Parent Education Resource
Emotional Well-Being

Readings for Children

Most of these books are available to borrow Parker’s Kovler Family Library as either physical copies or e-books, and all the books should be available through public libraries. We encourage you to make any purchases of books through your favorite independent booksellers.
I am Enough
by BYERS, Grace

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

"We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it." Excerpt from the author.

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
There Might be Lobsters
by CRIMI, Carolyn and Illustrated by MOLK, Laurel

Recommended by Counseling Department

This picture book tells a story about a dog who is afraid of the beach and gets pushed out of its comfort zone, touching on the issues of fear, anxiety and lack of control.

Topics: Anxiety, Worry, Emotions
Love
by DE LA PEÑA, Matt and Illustrated by LONG, Loren

Recommended by Counseling Department

Life can be scary. "In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout our lives.”

Topics: Love, Family, Emotions
The Rabbit Listened
by DOERRFELD, Cori

Recommended by Counseling Department

This picture book offers guidance on how to help a child who is upset.

Topics: Emotions
Red: A Crayon's Story
by HALL, Michael

Book for children/students preK–1
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

A funny, heartwarming book about a Red crayon who just "knows" he's Blue. A great story about being true to your inner self and creating your own path in life. Readers of all ages will enjoy this one.

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
Lovely
by HONG, Jess

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

In a world where our diversity manifests in many ways, race, ethnicity, gender expression, this book celebrates all of us as unique individuals who are all "Lovely"!

Topics: Identity, Self-esteem
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
by FARUQI, Reem 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

A great introduction to Ramadan for our younger readers. Lailah is a new student in a new country and is excited to be able to fast for Ramadan; however, she is worried about being misunderstood by her new classmates. With some help with the librarian, she finds a way to make new friends who respect her beliefs.

Topics: Religion, Identity, Self-esteem
A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus
by GROWE, Rebecca, MSW, LCSW and BURCH, Julia Martin, PhD, illustrated by GAROFOLI, Viviana - American Psychological Association

eBook for Lower School
Recommended by Counseling Department

Driven to Distraction
by HALLOWELL, Dr. Edward

Recommended by Counseling Department

Book for parents/guardians and teens with ADHD

Topics: ADHD, Coping, Ability, Identity
Growing Friendships during the Coronavirus Pandemic
by KENNEDY-MOORE, Eileen, PhD and MCLAUGHLIN, Christine 

eBook Ages 6–9
Recommended by Counseling Department

Dr Eileen Kennedy-Moore's website has a free download of an eBook that helps children navigate the challenges of social distancing while attempting to maintain connections with friends

Topics: COVID-19
When Stars are Scattered
by JAMIESON, Victoria and Illustrated by JAMIESON, Victoria and GEDDY, Iman And MOHAMED, Omar

Recommended by Counseling Department

This graphic novel speaks to kids who may feel stuck at home and waiting for life to begin.

Topics: Emotions, Feeling Stuck,
Pink is for Boys
by PERLMAN, Robb 

Book for children/students K–3
Recommended by SEED Facilitators

This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. (from Amazon)

Topics: Gender, Identity, Self-esteem
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
by SANTAT, Dan

Recommended by Counseling Department

This picture book tells the story of an imaginary friend born on an imaginary island who gets tired of being chosen by a real child and then goes on a journey to find his match.

Honors: Caldecott Medal Winner

Topics: Imagination, Emotions,
Guts
by TEGEMEIER, Raina

Recommended by Counseling Department

Book for students ages 10-15

This is a graphic novel memoir about a middle school girl with an anxiety disorder. It is best read in cooperation with an adult. Very powerful.

Topics: Anxiety
Each Kindness
by WOODSON, Jacqueline and Illustrated by LEWIS, E.B.

Recommended by Counseling Department

A girl and her friends learn a lesson about kindness after refusing to play with a new girl who wears ragged clothes

Topics: Kindness, Friendship,
A Map into the World
by YANG, Kalia and Illustrated by KIM, Seo

Recommended by Counseling Department

This picture book describes a Hmong child whose neighbor dies, and the child draws a "map of the world" with chalk as she tries to process this loss.

Topics: DEI, Grief, Loss, Emotions
Unstuck! 10 Things to Do to Stay Safe and Sane During the Pandemic
by ZUCKER, Bonnie, PsyD - American Psychological Association

eBook for Students of all ages
Recommended by Counseling Department

Tips and activities for children and teens of all ages for managing stress, dealing with feelings, cultivating creativity and more!

Topics: COVID-19
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