60 Books in this collection
Social and Emotional Learning Collection
The Social and Emotional Learning Collection was created to showcase our popular, printable Social and Emotional Learning Diverse Reading List. This list was curated by our Literacy Specialist and is divided by Social Emotional Learning theme, including empathy, positive relationships, recognizing and managing emotions, problem solving, grit and perseverance, and perspective-taking.
The collection below includes diverse books that feature situations where students can recognize and respond to characters demonstrating empathy, having strong relationships with family and friends, and looking at the world through another’s eyes. These exemplar texts, all educator favorites, will help you model and explore strategies for tackling challenges and building community.
Download the Social and Emotional Learning Diverse Reading List and browse the included books below!
Please note that pricing, availability and books in the Social and Emotional Learning Diverse Reading List are subject to change.
Themes & Categories
- Adoption
- African / African American / Black
- Asian / Asian American / AAPI
- Bilingual
- Biography / Memoir
- Biracial / Multiracial
- Breaking Gender Barriers
- Bullying
- Childhood Experiences and Memories
- Collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Coping with Death
- Courage
- Cultural Diversity
- Discrimination
- Diversity
- Dreams & Aspirations
- Empathy / Compassion
- Families
- Friendship
- Grandparents
- Heroism
- History & Civics
- Human Impact On Environment / Environmental Sustainability
- Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence
- Indigenous / First Nations / Native American
- Integrity / Honesty
- Inventors / Inventions
- Kindness / Caring
- Latinx / Latino / Hispanic
- Middle Grade
- Nonfiction
- Optimism / Enthusiasm
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Persistence / Grit
- Poetry
- Pride
- Realistic Fiction
- Respect / Citizenship
- Responsibility
- Self Control / Self Regulation
- Sharing & Giving
- Siblings
- Similarities and Differences
- Slavery
- Social & Emotional Learning
- Tolerance / Acceptance
- English
- Spanish
Books in This Collection
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A Man Called Raven
By Richard Van Camp, George LittlechildPaperback: $11.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageA Man Called Raven
By Richard Van Camp, George LittlechildView DetailsBlending past with present, the magical with the real,A Man Called Ravenis both a tribute to the wisdom of the raven and a positive reminder that we can all learn from nature.
Ahimsa
By Supriya KelkarAhimsa
By Supriya KelkarView DetailsIn this historical middle-grade novel, Gandhi asks for one member of each family to join the fight for independence from the British, and when Anjali's mother is jailed for doing so, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work.
All Around Us
By Xelena González, Adriana M. GarciaAll Around Us
By Xelena González, Adriana M. GarciaView DetailsThis gorgeous picture book -- winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor and American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor -- celebrates the circles that surround us, in the sky, the earth, our neighborhoods, ourselves... if we just dare to look for them.
Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
By Hilda BurgosAna María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
By Hilda BurgosView DetailsThe Penderwicks meets In the Heights in this sparkling middle-grade debut about a young Dominican American girl in New York City.
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me
By Sally J. Pla, Ken MinBenji, the Bad Day, and Me
By Sally J. Pla, Ken MinView DetailsSammy is having the absolute rottenest, worst day ever. His little brother, Benji, knows exactly what that's like.
Bird
By Zetta Elliott, Shadra StricklandBird
By Zetta Elliott, Shadra StricklandView DetailsIn this gentle, award-winning picture book, an African American boy nicknamed Bird uses drawing as a creative outlet as he struggles to make sense of his grandfather's death and his brother's drug addiction.
Blessing's Bead
By Debby Dahl EdwardsonBlessing's Bead
By Debby Dahl EdwardsonView DetailsNow in paperback: the acclaimed middle-grade novel tracing four generations of an Iñupiaq family in Alaska, which the Washington Post praised as "a rare and beautiful book."
Boy, Everywhere
By A. M. DassuBoy, Everywhere
By A. M. DassuView DetailsWhat turns citizens into refugees and then immigrants? In this powerful middle-grade debut, Sami and his family embark on a harrowing journey to save themselves from the Syrian civil war.
Calling the Water Drum
By LaTisha Redding, Aaron BoydCalling the Water Drum
By LaTisha Redding, Aaron BoydView DetailsA moving story about a family's attempt to flee Haiti in a boat, and a young boy who bravely learns to navigate a new world through playing his drum.
