10 Best Business Books Every High School Student Should ReadApril 4, 2025

If you’re a high school student interested in business, entrepreneurship, or financial success, reading the
right books can give you a head start. The best business books for students provide valuable insights into
money management, leadership, and innovation—skills essential for future success. Whether you dream
of starting your own company or just want to develop a strong financial mindset, these books will help
you gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve your goals.

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

A must-read for anyone who wants to understand financial literacy, Rich Dad Poor Dad contrasts the
mindset of the rich versus the poor. Kiyosaki teaches high school students essential money lessons like the
importance of assets, investing, and financial independence—skills rarely taught in school.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens – Sean Covey

This book adapts Stephen Covey’s classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for a younger
audience. It’s a practical guide to leadership, productivity, and goal-setting. If you want to develop
discipline and strong habits for success in business and life, this is a great place to start.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Strong communication skills are essential in business, and this classic teaches you how to build
meaningful relationships, influence others, and develop confidence. Whether you’re leading a team or
networking for opportunities, the lessons in this book will help you stand out.

4. The Lean Startup – Eric Ries

For high school students interested in launching their own businesses, The Lean Startup explains how to
test business ideas, adapt quickly, and build a successful company with minimal resources. It’s an
essential guide to entrepreneurship in the modern world.

5. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

A timeless book on success, Think and Grow Rich focuses on the power of mindset, goal-setting, and
persistence. If you want to learn how successful entrepreneurs think and operate, this book provides
valuable insights into achieving long-term financial success.

6. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel

Managing money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset. This book explores how emotions, habits,
and personal experiences shape financial decisions. It’s a great read for students looking to develop a
healthy relationship with money early on.

7. Zero to One – Peter Thiel

What does it take to build a billion-dollar startup? Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, shares his insights on
innovation, competition, and business strategy. This book is ideal for students who want to think like an
entrepreneur and build something truly unique.

8. The $100 Startup – Chris Guillebeau

Not every business requires huge investments. This book teaches you how to turn small ideas into
profitable businesses with minimal startup costs. It’s perfect for high school students looking for
inspiration to start side hustles or small businesses.

9. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth

Success in business and life isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about determination and hard work.
Duckworth explains how grit, resilience, and perseverance are the key drivers of success. If you’re
looking for motivation to push through challenges, this book is a must-read.

10. Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

This autobiography of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the
world’s biggest brands was built. It’s an inspiring story about risk-taking, resilience, and the journey of
entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts

Reading business books as a high school student can give you a major advantage in understanding money,
leadership, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re planning to start your own company, become an
investor, or simply build strong financial habits, these books provide the knowledge and strategies to help
you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should high school students read business books?

Business books teach essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship—things that
aren’t always covered in school but are crucial for success.

2. Which business book is best for beginners?

Rich Dad Poor Dad and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens are great starting points for students new
to business and personal development.

3. Can reading business books help with college admissions?

Yes! Reading business books can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and
leadership qualities—all of which look great on college applications.

4. How can I apply what I learn from these books?

Start small—practice financial habits from Rich Dad Poor Dad, work on leadership skills from How to
Win Friends and Influence People, or try launching a small project inspired by The $100 Startup.

5. Are there any business books specifically for young entrepreneurs?

Yes! The Lean Startup, Zero to One, and The $100 Startup are perfect for students interested in launching
their own businesses.

By reading these books, high school students can develop the skills and mindset needed for future
success. If you’re ready to start your journey into the world of business, pick up one of these books and
take the first step today!