Book Review: When Sophie Thinks She Can't

Author/Illustrator: Molly Bang
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Everybody faces problems that seem impossible to solve. For children, it can be very frustrating to put together a puzzle, solve a math problem, or learn to read a new word. When Sophie gets stuck, she feels she isn't smart. "I can't do it!" she says. Her friends feel the same way. But their teacher gives them some simple tools, including the Most Important Word. they all try harder - together, until..."WE DID IT!" Now they want to tackle more. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Growth Mindset is such an important part of what we teach kids in school. I was so excited to see a new Sophie book around this concept. Sophie's teacher shows the kids the power of YET and how using a positive way of thinking changes their learning - dramatically! They go from wanting to give up to persevering. This is such an awesome resource and it will be a key part of my counseling curriculum in helping kids change their self-talk. Highly recommend!!

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Book Review: Brave

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: An empowering picture book for all kids that demonstrates to children that they can be real-life superheroes and that all kids have what it takes to be brave. Superheroes seek adventure, never give up, and stay calm when others are 

afraid. Superheroes are brave. But they aren't the only ones.

Kids are brave every day. When they are told they are too little, but accomplish something big. When they check for monsters under the bed, just in case. When they face something uncertain, whether a thunderstorm or a hospital visit. When they stand up for what's right, even when it means facing consequences.

Like superheroes, brave kids can save the world, just by being brave.

Brave encourages kids to be brave in all the ways they can: trying new things, speaking their mind, confronting bullies, and more. This book will inspire kids to follow their hearts and to have courage, no matter the situation.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been looking for more books to help kids overcome fear and anxiety. Helping kids understand they have the power within themselves to face small and big obstacles is part of my daily job as a counselor. Brave is a confidence builder and I am using it to help kids develop their self-talk around using bravery to defeat problems. So happy to add this one to my shelf! 

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Book Review: Be a King - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Dream and You

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall. You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience. It's not always easy to stand up for what's right, but everyone has the power to make the world a better place. Inspired by the most important moments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life this book shows a new generation of children how to follow in Dr. King's footsteps. You can take charge. You can change the world. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love this book so much. It's so perfect for kids. It's about standing up for everything that is right, doing your best, and lifting up others. The illustrations are very powerful and go so perfectly with the words on each page. I've been recommending this one to all of our teachers. 

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