Catching the Moon
The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball DreamBy Crystal Hubbard, Randy DuburkePaperback: $11.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCatching the Moon
The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball DreamBy Crystal Hubbard, Randy DuburkeView DetailsThe spirited story of Marcenia Lyle, the African American girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.
Chess Rumble
By G. Neri, Jesse Joshua WatsonChess Rumble
By G. Neri, Jesse Joshua WatsonView DetailsA story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.
Destiny's Gift
By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Adjoa J. BurrowesPaperback: $11.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageDestiny's Gift
By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Adjoa J. BurrowesView DetailsDestiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.
Dream Builder
The Story of Architect Philip FreelonBy Kelly Lyons, Laura Freeman HinesDrum, Chavi, Drum! / ¡Toca, Chavi, Toca!
By Mayra Lazara Dole, TonelDrum, Chavi, Drum! / ¡Toca, Chavi, Toca!
By Mayra Lazara Dole, TonelView DetailsWho says girls can't play drums? The beat of Chavi's congas livens up her entire neighborhood. When she's not picked to drum in Miami's Calle Ocho festival, she decides to do something about it!
Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia
By Carmen Lomas Garza, Sandra Cisneros, Pat MoraFamily Pictures / Cuadros de familia
By Carmen Lomas Garza, Sandra Cisneros, Pat MoraView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. In this Pura Belpré Honor-winning book, Carmen Lomas Garza tells the story of her childhood growing up in Kingsville, TX.
Finding the Music / En pos de la música
By Jennifer Torres, Renato AlarcãoFinding the Music / En pos de la música
By Jennifer Torres, Renato AlarcãoView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. In this cheerful book, a determined Latina girl accidentally breaks her grandfather's vihuela and ventures into her community to find someone who can fix the instrument, leading her to discover his legacy as a mariachi player.
George Crum and the Saratoga Chip
By Gaylia Taylor, Frank MorrisonPaperback: $11.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageGeorge Crum and the Saratoga Chip
By Gaylia Taylor, Frank MorrisonView DetailsAn account of the life and career of George Crum, a biracial chef who is credited with the invention of the potato chip at a Saratoga Springs, New York, restaurant in 1853. Based on historical records.
Home to Medicine Mountain
By Chiori Santiago, Judith LowryHome to Medicine Mountain
By Chiori Santiago, Judith LowryView DetailsTwo young Maidu Indian brothers sent to live at a government-run Indian residential school in California in the 1930s find a way to escape and return home for the summer.
I Am Alfonso Jones
By Tony Medina, John Jennings, Stacey RobinsonI Am Alfonso Jones
By Tony Medina, John Jennings, Stacey RobinsonView DetailsThe Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.
I Remember
Poems and Pictures of HeritageBy Lee Bennett HopkinsView DetailsAn outstanding celebration of diversity and family: fourteen poets and sixteen illustrators of diverse backgrounds share memorable childhood experiences and reflect upon their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.
Ira's Shakespeare Dream
By Glenda Armand, Floyd CooperIra's Shakespeare Dream
By Glenda Armand, Floyd CooperView DetailsThe inspiring biography of Ira Aldridge, a Black actor who overcame racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.
Julieta and the Diamond Enigma
By Luisana Duarte ArmendárizJulieta and the Diamond Enigma
By Luisana Duarte ArmendárizView DetailsFrom the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler meets Merci Suarez in this smart young middle-grade mystery about a diamond gone missing from the Louvre and the sweet and spunky girl who cracks the case.
Juna and Appa
By Jane Park, Felicia HoshinoJuna and Appa
By Jane Park, Felicia HoshinoView DetailsFrom the creators of the award-winning picture book Juna's Jar, comes a new magical tale where Juna embarks on a journey to help her biggest hero--her Appa!
Juna's Jar
By Jane Park, Felicia HoshinoPaperback: $11.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageJuna's Jar
By Jane Park, Felicia HoshinoView DetailsAfter Juna's best friend moves away, Juna, an imaginative Korean American girl, goes on magical adventures by way of her special kimchi jar.
Just Like Me
By Harriet Rohmer, Fourteen ArtistsJust Like Me
By Harriet Rohmer, Fourteen ArtistsView DetailsThrough stories, paintings, and childhood photographs, these fourteen artists open their hearts and invite us to enter into their worlds. With honesty and encouragement, they offer hope for aspiring young people who dream of becoming artists- just like them.
