Ready Readers Book Lesson Plan Resource Library
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: S.T.E.M/Curiosity
Sub-topics: Cultural food;Phases of the moon; Patience
Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she’s not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can’t resist a nibble? In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion & Belonging
Sub-topics: Making new friends; Autism
In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.
A New Kind of Wild Zara by Gonalex Hoang
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Moving to a new place; Friendship; Imagination
When Ren moves to Ava’s city, he feels lost without his wild. How will he ever feel at home in a place with no green and no magic, where everything is exactly what it seems? Of course, not everything in the city is what meets the eye, and as Ren discovers, nothing makes you feel at home quite like a friend. Inspired by the stories her father told her about moving from Puerto Rico to New York as a child, Zara González Hoang’s author-illustrator debut is an imaginative exploration of the true meaning of “home
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beatty
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: S.T.E.M/Curiosity
Sub-topics: STEM; Curiosity
Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Courage; Overcoming fears
Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after? Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s poignant tale follows HumptyDumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear?
After the Fall_How Humpty Got Back Up Again doc
After the Fall_How Humpty Got Back Up Again pdf
Auntie Luce’s Talking Painting by Francie Latour
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Family; Understanding your history and culture through art
Every winter, a young girl flies to Haiti to visit her Auntie Luce, a painter.. The girl has always loved Auntie Luce’s paintings ― the houses tucked into the hillside, colorful fishing boats by the water, heroes who fought for and won the country’s independence. Through Haiti’s colors, the girl comes to understand this place her family calls home. And when the moment finally comes to have her own portrait painted for the first time, she begins to see herself in a new way, tracing her own history and identity through her Aunt’s brush.
Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged by Zetta Elliot
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Acceptance; Neurodiversity; Friendship
Benny likes many things. He likes trains, looking at stars, cupcakes without sprinkles and playing with his quiet friends. Benny doesn’t like hugs however, or when the room gets too loud, and sometimes he doesn’t get his friends jokes. Benny’s best friend tells his story, in the way that best friends do. This book will validate and affirm students on the autism spectrum, while building and bridging students and others in the school community who know of someone with heightened sensitivity, and/or need to better understand these experiences.
Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged Book Plan pdf
Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Family; Siblings; Sharing
Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can’t convince Ami that you just don’t bring your younger sister to your friend’s party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina’s prized party favor, a red lollipop. What’s a fed-up big sister to do?
Big Red Lollipop Book Plan pdf
Big Red Lollipop Book Plan doc
Diary Templates (Older_Younger Versions) doc
Boxitects by Kim Smith
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: STEM; Problem solving; Working with others
Meg is a brilliant and creative boxitect. She loves impressing her teacher and classmates with what she makes out of boxes. But there’s a new kid at Maker School: Simone. Simone is good at everything, and worst of all, she’s a boxitect too. When the annual Maker Match is held, Meg and Simone are paired as a team but can’t seem to stop arguing. When their extraordinary project turns into a huge disaster, they must find a way to join creative forces, lift each other up, and work together.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Family; Immigration; Wishes
When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make .
Carmela Full of Wishes Graphic Organizer pdf
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Courage; Gender norms; Music
Girls cannot be drummer . Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Acceptance; Physical features; Celebrating difference; Family
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers’. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment.
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Holi; Cultural traditions; Community
Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!
Festival of Color Extension Brainstorm Sheet doc
Goldy Luck & the 3 Pandas by Natasha Yim
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Fairytale retelling; Taking responsibility for our actions
In this Chinese American retelling of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” a careless Goldy Luck wreaks havoc on the home of a family of panda bears. She eats up the littlest panda’s rice porridge, breaks his rocking chair, and rumples all the blankets on his futon. When Goldy takes responsibility for her actions, she makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!) just in time for Chinese New Year
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Emotions
Sub-topics: Managing emotions
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Family; pride in your hair; natural hair; teamwork
Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her — and her hair — happy.
Hank’s Big Day Evan Kuhlman
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Friendship; Exploration
Hank is a pill bug with a busy life—for a pill bug, that is. His daily routine involves nibbling a dead leaf, climbing up a long stick, avoiding a skateboarder, and playing pretend with his best friend, a human girl named Amelia, in her backyard. And when the day is done, Hank likes nothing better than returning home to his cozy rock.
Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Community; Urban Gardening; Transformation
Discover the incredible true story of Harlem Grown, a lush garden in New York City that grew out of an abandoned lot and now feeds a neighborhood.
Hey, Wall by Susan Verde
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Community; Muraling; Beautification
There is a wall in Ángel’s neighborhood. Around it, the community bustles with life: music, dancing, laughing. Not the wall. It is bleak. One boy decides to change that. But he can’t do it alone. Told in elegant verse by Susan Verde and vibrantly illustrated by John Parra, this inspiring picture book celebrates the power of art to tell a story and bring a community together.
