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Mental Health

Books & Accompanying Learning Resources

Imagination and fiction meet mental health and social-emotional development in this collection of books and related learning resources. Designed to spark conversations around emotional awareness and regulation, these activities and resources will make young readers feel less alone and encourage them to approach others with empathy and understanding.

The Camel in the Sun Written by Griffin Ondaatje and Illustrated by Linda Wolfsgruber

Camel In the Sun

A moving story, inspired by a traditional Muslim hadith, beautifully written by Griffin Ondaatje and illustrated by world-renowned Linda Wolfsgruber.

Resource Skills & Subjects: Key Ideas & Details, Vocabulary Acquisition, Comprehension Strategies, Integrated Learning, Critical Thinking in Literacy, Developing & Creating Texts, Further Research

Topics: Mental Health, Nature & the Natural World

Audience: ages 2 to 5 / grades P to K

Big Bad Wolf in My House Written by Valérie Fontaine Illustrated by Nathalie Dion

The Big Bad Wolf in My House

A young girl describes what it’s like when her mom’s new friend comes to stay — a moving story about domestic violence that ends on a hopeful note.

Resource Skills & Subjects: Key Ideas & Details, Comprehension Strategies, Critical Thinking in Literacy

Topics: Mental Health, Self-Esteem

Audience: ages 4 to 8 / grades K to 3

Planting Sunshine by Andrée Poulin, illustrated by Enzo.

Planting Sunshine

When does the war over there become the war over here? In this novel in verse, a boy named Theo can’t stop worrying about the war he sees on TV.

Resource Skills & Subjects: Critical Thinking in Literacy, Oral Language, Social & Emotional Learning, Make Predictions, Visual Elements, Comprehension Strategies, Text Forms & Genres, Key Ideas & Details, Integrated Learning, Developing & Creating Texts, Just for Fun!, Further Research

Topics: Diversity, Human Rights & Activism, Mental Health, Politics & Government, Self-Esteem, Stories of Resilience

Audience: ages 9 to 12 / grades 4 t

A Friend Is a Friend Is a Friend by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng

A Friend Is a Friend Is a Friend

When a child arrives at summer camp, they see a lot of other kids. Will any of them want to be their friend?

Resource Skills & Subjects: Oral Language, Make Predictions, Visual Elements, Making Connections, Social & Emotional Learning, Vocabulary Acquisition, Critical Thinking in Literacy, Comprehension Strategies, Key Ideas & Details, Integrated Learning, Developing & Creating Texts, Character Development, Just for Fun!, Further Research

Topics: Diversity, Mental Health, Self-Esteem, Stories of Resilience

Audience: ages 3 to 6 / grades P to 1

The cover of Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas.

Leo and Ralph

A stellar novel about space, starting over and a friendship that's out of this world.

Resource Skills & Subjects: Oral Language, Make Predictions, Social & Emotional Learning, Visual Elements, Vocabulary Acquisition, Writing, Comprehension Strategies, Making Connections, Critical Thinking in Literacy, Key Ideas & Details, Character Development, Just for Fun!, Further Research

Topics: Diversity, Mental Health, Self-Esteem, Stories of Resilience

Audience: ages 7 to 10 / grades 2 to 5