Elementary Age

Building SEL Strength Through Literature ( primary & intermediate )

Book suggestions with the issues they address handout

How Full is Your Bucket? (for Kids) By Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer (Relationship Skills) Each of us has an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful. Yet most children (and many adults) don’t realize the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day. Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be fill the buckets of others, and in the process, fill his own.

Fairy Science By Ashley Spires Esther is a fairy who believes in science rather than magic! Your students will love this book as they follow Esther as she solves the problem of why a forest tree stopped growing.

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do By Ashley Spires This is a book for a class discussion on how to face a difficult situation or fear head oYour students will learn alongside of Lou, that once a fear is faced, they will be empowered, even if they fail.

Crown: Ode to a Fresh Haircut By Derrick D. Barnes (Self-awareness ) This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair— a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to.

Suki’s Kimono A joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march and dance to her own drumbeat.

Be Your Best You social–emotional learning (SEL) collection focuses on the themes of confidence and empowerment. Through exercises and activities included in new educator guides and parent resources, students learn critical skills tied to empathy, tolerance, conflict resolution, and mindfulness

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 This book tells the exciting, true story of Clara Lemlich, a brave young woman who stood up for the rights of female shirt factory workers when no one else would. An engaging story to introduce readers to what life was like in America in the early 1900s.

A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La Juez Que Creció en el Bronx (Social awareness) The inspiring and timely story of Sonia Sotomayor, who rose up from a childhood of poverty and prejudice to become the first Latino to be nominated to the US Supreme Court. This book features both English and Spanish versions of the text.

Each Kindness (Social awareness) By Jacqueline Woodson With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, this book will resonate with readers long after they've put it down. Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness.

We’re All Wonders Not So Different By R.J. Palacio (Responsible decision making) With a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations, Palacio shows young readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way. This book taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

The Journey By Francesca Sanna (Self-management)

With haunting echoes of the current refugee crisis, this beautifully illustrated book explores the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war. This book will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

Let the Children March By Shane W. Evans (Responsible decision making) This book distills a critical moment in the fight for racial equality—the 1963 March on Washington—into tight, evocative prose, well calibrated for a very young audience. A boy, a girl, and their parents wake at dawn, prepare, travel, and join a march “to justice, to freedom, to our dreams.” Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here. The thrill of the day is brought to life.

Visiting Feelings Beautifully descriptive prose and delightful illustrations cultivate a message of mindfulness and emotional awareness to help children fully experience the present moment. Rather than labeling or defining specific emotions and feelings, Visiting Feelings invites children to sense, explore, and befriend any feeling with acceptance and equanimity. Children can explore their emotions with their senses and nurture a sense of mindfulness. Gaining this objectivity allows space for a more considered response to the feelings. Practicing mindfulness can also enhance many aspects of well-being, help develop insight, empathy, and resiliency.

Hidden Figures Picture Book By Margot Lee Shetterly (Self-management )This beautifully illustrated picture book edition explores the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career

The Most Magnificent Thing By Ashley Spires (Self-awareness i) A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing. But after much hard work, the end result is not what the girl had in mind. Frustrated, she quits. Her assistant suggests a long walk, and as they walk, it slowly becomes clear what the girl needs to do to succeed. A charming story that will give kids the most magnificent thing: perspective.

Jacqueline and the Beanstalk: A Tale of Facing Giant Fears A princess named Jacqueline is surrounded by overprotective knights at all times. They want to protect her from danger, but they're not even sure if there is any! When Jacqueline climbs up a beanstalk, she meets a giant who is just as afraid of the unknown. This modern retelling of a classic fairy tale aims to help kids face and live with their fears their fears—so they don't miss out on the fun! Includes a "Note to Parents and Caregivers" providing information about managing worries and facing fears.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace By Jeanette Winter (Relationship Skills) As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) ( Perseverance) Its message is universal and ageless. Its message about what happens if we can fight our fear of failure to go on to success is so important for kids of all ages, and the ending is so magical and surprising

Beautiful Oops! Mistakes can be learning experiences ( K - 4) ( Perseverance)

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinst ( Perseverance)

Making a Splash by Carol E. Reiley ( Perseverance)

The Dot, Ish, Sky Color, and Playing from the Heart by Peter H. Reynolds ( Perseverance)

Joey Daring Caring and Curious: How a Mischief Maker Uncovers Unconditional Love

Joey is concerned that Mom prefers his siblings over him. Joey is more rambunctious and mischievous than his studious older brother Jake and his sweet baby sister Olivia. Is it possible that Mom loves Joey, Jake and Olivia unconditionally, mischief and all? Children with siblings may naturally compare their own behaviors to those of their sisters and brothers, and feel that they are not living up to their parents expectations. This book serves as a fun reminder about the concept of unconditional love. You may not always love the ways your child behaves, but you will always love your child for who he or she is as an individual! Includes a Note to Parents.

Iggy Peck, Architect,Ada Twist, Scientist, and Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty( Perseverance)

Almost by Richard Torrey ( Perseverance)

Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn Jordan ( Perseverance)

Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook( Perseverance)

The Okay Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld ( Perseverance)

Someday by Eileen Spinelli ( Perseverance)

It’s Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr ( Perseverance)

What Do You Do With A Problem? By Kobi Yamada ( Perseverance)

Ready for Read Aloud a picture book, second-grader Rosa wants to read her favorite book during read aloud at school, but she feels too shy. Her teacher encourages her to practice reading aloud to build up courage. By the end of the book, Rosa discovers that it’s easier to be brave with a little imagination and encouragement from friends.

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Suki’s Kimono A joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march and dance to her own drumbeat.

Joey Daring Caring and Curious: How a Mischief Maker Uncovers Unconditional Love