Book Resource List for Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Supporting children’s social and emotional growth is just as important as supporting their academic learning. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop skills such as understanding and managing emotions, building empathy, making responsible choices, and fostering positive relationships. These skills not only help children succeed in school, but also guide them toward becoming caring, confident, and resilient individuals.
One powerful way to nurture SEL at home is through reading. Books allow children to see themselves and others in stories, offering a safe space to explore feelings, challenges, and social situations. When children read about characters who face difficulties, make mistakes, or practice kindness, they learn valuable lessons about empathy, self-regulation, problem-solving, and resilience. This process—sometimes called bibliotherapy—uses literature to spark conversations, normalize emotions, and support healthy development.
The following book list is designed as a resource for families of elementary-age children. Each title has been thoughtfully selected to encourage meaningful discussions, reinforce the values of social-emotional learning, and strengthen the connection between home and school. Reading these stories together provides opportunities for children to reflect, ask questions, and practice strategies for handling big feelings and everyday situations.
Being yourself
Julián is a Mermaid
Julián is a boy who lives with his abuela in New York City. Although his preferences and attire may seem unconventional, he is supported by those around him to be himself.
The Story of Ferdinand
Bulls are supposed to fight, correct? Not Ferdinand. A peaceful and calm bull in the bull-fighting rings of Spain, Ferdinand remains true to himself despite the pressures to change.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match
Marisol McDonald is a biracial girl with red hair and brown skin. In many ways, Marisol defies the norms and sometimes confuses those around her. She is, however, confidently herself!
Kindness and Friendship
Each Kindness
Chloe and her friends have no interest in playing with Maya, the new girl at school who wears ratty hand-me-down clothes. But when Maya leaves school and Chloe realizes her mistake, she learns that you don’t always get a chance to apologize.
The Invisible Boy
Brian is unnoticed by the other students in his class. He is never included or invited... until the new student Justin arrives and shows us that it just takes one friendship to change a person’s life.
The Name Jar
Unhei just moved from Korea to the U.S. She is anxious to start school, especially when she realizes that those around her are now unsure how to pronounce her name. After considering various American names, Unhei decides to choose her Korean name, thanks to her appreciation for her culture and the kindness of her new friends.
Sharing and Gratitude
Last Stop on Market Street
As he rides the bus across town with his grandma, CJ wonders why he doesn’t have a car and looks longingly at other boys’ cool toys. His grandma, though, helps him see the beauty around them both on the bus and in the soup kitchen at which they volunteer.
The Rainbow Fish
Rainbow Fish has beautiful glittering scales like no other in the ocean. While at first he refuses to share his most prized scales, he learns that when he does, he creates invaluable friendships.
Those Shoes
It seems like every kid at school is wearing those cool new shoes, except for Jeremy. Although he badly wants those same shoes that his family cannot afford, he ends up learning that being selfless and sharing makes him even happier than a pair of shoes.
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans
Based on the real Cornelius Washington, a sanitation worker in New Orleans, this story shows how an everyday hero can make a real difference in the lives of others in the aftermath of tragedy.
Overcoming Anxiety and Fear
The Good Egg
The Good Egg is always doing what it should, even taking care of the other eggs who are not doing their best. But when the Good Egg’s own shell starts to crack, it realizes that balance and self-care is more important than perfection.
The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes
Beatrice never makes mistakes. But when the inevitable happens -- she makes a big mistake in front of everyone -- Beatrice learns that life is better when she enjoys all of life, even the mistakes.
Jabari Jumps
Jabari is so excited to jump off the diving board! But when his moment actually comes, he continues to find reasons not to climb up. With the support of his patient and understanding father, Jabari learns to overcome his fear.
Anger and Forgiveness
Wisdom in the Kingdom of Anger
Based off of the engaging Wisdom: The World of Emotions app, this book tells the story of Wisdom as he teaches a kingdom of angry inhabitants to calm their anger through various strategies. You can order it here. A customizable version of the book can also be accessed in the app to include your child’s name and anger triggers, as well as their favorite calming techniques.
