Journaling For Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

It is no secret I love to write. As a mother, I hope that my nine-year-old daughter grows up to love writing as much as I do. To nudge her along the path of prose in her self expression, I went looking for the perfect journal that would inspire her to write, and to keep on writing. With so many out there, I narrowed it down to a few that seem to be perfectly suitable.

Here are FOUR journals for children of various ages that made it to my shortlist:

XOXO: A Keepsake Journal of Letters to Myself

This very special keepsake provides kids with a treasured space for writing letters to themselves. It contains prompts that encourage young journalers to write about all kinds of fun and thought-provoking topics: their favorite city, their best (or worst) day at the beach, or the weirdest adventure they’ve ever had.

While directed towards young readers, grades 4th-7th, I am planning on using this journal to write letters to my daughter as part of her coming-of-age birthday present.

You can find it at Powell’s City of Books. 

Strong is the New Pretty: A Guided Journal for Girls 

I loved the best-selling book of the same title so much that I bought my daughter the accompanying calendar last year. She has since found regular inspiration in the photos and quotes that I decided to expand her collection even further by adding the newest journal to the mix. 

Kate T. Parker has written this guided journal for girls ages 8-12 to spark confidence and creativity. Illustrated with simple line drawings and unforgettable photographs of girls fearlessly being themselves, the journal offers interactive prompts inspire writing, doodling, and self-expression. It invites girls to revel in their own strength, individuality, and joy.

While this journal is available for preorder on Amazon, I suggest ordering a copy now and it will ship in plenty of time for the holidays!

Just Between Us, Mother & Daughter: A No-Stress, No Rules Journal

Thoughtful writing prompts and entertaining mini-quizzes in this beautiful mom and daughter journal pave the way for discussing everything from friends and school to crushes and growing up. Just Between Us provides plenty of free space for writing about whatever comes to mind, plus pages for drawing and making lists. 

With two lovely ribbon bookmarks (one for mother and one for daughter), and appealing illustrations, this deluxe hardcover journal has established itself as a bestselling phenomenon for girls 9-12. I highly recommend taking a second look. And check out one for grandmother/granddaughters and between sisters, too!

You can find this at your local bookstore or online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. 

I Love Science: A Journal for Self Discovery and Big Ideas

Full of writing, drawing, and creativity prompts, I Love Science inspires kids to fill the pages with ideas, self-exploration, and big dreams for the future. Opening with a short reference section, the journal invites young writers to dream through writing prompts like, “What is a challenge you’ve overcome recently?” The journal also includes inspirational quotes from notable women who’ve achieved greatness in the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering fields.

With illustrations, quotes, and science infographics, this journal encourages kids and adults of all ages to ponder the world through tinkering, discovering, and doodling. What a wonderful way to encourage our kids to be all they can be!

This book can be found at Target or online at Amazon.