I’m a huge fan of using books to connect with children regarding various topics. Anytime I notice a particular struggle emerging for my own children, or my students, I immediately begin researching books to help discuss the topic. Utilizing books in this way allows me to open the door for conversation without it being so obvious or formal. Libraries and bookstores across the globe are equipped with a wide-range of literature aimed specifically at Social-Emotional Learning. I’ve put together a list of books that could be utilized for various SEL topics and have broken them into appropriate age ranges. There is nothing better than connecting with your little ones over a book which can also help to foster so many amazing skills they will need throughout their lives. 

Infants/Toddlers

Hello, World! My Body by Jill McDonald

Who? A Celebration of Babies by Robie H. Harris

Love You Head to Toe by Ashley Barron

Feelings of the Sky by Kate & Milo

Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl

Preschool/Prek

My Big Feelings by Sidney Hall

Only One You by Linda Kranz

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain

The Crayons Book of Feelings by Drew Daywalt

Kindergarten-Grade 2

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

The Good Egg by Jory John

No Biggy! By Elycia Rubin

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Grade 3-Grade 5

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak

Playing From the Heart by Peter H. Reynolds

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold

Middle School

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

The Jacket by Andrew Clements

Restart by Gordon Korman

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

High School

Same But Different by RJ Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, Holly Robinson Peete

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

By Hana Damico

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