---
title: 75 Books for Social Emotional Learning
description: A list of books for social emotional learning.
image: https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/hubfs/2019-11-14-Social-Emotional-Learning-Books-1.jpg
---

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[SEED](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/topic/seed) | [social emotional learning](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/topic/social-emotional-learning) | [Winter 2017](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/topic/winter-2017) | [positive education](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/topic/positive-education)

# 75 Books for Social Emotional Learning

Research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs like Shipley’s Social, Emotional, Ethical Development (SEED) program can positively impact children’s mental health, social skills, and academic performance. ([Taylor,](https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorStored=Taylor%2C+Rebecca+D) Rebecca D., et al. “Promoting Positive Youth Development Through School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Follow-Up Effects.” Society for Research in Child Development, Inc., 2017, [https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12864.)](https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12864.\)) That’s why we devote class time in each grade to this important subject area. In Shipley’s Lower School SEED classes, teacher Betsy Leschinsky (“Mrs. L,” as her students affectionately call her) uses storybooks to anchor her lessons. 

The stories help students:

- explore emotions – identify them, express them, and understand how emotions impact one’s own behavior and the behavior of others (empathy),
- learn about character strengths, and
- build positive relationships and understand how to navigate conflict in relationships.

Director of Positive Education and Student Support, Sharron Russell says, “While it may seem simple or cute, Lower School SEED encourages students to answer the essential questions: What is a feeling? Do I have to act on my feelings? How do my actions impact other people? These are questions that we, as adults, would do well to answer.”

Through discussion, activities, and written projects, students integrate the lessons shared in each book. Collectively, the books form part of a carefully-crafted curriculum, but are also incorporated as-needed to help students learn strategies that they can use to deal with real-time issues that can arise in a classroom community.

Social emotional learning at school works best when it supplements work done at home. The following is a list of books by grade, including their social emotional learning themes, compiled by Mrs. L for her classes. We hope you find it useful and we know your children will love hearing some of their favorite stories at home. “Many of the books on the list can be used to help parents start and or continue conversations around behaviors, emotions, friendships and other childhood experiences,” says Mrs. L. “Sometimes, hearing about an experience in a story helps a child to know they are not the only one having that experience, conflict, or strong feelings.”

[Pre-K Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#Pre-K)  
[Kindergarten Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#Kindergarten)  
[1st Grade Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#First)  
[2nd Grade Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#Second)  
[3rd Grade Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#Third)  
[4th & 5th Grade Books](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/75-books-for-social-emotional-learning#Fourth-Fifth)

---

**PRE-K**

[Big Dog and Little Dog](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Reader-Green-Light-Readers/dp/0544430697/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Big+Dog+and+Little+Dog&qid=1573746213&sr=8-2)   
Dav Pilkey  
Friendship

[George and Martha](https://www.amazon.com/George-Martha-James-Marshall/dp/0395199727/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=George+and+Martha&qid=1573746611&sr=8-1)   
James Marshall  
Friendship

[Nobunny’s Perfect](https://www.amazon.com/Nobunnys-Perfect-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670014087/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=No+Bunny+is+Perfect+by+anna+dewdney&qid=1573746662&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmr1)   
Anna Dewdney  
Making mistakes

[The Doorbell Rang](https://www.amazon.com/Doorbell-Rang-Pat-Hutchins/dp/0688092349/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Doorbell+Rang&qid=1573746694&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Pat Hutchins  
Sharing

[May I Please Have a Cookie](https://www.amazon.com/Please-Cookie-Scholastic-Readers-Level/dp/0439738199/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=May+I+Please+Have+a+Cookie&qid=1573746720&s=books&sr=1-1)  
by Jennifer Morris  
Manners

[Cloud’s Best Worst Day Ever](https://www.amazon.com/Kimochis%C2%AE-Clouds-Best-Worst-Ever/dp/0983766800/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Cloud%E2%80%99s+Best+Worst+Day+Ever&qid=1573746781&s=books&sr=1-1)  
by Amy Novesky  
Managing behaviors and feelings

[Cat’s Not So Perfect Sandcastle](https://www.amazon.com/not-so-perfect-Sandcastle-Kimochis-Plushy-Feely/dp/0983766827/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Cat%E2%80%99s+Not+So+Perfect+Sandcastle&qid=1573746835&s=books&sr=1-1)  
by Ellen Dodge  
Feelings, frustration

