Further Reading

GRIEF:

Invisible String Discusses how people remain connected although not together by Patrice Karst

Fall of Freddie the Leaf Normalizes death as explained through seasons by Leo Buscaglia

TALKING ABOUT EMOTIONS:

Today I Feel Silly Helps kids explore, identify, and, even have fun with their ever-changing moodd by Jamie Lee Curtis

What to Do When You Worry Too Much, A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety. By Dawn Huebner. Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews.

What to Do When Your Temper Flares, A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems with Anger. By Dawn Huebner. Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews.

The Feelings Book (American Girl Doll) The Feelings Book will help you understand your emotions, and deal with them in positive ways. You'll get tips on how to express your feelings and stay in control, plus get sensitive advice on handling fear, anxiety, jealousy, and grief. Learn how to stay in the driver's seat of your own emotions! by Dr. Lynda Madison

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE:

Invisible String Discusses how people remain connected although not together

Kids Need to be Safe: A Book for Children in Foster Care (Kids are Important) In simple words and full-color illustrations, this book explains why some kids move to foster homes, what foster parents do, and ways kids might feel during foster care. Children often believe that they are in foster care because they are “bad.” This book makes it clear that the troubles in their lives are not their fault; the message throughout is one of hope and support. by Julie Nelson

Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights All families change over time. Sometimes a baby is born, or a grown-up gets married. And sometimes a child gets a new foster parent or a new adopted mom or dad. Children need to know that when this happens, it’s not their fault. They need to understand that they can remember and value their birth family and love their new family, too. Straightforward words and full-color illustrations offer hope and support for children facing or experiencing change. by Julie Nelson

PARENT/CHILD BONDING:

I Love You Stinky Face A book about unconditional love. Author Lisa McCourt uses metaphor to speak to children’s fears. by Lisa McCourt

Creative Block Play, A Comprehensive Guide to Learning through Building Encouraging play to develop social skills, motor development, creativity and brain development. by Rosanne Rega Hansel.

ANXIETY:

A Perfectly Messed Up Story Little Louie's story keeps getting messed up, and he's not happy about it! What's the point of telling his tale if he can't tell it perfectly? But when he stops and takes a deep breath, he realizes that everything is actually just fine, and his story is a good one--imperfections and all. by Patrick McDonnell

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes 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. by Mark Pett and Gary Rubenstein

BEHAVIOR:

What Should Danny Do? 9 Stories in 1! What Should Danny Do? is an innovative, interactive book that empowers kids with the understanding that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives into what they will be. Written in a "Choose Your Own Story" style. By Ganit & Adir Levy

What Should Danny Do? School Day Children will get to decide how Danny's day at school will end! Children love being able to make all the choices and control the outcome of the book. By Ganit & Adir Levy

Throwing Tantrums Help Me Be Good About Throwing Tantrums helps children replace “Misbehavior” (throwing tantrums) with a good behavior in an inviting format that includes text and cartoons. by Joy Berry

I Just Don’t Like the Sound No 'No' is RJ's least favorite word...and he tries his best to turn every 'No' into "Maybe" or "We'll see." Even though he doesn't have much success, RJ keeps arguing until his teacher suggests he try to join the Say YES to NO Club. If RJ can learn how to accept 'No' for an answer and to disagree appropriately, he can add his name to the club's Star Board. by Julia Cook

BULLYING:

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Pair with an interactive activity) Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

SELF ESTEEM:

I’m Gonna Like Me – Letting off a Little Self-Esteem A funny and moving celebration of self-esteem and loving the skin you’re in. by Jamie Lee Curtis

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Pair with an interactive activity) Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

NIGHTMARES:

The Dream Jar One little girl, with the help of her sister, discovers The Secret for turning bad dreams into good ones. Original, quirky, and rich illustrations complement this sparkling story that deals with the very real problem of children’s nightmares by Lindan Lee Johnson

There’s a Nightmare in my Closet The pesky nightmare in the closet won't stay in there at night, even with the door closed all the way. When he gets out, what do you do? Comfort him and put him to bed, of course! The ultimate afraid-of-the-dark story has helped generations of kids deal with the nightmares in their own closets.A perennial favorite. by Mercer Mayer

PUBERTY:

The Care and Keeping of You 1: The Body Book for Younger Girls You'll find answers to questions about your changing body, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. by Valerie Schaefer & Josee Masse

The Care and Keep of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls More in-depth details about the physical and emotional changes you're going through. Recommended for 10 and up. by Cara Natterson & Josee Masse

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys This book will provide you with the answers that will help you take care of yourself better, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to shaving, acne to voice changes, and everything in between. With tips, how-tos, and facts from a real pediatrician, it's the perfect book to help you learn about your body's changes. by Cara Natterson