MUST HAVE BOOKS

Elementary School is the beginning for a child. It’s their first experience in a school and what happens in that school really matters and sets the “tone” for the rest of their lives. More than any other school, my favorite is my K-4 elementary school that I attended. It was the best! I remember it fondly.

As a School Counselor, I have found that the following books are critical for elementary school social/emotional learning. Here are my recommendations:

Pre-K Recommendations

One – by Kathryn Otoshi: This truly is a perfect book for bullying awareness lessons.  It shows how “One” student can stand up and make a difference in others’ lives. My first and second-grade students really connect with the message in One and they enjoy watching the story evolve. Mrs. Otoshi is one of my favorite authors.

The Way I Feel – by Janin Cain – This colorful story covers a range of emotions with crafty explanations and pictures. Students love to look at the pictures and can relate to each emotion. My students have responded very well to this book.

Zero – by Kathryn Otoshi – Told through numbers, this interesting book tells a story of Zero, who wants to count like the other numbers. Zero’s journey to self-acceptance is all about finding your own meaning and purpose, regardless of what makes you different. Much like her book One, it is a favorite of mine.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today – by Carol McCloud – I love how this story gives children the power to create their own happiness through being kind to others! This wonderful story shows how we all have an invisible bucket that gets filled and emptied throughout our day depending on how we’re treated and how we treat others. There are lots of bucket-filling activities and initiatives that schools carry out all year long!

Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick – “Words are Not for Hurting” is such an excellent tool to have in your toolkit. This book tells children how powerful their words can be! It tells about how hurtful words make us feel, and how we can use our words to help others feel happy. I use this book as an introduction to compliments and how praising others makes everyone feel good! I use this with K-2.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes – Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again? I really love this book as it teaches kids that being different is ok, and many times a beautiful thing!

Kindergarten Recommendations

My Many Colored Days – by Dr. Seuss: This book is absolutely perfect for any K-2 classroom. If you need a book to get students talking about emotions, this is it! It goes through them all in a fun, captivating way that young students are drawn to. When I read this book, my students are able to understand the feelings and express how they also have shared these same emotions all in the same day. You really can’t wrong with Dr. Seuss!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst: Judith Viorst does an excellent job of describing how a day can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Students enjoy going through this book and dissecting each bad decision that Alexander makes. This book has led to MANY great discussions and helps the students be able to express themselves!

My Mouth is a Volcano – by Julia Cook. This is another great one to discuss self-control and interrupting. The main character and scenarios are really relatable plus my students really liked the illustrations. A great tool for your bookshelf at work.

The Invisible String – by Patrice Karst is another one I really recommend for discussing feelings and emotions of grief. This one is not only helpful for students working through the death of a loved one but also for divorce and incarceration. Hands-down a top book, I recommend to all parents dealing with a loss of a loved one.

When Sophie Gets Angry – Really Really Angry – by Molly Bang. I love the simplicity of this story! Students can really relate to Sophie’s character and how she’s feeling. I love that the character uses self-soothing techniques to calm down, including finding her own calm place outside. This book is a fantastic tool to discuss how anger escalates and de-escalates depending on our actions! Really Really a Great Resource!

The Feelings Book – by Todd Parr – I love Todd Parr’s writing and pictures, and so do students. This book mixes serious emotions with super silly ones, so get ready to hear some laughter!

Rainbow Fish – by Marcus Pfister – This is an oldie but a goodie! Most students have heard this story before, but it’s a great one to tell again while discussing the importance of sharing in friendships. These sparkle books are great for keeping the attention of little eyes.

All Families Are Special – by Norma Simon. When Mrs. Mack says she will soon be a grandmother, her students realize that teachers have families just like they do! Suddenly everyone in the class wants to share information about his or her own unique family.

The Crayon Box That Talked – by Shane DeRolf – This wonderful short story uses different colored crayons to show that amazing things can happen when we focus on each other’s strengths. I compare the crayons sharing a box with the students sharing a classroom, and we discuss how each of us adds something unique to our class.