[Bug Makes a Big Splash](https://www.amazon.com/Kimochis%C2%AE-Bug-Makes-Splash-Novesky/dp/0983766819/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bug+Makes+a+Splash&qid=1573746896&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Amy Novesky  
Brave, proud, learning something new about yourself

[A Friend for Minerva Louise](https://www.amazon.com/Friend-Minerva-Louise-Morgan-Stoeke/dp/0525458697/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Minerva+Louise+Makes+a+Friend+Janet+Morgan+Stoeke&qid=1573746945&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmr0)  
by Janet Morgan Stoeke  
Friendship

[Bubba and Beau, Best Friends](https://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Beau-Friends-Kathi-Appelt/dp/0152055800/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bubba+and+Beau&qid=1573746986&s=books&sr=1-1)  
by Kathi Appelt  
Family love

[Sam Who Never Forgets](https://www.amazon.com/Sam-Who-Never-Forgets-Rice/dp/0688073352/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sam+Who+Never+Forgets&qid=1573747060&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Eve Rice  
Responsibility

[The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog](https://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-Finds-Hot-Dog/dp/0786818697/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+pigeon+wants+a+hot+dog&qid=1573747087&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Mo Willems  
Sharing and caring

[What Puppies Teach Us: Life's Lessons Learned from Our Little Friends](https://www.amazon.com/What-Puppies-Teach-Us-Lessons/dp/1572236841/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=What+Puppies+Teach+Us&qid=1573747114&s=books&sr=1-2)  
Glenn Dromgoole  
Various life lessons

[Little Bear/Birthday Soup](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bear-Can-Read-Book/dp/0064440044/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Little+Bear%2FBirthday+Soup&qid=1573747158&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Elise Holmelund Minarik  
Caring , friendship

[Rabbit’s Gift](https://www.amazon.com/Rabbits-Gift-George-Shannon/dp/0152060731/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rabbits+Gift&qid=1573747191&s=books&sr=1-1)   
George Shanno  
Kindness towards others

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[The Pigeon Wants a Puppy](https://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-Wants-Puppy-Mo-Willems/dp/1423109600/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Pigeon+Wants+a+Puppy&qid=1573747297&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Mo Willems  
Responsibility

[Glad Monster Sad Monster](https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Monster-Sad-Ed-Emberley/dp/0316573957/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Glad+Monster+Sad+Monster&qid=1573747328&s=books&sr=1-3)  
Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda  
Feelings

[Help: A Story of Friendship](https://www.amazon.com/Help-Story-Friendship-Holly-Keller/dp/0061239135/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5EE9W5DNLEXL&keywords=help+by+holly+keller&qid=1573747382&s=books&sprefix=Help+by+holl%2Cstripbooks%2C137&sr=1-1)   
Holly Keller  
Friends ,caring, empathy

[Otis](https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Janie-Bynum/dp/0152021531/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Otis+by+jamie+bynum&qid=1573747422&s=books&sr=1-1-spell)  
Janie Bynum  
Learning about differences-

**Kindergarten**

[George and Martha](https://www.amazon.com/George-Martha-James-Marshall/dp/0395199727/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=George+and+Martha&qid=1573746611&sr=8-1)   
James Marshall  
Friendship

[Taking a Bath with the Dog and Other Things that Make Me Happy](https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Bath-Other-Things-Happy/dp/0763663352/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?keywords=Taking+a+Bath+With+the+Dog+and+Other+Things+That+Make+Me+Feel+Happy&qid=1573747474&s=books&sr=8-2-fkmr1)  
Scott Menchin  
Feelings

[Corduroy’s Halloween](https://www.amazon.com/Corduroys-Halloween-Lift-Flap-Book/dp/0670861936/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Corduroy%E2%80%99s+Halloween&qid=1573747515&sr=8-1)  
Don Freeman  
Kindness, empathy

[The Guest](https://www.amazon.com/Guest-James-Marshall/dp/0618128441/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+Guest+by+james+marshall&qid=1573747557&sr=8-2)  
James Marshall  
Caring for friends, why/because consequences

