Author: Grace Byers Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo From the Book Jacket: "Like the sun, I'm here to shine." I Am Enough is an essential book for everyone - an inspiring lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year I am going to be doing more groups on self-esteem and needed some new resources to help guide my work. This book is so beautiful and I see it setting the tone for the group sessions and an art project. The illustrations are gorgeous and the words are so uplifting. Excited to share this with students and express to them that they are MORE than enough. Book Trailer: A Link to This Book:
From the Book Jacket: When a young girl named Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better and remember that Mom always says, "Be kind." But what does it mean to be kind? As the child ponders everything from asking a new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what kinds is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference - or at least help a friend. Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a lovely story on the incredible power of kindness. The story centers around another child witnessing unkindness. From that moment, she starts to think of how important daily kindness is when it comes to all of our interactions with one another. Through empathy she does something to bring joy to the child who was originally hurt. I love this book so much. One of our school rules/standards is "BE KIND" so this fits right in with what we are trying to teach children. It was refreshing to see this book and I will be using it TONS in the beginning of the school year. A Link to This Book:
Author: Susan Verde Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds From the Book Jacket:I give myself a moment. I take a breath. And then I tell myself: It's alright. I am Peace. Mindfulness means being fully in the present moment. Children can learn how to manage their emotions, make good choices, and balance their busy lives by learning to be mindful. Express emotions through speech. Find empathy through imagination. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. I Am Peace encourages children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present in the here and now. Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year I used this book in a small group setting to teach students how to regulate using positive self talk when they are feeling anger or anxiety. We also created affirmations that help students reframe and transform the negativity they are feeling. I had a couple of teachers in my school who created corners in their room students could use for relaxation and calming. So this book came in handy to help encourage kids to use those spaces to practice techniques and skills to help them be happier in the classroom and not feel like they need to avoid or escape. A Link to This Book:
