Bibliotherapy Booklists:
Helping Young Children Cope in Today's World
As the world grows ever more diverse, young children can experience challenges as they grapple with their own
lives and the expectations of others. Reading about characters in similar situations can help them cope.
Experienced therapists use children's books to solve emotional problems in a technique known as
"Bibliotherapy."
The lists below include some of the titles owned by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh that may be useful for
caregivers, teachers, parents, and other concerned adults working with preschool children. The titles
recommended are not intended to replace professional counseling but rather to help ease potential concerns and
conflicts.
Please ask the children's librarian for additional titles on any topic you are interested in as new books are always
being published and added to the collection.
Go to http://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/parentseducators/parents/bibliotherapy/ to access on-line list
version.
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Adoption
Bunting, Eve
Jin Woo
Davey is dubious about having a new adopted brother from Korea, but when he finds out that his parents still
love him, he decides that having a baby brother will be fine.
Chen, Zhiyuan
Guji Guji
Crocodile Guji Guji was raised by a family of ducks. One day he met 3 crocodiles who told him that he was not
a duck. They asked Guji Guji to help them trap ducks. Guji Guji then tricked the crocodiles and saved duck
family.
Curtis, Jamie Lee
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
A young girl asks her parents to tell her again the cherished family story of her birth and adoption.
Friedrich, Molly
You're Not My Real Mother!
After an adoptive mother tells her daughter all the reasons that she is her "real mother," the young girl realizes
that her mother is right, even though they do not look alike.
Lewis, Rose A.
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
A woman describes how she went to China to adopt a special baby girl. Based on the author's own experiences.
Okimoto, Jean Davies
The White Swan Express
Across North America, people in four different homes prepare for a special trip to China, while four baby girls
in China await their new adoptive parents.
Parr, Todd
We Belong Together
The joy of adoption and bringing families together is presented in this tale.
Rosenberg, Liz
We Wanted You
Parents tell how they waited and prepared for the child that they wanted so much.
AIDS and HIV
Atkins, Jeannine
A Name on the Quilt
A family reminisces while gathered together to make a panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt in memory of a
beloved uncle.
Jordan, MaryKate
Losing Uncle Tim
When his beloved Uncle Tim dies of AIDS, Daniel struggles to find reassurance and understanding and finds
that his favorite grown-up has left him a legacy of joy and courage.
Newman, Leslie
Too Far Away to Touch
Zoe's favorite uncle, Leonard, takes her to a planetarium and explains that if he dies he will be like the stars, too
far away to touch, close enough to see.
Appreciating the Elderly
Altman, Linda Jacobs
Singing with Momma Lou
Nine-year-old Tamika uses photographs, school yearbooks, movie ticket stubs, and other mementos to try to
restore the memory of her grandmother, who has Alzeheimer's disease.
Carlson, Nancy L.
Hooray for Grandparent's Day
Arnie doesn't have grandparents to come to school on Grandparent's Day, but it turns out he has a lot of people
who can substitute.
Cooke, Trish
Full, Full, Full of Love
For young Jay Jay, Sunday dinner at Gran's house is full of hugs and kisses, tasty dishes, all kinds of fishes,
happy faces, and love.
Dugan, Barbara
Loop the Loop
A young girl and an old woman form a friendship that lasts even after the woman enters a nursing home.
Isadora, Rachel
Yo, Jo!
Jomar greets his neighbors using slang, but his grandfather wants to hear some more traditional words.
Johnson, Angela
When I Am Old With You
A child imagines being old with Grandaddy and joining him in such activities as playing cards all day, visiting
the ocean, and eating bacon on the porch.
Fox, Mem
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend.
Lindbergh, Reeve
My Hippie Grandmother
A young girl describes all the things she likes about her grandmother, including the purple bus she drives,
growing vegetables, picketing City Hall, and playing the banjo.