[Swimmy](https://www.amazon.com/Swimmy-Leo-Lionni/dp/0399555501/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Swimmy&qid=1573747603&sr=8-1)  
Leo Lioni  
Cooperation

[Tommy the Turtle : Educating Children About Anxiety](https://www.amazon.com/Tommy-Turtle-Educating-Children-Anxiety/dp/1588151751)  
Shelly Weiss  
Feelings , managing behaviors

[Little Rabbit’s Christmas](https://www.amazon.com/Little-Rabbits-Christmas-Harry-Horse/dp/1561454192/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Little+Rabbit%E2%80%99s+Christmas&qid=1573756735&s=books&sr=1-2)  
Harry Horse  
Sharing, friendship

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[Yoko](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Yoko&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss)  
Rosemary Wells  
Appreciating differences, self-expression

[Frederick](https://www.amazon.com/Frederick-Leo-Lionni/dp/0394810406/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=leo+lionni&qid=1573756779&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Leo Lioni  
Appreciating differences

[The Grouchy Ladybug](https://www.amazon.com/Grouchy-Ladybug-Eric-Carle/dp/069401320X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Grouchy+Ladybug&qid=1573756800&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Eric Carle  
Sharing, kindness

[The Crayon Box That Talked](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Crayon+Box+That+Talked&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss)  
Shane Derolf and Michael Letzig  
Appreciating our own unique qualities, self-expression

[Cat’s Not-So-Perfect Sandcastle](https://www.amazon.com/not-so-perfect-Sandcastle-Kimochis-Plushy-Feely/dp/0983766827/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Cat%E2%80%99s+Sandcastle&qid=1573756880&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Plushy Feely Corp  
Frustration, managing behaviors

[Fluffy and Baron](https://www.amazon.com/Fluffy-Baron-Laura-Rankin/dp/0803729537/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Fluffy+and+Baron&qid=1573756939&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Laura Rankin  
Empathy, relationships

[Zinnia and Dot](https://www.amazon.com/Zinnia-Viking-Kestrel-Picture-Books/dp/0670830917/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Zinnia+and+Dot&qid=1573756989&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Lisa Campbell Ernst  
Conflict resolution

[My Name is Not Isabella : Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream?](https://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Not-Isabella-Little/dp/1402243952/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=My+Name+is+Not+Isabella&qid=1573757037&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Jennifer Fosberry  
Self-identity

[When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry…](https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Angry-Really-Really-Scholastic-Bookshelf/dp/0439598451/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=When+Sophie+Gets+Angry&qid=1573757075&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Molly Bang  
Managing uncomfortable feelings

[An Apple Pie for Dinner](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Pie-Dinner-Susan-Vanhecke/dp/0761454527/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=An+Apple+Pie+For+Dinner&qid=1573757132&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Susan Vanhecke  
Taking care of friends, helping

**FIRST GRADE**

[I Like Your Buttons](https://www.amazon.com/Like-Your-Buttons-Sarah-Lamstein/dp/0692344535/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=I+Like+Your+Buttons&qid=1573757173&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Sarah Lamstein   
Compliments, kindness

[George and Martha](https://www.amazon.com/George-Martha-James-Marshall/dp/0395199727/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=George+and+Martha&qid=1573746611&sr=8-1)   
James Marshall  
Friendship

[Cloud’s Best Worst Day Ever](https://www.amazon.com/Kimochis%C2%AE-Clouds-Best-Worst-Ever/dp/0983766800/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Cloud%E2%80%99s+Best+Worst+Day+Ever&qid=1573746781&s=books&sr=1-1)  
by Amy Novesky  
Managing behaviors and feelings

[What’s That Look on Your Face](https://www.amazon.com/Whats-That-Look-Your-Face/dp/1973467275/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=What%E2%80%99s+That+Look+on+Your+Face&qid=1573757275&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Catherine S. Snodgrass   
Feelings

[The Hallo-Weiner](https://www.amazon.com/Hallo-Wiener-Dav-Pilkey/dp/0439079462/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Halloweiner&qid=1573757305&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Dav Pilkey   
Teasing, feelings, kindness empathy

[Listen, Buddy](https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Buddy-Helen-Lester/dp/0395854024/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Listen+Buddy&qid=1573757333&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Helen Lester   
Self-awareness, manners, respect

