As a teacher, I have used picture books, poetry, memoirs, fiction and nonfiction books to help my students build empathy, social awareness, self-awareness, and self-management skills. Diverse texts and voices help students learn and develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed not only in school, but in the world beyond. Here are a few newly released books that will engage readers and build strong SEL skills:
Elmer and the Gift
From the Series Elmer
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
SEL Skills: Social Awareness, Relationship Skills
The last Elmer storybook from master picture book maker and BookTrust Liftetime Achievement Award winner David McKee, about caring for elderly family members.
“[A] gently conveyed and strong message for young readers with elderly family members of their own. Fans of the series will be heartened. A tender tale featuring a beloved hero.” — Kirkus Reviews
Jada Sticks with It
A Story about Determination
From the Series Building Character (Early Bird Stories ™)
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 3
SEL Skills: Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making
Jada is working on a big science project, but distractions seem to be everywhere! Jada sticks with it and learns that a little determination goes a long way!
This series includes free teaching guides.
Sophie Learns to Listen
A Story about Empathy
From the Series Building Character (Early Bird Stories ™)
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 3
SEL Skills: Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Self-Awareness
Sophie has some exciting news to share with her good friend Jacob. Jacob has some big news too. Sophie learns that sometimes listening to other people’s feelings and stories is more important than talking.
This series includes free teaching guides.
How Are You Feeling?
Naming Your Emotions with Sesame Street ®
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills
Everyone has big feelings.
What situations might cause different feelings to happen? How can you recognize what others are feeling? Help show young readers how to identify and name their emotions alongside their friends from Sesame Street.
The Bear and the Wildcat
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills
A picture book with delicate illustrations that explains the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding.
Tender and sensitive, this is an excellent tool for helping to explain the process of grief, loss and bereavement with children or anyone who needs it.
Translated from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano.
“Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Bo and the Basketball Game
From the Series Bo at the Buzz (Read Woke ™ Chapter Books)
Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making
Bo wants to be the star of his basketball team. But his friend plays better than him during practice. Follow Bo as he learns about being a team player and having fun playing the sport.
Bo and the Little Lie
From the Series Bo at the Buzz (Read Woke ™ Chapter Books)
Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making
Bo’s grandfather asks him to mail an important letter. But when Bo forgets to mail it, he lies to his grandfather. Follow along as Bo learns the importance of telling the truth.
Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of Vaccines
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
SEL Skills: Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making
Never Give Up is the inspiring true story of a determined scientist who proved that a little bit of curiosity and a lot of hard work can save lives.
“Bright, beautiful illustrations are rendered in pencil and finished digitally. . . . Informative as well as inspiring, this book shows how Karikó’s tenacity is proof to never give up. A first purchase for all biography collections.” — starred, School Library Journal
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
Interest Level: Grade 5 – Grade 12
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness
Millions of Africans were enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade, but few recorded their personal experiences. Olaudah Equiano’s The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is perhaps the most well known of the autobiographies that exist. Using this narrative as a primary source text, authors Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge share Equiano’s life story in “found verse,” supplemented with annotations to give readers historical context.
“Without losing the source text’s emotional heft, Edinger and Younge’s visceral poems respectfully provide an effective entry point into the seminal work.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making
Eighteen-year-old Del is in a healthier place than she was a year and a half ago: She’s sober, getting treatment for her depression and anxiety, and volunteering at a suicide-prevention hotline. Her own suicide attempt is in the past, and living in San Francisco with her beloved aunt has helped her see a future for herself.
But when Aunt Fran is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Del’s equilibrium is shattered. She must confront her own demons and rethink everything she thought she knew about life and death.
“Honestly and courageously explores sensitive topics.” — Kirkus Reviews
Food for You
Get the Info, Gain Confidence, and Feel Fantastic!
Interest Level: Grade 5 – Grade 8
SEL SKills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making
This introduction to healthy eating gives tweens and teenagers the tools they need to understand and take control of their eating habits, promoting confidence, self-esteem and well-being.
Torch
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
SEL Skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making
Three teens struggle to carve out futures for themselves under a totalitarian regime.
“[T]his story of revolutionary hope confronts dehumanizing forces through its resilient characters’ deeply held friendships. An astonishing and gripping read.” — starred, Booklist
“A masterful, taut, and emotionally rich historical novel that is heartrending and essential reading for our present political climate.”—starred, School Library Journal
“Miller-Lachmann deftly balances moments of happiness and hope within an ominously rendered narrative marked by fear and potential catastrophe. This captivating political thriller is perfect for Ruta Sepetys fans.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
Browse all SEL books or explore books by category at lernerbooks.com/SEL