Stone Soup – by Jon Muth – The message in this book is very powerful. It shows how three visitors to a village that is untrusting of new people help them begin to open up and share. This book shows what amazing things can happen when people cooperate. Teamwork makes the dream work.

A Bad Case Of Tattle Tongue – By Julia Cook – No one likes Josh the Tattler because he tattles way too much. He tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog! But one night he wakes up to find his tongue is very long, yellow, and covered in bright purple spots. Will a bad case of Tattle Tongue help him learn the difference between tattling and telling? This book gives teachers and counselors a humorous, cleverly creative way to address the time-consuming tattling-related issues that often sap classroom energy and thwart teaching opportunities. A proven tool and I highly recommend this book!

A Pig Is Moving In – by C. Fries. Henrietta Hen and the other residents of her apartment building are distressed when they learn that their new neighbor is a pig, and assuming all pigs are messy, each animal looks for reasons to dislike the newcomer. Jr Lib Guild.

Shy Spaghetti and Excited Eggs – A Kids Menu of Feelings by Ph.D. Nemiroff Marc and Jane Annunziata. This book helps young readers learn to recognize and identify different emotions, and explains what to do when those emotions get too big or become out of control.

Making Friends is an Art – by Julia Cook. Meet Brown the least used pencil in the box. He s tall, geeky and lonely. Brown envies Red, Purple, Blue and all the other pencils who have fun coloring and playing together. Dark Green is trustworthy, Pink listens well, Orange has fun, and everybody likes Red! Brown doesn t smile very often because he doesn t get used much and hardly ever needs sharpening. When Brown asks the other pencils why no one likes him, he discovers that to have friends, he needs to be a good friend. If Brown learns to use all of the friendship skills the other pencils have, he can make friends and have fun too! In her trademark humorous fashion, author Julia Cook teaches kids of all ages (and adults too!) how to practice the art of friendship and getting along with others. 

Kindness to Share from A to Z – by T. Snow. It’s never too soon to teach children the value of kindness, from “Ask someone to play with you.” to “Zipa younger child’s jacket.” Other ideas: “Help clean up after dinner.” “Read a story to a younger child.” “Think before you speak. Choose kind words.”

Daddy, Papa, and Me – by Lesléa Newman. Join baby bear as she plays, explores, and learns with her daddy, and share lots of hugs along the way! This cuddly, rhyming board book is perfect for all young children – and their parents!

Scaredy Squirrel – by Melanie Watt. Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day … his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. 

The Grouchies – by Debbie Wagenbach. With funny rhymes and a silly chant, The Grouchies shows kids simple and fun ways to turn around grouchy moods. But most of all, kids will understand how their mood and negativity can affect their family and friends, and really get in the way of having a good day.

The Doorbell Rang – by Hutchins. This enjoyable read-aloud picture book about friendship, sharing, and cookies can also be used to introduce basic math concepts to young children.

Listening to My Body – by Gabi Garcia. This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them. Engages children in easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities. Helps kids build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience.

First Grade Recommendations

Personal Space Camp – by Julia Cook: Who doesn’t love Julia Cook?! Get out the hula-hoop and let students experiment with the concept of personal space. Louis is back! And this time, he’s learning all about personal space. Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal’s office to attend personal space camp

Stuck – by Oliver Jeffers. When Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a tree, he’s determined to get it out. But how? Well, by knocking it down with his shoe, of course. But strangely enough, it too gets stuck. And the only logical course of action . . . is to throw his other shoe. Only now it’s stuck! Surely there must be something he can use to get his kite unstuck. An orangutan? A boat? His front door? Yes, yes, and yes.

