There are so many ways to engage children in social emotional learning (SEL). We can support both our children’s literacy skills and their SEL growth by thoughtfully incorporating meaningful books. The following books are organized by broad categories related to SEL, and all can help children learn valuable skills about themselves, others, and the world around them. There is even a category at the end for adults, so you can join the learning! We encourage you to read these children’s books alongside your child to engage in the rich discussions to which these books naturally lend themselves. You may use this downloadable template to help guide discussion and reflections. Grab a book (or three!) and snuggle up for some beautiful and SEL-approved stories!

If you are a teacher, you can access our free 14-week SEL read-aloud program with a weekly theme, suggested read-alouds, ready-to-use discussion slides, and a dedicated worksheet.

Being yourself

Julián is a Mermaid 

Julián is a boy who lives with his abuela in New York City. Although his preferences and attire may seem unconventional, he is supported by those around him to be himself. 

The Story of Ferdinand

Bulls are supposed to fight, correct? Not Ferdinand. A peaceful and calm bull in the bull-fighting rings of Spain, Ferdinand remains true to himself despite the pressures to change.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match

Marisol McDonald is a biracial girl with red hair and brown skin. In many ways, Marisol defies the norms and sometimes confuses those around her. She is, however, confidently herself!

Kindness and Friendship

Each Kindness

Chloe and her friends have no interest in playing with Maya, the new girl at school who wears ratty hand-me-down clothes. But when Maya leaves school and Chloe realizes her mistake, she learns that you don’t always get a chance to apologize. 

The Invisible Boy

Brian is unnoticed by the other students in his class. He is never included or invited... until the new student Justin arrives and shows us that it just takes one friendship to change a person’s life.

The Name Jar 

Unhei just moved from Korea to the U.S. She is anxious to start school, especially when she realizes that those around her are now unsure how to pronounce her name. After considering various American names, Unhei decides to choose her Korean name, thanks to her appreciation for her culture and the kindness of her new friends. 

Sharing and Gratitude

Last Stop on Market Street

As he rides the bus across town with his grandma, CJ wonders why he doesn’t have a car and looks longingly at other boys’ cool toys. His grandma, though, helps him see the beauty around them both on the bus and in the soup kitchen at which they volunteer. 

The Rainbow Fish

Rainbow Fish has beautiful glittering scales like no other in the ocean. While at first he refuses to share his most prized scales, he learns that when he does, he creates invaluable friendships.

Those Shoes 

It seems like every kid at school is wearing those cool new shoes, except for Jeremy. Although he badly wants those same shoes that his family cannot afford, he ends up learning that being selfless and sharing makes him even happier than a pair of shoes.

Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans

Based on the real Cornelius Washington, a sanitation worker in New Orleans, this story shows how an everyday hero can make a real difference in the lives of others in the aftermath of tragedy.

Overcoming Anxiety and Fear

The Good Egg

The Good Egg is always doing what it should, even taking care of the other eggs who are not doing their best. But when the Good Egg’s own shell starts to crack, it realizes that balance and self-care is more important than perfection.

The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes

Beatrice never makes mistakes. But when the inevitable happens -- she makes a big mistake in front of everyone -- Beatrice learns that life is better when she enjoys all of life, even the mistakes.

Jabari Jumps

Jabari is so excited to jump off the diving board! But when his moment actually comes, he continues to find reasons not to climb up. With the support of his patient and understanding father, Jabari learns to overcome his fear.

Anger and Forgiveness

Wisdom in the Kingdom of Anger

Based off of the engaging Wisdom: The World of Emotions app, this book tells the story of Wisdom as he teaches a kingdom of angry inhabitants to calm their anger through various strategies. You can order it here. A customizable version of the book can also be accessed in the app to include your child’s name and anger triggers, as well as their favorite calming techniques.

The Bad Seed

The Bad Seed is always up to no good, and everyone around him comes to expect it from him. But when he wants to make a change, he reveals his difficult past and his desire to overcome it. The Bad Seed is met with understanding and forgiveness.

The Juice Box Bully

The new kid in school is quite the bully. When he sees how this school stands up for each other, and even refuses to be mean to him in return, he realizes his mistakes and wants to join their kind community.

First Day SEL

The Day You Begin

On the first day of school, all the other children share summer stories of vacations and camps. The story’s protagonist, on the other hand, has been home all summer taking care of her little sister. This fresh take on a first-day story emphasizes that everyone’s story is important and beautiful. 

A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices

Follow six children, ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade, as they experience their first day of school. Each with their own anxieties and successes, we gain more perspective of a day that everyone experiences differently.

SEL Poetry

Lend a Hand: Poems About Giving

This collection of fourteen original poems highlights the daily acts of kindness and empathy that can give us and others joy.

I am Enough 

This lyrical ode emphasizes the beauty of loving ourselves, respecting others, and being kind. 

SEL for Adult Readers

The Whole Brain Child

Written by a neuroscientist and parenting expert, this New York Times Bestseller explains the child’s developing brain and how we can best support it.

Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School

Follow the stories of four different young children, known in their respective classrooms as the “troublemakers.” This radical take encourages us to shift our adult perspective to better understand the sometimes confusing behavior of children.

Want more book ideas? Here’s an additional list with more themes to explore with your children. Is your favorite SEL book missing from our list? We’d love to hear your book recommendations, too! Let us know by adding it in the comments.

If you are looking for more ways to engage children in SEL, you can try these creative Art activities,

A prior version of this article was originally published on May 27, 2020.