[The Listening Walk](https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Walk-Paul-Showers/dp/0064433226/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Listening+Walk&qid=1573757356&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Paul Showers  
Self-awareness, respect

[Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon](https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Tall-Molly-Lou-Melon-ebook/dp/B00GAHEYKY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Stand+tall+Molly+Lou+Mellon&qid=1573757387&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Patty Lovell   
Self-expression, confidence, encouragement

[How Full is Your Bucket?](https://www.amazon.com/How-Full-Your-Bucket-Kids/dp/1595620273/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=How+Full+is+Your+Bucket%3F&qid=1573757415&s=books&sr=1-2)  
Tom Rath  
Feelings, managing emotions

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[We are All Alike… We are All Different](https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-All-Alike-Different/dp/0590491733/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=We+are+All+Alike+We+are+All+Different&qid=1573757505&s=books&sr=1-2)   
The Students of Cheltenham Elementary   
Appreciating differences, self-identity

[Chrysanthemum](https://www.amazon.com/Chrysanthemum-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0688096999/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QWL6VM43WL9M&keywords=chrysanthemum+book&qid=1573757536&s=books&sprefix=chrys%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1)  
Kevin Henkes  
Self-expression, differences

[The Sneetches & Other Stories](https://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Sneetches&qid=1573757555&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Dr. Suess   
Differences, self expression, acceptance

[Franklin’s Bad Day](https://www.amazon.com/Franklins-Bad-Day-Paulette-Bourgeois/dp/1554537320/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Franklin%E2%80%99s+Bad+Day&qid=1573757591&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Paulette Bourgeois  
Managing feelings, decision-making

[Help! A Story of Friendship](https://www.amazon.com/Help-Story-Friendship-Holly-Keller/dp/0061239135/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Help%21+holly+keller&qid=1573757647&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Holly Keller   
Friendship, compassion

[McDuff Moves In](https://www.amazon.com/McDuff-Moves-Rosemary-Wells/dp/0940719428/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=McDuff+Moves+In&qid=1573757674&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Rosemary Wells  
Service to others , helping ,compassion

[Hey, Little Ant](https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Little-Ant-Phillip-Hoose/dp/1883672546/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Hey+Little+Ant&qid=1573757692&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Phillip M. Hoose  
Decision-making

**SECOND GRADE**

[The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend](https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Beekle-Unimaginary-Friend/dp/0316199982/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Beekle&qid=1573757836&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Dan Santat  
Friendship

[Raspberries! An American Tale of Cooperation](https://www.amazon.com/Raspberries-American-Cooperation-Teaching-Tolerance/dp/B000V2PSJU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Raspberries+by+Mary+DePalma&qid=1573758498&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Mary Newell DePalma  
Cooperation, trust

[Enemy Pie](https://www.amazon.com/Enemy-Pie-Reading-Rainbow-book/dp/081182778X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Enemy+Pie&qid=1573758546&s=books&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFQTlo4SkdKTjJBVDkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzMzQzMzYxWERKTUtOQ1o4QUMmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQ0Mjg1NzFUSUhBU0FZQzQ5SjMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl)   
Derek Munson   
Friendship , trust , working together

[Chester’s Way](https://www.amazon.com/Chesters-Way-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0688154727/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Chester%E2%80%99s+Way&qid=1573758809&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Kevin Henkes   
Appreciating differences , self-identity , friendship

[Hero’s Big Adventure](https://kimochis9.mybigcommerce.com/limited-stock-heros-big-adventure-book/)   
Kimochi’s  
Facing fears, bravery, trying something new

[The Perfect Gift](https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Gift-Mary-Newell-Depalma/dp/0545154022/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Perfect+Gift+mary+depalma&qid=1573758970&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Mary Newell DePalma  
Compassion, empathy

[Yoko’s World of Kindness: : Golden Rules for a Happy Classroom](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Yoko%E2%80%99s+World+of+Kindness&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss)  
Rosemary Wells  
Compassion , teasing , feelings

[Oliver Button is a Sissy](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Oliver+Button+is+a+Sissy&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss)   
Tommy DePaola  
Appreciating differences , teasing empathy

[Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale](https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Dragon-Pen-Pal-Tale/dp/0451472306/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Dear+Dragon&qid=1573759086&s=books&sr=1-2)   
Josh Funk    
Appreciating and learning about differences

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[Don’t Laugh at Me](https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Laugh-Me-Reading-Rainbow/dp/1582460582/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Don%E2%80%99t+Laugh+at+Me&qid=1573759125&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Steve Seskin   
Compassion, empathy, teasing

[My Little Car](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-little-car-gary-soto/1003224891)   
Gary Soto  
Responsibility

[Ruby the Copycat](https://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Copycat-Margaret-Rathmann/dp/0439472288/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Ruby+the+Copycat&qid=1573759242&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Margaret & Peggy Rathman   
Choices, self expression

[A Rose for Abby](https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Abby-Donna-Guthrie/dp/068706080X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=A+Rose+for+Abby&qid=1573759272&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Donna Guthrie   
Homelessness, compassion

[Miss Nelson is Missing!](https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Nelson-Missing-Harry-Allard/dp/0395401461/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Miss+Nelson+is+Missing&qid=1573759304&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Harry G. Allard  
Frustration, managing emotions

**THIRD GRADE:**

[The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend](https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Beekle-Unimaginary-Friend/dp/0316199982/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Beekle&qid=1573757836&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Dan Santat  
Friendship

[It’s a Spoon Not a Shovel](https://www.amazon.com/Its-Spoon-Shovel-Caralyn-Buehner/dp/0803714947/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=It%E2%80%99s+a+Spoon+Not+a+Shovel&qid=1573759352&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Caralyn Buehner   
Manners

[You’re a Good Sport, Miss Malarkey](https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Good-Sport-Miss-Malarkey/dp/0802788157/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=You%E2%80%99re+a+Good+Sport+Miss+Malarkey&qid=1573759373&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Judy Finchler   
Good Sportsmanship

[One Grain of Rice : A Mathematical Folktale](https://www.amazon.com/One-Grain-Rice-Mathematical-Folktale/dp/059093998X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=One+Grain+of+Rice&qid=1573759402&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Demi   
Integrity, honesty

[The Quiltmakers Journey](https://www.amazon.com/Quiltmakers-Journey-Brumbeau-Orchard-Hardcover/dp/B00DWWCKUG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+Quiltmakers+Journey&qid=1573759431&s=books&sr=1-2)   
Jeff Brumbeau   
Kindness, empathy , service

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[Rosa](https://www.amazon.com/Rosa-Nikki-Giovanni/dp/0312376022/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rosa&qid=1573759472&s=books&sr=1-2)   
Nikki Giovanni   
Courage, resilience, determination

[Chicken Sunday](https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Sunday-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0698116151/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Chicken+Sunday&qid=1573759492&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Patricia Polacco   
Appreciating and learning about differences

[The Littlest Maytroshka](https://www.amazon.com/Littlest-Matryoshka-Corinne-Demas-Bliss/dp/0786801530/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+littlest+matryoshka&qid=1573759511&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Corinne DemassBliss   
Gratitude, family, love, responsibility

[Just Kidding](https://www.amazon.com/Just-Kidding-Trudy-Ludwig/dp/1582461635/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Just+Kidding&qid=1573759541&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Trudy Ludwig   
What is teasing, how to manage

[The Empty Pot](https://www.amazon.com/Empty-Pot-Demi/dp/0805049002/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Empty+Pot&qid=1573759558&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Demi   
Respect, honesty

[Mrs. Harkness and the Panda](https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Harkness-Panda-Alicia-Potter/dp/0375844481/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Mrs.+Harkness+and+the+Panda&qid=1573759574&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Alicia Potter   
Perseverance, determination

[Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Owen+and+Mzee&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss)  
Isabella Hatkoff   
Resilience, friendships

[Alex and The Amazing Lemonade Stand](https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Amazing-Lemonade-Stand-Scott/dp/0985776803/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Alex%E2%80%99s+Lemonade+Stand&qid=1573759618&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Liz Scott   
Service, empathy determination

**FOURTH & FIFTH GRADE**

[If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do?](https://www.amazon.com/You-Had-Choose-What-Would/dp/157392010X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=If+You+Had+to+Choose&qid=1573759666&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Sandra McLeod Humphrey  
Decision making, problem solving