Horrible Bear by Ame Dyckman
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: SEL Skills: Emotions
Sub-topics: Emotions; Coping strategies; Repairing harm
Bear didn’t mean to break a little girl’s kite, but she’s upset anyway–upset enough to shout “HORRIBLE BEAR!” Bear is indignant. He doesn’t think he’s horrible! Then Bear gets a truly Horrible Bear idea. What will he do next? As Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation, the girl makes a mistake of her own, and realizes that maybe–just maybe–Bear isn’t as horrible as she had thought.
Hot, Hot Roti for Dadi-Ji by F. Zia
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Family traditions; Cultural food
Aneel’s grandparents have come to stay, all the way from India. Aneel loves the sweet smell of his grandmother’s incense, and his grandfather, Dada-ji, tells the world’s best stories.When he was a boy, adventurous, energetic Dada-ji had the power of a tiger. Hunh-ji! Yes, sir! He could shake mangoes off trees and wrangle wild cobras. And what gave him his power? Fluffy-puffy hot, hot roti, with a bit of tongue-burning mango pickle. Does Dada-ji still have the power? Aneel wants to find out—but first he has to figure out how to whip up a batch of hot, hot roti.
I Walk With by Vanessa Kerascoet
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Bullying; Standing up for other; Community support
This simple yet powerful picture book–from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team–tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word. *Note: This is a wordless picture book
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Courage; Trying something new and hard; Family
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Perseverance; Creativity; Working together
Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Acceptance; Family; Gender Diversity
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Immigration; Ramadan; Acceptance
Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Community; Gratitude
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ has a lot of questions. 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.
Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: Health and Wellness
Sub-topics: Joy; Celebrating the things that make us happy
Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you?
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of KunKush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Family; Refugee experience; Community
When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat, Kunkush, behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away.But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. In one moment, he is gone. A few days later, aid workers in Greece find the lost cat. Knowing how much his family has sacrificed already, they are desperate to reunite them with the cat they love so much. This remarkable true story is told by the real people involved, with the full cooperation of Kunkush’s family.
Love, Z by Jessica Sima
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Emotions
Sub-topics: Love; Friendship; Adventure
When a small robot named Z discovers a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice,” they decide to find out what “love” means. Unable to get an answer from the other robots, they leave to embark on an adventure that will lead them to Beatrice—and back home again, where love was hiding all along.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmad
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Following your Dreams; Imagination; Encouragement
When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by Monica Brown
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Identity; Multiracial family; Celebrating difference; Being yourself
Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. And don’t even think of asking her to choose one or the other activity during recess—she’ll just be a soccer-playing pirate princess, thank you very much. To Marisol McDonald, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together.Unfortunately, they don’t always make sense to everyone else. Other people wrinkle their nose in confusion at Marisol—can’t she just be one or the other? Try as she might, in a world where everyone tries to put this biracial,Peruvian-Scottish-American girl into a box, Marisol McDonald doesn’t match. And that’s just fine with her.
Mateo Finds His Wow by Gabi Garcia
Recommended Grades: 1-3
Category: SEL Skills: Emotions
Sub-topics: Finding wonder in little things; gratitude; Dealing with boredom
We can all get stuck focusing on what’s not going right… It’s raining on Saturday morning and Mateo is bored and cranky. He can’t find anything to do… except make a list of things he can’t do. He sits, he sulks. His brain feels stuck. Readers can follow along as Mateo discovers that appreciating what’s right in front of him can help turn the page on a grumpy day.
Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Community; Transformation; Art
In a town that is dismal and austere, Mira offers her neighbor her joy—art. After Mira hands out some of her paintings, a muralist takes notice of her work. Eventually Mira, the muralist, and the diverse community come together to make their town a beautiful work of art.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Gender expression; Imaginative play; Acceptance
Morris loves using his imagination. But most of all, Morris loves wearing the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up center. The children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses, they say, are for girls. And Morris certainly isn’t welcome in the spaceship some of his classmates are building. Astronauts, they say, don’t wear dresses. One day when Morris feels all alone and sick from their taunts, his mother lets him stay home from school. Morris dreams of a fantastic space adventure with his cat, Moo. Inspired by his dream, Morris paints the incredible scene he saw and brings it with him to school. He builds his own spaceship, hangs his painting on the front of it and takes two of his classmates on an outer space adventure.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Neighborhood changes; Pride in your home
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.
Neither by Arlie Anderson
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Acceptance; Being yourself; Celebrating difference
In the Land of This and That, there are only two kinds: blue bunnies and yellow birds. But one day a funny green egg hatches, and a little creature that’s not quite a bird and not quite a bunny pops out. It’s neither! Neither tries hard to fit in, but its bird legs aren’t good for jumping like the other bunnies, and its fluffy tail isn’t good for flapping like the other birds. It sets out to find a new home and discovers a very different place, one with endless colors and shapes and creatures of all kinds.