Rylant, Cynthia
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
When Henry and his dog Mudge go with Henry's parents to visit Great-Grandpa Bill in the home with lots of
other grandpas, they lead them all on a wonderful adventure.
Wells, Rosemary
Yoko's Paper Cranes
When Yoko moves from Japan to California, she decides to make and send origami swans to her grandmother
for her birthday.
Babies
Ashman, Linda
Mama's Day
In rhyming text, mothers and their babies are described sharing in a variety of activities, from playing at the
ocean to reading books and taking a bath.
Ballard, Robin
I Used to Be the Baby
A young boy helps his mother take care of his baby brother.
Bunting, Eve, 1928Will it be a baby brother?
A little boy is certain that his expectant mother will give birth to a baby brother.
Chocolate, Deborah M. Newton
On the Day I Was Born
Members of an extended African American family celebrate with joy and pride the birth of a first-born son.
Grimes, Nikki
Welcome Precious
Illustrations and text welcome a new baby to some of life's delights, from "the glistening mystery of soap
bubbles" to "the swish of leaves in the breeze."
Henkes, Kevin
Julius, the Baby of the World
Lilly is convinced that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has happened in their house
until Cousin Garland comes to visit.
Hru, Dakari
Tickle Tickle
A baby boy has lots of fun when his father plays with him.
Look, Lenore
Henry's First-Moon Birthday
A young girl helps her grandmother with preparations for the traditional Chinese celebration to welcome her
new baby brother.
Newman, Marjorie
Just Like Me
Tom is not happy about the arrival of his new baby brother until his parents show that change can be a positive
experience.
Reiser, Lynn
My Baby & Me
Photographs and simple text portray interactions between babies and their toddler siblings.
Saltzberg, Barney
Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Baby?
There's a new baby in the house, and Cornelius realizes he's not quite ready.
Shipton, Jonathan
Baby Baby Blah Blah Blah!
When Emily's parents tell her that they are going to have a baby, she makes a list of the pros and cons of what is
to come. Fortunately the pros prevail, in this ultimately reassuring book.
Wojahn, Rebecca Hogue
Evan Early
When Natalie's baby brother is born too soon, she tries to wait patiently to teach him everything he will need to
know, but she misses her parents and begins to resent the time they spend with him at the hospital.
Wheeler, Lisa
Jazz Baby
Baby and his family make some jazzy music.
Woodson, Jacqueline
Pecan Pie Baby
When Mama's pregnancy draws attention away from Gia, she worries that the special bond they share will
disappear forever once the baby is born.
Babysitters
Brown, Marc
Arthur's Mystery Babysitter
Arthur, D.W. and Kate have a mystery babysitter coming to watch them. Who can it be? Arthur and D.W. let
their imaginations go crazy trying to guess.
Child, Lauren
Clarice Bean, Guess Who's Babysitting?
When her Uncle Ted, the fireman, comes to stay with Clarice and her brothers and sister while her mother is
away, things get somewhat hectic.
Christelow, Eileen
Five Little Monkeys Play Hide and Seek
The five little monkeys try to avoid going to bed by playing hide and seek with the babysitter.
Harris, Robie H.
Don't Forget to Come Back!
When her parents go out for the evening, a little girl threatens to run off to Alaska but has a good time with the
babysitter instead.
Long, Melinda
Pirates Don't Change Diapers
Braid Beard and his pirate crew return to retrieve the treasure they buried in Jeremy Jacob's backyard, but first
they must help calm his baby sister, Bonney Anne, whom they awoke from her nap.
Moss, Miriam
A Babysitter for Billy Bear
Billy Bear worries about several things when his mother goes out and leaves him with a babysitter for the first
time.
Rylant, Cynthia
Henry and Mudge and Mrs. Hopper's House
While Henry's parents are at a Sweetheart Dance on Valentine's Day, he and his dog Mudge have a wonderful
time staying at Mrs. Hopper's house, where they enjoy tea and music and dressing up in various costumes.
Bedtime Fears
Apple, Margot
Brave Martha
One night when she has to go to bed without her cat Sophie, Martha worries about all the things she sees and
hears in the dark.
Banks, Kate
Close Your Eyes
A mother tiger entices her child to sleep by telling of all that can been seen with one's eyes closed.
Brown, Marc
Good Night, D. W.
When D.W. has trouble falling asleep, the family listens to her worries.
Chorao, Kay
Shadow Night
Shadows from the moonlight frighten James, until he learns to make his own shadow creations.
Crimi, Carolyn
Where's My Mummy?
One deep, dark night, as all of the monsters are preparing for bed, Little Baby Mummy bravely searches for his
mother until he sees a truly terrifying creature.
Dewdney, Anna
Llama, Llama Red Pajama
At bedtime, a little llama worries after his mother puts him to bed and goes downstairs.
Dunbar, Joyce
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep
Willa has trouble falling asleep until her brother reminds her of all the happy things that await her in the
morning.
Schaefer, Carole Lexa
Who's There?
A child, already tucked in for the night, is frightened by strange noises that grow ever closer.
Wilson-Max, Ken
Max's Starry Night
Max comes up with a clever way to help his elephant friend Big Blue, who is afraid of the dark.
Bullies
Aruego, Jose
The Last Laugh
A wordless tale in which a clever duck outwits a bullying snake.
Bottner, Barbara
Bootsie Barker Bites
Bootsie Barker only wants to play games in which she bites, until one day her friend comes up with a better
game.
Caseley, Judith
Bully
Mickey has trouble with Mack, a bully at school, until he decides to try being nice to Mack and making him a
friend.
Emberley, Ed
Bye-Bye Big, Bad Bullybug!
Die-cut pages reveal the scary and mean parts of a bullybug, but just as it is about to attack some "itty-bitty
baby bugs," the bullybug is chased away until it learns to behave.
Polacco, Patricia
Mr. Lincoln's Way
When Mr. Lincoln, "the coolest principal in the whole world," discovers that Eugene, the school bully, knows a
lot about birds, he uses this interest to help Eugene overcome his intolerance.
Thaler, Mike
The Bully from the Black Lagoon
A new student's reputation as a bully proves to be unfounded.
Child Abuse
Clifton, Lucille
One of the Problems of Everett Anderson
Everett Anderson wonders how he can help his friend Greg, who appears to be a victim of child abuse.
Hopkins, Beverly H.
My Mom Has a Bad Temper
A child learns that her mother's anger is not her fault, and with some help, the family learns how to deal with it.
Klassen, Heather
I Don't Want to Go to Justin's House Anymore
Collin is reluctant to go to his friend Justin's house because Justin is being beaten by his father.
Kleven, Sandy
The Right Touch: A Read-Aloud Story to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
As a way of teaching her little boy about sexual abuse, a mother tells him the story of a child who was lured into
the neighbor's house to see some non-existent kittens.
Riggs, Shannon
Not in Room 204
A teacher tells the children in her class to talk to an adult if they are being sexually abused.
Spelman, Cornelia
Your Body Belongs to You
Explains what to say and do if someone touches your body when you do not want to be touched, especially
when the action involves the touching of private parts.
Woodson, Jacqueline
Our Gracie Aunt
When a brother and sister are taken to stay with their mother's sister because their mother neglects them, they
wonder if they will see their mother again.
Conflict Resolution
Harris, Robie H.
The Day Leo Said I Hate You
Leo, upset that he has been hearing the word "no" all day, lets three words slip out that he wishes he could take
back.
Brown, Laurie
How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them
Dinosaur characters illustrate the value of friends, how to make friends, and how to be and not to be a good
friend.
Catalanotto, Peter
Emily's Art
Emily paints four pictures and enters one in the first-grade art contest, but the judge interprets Emily's entry as a
rabbit instead of a dog.
