This guide to Booth Library's and the Ballenger Teachers Center's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) resources is grounded in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Core SEL Competencies.
Use the following key words: confidence, aptitude, self-assurance, self-perception, self-worth
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes; Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day. Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton's illustrations exude joy.
Call Number: 800 B2616ki
Big Hair, Don't Care by Crystal Swain-Bates; Megan Bair (Illustrator)Designed to boost self-esteem and build confidence in African-American and biracial children, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages children of African descent to feel good about their hair, no matter how different it may be from other kids. Main character Lola has really big curly hair, much bigger than the other kids at her school. Although her big hair often causes kids to stare and sometimes her big curls cause her to lose at hide and seek, that doesn't stop her from telling anyone who will listen just how much she LOVES her hair
Call Number: 800 Sw142bi
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett; Gary RubinsteinEvery student, teacher, and perfectionist needs to read this book about learning and growing from your mistakes! The perfect introduction to growth mindset, The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes is- A growth mindset book for kids A teacher must-have for classrooms An educational book for ages 4-8 (and for everyone learning growth mindset!) Beatrice Bottomwell has NEVER (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, the entire town calls her The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes! One day, the inevitable happens- Beatrice makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! But in the end, readers (and perfectionists) will realize that life is more fun when you enjoy everything-even the mistakes.
Call Number: 800 P449gi
Arlo Draws an Octopus by Lori MortensenAn empowering picture book about creativity, making mistakes, and changing your perspective When Arlo decides to draw an octopus, he can't help but think that maybe he's just not an octopus drawer. His drawing has a head that looks like a hill and eight squiggly arms that look like roads. It's an octopus disaster-piece! But just as Arlo vows to never draw an octopus again, he makes a discovery that changes his perspective about his drawing . . . and much more. This endearing and relatable story gives readers of all ages a gentle reminder that we're better than we may think. Sometimes all it takes is a second look.
Call Number: 800 M842ar
Perfectly Norman by Tom PercivalFrom the creator of Ruby Finds a Worry, an empowering picture book about embracing and celebrating what makes you unique. Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until one day, he grows a pair of wings! Afraid of what people will think, Norman covers them up with a big coat. But can he summon the courage to be himself? While we all might feel afraid about standing out, Perfectly Norman shows that there's nothing better than celebrating what makes you unique! The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics -- from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings. Read all the books in the Big Bright Feelings series! Ruby Finds a Worry Perfectly Norman Ravi's Roar Meesha Makes Friends Tilda Tries Again
Call Number: 800 P4124pe
Make the Team, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest; Jill Barton (Illustrator)Will Baby Duck take the plunge? Amy Hest and Jill Barton team up swimmingly for a new Baby Duck episode - with enough humor and heart to reassure the most hesitant of little ones. Baby Duck longs to join the swimming team. But she won’t go in the water - no matter how cheerfully Mrs. Duck trills or how earnestly Mr. Duck clucks. Luckily, Grampa comes wandering by with his new towel, and Grampa always knows what to say to make Baby Duck feel better - and braver. Maybe she’ll be brave enough to line up her fine, strong feet on the edge of the pool and jump right in!
Call Number: 800 H4695ma
Strong by Rob Kearney; Eric Rosswood; Nidhi Chanani (Illustrator)A Stonewall Honor Book! A fresh, charming picture book that shows there are lots of ways to be STRONG. Rob dreams of becoming a champion strongman. He wants to flip huge tires, lug boulders, and haul trucks -- and someday be the strongest man in the world! But he feels like he can't fit in with his bright leggings, unicorn T-shirts, and rainbow-dyed hair. Will Rob find a way to step into his true self and be a champion? With bold illustrations and an engaging, informative text, Strong introduces readers to Rob Kearney and his journey from an athletic kid trying to find his place to the world's first openly gay professional strongman.