The Bad Seed
The Bad Seed is always up to no good, and everyone around him comes to expect it from him. But when he wants to make a change, he reveals his difficult past and his desire to overcome it. The Bad Seed is met with understanding and forgiveness.
The Juice Box Bully
The new kid in school is quite the bully. When he sees how this school stands up for each other, and even refuses to be mean to him in return, he realizes his mistakes and wants to join their kind community.
First Day SEL
The Day You Begin
On the first day of school, all the other children share summer stories of vacations and camps. The story’s protagonist, on the other hand, has been home all summer taking care of her little sister. This fresh take on a first-day story emphasizes that everyone’s story is important and beautiful.
A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices
Follow six children, ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade, as they experience their first day of school. Each with their own anxieties and successes, we gain more perspective of a day that everyone experiences differently.
SEL Poetry
Lend a Hand: Poems About Giving
This collection of fourteen original poems highlights the daily acts of kindness and empathy that can give us and others joy.
I am Enough
This lyrical ode emphasizes the beauty of loving ourselves, respecting others, and being kind.
SEL for Adult Readers
The Whole Brain Child
Written by a neuroscientist and parenting expert, this New York Times Bestseller explains the child’s developing brain and how we can best support it.
Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School
Follow the stories of four different young children, known in their respective classrooms as the “troublemakers.” This radical take encourages us to shift our adult perspective to better understand the sometimes confusing behavior of children.
Motivation
The Smile that went Around the World, by Patrice Karst
What starts out as a simple gift, soon turns into a chain-reaction of smiles and kindness in this heart-warming story about a smile...that went around the world.
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do, by Ashley Spires
Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. Eventually, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?
How to Catch a Star, by Oliver Jeffers
Once there was a boy, and that boy loved stars very much. So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be.
Self-confidence and self-compassion
Listening with My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-compassion, by Gabi Garcia
When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d hoped, will she remember to show it to herself?
Tomorrow I'll be Brave, by Jessica Hische
This book reminds readers, tomorrow is another day, full of endless opportunities -- all you have to do is decide to make the day yours.
My Heart, by Corinna Luyken
Some days your heart is a puddle or a fence to keep the world out. But some days it is wide open to the love that surrounds you. This book inspires all readers to listen to the guide within, in this ode to love and self-acceptance.
Problem-solving
What Do You Do With a Problem?, by Kobi Yamada
This is the story of a persistent problem and a 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.
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.
Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems, by Carey Sookocheff
This book takes a sweet and gently humorous look at practical and creative answers for all the little daily problems in one young girl's life, including her exuberant and pesky dog. Will her dog, who starts out as a problem, end up as a solution?
Happiness
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, by Carol McCloud
When we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket! Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other's buckets by what we say and what we do. When you're a bucket filler, you make the world a better place to be!
The Jar of Happiness, by Ailsa Burrows
Is there a recipe for happiness? Meg certainly thinks so. She collects all the necessary ingredients in a jar, which she uses to cheer up her friends and family when they're feeling low. But what happens when her special jar mysteriously disappears? Will Meg feel sad forever more, or will she find other ways to be happy?
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray
This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.
Mindfulness
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness, by Susan Verde This book is a gentle expression of the tenets of mindfulness, encouraging children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present in the here and now.
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles, 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.
My Meditations with Wisdom, by Better Kids
This book is designed to help children improve the social emotional competency of mindfulness through meditations and reflections. It includes a variety of meditations for when your children are feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or angry. You can order it here and listen to the audio recordings in the app Wisdom: The World of Emotions. Each meditation is followed by reflection questions that children can complete independently or with the support of an adult. These activities will develop your children’s self-awareness and doing them with others will help them to build positive relationships!
Support systems
The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst
This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us and opens up deeper conversations about love.
That's Me Loving You, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This book captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.
It takes a Village, by Jane Cowen-Fletcher
In a story based on the West African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," a young girl proudly watches her brother and then realizes that the entire village has been watching them both.