Chodos-Irvine, Margaret
Best Best Friends
Mary and Clare do everything together at preschool, but Mary's birthday celebration puts a strain on the girls'
friendship.
Downing, Julie.
No Hugs Till Saturday
When Felix declares that there will be no hugs, snuggles, or super squeezes for a whole week, both he and his
mama have a hard time.
Henkes, Kevin
Chester's Way
Chester and Wilson share the same exact way of doing things, until Lilly moves into the neighborhood and
shows them that new ways can be just as good.
Henkes, Kevin
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, but when he asks her to wait a while before showing
her new purse, she does something for which she is very sorry later.
Vaugelade, Anais
The War
Prince Fabien uses an ingenious trick to end the war between the Reds and the Blues without violence.
Daycare
Ballard, Robin
My Day, Your Day
Children have a busy day at day care while their parents have a busy day at work.
Cole, Joanna
When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work
Carly is sad when her parents leave her at daycare to go to work, but when reminded that they'll be back later,
she soon begins having fun with her friends.
Demuth, Patricia Brennan
Busy at Day Care Head to Toe
Photographs and rhyming text demonstrate how arms, legs, ears, and mouths are kept busy during a day at day
care.
Rogers, Fred
Going to Day Care
Describes the typical activities and feelings children can experience at a day care center, including the fun,
excitement, and apprehensions involved in being away from home.
Zalben, Jane Breskin
Don't Go!
On the first day of preschool, Daniel gradually overcomes his nervousness as he plays in the sandbox, collects
leaves, and bakes cookies. Includes tips for parents on getting ready for preschool and a recipe for pumpkin
cookies.
Death
Brisson, Pat
I Remember Miss Perry
When his teacher, Miss Perry, is killed in a car accident, Stevie and his elementary school classmates take turns
sharing memories of her, especially her fondest wish for each day.
Carlstrom, Nancy White
Blow Me a Kiss, Miss Lilly
When her best friend, an old lady named Miss Lilly, passes away, Sara learns that the memory of a loved one
never dies.
Castellucci, Cecil
Grandma's Gloves
When her grandmother, a devoted gardener, dies, a little girl inherits her gardening gloves and feels closer to
her memory.
Chichester Clark, Emma
Up in Heaven
Daisey, the dog, becomes old and dies, but she appears in dreams to Arthur to help him accept her death.
Harris, Robie H.
Goodbye Mousie
A boy grieves for his dead pet Mousie, helps to bury him, and begins to come to terms with his loss.
Haynes, Max
Grandma's Gone to Live in the Stars
In the moments after grandmother has passed away, her spirit is at peace as she says goodbye to her sleeping
family and her home.
Plourde, Lynn
Thank You, Grandpa
On her many walks with her grandfather, a young girl learns to appreciate life and deal with death.
Puttock, Simon
A Story for Hippo
Hippo and Monkey are best, best, best friends and when the wise old Hippo dies, Monkey is very sad until
Chameleon helps him remember the stories he and Hippo shared.
Raschka, Christopher
The Purple Balloon
Easy-to-read text reveals that dying is hard work, for the old and especially the young, and how good it is that
so many people help when a person dies, from medical staff to clergy and friends to family members.
Rogers, Fred
When a Pet Dies
Explores the feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness that a youngster may feel when a pet dies.
Varley, Susan
Badger's Parting Gifts
Badger's friends are sad when he dies, but they treasure the legacies he left them.
Viorst, Judith
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
In an attempt to overcome his grief, a boy tries to think of the ten best things about his dead cat.
Woodson, Jacqueline
Sweet, Sweet Memory
A child and her grandmother feel sad when Grandpa dies, but as time passes, funny memories of him make
them laugh and feel better.
Divorce and Remarriage
Adams, Eric J.
On the Day His Daddy Left
On the day his father moves out of the house, Danny's teacher, friends, and family reassure him that his parents'
divorce is not his fault.
Coffelt, Nancy
Fred Stays with Me!
A child describes how she lives sometimes with her mother and sometimes with her father, but her dog is her
constant companion.
Hines, Anna Grossnickle
When We Married Gary
Beth still remembers the daddy who went away, although her younger sibling does not, but both of them accept
Gary and call him Papa.
Masurel, Claire
Two Homes
A young boy named Alex enjoys the homes of both of his parents who live apart but love Alex very much.
Rogers, Fred
Divorce
No summary available.
Schotter, Roni
Missing Rabbit
As Kara divides her time between Papa's house and Mama's house, she is comforted by the presence of her toy
Rabbit.
Schotter, Roni
Room for Rabbit
Now that Papa is remarried, his house seems very crowded, and Kara wonders if there is still enough room there
for her and her toy Rabbit.
Feelings
Allen, Jonathan
I'm Not Scared!
When Baby Owl takes his stuffed Owly out for a walk in the moonlit woods, he insists that he is not afraid of
the other animals that keep popping up and making them jump.
Blumenthal, Deborah
The Chocolate Covered Cookie Tantrum
Seized with a desire for a cookie while in the park, Sophie discovers that throwing a terrible tantrum will not get
her what she wants.
Carlson, Nancy L.
There's a Big, Beautiful World Out There
A young girl realizes that, although there are many things to be afraid of in the world, such as a thunderstorm,
there is even more to look forward to, such as the rainbow that will follow the storm.
Curtis, Jamie
Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods that Make My Day
A child's emotions range from silliness to anger to excitement, coloring and changing each day.
Dewdney, Anna
Llama Llama Mad at Mama
A young llama wants to play but must go shopping with his mother instead, and so he gets angry and makes a
mess at the store.
Ellis, Sarah
Ben Over Night
No summary available.
Freymann, Saxton
How Are You Peeling?: Foods with Moods
Brief text and photographs of carvings made from vegetables introduce the world of emotions by presenting
leading questions such as "Are you feeling angry?"
Henkes, Kevin
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum loves her name, until she starts going to school and the other children make fun of it.
Kachenmeister, Cherryl
On Monday When it Rained
A young boy describes, in text and photographs of his facial expressions, the different emotions he feels each
day.
Keller, Holly
Help! : A Story of Friendship
Mouse hears a rumor that snakes do not like mice and while trying to avoid his former friend, Snake, he falls
into a hole from which neither Hedgehog, Squirrel, nor Rabbit can help him out.
Murphy, Mary
I Feel Happy, and Sad, and Angry, and Glad
Canine friends express a wide range of emotions as they play, argue, and make up.
Palatini, Margie
Goldie is Mad
A little girl is very upset when her baby brother drools on her doll, but during a time-out, she thinks of some of
the things she likes about her brother.
Willems, Mo
I Love My New Toy
When Elephant accidentally breaks Piggie's new toy, they both experience intense feelings before coming to
realize how important their friendship is.
Willis, Jeanne
Susan Laughs
Rhyming couplets describe a wide range of common emotions and activities experienced by a little girl who
uses a wheelchair.
Getting Lost
Brown, Marc
Arthur Lost and Found
When Arthur and Buster try to take the bus to Arthur's swimming lesson, they fall asleep and end up in a
strange part of town.
Horse, Harry
Little Rabbit Lost
On his birthday Little Rabbit thinks that he is now a big rabbit, until he gets lost at the Rabbit World amusement
park.
Ichikawa, Satomi
La La Rose
La La Rose, a young girl's stuffed rabbit, gets lost in Luxembourg Gardens.
Kroll, Steven
Patches Lost and Found
Jenny draws, then writes, a story about losing and finding her pet guinea pig.
Root, Phyllis
Oliver Finds His Way
Oliver the bear becomes lost when he chases a leaf to the edge of the woods, but then he comes up with an idea
to find his way back home.
Tafuri, Nancy
Mama's Little Bears
The Little Bears explore their forest home but never stray too far from their Mama.