I said “No” – by Zack and Kimberly King: Calling child services for sexual abuse is something that I wish I could say I have never done. Unfortunately, I have to call each year, and with the rate of my calls increasing, I knew I had to incorporate “Personal Body Safety” lessons with my students. This book is based on a true story about a little boy who went to a sleepover at a neighbor’s house and bad things happened to him. I love that this book talks about “Green Flag” and “Red Flag” people and what to do if it happens to you.

The Sneeches – Dr. Seuss – This is my absolute favorite lesson. I love reading Dr. Seuss! I use this book to talk about respecting differences, but it can be used to cover topics like friendship and bullying. The kids understand what it means to be called a “star belly sneech” which i use in the following lessons I teach during the year.

How to Lose All Your Friends – by Nancy Carlson – This book is a fan favorite! I use this book with my first graders to discuss behaviors that don’t lead to making or keeping friends. Kids laugh and gasp while reading the pages of this funny story. It’s a great way to open a discussion about what behaviors DO lead to making and keeping friends.

Don’t Panic, Annika! – by Jennifer Morris. This is a relevant picture book about methods to handle feeling anxious. Children love it!

What I Like About Me – by Allie Zobel Nollan – I use this book to talk about diversity and respect. It features many children who look different but all the characters in the story truly appreciate what makes them unique.

The Worst Day of My Life Ever! – by Julia Cook – I read this to my son. It tells about the worst possible day (kids perspective) due to the fact that the child does not listen to directions.

Please Explain Anxiety to Me! – by Laurie E. Zelinger. A colorful dinosaur story explains the link between brain and body functioning, followed by practical therapeutic techniques that children can use to help themselves.

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine – by Julia Cook – I read this story during my group counseling sessions because it helps children relate to the character in the story who is experiencing anxiety. Children feel better after hearing this story knowing that they are not alone.

Pierre – by Maurice Sendak – This is my first graders favorite book to read because I get them involved with the story about this little boy who constantly is saying “I Don’t Care.” Kids love reading this book with me and enjoy learning the moral of the story “to care.”

Talk and Work It Out – by Cheri Meiners. What’s the best way to solve problems between people? By talking them over and working them out. It’s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, try one, evaluate results, and even agree to disagree when a solution isn’t possible. Includes skill-building games and role plays for adults to use with children.

Giraffe’s Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae – Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.

You Be You – Linda Kranz – A companion book to the bestselling Only One You, Kranz once again uses her famous “rockfish” to express the themes of diversity, individuality, and acceptance to children. When Adri sets out to explore the ocean, he has no idea how colorful the world is. He quickly discovers that there are all kinds of fish in the deep blue sea—big and tiny, smooth and spiny, colorful and plain, different and the same.

Stand in My Shoes by Bob Sorenson. Empathy is the ability to notice what other people feel. Empathy leads to the social skills and personal relationships which make our lives rich and beautiful, and it is something we can help our children learn. This book teaches young children the value of noticing how other people feel. We’re hoping that many parents read it along with their children.

The Jelly Donut Difference – Sharing Kindness with the World – by Maria Desmondy. Leah and Dexter are brother and sister. They don’t always get along. In fact, there are times they can be downright mean to each other. The ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring and generosity. Find out if Leah and Dexter will ever learn to get along! 

Each Kindness – by J. Woodson. 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 toward Maya.

Spoon – by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. He’s always been a happy little utensil. But lately, he feels like life as a spoon just isn’t cutting it. He thinks Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him. But do they? And what do they think about Spoon? A book for all ages, Spoon serves as a gentle reminder to celebrate what makes us each special.

Zach Gets Frustrated – By William Mulcahy. Zach and his family go to the beach, but Zach is having a lousy day. First, he dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. Then his best friend went to someone else’s birthday party instead of joining him. But most frustrating of all, he can’t get his kite to fly! Zach kicks sand, yells angry words, and asks his dad if they can just go home now. Instead, his dad teaches him a simple, three-step approach to get a handle on frustration and find a way to enjoy himself even when things aren’t going his way: 1) name it (why are you frustrated?); 2) tame it (self-regulation exercises such as deep breathing or visualization); 3) reframe it (change your thoughts to change your feelings).

Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle –  by C. Raschka. Using very few words and lots of expressive pictures, here is a picture book that not only shows kids how to learn to ride, but captures what it feels like to fall . . . get up . . . fall again . . . and finally “by luck, grace, and determination” ride a bicycle!

Howard B – Wigglebottom Learns to Listen – by Howard Binkow. Howard gets into lots of trouble for not listening. When he listens better, his life gets better. 

Bad Case of Stripes – by David Shannon. Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don’t like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she’s so worried that she’s about to break out in…a bad case of stripes!

Second Grade Recommendations

Enemy Pie – by Derek Munson: Did someone say pie?  Students will enjoy this engaging book about friendship. I have my 2nd graders create a “friendship pie” together after reading this story. We brainstorm what we want in a friend and include ingredients such as “a cup of kindness”, “a teaspoon of respect”, etc.

The Dot –  by P. Reynolds. Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw – she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. “There!” she says. That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery.

Emma and Meesha My Boy: A Two Mom Story – by Kaitlyn Taylor Considine. This is a delightful story of little girl with two moms as she learns how to be nice to her cat. Follow along as Emma gets in trouble trying to play with Meesha Kitty and cheer as she learns to treat him with care.

Say Something – by Peggy Moss helps kids understand the importance of standing up for your friend and doing what’s right instead of being a bystander.

Making Friends is an Art – by Julia Cook – The story is told using colored pencils as characters, and each color represents a different kind of personality. I like it most because Brown is struggling to make friends and he has to learn to make positive changes for others to want to be around him. It’s uplifting and many students can relate to it as they are also learning how to become better friends.

The Invisible Boy – Tracy Ludwig – this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. 

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun – by Maria Desmondy – Kids absolutely love reading this story! The main character in the story is teased about what she is bringing to lunch every day, until the other kids try her creations. When i read it to the class, we talk about the mantra “don’t yuck my yum” and “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” The story shows students how to be who you are even if you are teased.

Sometimes Jokes Aren’t Funny – by Amanda Doering. Jamie, Terry, and Sydney have been going to Camp Barkley every summer since they were puppies. But when a new dog named Taylor joins their cabin, Taylor’s mean jokes make Jamie feel left out and picked on. Young readers watch Jamie struggle with Taylor’s jokes and learn safe ways to make it stop. Sensitive illustrations of gender-neutral animal characters help all children relate to the issue of covert, or indirect, bullying.

I am not a Fish – by Peter Raymundo. Edgar is a jellyfish, but he doesn’t look, act, or feel very much like a “fish.” With a little help though from some friendly starfish, Edgar realizes that labels aren’t important, and he should celebrate what makes him unique!

Only One You – Linda Kranz – There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri’s mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world.  I use this book at the end of the year and have the graduating students paint rocks to leave a piece of themselves behind as they move onto the next school.

It’s Not My Fault – by Julia Cook – If you have a kid like mine where nothing is his fault, you need to read this book with them. This book will help them take responsibility while understanding empathy in the process.

Elephants and Empanadas – A Story About Differences – by Allie Hirsch. This book is a delightful story about children who have differences. Children learn to appreciate their uniqueness.

Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler – by M. Cuyle. This book is great to do during Kindness Week. It tells the tale of a teacher who teaches that “kindness is cool” and the class tries to do over 100 acts of kindness proving that being kind really makes a difference.

I Did It, I’m Sorry – by Caralyn Buehner. Do your words and actions help or hurt? In this humorous guide to good behavior, Ollie Octopus, Bucky Beaver, and their friends help point the way to good behavior. For example, when Howie Hogg is finished playing with straws, sticks and bricks at Grandma’s house, he should: (a) Tweeze his snout hairs. (b) Clean up his mess. (c) Tell Grandma she lives in a pigsty. The correct answer to each behavior problem is hidden in the pictures. 