Kiki's Journey
By Kristy Orona-Ramirez, Jonathan P. GomezKiki's Journey
By Kristy Orona-Ramirez, Jonathan P. GomezView DetailsKiki and her parents travel back to the Taos Pueblo reservation where she was born to learn more about their Tiwa Indian heritage.
Kiyoshi's Walk
By Mark Karlins, Nicole WongKiyoshi's Walk
By Mark Karlins, Nicole WongView DetailsWhere do poems come from? This beautiful picture book about a young aspiring poet and his grandfather shows that the answer lies all around us--if we take the time to look.
Lend a Hand
Poems About GivingBy John Frank, London LaddView DetailsA collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment.
Love Twelve Miles Long
By Glenda Armand, Colin BootmanLove Twelve Miles Long
By Glenda Armand, Colin BootmanView DetailsA moving story about young Frederick Douglass and his mother, who walks twelve miles at night from a nearby plantation to visit him.
Mamá the Alien / Mamá la extraterrestre
By René Colato Laínez, Laura LacámaraMamá the Alien / Mamá la extraterrestre
By René Colato Laínez, Laura LacámaraView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. In this lighthearted bilingual immigration story, a young girl sees the word alien on her mother's Resident Alien card and concludes that her mother is from another planet--until the girl finds out that the word has more than one meaning.
Martí's Song for Freedom
Martí y sus versos por la libertadBy Emma Otheguy, Beatriz VidalView DetailsA bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty-abolishment of slavery, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence from colonialism for all Latinos. Written in verse with excerpts from Martí's seminal work, Versos sencillos.
Moony Luna / Luna, Lunita Lunera
By Jorge Argueta, Elizabeth GomezMoony Luna / Luna, Lunita Lunera
By Jorge Argueta, Elizabeth GomezView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. A loving tale about a young girl afraid to go to school for the first time.
My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá
By Amada Irma Perez, Maya GonzalezMy Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá
By Amada Irma Perez, Maya GonzalezView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. One night, young Amada overhears her parents whisper of moving from Mexico to the other side of the border- to Los Angeles, where greater opportunity awaits.
Poems in the Attic
By Nikki Grimes, Elizabeth ZunonPoems in the Attic
By Nikki Grimes, Elizabeth ZunonView DetailsAward-winning poet Nikki Grimes presents a tender poetry collection where a young girl learns about her mother, the child of an Air Force serviceman.
Rainbow Weaver / Tejedora del arcoíris
By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Elisa ChavarriOut of Stock This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageRainbow Weaver / Tejedora del arcoíris
By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Elisa ChavarriView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. A young Mayan girl isn't allowed to use her mother's thread to weave, so with a little ingenuity she discovers how to repurpose plastic bags to create colorful weavings. Based on an actual recycling movement in Guatemala.
Sam and the Lucky Money
By Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa HuSam and the Lucky Money
By Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa HuView DetailsDuring Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.
Seeds of Change
Planting a Path to PeaceBy Jen Cullerton Johnson, Sonia Lynn SadlerView DetailsA picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman--and first environmentalist--to win a Nobel Peace Prize (in 2004) for her work planting trees in her native Kenya.
Seven Golden Rings
A Tale of Music and MathBy Rajani LaRocca, Archana SreenivasanView DetailsIn this clever, convivial picture book, an Indian boy untangles a mathematical conundrum to win a place at the Rajah's court.
She Was the First!
The Trailblazing Life of Shirley ChisholmBy Katheryn Russell-Brown, Eric VelasquezShe Was the First!
The Trailblazing Life of Shirley ChisholmBy Katheryn Russell-Brown, Eric VelasquezView DetailsA timely, inspiring picture book biography of the dynamic twentieth-century educator, activist, and politician Shirley Chisholm.
Sparkle Boy
By Lesléa Newman, Maria MolaSparkle Boy
By Lesléa Newman, Maria MolaView DetailsYoung Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
By Uma Krishnaswami, Nidhi ChananiStep Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
By Uma Krishnaswami, Nidhi ChananiView DetailsNine-year-old Maria Singh learns to play softball just like her heroes in the All-American Girls' League, while her parents and neighbors are struggling through World War II, working for India's independence, and trying to stay on their farmland.
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
By Supriya KelkarStrong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
By Supriya KelkarView DetailsIn 1857 India, 13-year-old Meera escapes a life she has no say in--and certain death on her husband's funeral pyre--only to end up a servant to a British general in the East India Company. When a rebellion against British colonizers spreads, she must choose between relative safety in a British household or standing up for herself and her people.
