Social Emotional Learning Diverse Book List for Grades PreK-8

Social Emotional Learning book list

LEE & LOW BOOKS is proud to announce the launch of our Social Emotional Learning Diverse Reading List for Grades PreK–8!

Social and Emotional Learning is the process in which people of all ages recognize and manage emotions, make appropriate decisions, behave ethically and responsibly, develop and maintain positive relationships, and avoid negative behaviors. Learn more about Social and Emotional Learning at Edutopia.

When teachers adapt and show Social and Emotional Learning strategies and tips for students in the classroom, they are better able to interact and work with others, learn more productively, and feel comfortable in their own space.

Social and Emotional Learning strategies are important, but books that show characters demonstrating these strategies further emphasize the need for these positive actions inside and outside of the classroom.

Creating a classroom community in the beginning of the school year is imperative for both students and teachers.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is integral to classroom culture and students’ overall well-being. Students need to engage with texts that allow them to view characters who encounter challenges and deal with their feelings in complex ways.

Our Social Emotional Learning list was curated by our Literacy Specialist and is divided by Social Emotional Learning theme:

Download our printable PDF to see each theme separated into grade bands: Grades PreK-2, Grades 2-5, and Grades 6-8.

This list is an excellent tool to help you include not only diverse books in your classroom, but diverse books that feature situations where students can recognize and respond to characters demonstrating empathy, having strong relationships with family and friends, and looking at the world through another’s eyes.

11 thoughts on “Social Emotional Learning Diverse Book List for Grades PreK-8”

  1. This looks like a great collection of books. Under the theme of “Recognizing & Managing Emotions,” I would also suggest “My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood” by Tameka Fryer Brown.

  2. Hello I would like to add my book Simon the Self Control Seal to this reading list. It’s a fun book for preK – 3rd. Some of my 5th graders still like to read it. In the book he sings a little song before he make a decision. “Stop, Think, and Breathe and Make the Right Choice” This has helped many of my students and I feel it would help others!

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