Arthur’s Eyes – by Marc Brown. None of Arthur’s friends wear glasses and his classmates tease him! But when he stops wearing them, he gets in all kinds of trouble. Maybe four eyes really are better than two.

3rd thru 5th Grade Recommendations

Prudy’s Problem and How She Solved It – by Armstrong-Ellis. Despite what her family and friends say, Prudy loves collecting anything and everything, but when she attempts to add one too many gum wrappers to her collection, she too realizes that her little hobby has gotten quite out of control.

What to Do With a Problem? – by Kobi Yamada. This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.

But It’s Not My Fault – by Julia Cook. Sometimes things happen to me that get me into trouble. But it’s not my fault! This first book in the new Responsible Me! Series, follows Noodle through a very rough day at school. It just isn’t his fault that his brother’s game ran late and he didn’t finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. Or that Mary Gold got in his airspace and hit his arm with her head… Join Noodle on his journey as he learns not to blame others or try to find fault; but instead practices accepting responsibility, and turns his very rough day into a very good NEW day!

If the World Were a Village – by David Smith. If the World Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

What to Do When You Worry Too Much – by Dawn Huebner. Lively metaphors and humorous illustrations make the concepts and strategies easy to understand, while clear how-to steps and prompts to draw and write help children to master new skills related to reducing anxiety. This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering kids to overcoming their overgrown worries.

I Have a Little Problem, Said the Bear – by Heinz Janisch. The bear has a problem. He asks everyone for help, but no one seems to have time to talk with him. What will it take to get  someone listen to him?

The Most Magnificent Thing –  by A. Spires – Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right. For the early grades’ exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl’s frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it’s okay to make mistakes. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl doesn’t just “make” her magnificent thing — she “tinkers and hammers and measures,” she “smoothes and wrenches and fiddles,” she “twists and tweaks and fastens.” These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Last Stop on Market Street – by Matt de la Pena. Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

Those Shoes – by Maribeth Boelts. All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Rude Cakes – by Rowboat Watkins. Who knew that cakes were so rude?! In this deliciously entertaining book, a not-so-sweet cake—who never says please or thank you or listens to its parents—gets its just desserts. Mixing hilarious text and pictures, Rowboat Watkins, a former Sendak fellow, has cooked up a laugh-out- loud story that can also be served up as a delectable discussion starter about manners or bullying, as it sweetly reminds us all that even the rudest cake can learn to change its ways.

Out of My Mind – by Draper. Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain –  by J. Deck, making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns? Awarded as one of the best growth mindset books for kids, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It teaches all the ways that the brain can develop with exercise, just like the rest of our bodies. 

Sam and the Lucky Money – by Karen Chinn. Sam must decide how to spend the lucky money he’s received for Chinese New Year

A Chair for My Mother – by Vera Williams. After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy. A Chair for My Mother has sold more than a million copies and is an ideal choice for reading and sharing at home and in the classroom.

David and the Worry Beast – by Anne Marie Guanci. Learning to deal with anxiety is an important step in a child’s healthy emotional growth. Conquering fears, and not avoiding them, is the lesson imparted in this story. David could not stop thinking about the basket he had missed at the end of the big game. He was worried that he might do it again. He was worried that his team mates would be angry with him. He was worried that his parents would not be proud of him. He was also worried about an upcoming math test. In fact, David was worried a lot. “Should I quit the team?” he asked himself. “Should I be sick tomorrow and miss the math test?” Luckily, David finally confided in his parents and school nurse, both of whom gave him support and techniques for controlling the “worry beast” within him.

Is a  Worry Worrying You? – by Ferida Wolff. Adults think of childhood as a carefree time, but the truth is that children worry, and worry a lot, especially in our highly pressurized era. This book addresses children’s worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem-solving.

