Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You By Sonia Sotomayor

Drawing on her experience with diabetes (and how different it made her feel to give herself insulin shots as a kid), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayer helps children connect the special tools kids use for medical and physical needs to their own relatable circumstances. She covers everything from asthma to wheelchairs, guide dogs to allergies, and helps kids focus on what others can do, not what they can’t. 

And when you’re not sure? Just ask!

A favorite quote:
“When something seems different or new I just ask my parents or my teachers and they help me to understand, especially if my friends don’t feel ready to explain.”

What Were You Thinking? A Story about Learning to Control Your Impulses by Bryan Smith

Braden is a 3rd grade boy learning to control his impulsivity. Whether it’s trying to be the class clown, feeling angry, or the temptation of sweet treats, Braden’s teachers and parents help coach him through four actionable steps that are sure to help any student who struggles in this area. Braden learns that controlling our impulses takes time, patience, and lots of practice. Parents will love the 8 tips for parents and educators at the end, and the wide selection of other executive function titles available from BoysTown Press.

A favorite quote:
“Did that make the situation better or worse?”

Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard

Polly looks forward to a fun week at the farm with her grandparents and cousins. That is, until she receives a tablet from her aunt for her birthday. As is all too common, the tablet quickly sucks her in to its promise of endless entertainment.. 

Any child who’s been frustrated by screen-time limits or has missed out on something fun because of screen time will appreciate the way Polly eventually finds balance. Parents will also appreciate the Note to Grown Ups  at the end.

A favorite quote:
“And when you get home, your mom can help you figure out a plan for how to enjoy your iTab some of the time rather than all of the time.”

A Dragon with ADHD by Steve Herman

Drew recognizes that his pet dragon, Diggory Doo, is struggling with focus, impulsivity, and follow through. This leads him to seek help from his parents, a visit to the doctor, and an eventual diagnosis of ADHD for Diggory Doo. 

At first, Diggory is upset to learn that he has ADHD, but with Drew’s help he learns that he is in good company, tries implementing different strategies to help him achieve his goals, and recognizes that understanding his ADHD makes him even stronger than before. 

The best part? This series has it all – with nearly 50 titles, covering all of the most common challenges today’s kids face. Subscribe to Steve Herman’s email list, and he’ll send other great resources right to your inbox.

A favorite quote:
“ADHD is what you have – It isn’t what you are!”

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by JoAnn Deak, PhD

Jam-packed with fun facts about the brain, this picture book not only teaches kids why it’s important to keep s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g this organ, but also proves why. 

Will practicing the piano ever get easier? Why should I try again if I wasn’t successful the first time? 

This book will answer those questions and so much more for your kids. It will also give you, the parent, some much-needed leverage when you remind them (for the 10th time) why it’s so important they take time away from their screens.

A favorite quote:
“You can stretch the part of your brain that controls your feelings, too. (Your amygdala) will remind you that you overcame your fear…so you will be braver the next time something scares you.”

How Big is Your Brave? By Ruth Soukup

How do we learn to feel afraid, and move forward in spite of those nervous feelings? How do we help foster courage and not let fear take over? 

These are questions I’m always trying to address when it comes to my own anxious kiddo, and it turns out little bunnies Zippy and Gus are here to help me do it.  

I can’t thank Ruth Soukup enough for this beautiful, relatable story that wraps up finding bravery, digging deep into resilience, and “letting your why be bigger than your fear” into a memorable, kid-sized package.

A favorite quote:
“Bad things happen sometimes, and when they happen to you, only you can decide how to react. You can choose to give up or choose to keep going. It’s all up to you.”

Be a Bridge By Irene Latham & Charles Waters

What I love about this sweet story is not only its vibrant and diverse illustrations, but also the metaphor of being a “bridge” of kindness and understanding for others. The authors show us how open-minded caring can help us connect not only with one other person, but also all of the people that person goes on to “build a bridge” with as well. It’s one of the first books I’ve seen that specifically mentions respecting others’ religious practices we may come into contact with throughout the day, which I also greatly appreciate.

A favorite quote:
“When you wake up to a world of bad news, pack up your backpack and lace up your shoes. You’ve got a job to do – Be a bridge.”

You are Loved: A Book About Families By Margaret O’Hair

Inspired by Sofia Sanchez and the family that chose her through adoption. Sofia’s adopted family also includes her three older brothers – the youngest of which also has adoption. Not only does this book represent families of all different backgrounds, colors, shapes, and sizes, the illustrations are some of the most diverse and inclusive I’ve seen: I see vitiligo represented, and characters gesturing to one another in sign language, just to name two examples that stood out to me the most.

A favorite quote:
“But families are not perfect. Sometimes they argue, get mad, and get sad. Loving people can be hard. But being a family means promising to make up and try again.”