Empathy
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy, by Susan Verde
This book affirms that we can make good choices by acting with compassion and having empathy for others and ourselves. When we find common ground, we can feel connected to the great world around us and mindfully strive to be our best selves.
You, Me and Empathy: Teaching children about empathy, feelings, kindness, compassion, tolerance and recognizing bullying behaviors, by Jayneen Sanders
This story uses verse, beautiful illustrations, and a little person called Quinn to model the meaning of empathy. Throughout the story, Quinn shows an abundance of understanding, compassion, and kindness towards others. Showing empathy towards others is a learned trait and one to nurture and cherish with the children in our care.
Fairness
It's Not Fair!, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to. But this delightful and witty book reassures us that everyone, including pigs, planets, and square pegs, sometimes thinks: It's not fair!
New Shoes, by Susan Lynn Meyer
The realistic oil paintings in this book bring life to this story of a young girl's determination in the face of injustice. The book includes an author's note from Susan Lynn Meyer, discussing the historical context of the story and how the Civil Rights Movement worked to abolish unfair laws like the ones that main character Ella Mae encounters.
Two for Me, One for You, by Jorg Muhle
Bear finds three tasty mushrooms on her way home through the woods. Her friend Weasel cooks them up in the frying pan. But the friends have a problem: how to share three between two?
Independence
Little Bird Visits the Big City, by Domenico Granata
Little bird is curious to fly beyond the boundaries of his little forest. Though his mother warns him to stay with his friends, Little Bird takes off on his own, looking for adventure. When he arrives in the city he doesn't know what to make of all the noises and the commotion. Before long he's feeling frightened and homesick. Luckily for him, his friends had been checking up on him the whole time. This book shows the universal pull children feel to go off on their own, even as they long to stay tethered to home.
Jacob's Fantastic Flight, by Philip Waechter
When his parents plan a trip to the sea, Jacob says he will fly there himself. Along the way, he meets new friends and has wonderful adventures. And when his bird friends need help, Jacob and the flock work together to rescue their friend and outsmart the nefarious birdcatcher. This story shows what happens when a child uses their strengths and differences to help others in need.
The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires
The girl in this story has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing!" 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. This book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity.
Learning through play
Fort Building Time, by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Winter, spring, summer, fall. Each season brings new materials to make the perfect fort. From leaves to snow, from mud to sand, there is a different fort throughout the year. As a group of friends explore and build through the seasons, they find that every fort they make is a perfect fort.
The Playful Classroom, by Jed Dearybury and Julie Jones
This book describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving students meaningful, relevant and fun learning experiences. This unique real-world guide provides you with everything you need to incorporate engaging, hands-on lessons and creative activities, regardless of the level and subject you teach.
This Beautiful Day, by Richard Jackson
Why spend a rainy day inside? As three children embrace a grey day, they seem to beckon the bright as they jump, splash, and dance outside, chasing the rain away. The day’s palette shifts from greys to a hint of blue, then more blue. Then green! Then yellow! Until the day is a technicolor extravaganza that would make Mary Poppins proud. A joyous homage to the power of a positive attitude.
Learning how to lose
The Golden Acorn, by Katy Hudson
Whoosh! Squirrel takes off at full speed through the autumn leaves. But slam on the brakes, because this year The Golden Nut Hunt race is a team event. Squirrel reluctantly enlists her friends and is not impressed. Will Squirrel's competitive spirit take over or will she learn how to be a team player?
Cheetah Can't Lose, by Bob Shea
It's race day, and once and for all, it's time to determine the better feline: little cats or big cheetah. Cheetah might be bigger, taller, stronger, faster . . . but the little cats have some tricks up their sleeves, so don't count them out!
Creating a positive environment
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed, by Emily Pearson
Can one child's good deed change the world? It can, when she’s Ordinary Mary―an ordinary girl from an ordinary school, on her way to her ordinary house―who stumbles upon ordinary blueberries. When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, she starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.
The Big Umbrella, by Amy June Bates
By the door, there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.
Be Kind, by Pat Zietlow Miller
When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend.