Best Self Help Books for Anger Management: 5 Compared

A short fuse at home or at work leaves everyone walking on eggshells, and the best self help books for anger management give the reader tools instead of lectures. We compared five anger management titles by fit for the reader, contents and edition, and value, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	CBT Workbook for Anger by Knaus	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Anger Workbook by Catalano	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Never Get Angry Again	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Anger Management for Teens	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

CBT Workbook for Anger by Knaus

William J. Knaus EdD·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 216-page CBT and REBT workbook for an adult who wants a structured program; not for readers who want a narrative.

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Pros

• CBT and REBT exercises with self-assessments
• 216 pages of structured tools
• Published January 2, 2021

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Workbook exercises only, no companion book stated
• No newer edition mentioned

2

Anger Workbook by Catalano

Julie Catalano MSW LICSW·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 142-page workbook with a 5-step method for women working on anger; not for readers outside that audience.

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Pros

• 5-step anger management method
• Journals, quizzes and worksheets included
• 142 pages, a focused read

Cons

• Written for women; men need another pick
• No reading age or grade level is stated
• 2018 publication date is the oldest here

3

Never Get Angry Again

Dr. David J. Lieberman Ph.D.·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 240-page look at the causes of anger and tools to stop it early, for a reader who wants perspective over worksheets.

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Pros

• 240 pages on the causes of anger
• Simple, practical tools per the description
• Reprint edition, March 5, 2019

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• No exercises or worksheets stated
• Not written for teens

4

Anger Management for Teens

Emma Davis·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 180-page second edition with 70 new graphics for teens; not for adults seeking their own anger tools.

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Pros

• 70 new graphics and teen-friendly activities
• Free bonus workbook included
• Second edition, June 28, 2024

Cons

• Written for teens, not adults
• Part of a 30-book series
• No reading age number is stated

5

Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers open to Buddhist teaching who want to work on anger through inner peace.

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Pros

• Buddhist teaching with tools and advice for transforming anger
• Links personal inner peace with wider peace, per the publisher
• 240 pages in one volume with no series to follow

Cons

• Published 2002, and no reading age or grade level is stated
• Built on Buddhist teaching, so it may not suit every reader
• Frames anger as something that can ruin lives, a heavy message for some readers

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More picks to compare

• Pause and Respond by Rine173-page guide on emotional control and boundaries for adultsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the five listings states a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best self help books for anger management

Match the book to the reader

The Catalano workbook is written for women, the Davis book for teens, and the Knaus workbook is a CBT program for adults. The Hanh book takes a mindfulness angle. For related reading, see our self help books for mental health.

Workbooks need exercises, narratives need a current edition

The Knaus workbook lists CBT and REBT exercises across 216 pages; the Catalano workbook packs journals, quizzes and worksheets into 142 pages. The Davis book is a second edition with 70 new graphics. For work-related reading, see our business and money lists.

Check the edition and the audience

The Davis book is a second edition from June 28, 2024; the Catalano workbook dates to June 26, 2018. The Davis book is book 1 of a 30-book series. See our self help books for success.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing: the Davis book is a second edition from June 28, 2024, while the Catalano workbook dates to June 26, 2018.
• Match the audience: the Catalano workbook is written for women and the Davis book for teens.
• Look for what is inside: the Knaus workbook lists exercises and self-assessments, and the Davis book includes a bonus workbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book is best for a teen?

The Davis book: 180 pages, a second edition from June 28, 2024, with 70 new graphics and a bonus workbook.

Which book uses cognitive behavioral therapy?

The Knaus workbook, built on CBT and REBT with exercises and self-assessments across 216 pages.

Is there a pick that is not a workbook?

Yes: the Lieberman book is a 240-page narrative on the causes of anger, and the Hanh book is a mindfulness take.

Still deciding? Our top pickCBT Workbook for Anger by Knaus

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