A Boy and A Bear – by Lori Lite – This story of a young boy who encounters a polar bear while climbing a snow-covered mountain teaches children relaxation techniques to reduce stress, prepare for sleep, and improve self-confidence.

When My Worries Get Too Big – by Kari Dunn Buron. Worry and anxiety are on an upswing. In fact, anxiety is the most frequent of all mental disorders in children. High levels of stress and big emotions related to social situations, sensory issues, or general frustration are common in children who live with anxiety. Such stress can lead to a loss of control, resulting in aggressive behavior, such as screaming, throwing things or even hurting someone. Prolonged anxiety can also seriously impact success in academic achievement and cause children to avoid social and extracurricular activities.

Steps and Stones – by Gail Silver. When Anh’s friends leave and he feels left out at school, his anger shows up to keep him company. Anh the protagonist of Gail Silver’s previous book Anh’s Anger, is a typical and easy-to-relate-to elementary school-age boy. His anger, personified as a red hairy impulsive creature, teaches him some valuable lessons about not getting carried away by his strong emotions. By counting his steps and coordinating them with his breathing Anh is able to slow down and take his anger for a peaceful and magically transformative walk.

Something Might Happen– by Helen Lester. Twitchly Fidget won’t shampoo, eat his cereal, or put on his sneakers. He won’t even go to a parade (what if he got sucked up into a trombone?) or a marshmallow roast (might he get stuck?) or a Fourth of February party (would he be buried in confetti?). In Twitchly’s imagination, each opportunity poses the threat of disaster. 

It Wasn’t My Fault – by Helen Lester. When accidents happen to Murdley Gurdson, they are usually his own fault, but when a bird lays an egg on Murdley’s head one day, he tries hard to find someone else to blame.

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy – by Davis & Soman. As Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Lulu and Sam save the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots, and have their very own parade on the bouncy dinosaurs. They figure out that when they work together, they can create fun games that they both like to play.

Swimmy – by Leo Lionni. Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger.

Finn Throws a Fit – by David Elliott. Finn likes peaches. Usually. But not today. Today Finn doesn’t like anything. Uh-oh. Is Finn going to throw a fit? 

When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry – by Molly Bang. Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. In this Caldecott Honor book, kids will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. What do you do?

5th Grade CHAPTER BOOK Recommendations

The Strange Case of Oragami Yoda – by Tom Angleberger. Not so long ago, in a middle school not so far away, a sixth grader named Dwight folded an origami finger puppet of Yoda. For class oddball Dwight, this wasn’t weird. It was typical Dwight behavior. But whatis weird is that Origami Yoda is uncannily wise and prescient. He can predict the date of a pop quiz, guess who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and save a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight’s classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, Tommy assembles this first case file in the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, hailed bySchool Library Journal as “honest, funny, and immensely entertaining.”

Darth Paper Strikes Back (An Origami Yoda Book) – by Tom Angleberger. This bestselling sequel to the megahit The Strange Case of Origami Yoda showcases Tom Angleberger’s proven knack for authentically capturing the intrigues, fads, and dramas of middle school in “a satisfying tale of friendship and just resistance to authority”.

The Girls – by A. Koss. Maya has been part of the group ever since the day Candace asked her if she wanted to “do lunch” in the cafeteria. Yet when Candace suddenly deems her unworthy, Maya’s so-called friends just blow her off. While Maya just wants the girls back like they used to be, she knows that can never happen-because whatever Candace wants, Candace gets, no matter who gets hurt. Maya isn’t sure exactly where things went wrong for her, but she knows she has to find out who her real friends are, and who among the girls she can trust.

Stargirl – by J. Spinelli. Stargirl is not like other people at Mica High. Will Stargirl change, or will the students accept her for who she is?

