides, and real-life inspiration, it gives girls the skills to tackle everything from simple home repairs to bigger DIY projects.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith
This one feels like sitting down with a wise, no-nonsense therapist who gives you the tools you actually need for real life. With short, practical entries on everything from anxiety and motivation to self-confidence and tough emotions, it’s an easy-to-digest guide for building resilience and taking better care of your mental health every day.

How to Cook Without a Book by Pam Anderson
This isn’t your typical cookbook! And honestly, when you’re adulting, knowing how to make a few meals from scratch is a must. What makes this one so great is that it teaches you to cook confidently without obsessing over recipes: each meal follows a simple theme and builds techniques so you can open your fridge any day and turn whatever’s inside into something deliciously magical – just like the title promises, you’ll learn how to cook…without a book.

Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Ken Wilgus
Parenting teens can feel like a constant balancing act, but this one offers a practical approach to raising independent, capable adults. It is full of specific strategies for handing over responsibility, setting clear limits without constant battles, and navigating things like school, dating, and tough choices.