Nino Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Fantasy/Play
Sub-topics: Imagination; Play; Wrestling’ Siblings
Fwap! Slish! Bloop! Krunch! He takes down his competition in a single move! Niño Wrestles the World is in English with Spanish vocabulary, and is a fun, colorful story about a boy wrestling with imaginary monsters (including an Olmec Head and La Llorona) and adversaries like his younger sisters. This is a joyful picture book about imagination, play, and siblings.
Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Making new friends; Overcoming challenges; Self-awareness; Social Awareness
Oona is one determined little mermaid, but she faces her biggest challenge yet in trying to make friends with Stanley the shark. Whatever will she do? A fun-filled and gorgeously illustrated celebration of friendship, creativity and perseverance.
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Acceptance; Being yourself
Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let’s draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can’t be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He’s blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Recommended Grades: 1-3
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Engineering; Perseverance; Believing in yourself
Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!), who shows her that the first flop isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate.
Rulers of the Playgrounds by Joseph Kuefler
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Fairness; Being a leader
One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah’s kingdom . . . Everyone except for Lennox . . . because she wanted to rule the playground, too. A gloriously rendered, hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics.
Say Something by Peter Reynolds
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Different ways to use your voice
Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are… what you are thinking… and what you believe. And how you’ll make it better. The time is now: SAY SOMETHING!
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Leadership; Creating change in your community
Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Being unique; Pets; Friendship; Inclusivity
Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Self-acceptance; Physical features; Colorism; Being proud of your skin color
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
Thank You Omu! by Oge Mora
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Mutual aid; Sharing
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Friendship; Imagination; Making new friends
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and–at long last–is given his special name: Beekle.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: S.T.E.M/Curiosity
Sub-topics: Curiosity; Nature; Transformation
While out exploring one day, Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.
Photosynthesis Experiment Plan pdf
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Fantasy/Play
Sub-topics: Fantasy; Adventure; Being clever
A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . . the gruffalo! As Mouse explains, the gruffalo is a creature with terrible claws, and terrible tusks in its terrible jaws, knobbly knees and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of its nose. But Mouse has no worry to show. After all, there’s no such thing as a gruffalo…
The Gruffalo Finger Puppets doc
The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story by Uma Krishmaswami
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Courage; Building confidence; Yoga
Embarrassed by her clumsiness, eight-year-old Meena, an Asian Indian American girl, is reluctant to appear in the school play until she gains self-confidence by practicing yoga.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Managing emotions; creating something new; dealing with disappointment; STEM
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
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Self-acceptance; Being yourself; Immigration
Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from.
Rainbow Name Poem Brainstorm Sheet doc
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Recommended Grades: K-3
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Pride in yourself; Celebrating difference; Bullying
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
The Smallest Girls in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts
Recommended Grades: 1-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Standing up for what you believe; anti-bullying
Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.
The Water Walker by Joanne Roberston
Recommended Grades: 1-3
Category: Social Issues/Social Justice
Sub-topics: Water Walkers; Environmental Justice
The story of the determined Ojibwe Nokomis (grandmother) Josephine Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect water for future generations and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men and youth, have walked the perimeter of the Great Lakes and along the banks of numerous rivers and lakes. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.
Tiny Feet Between the Mountains by Hannah Cha
Recommended Grades: 2-3
Category: SEL Skills: Overcoming Obstacles
Sub-topics: Folktale; Courage; Problem solving
Soe-In is a tiny child in a village full of large people. She struggles with completing chores due to her size, but she never gives up. One day, when the sky grows dark and full of smoke, Soe-In volunteers to travel into the tall mountains to investigate. She’s surprised to find a spirit tiger there and learn he has swallowed the sun by mistake! To help the spirit tiger and her village, Soe-In must come up with a clever idea to solve this gigantic problem. And while she’s at it, she just may prove that the smallest people often have the biggest, bravest hearts.
Story Writing Pages with Picture Box pdf
We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: SEL Skills: Building Relationships
Sub-topics: Making new friends; empathy
It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all.
Good Friend Mini-Book Template pdf
What’s My Superpower by Aviaq Johnston
Recommended Grades: K-2
Category: Identity, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging
Sub-topics: Self-Awareness; Celebrating our unique strengths
Nalvana feels like all of her friends have some type of superpower. She has friends with super speed (who always beat her in races), friends with super strength (who can dangle from the monkey bars for hours), and friends who are better than her at a million other things. Nalvana thinks she must be the only kid in town without a superpower. But then her mom shows Nalvana that she is unique and special, and that her superpower was right in front of her all along.
When We Are Kind/Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íigo by Monique Gray Smith
Recommended Grades: K-1
Category: Community
Sub-topics: Kindness; Helping Others
When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.