Wonder – by R.J. Palacio. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

MINDFULNESS

Ishi – by Akiko Yabuki. An award-winning, shareable, cozy hug of a picture book featuring Ishi, an optimistic little rock who reminds readers to choose and share happiness! The ISHI book features a simple rock character which appeals to a wide audience, with valuable lessons in compassion for the self and for others

Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda – by L. Alderfer. As our story begins, Monkey is not so mindful – his Monkey Mind constantly jumping from one thing to another – but he encounters a mysterious and playful friend in Happy Panda. Panda helps Monkey recognize the simple joy of doing what you’re doing while you’re doing it.

Silence – by Lemniscates. This book helps readers stop and listen. What can you hear when you are completely silent?

A Handful of Quiet – by Thich Nhat Hanh. Pebble meditation is a playful and fun activity that parents and educators can do with their children to introduce them to meditation. It is designed to involve children in a hands-on and creative way that touches on their interconnection with nature. Practicing pebble meditation can help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude, and can help children deal with difficult emotions. 

Planting Seeds – by Thich Nhat Kanh.  The book and enclosed CD cover a wide range of contemplative and fun activities parents and educators can do with their children or students. The activities are designed to help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude and confidence, deal with difficult emotions, touch our interconnection with nature, and improve communication. 

MINDFUL BOOKS

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and their Parents) -by Eline Snel. Simple mindfulness practices to help your child (ages 5-12) deal with anxiety, improve concentration, and handle difficult emotions.  Includes a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises read by Myla Kabat-Zinn.

Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm Cards. – by Mindful Kids. This boxed card deck includes 50 creative mindfulness games, visualizations and exercises divided into 5 categories to help children feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness and relax. Whimsical full-color illustrations on both sides of the cards break down each practice into easy-to-follow steps. Tips on individual cards plus an 8-page instructional booklet show modifications that make these activities inclusive for children of all abilities.

LGBTQ TOPIC BOOKS

ABC: A Family Alphabet Book – by Bobbie Combs. Have fun with the kids, moms, dads and pets in this delightful book that celebrates LGBTQ families as it teaches young children the alphabet.

And Tango Makes Three – by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.

Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio – by Rigoberto Gonzalez. Antonio loves words, because words have the power to express feelings like love, pride, or hurt. Mother’s Day is coming soon, and Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner, Leslie. But he’s not sure what to do when his classmates make fun of Leslie, an artist, who towers over everyone and wears paint-splattered overalls. As Mother’s Day approaches, Antonio must choose whether or how to express his connection to both of the special women in his life. Rigoberto González’s bilingual story about a nontraditional family resonates with all children who have been faced with speaking up for themselves or for the people they love.

Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is – by Abigail Garner. Combined with interviews with more than fifty sons and daughters, Families Like Mine debunks the anti-gay myth that these children grow up damaged and confused. At the same time, Garner’s book refutes the popular pro-gay sentiment that these children turn out “just like everyone else.” In addition to the typical stresses of growing up, the unique pressures these children face are not due to their parents’ sexuality, but rather to homophobia and prejudice. Using a rich blend of journalism and memoir, Garner offers empathetic yet unapologetic opinions about the gifts and challenges of being raised in families that are often labeled “controversial.”

Heather Has Two Mommies: 20th Anniversary Edition – by Lesléa Newman. The first lesbian-themed children’s book ever published—now in color—Lesléa Newman’s groundbreaking children’s book has an enduring message about acceptance and tolerance that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds: The most important thing about any family is that all the people in it love each other.

In Our Mothers’ House – by Patricia Polacco. Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their beautiful house, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, and they dance together. But some of the other families don?t accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema?s house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn?t mean wrong. And no matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be.

King and King – by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland. You are invited to a Royal Wedding – and what a wedding it is! 🙂

King and King and Family – by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland – Join newlyweds King Lee and King Bertie on their journey into the noisy jungle. The kings are greeted by wild animal families, but the royal travelers suspect that something more significant awaits them in the trees. King & King soon discover that there’¬?s no adventure more wonderful than starting a family of their own. 

Books that help children who have suffered a crisis or trauma

Books for Parents:

Professional Publications: