Books for Preschool-Grade 2

This list includes books for the youngest school-aged children that involve themes relevant to this stage of social emotional development such as self-awareness, empathy, and friendship. In addition to checking your local public library, you may consider looking for read-aloud versions of these books on YouTube.

Reading these books together is a great way to start a conversation with your child. What do you notice about the characters? What is similar to your own life? What is different? What do you think we can learn from these characters?

Books for Grades 3-5

This list includes books for older elementary children that involve themes relevant to this stage of social and emotional development: self-awareness, emotional regulation, friendship, and empathy. In addition to checking your local public library, you may consider looking for read-aloud versions of these books on YouTube.

Reading these books together is a great way to start a conversation with your child. What do you notice about the characters? What is similar to your own life? What is different? What do you think we can learn from these characters?

This project on Improving Mental, Behavioral and Academic Supports to Students and Families, Part 2 is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $434,555 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.