Call Number: 800 K214st
The Me I Choose to Be by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley; Regis and Kahran Bethencourt (Artist)In this "exquisite" (Shelf Awareness) "affirming" (Kirkus), and "empowering visual essay" (Publishers Weekly) the bestselling author of I Love My Hair! joins forces with the dynamic photography duo behind Glory to create a stunning celebration of the many things you can be! What will you choose to be? A free spirit? A weaver of words? A star dancing across the night sky? A limitless galaxy? The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential. With lyrical text by bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and images by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt--the team behind CreativeSoul Photography--each page of The Me I Choose To Be is an immersive call for self-love that highlights the inherent beauty of all Black and brown children.
Call Number: 800 T176me
The Wind May Blow by Sasha Quinton; Thomas Hegbrook (Illustrator)This stunning picture book, which features peek-through pages, engaging artwork, and gentle, lyrical text, celebrates every parent's wish for his or her child in the face of life's challenges. Every parent wishes for his or her child to be able to handle the challenges that life presents. Sometimes, our life experiences will not be smooth; there will be times when fierce winds blow, storms rage, and rain falls, making the situation feel hopeless. Through lyrical text and inviting illustrations, children are reminded that they are strong and smart and can figure out a solution to every tricky situation that they may face. Features peek-through pages throughout.
Call Number: 158.1 Q46wi
Magic Like That by Samara Cole Doyon; Geneva Bowers (Illustrator)In this celebration of Black Girl Magic, a young girl finds confidence and excitement in the versatility of her natural hair and the way her different hairstyles reflect the natural world. Natural hair is magical, but magic isn't easy. As a young Black girl patiently waits for her mother to finish her newest hairstyle, she wonders what stunning, majestic, awe-inspiring form her hair will take next! With radiant illustrations by Geneva Bowers and beautiful, poetic text written by Samara Cole Doyon, Magic Like That will inspire young readers of all textures to believe in the beauty of their natural selves.
Call Number: 800 D779mag
Use the following key words: confidence
Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne ReedA humorous and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a young rapper whose rhymes help bring his community together, by America's favorite rapping teacher from Chicago. As featured on Good Morning America! Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes dreams of becoming a world-famous rapper that everyone calls Notorious D.O.G. But for now, he's just a Chicago fifth grader who's small for his age and afraid to use his voice. Simon prefers to lay low at school and at home, even though he's constantly spitting rhymes in his head. But when his new teacher assigns the class an oral presentation on something that affects their community, Simon must face his fears. With some help from an unexpected ally and his neighborhood crew, will Simon gain the confidence to rap his way to an A and prove that one kid can make a difference in his 'hood? Dwayne Reed is a Chicago teacher, whose viral back-to-school music video "Welcome to the 4th Grade" took the internet by storm. His debut novel, Simon B. Rhymin' , inspires young readers everywhere to use their voices to create change within their communities. READ MORE ABOUT SIMON AND HIS CREW: Simon B. Rhymin' Takes a Stand Simon B. Rhymin' Gets in the Game
Call Number: 813 R2519si
Shug by Jenny HanAnnemarie "Shug" Wilcox is clever and brave and true (on the inside anyway). And she's about to become your new best friend in this enchanting middle grade novel from the New York Times bestselling author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before (soon to be a major motion picture!), Jenny Han. Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug as her family calls her, is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. She's too tall, too freckled, and way too flat-chested. Shug is sure that there's not one good or amazing thing about her. And now she has to start junior high, where the friends she counts most dear aren't acting so dear anymore -- especially Mark, the boy she's known her whole life through. Life is growing up all around her, and all Shug wants is for things to be like they used to be. How is a person supposed to prepare for what happens tomorrow when there's just no figuring out today?
Call Number: 813.6 H1902sh
The Super Sluggers: Slumpbuster by Kevin Markey; Royce Fitzgerald (Illustrator)They call me Walloper because I'm no ordinary hitter. Or at least that used to be the case. Now I couldn't hit a beach ball and my batting average is going down faster than the Titanic. With the pennant on the line, I've got a slump cloud over my head so big it's being covered by the Weather Channel. The forecast is grim, but I hope there's one big swing left in my bat so the Rambletown Rounders can win the pennant and I can end this historic drought. Kevin Markey's debut novel is a hilarious tall tale of baseball action and high jinks that will have fans reveling in every trip around the pages.