[The Golden Rule](https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Rule-Ilene-Cooper/dp/081090960X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Golden+Rule&qid=1573759706&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Ilene Cooper   
What is the golden rule and how can we incorporate it in our lives

[What Puppies Teach Us: Life's Lessons Learned from Our Little Friends](https://www.amazon.com/What-Puppies-Teach-Us-Lessons/dp/1572236841/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=What+Puppies+Teach+Us&qid=1573747114&s=books&sr=1-2)  
Glenn Dromgoole  
Various life lessons

[Thank You, Mr. Falker](https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker&qid=1573759828&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Patricia Polacco   
Gratitude, empathy

[Peaceful Piggy Meditation](https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Whitman-Prairie-Paperback/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Peaceful+Piggy+Meditation&qid=1573747220&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Kerry Lee McLean  
Mindfulness

[Rosa](https://www.amazon.com/Rosa-Nikki-Giovanni/dp/0312376022/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rosa&qid=1573759472&s=books&sr=1-2)   
Nikki Giovanni   
Courage, resilience, determination

[Let’s Talk About Race](https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Talk-About-Julius-Lester/dp/0064462269/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Let%E2%80%99s+talk+About+Race&qid=1573759881&s=books&sr=1-2)   
Julius Lester   
Self-expression, learning about others, empathy

[Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters](https://www.amazon.com/Thee-Sing-Letter-My-Daughters/dp/037583527X/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=A+Letter+to+My+Daughters&qid=1573759902&s=books&sr=1-7)  
Barak Obama   
Character traits and values

[Teammates](https://www.amazon.com/Teammates-Peter-Golenbock/dp/0152842861/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Teammates+by+peter&qid=1573759953&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Peter Golenbock   
Courage, kindness, empathy

[If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World's People](https://www.amazon.com/If-World-Were-Village-CitizenKid/dp/1554535956/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=If+the+World+Were+a+Village&qid=1573759980&s=books&sr=1-1)  
David Smith   
Awareness of self and others

[Fluffy and Baron](https://www.amazon.com/Fluffy-Baron-Laura-Rankin/dp/0803729537/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Fluffy+and+Baron&qid=1573756939&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Laura Rankin  
Empathy, relationships

[Kids With Courage: True Stories about Young People Making a Difference](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kids-with-courage-barbara-a-lewis/1102343729?ean=9781442993167&st=PLA&sid=BNB_ADL+Core+Generic+Books+-+Desktop+Medium&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItvyrlbnq5QIVypyzCh1wqg76EAQYAiABEgK16_D_BwE)  
Barbara Lewis  
Character lessons , self-identity, choices

**OTHER RESOURCES for ADULTS:**

[Character Building Day by Day: 180 Quick Read-Alouds for Elementary School and Home](https://www.amazon.com/Character-Building-Day-Read-Alouds-Elementary/dp/157542178X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Character+Building+Day+by+Day&qid=1573760156&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Anne D. Mather

[Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing](https://www.amazon.com/Building-Moral-Intelligence-Essential-Virtues/dp/0787962260/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Building+Moral+Intelligence&qid=1573760185&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Michele Borba

[E is For Ethics: How to Talk to Your Kids about Morals, Values, and What Matters Most](https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Ian-James-Corlett/dp/143918254X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=E+is+For+Ethics&qid=1573760211&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Ian James Corlett

[Great Group Skits](https://www.amazon.com/Great-Group-Skits-Character-Building-Scenarios/dp/1574822659/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Great+Group+Skits&qid=1573760264&s=books&sr=1-1)   
Lynn Grasberg  
Character Building

[What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide to Building Character](https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Stand-Teens-Character/dp/1575420295/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=What+Do+You+Stand+For%3F&qid=1573760323&s=books&sr=1-1)  
Barbara Lewis  
Character Development

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### About the Author

![Melissa Tassoni](https://blogs.shipleyschool.org/hubfs/Author%20Bio%20Photos/Melissa%20Portrait%202019-09.jpg)

Melissa Tassoni works in the Marketing & Communications department of The Shipley School, where she writes about Positive Education, shares tips and resources related to parenting, and highlights exceptional teaching at Shipley and beyond.

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