Summer of the Mariposas
By Guadalupe García McCallSummer of the Mariposas
By Guadalupe García McCallView DetailsIn this young adult retelling of The Odyssey, Odilia and her four sisters journey to Mexico to return a dead man to his family and encounter magical creatures along the way.
Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!
By Andrea J. Loney, Keith MallettTake a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!
By Andrea J. Loney, Keith MallettView DetailsA biography of James Van Der Zee, innovative and celebrated African American photographer of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Can Man
By Laura E. Williams, Craig OrbackThe Can Man
By Laura E. Williams, Craig OrbackView DetailsTo earn money, a young boy decides to collect and redeem empty soft drink cans, but ends up giving away his money to help a local homeless man.
The Crane Girl
By Curtis Manley, Lin WangThe Crane Girl
By Curtis Manley, Lin WangView DetailsIn this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.
The Electric Slide and Kai
By Kelly J. Baptist, Darnell JohnsonThe Electric Slide and Kai
By Kelly J. Baptist, Darnell JohnsonView DetailsKai is the only member of his family who can't get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families.
The Happiest Tree
A Yoga StoryBy Uma Krishnaswami, Ruth JeyaveeranOut of Stock This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageThe Happiest Tree
A Yoga StoryBy Uma Krishnaswami, Ruth JeyaveeranThe Hula-Hoopin' Queen
By Thelma Lynne Godin, Vanessa Brantley-NewtonPaperback: $12.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageThe Hula-Hoopin' Queen
By Thelma Lynne Godin, Vanessa Brantley-NewtonView DetailsA spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood--young and old alike--joins in on the fun.
The Mangrove Tree
Planting Trees to Feed FamiliesBy Susan L. Roth, Cindy TrumboreView DetailsThe fascinating story of Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped a small African village become self-sustaining by planting a forest of mangrove trees to reshape the community's ecosystem.
The Perfect Gift (Confetti Kids #6)
(Dive Into Reading)By Paula Yoo, Shirley Ng-BenitezView DetailsIn this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Mei's little brother is turning 100 days old and there will be a big party. Mei is determined to find the perfect gift for the special day.
The Three Lucys
By Hayan Charara, Sara KahnThe Three Lucys
By Hayan Charara, Sara KahnView DetailsAfter a young Lebanese boy loses one of his beloved cats when his village comes under attack, he must learn to cope with loss and hope for a peaceful future.
The Turtle Ship
By Helena Ku Rhee, Colleen Kong-SavageThe Turtle Ship
By Helena Ku Rhee, Colleen Kong-SavageView DetailsA young Korean boy named Sun-sin designs one of the greatest battleships in history and fulfills his dream of sailing the world.
The Wind Called My Name
By Mary Louise SanchezThe Wind Called My Name
By Mary Louise SanchezView DetailsIn this heartwarming historical middle-grade set in the 1930s -- perfect for fans of Esperanza Rising and Hattie Big Sky-- Margarita Sandoval and her family try to navigate the shifting winds of belonging in their new Wyoming town.
Tiny Stitches
The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien ThomasBy Gwendolyn Hooks, Colin BootmanView DetailsThe life story of Vivien Thomas, an African American surgical technician who developed the first procedure used to perform open-heart surgery on children.
Twenty-two Cents
Muhammad Yunus and the Village BankBy Paula Yoo, Jamel AkibView DetailsA biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.
Under My Hijab
By Hena Khan, Aaliya JaleelUnder My Hijab
By Hena Khan, Aaliya JaleelView DetailsThis lovely book from the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns invites readers to understand and appreciate the hijab and the Muslim women who decide to wear it.
Under the Mesquite
By Guadalupe García McCallUnder the Mesquite
By Guadalupe García McCallView DetailsLupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.
When the Shadbush Blooms
By Carla Messinger, Susan R. Katz, David Kanietakeron FaddenWhen the Shadbush Blooms
By Carla Messinger, Susan R. Katz, David Kanietakeron FaddenView DetailsA young Lenape Indian girl observes and reflects on the small, important ways her family today, and her ancestors generations before, celebrate the cycle of seasons.
Yummy
The Last Days of a Southside ShortyBy G. Neri, Randy DuburkeView DetailsA graphic novel based on the life and death of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year-old gang member from Chicago's Southside who was killed by his own gang members.
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