Call Number: 813 M3417sl
Pity Party by Kathleen LaneDiscover an "absurd, funny, and thought-provoking" book perfect for "anyone who has ever felt socially awkward or inadequate" (Louis Sachar, author of Holes and the Wayside School series). Dear weird toes, crooked nose, stressed out, left out, freaked out Dear missing parts, broken hearts, picked-on, passed up, misunderstood, Dear everyone, you are cordially invited, come as you are, this party's for you Welcome to Pity Party, where the social anxieties that plague us all are twisted into funny, deeply resonant, and ultimately reassuring psychological thrills. There's a story about a mood ring that tells the absolute truth. One about social media followers who literally follow you around. And one about a kid whose wish for a new, improved self is answered when a mysterious box arrives in the mail. There's also a personality test, a fortune teller, a letter from the Department of Insecurity, and an interactive Choose Your Own Catastrophe. Come to the party for a grab bag of delightfully dark stories that ultimately offers a life-affirming reminder that there is hope and humor to be found amid our misery.
Call Number: 813 L242pi
Boogie Bass, Sign Language Star by Claudia Mills; Grace Zong (Illustrator)Boogie Bass feels like he can't do anything right, but when he joins an after-school American Sign Language club, he turns out to be a natural! The After-School Superstars--Nixie Ness, Vera Vance, Nolan Nada, and Boogie Bass--are back in a new after-school adventure starring Boogie. He is clumsy and goofy, but now that he is at the American Sign Language camp at his school, he finds his hidden talent. He may not believe in himself, but the rest of his class does, especially when they visit a school for the Deaf and Boogie leads the way with his exuberant personality helping students to learn about each other and make new friends. Vetted by an expert from Gallaudet University and complete with additional material full of facts about American Sign Language, Boogie Bass is an excellent addition to The After-School Superstars series. Each book features recurring characters and highlights one activity they do at their after-school program, along with illustrations in black and white. The series is perfect for fans of Judy Moody, Ivy and Bean, and Clementine. Praise for Nixie Ness- Cooking Star- A Junior Library Guild Selection "Young readers will easily relate to this wholesome look at early friendships and conflicts." -School Library Journal "Likeable Nixie creates a terrific recipe for winning back old friends and making lots of new ones." -Kirkus Reviews Praise for Vera Vance- Comics Star- A Junior Library Guild Selection "Vera's shyness will be appreciated and understood by many readers . . . and the lovely wrap-up shows how every personality type and situation can find a way to use their strengths to reach their goals."--Kirkus Reviews "Budding artists will appreciate the respect for and information about the comics process and relate to Vera's joy at immersing herself in her beloved pastime." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Call Number: 813 M624bo
Such a Pretty Face by Ann AngelEvery person lives with his or her ideal concept of beauty. As a teenager, this ideal can be challenging: Am I pretty enough? What does it mean to be pretty? Is beauty fair? Ranging from funny to desperate, each of the stories in this collection portrays a turning point moment when individual dreams of beauty collide with reality. In Lauren Myracle's story, a Homecoming Queen deals with a truly enormous and possibly enchanted chin hair. In Ellen Wittlinger's contribution, a young model questions the career her mother has foisted on her. In Mary Ann Rodman's piece, a white American feels baffled by her beautiful Thai's classmates desire to be pale. Perceptive and unexpected, these stories challenge readers to question their own thoughts about beauty.
Call Number: 813.0108 Su186
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes by Louis SacharA sidesplitting classic from Newbery Medalist and National Book Award winner Louis Sachar (Holes), with a brand-new cover! Gary W. Boone knows he was born to be a stand-up comedian. It's the rest of the kids in his class who think he's just a goon. Then the Floyd Hicks Junior High School Talent Show is announced, and he starts practicing his routine nonstop to get it just right. Gary's sure this will be his big break--he'll make everyone laugh and win the $100 prize. But when an outrageous surprise threatens to turn his debut into a disaster, it looks as if the biggest joke of all may be on Gary himself.
Call Number: 813 Sa14dog
Not Exactly Normal by Devin BrownA sixth-grader at St. Luke's Episcopal School sets out to have a mystical experience and learns valuable lessons about himself and the world along the way.