Waddell, Martin
Tiny's Big Adventure
Katy Mouse teaches her younger brother, Tiny, the names of some of the things they see, including a boot, a
snail, and a pheasant, when they go to the cornfield to play games.
Willems, Mo
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
After Trixie and daddy leave the laundromat, something very important turns up missing.
Homelessness
McFarland, Lyn Rossiter
Widget
A small stray dog is accepted into a household full of cats by learning to "fit in", but when his mistress is hurt,
he demonstrates that being a dog is not all bad.
McGovern, Ann
The Lady in the Box
When Lizzie and Ben discover a homeless lady living in their neighborhood, they must reconcile their desire to
help her with their mother's admonition not to talk to strangers.
McPhail, David
The Teddy Bear
A teddy bear, lost by the little boy who loves him, still feels loved after being rescued by a homeless man.
Myers, Christopher
Fly!
On the roof of his building, lonely Jawanza meets a homeless man who teaches him how to make friends with
the sparrows and pigeons up there.
Sweet, Melissa
Tupelo Rides the Rails
After being left by the side of a road with nothing but her favorite sock toy, Tupelo meets a pack of dogs led by
Garbage Pail Tex as they are wishing for new homes, then joins them as they catch a passing train and share
stories of dog heroes.
Honesty
Kroll, Virginia L.
Honest Ashley
When Ashley postpones a homework assignment until the last minute, she is tempted to pass off an old paper of
her brother's as her own.
Rankin, Laura
Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie
Ruthie loves tiny things and when she finds a tiny camera on the playground she is very happy, but after she lies
and says the camera belongs to her, nothing seems to go right.
Shannon, George
Lizard's Guest
While dancing around, Lizard accidentally steps on Skunk's toes and then promises to take care of lazy Skunk
until his foot is healed.
Stevens, Janet
Jackalope
A jackrabbit who wishes to be feared asks his fairy godrabbit for horns and becomes the first jackalope, but
there's one condition: he must not tell lies.
Illness, Hospitalization, and Medical Concerns
Breznak, Irene
Sneezy Louise
When Louise wakes up with itchy eyes, a wheezy throat, and a sneezy nose, she just knows it is not going to be
a very good day.
Brown, Marc Tolon
Arthur's Chicken Pox
Arthur the aardvark catches chicken pox a week before he is supposed to go to the circus.
Aigner-Clark, Julie
You Are the Best Medicine
A mother who has cancer gently informs her child of what the effects will be, and reminds her little one of all
the special times they have shared, and will continue to share, even while she undergoes treatment.
Cousins, Lucy
Maisy Goes to the Hospital
When Maisy hurts herself on a trampoline, she goes to the hospital, where she is taken care of and meets a new
friend.
Elliott, Rebecca
Sometimes
Toby loves his big sister Clemmie. She always looks after him and he looks after her - even when her disability
means she has to go to the hospital again.
Ries, Lori
Punk Wig
When a mother loses her hair during chemotheraphy, a son gives her constant support as he helps her choose a
wig.
London, Jonathan
Froggy Goes to the Doctor
Froggy isn't looking forward to his check-up because he might get a shot but when it's over and he's pronounced
a very healthy frog, Dr. Mugwort is the one who dreads Froggy's next visit.
Matthies, Janna
The Goodbye Cancer Garden
When a mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, she and her family plant a garden and watch it grow through
the seasons as she undergoes treatments and gets better.
Neitzel, Shirley
I'm Not Feeling Well Today
In cumulative verses using rebuses, a young boy describes all the things he will need since he is not feeling
well--until he learns that school is closed because of a snow storm.
Tinkham, Kelly
Hair for Mama
When Marcus's mother has chemotherapy for her cancer and loses her hair, he tries to find new hair for her to
make her well again.
Urdahl, Catherine
Emma's Question
When Emma's grandmother, who takes care of her after school and takes her out for bagels on Wednesdays,
gets sick and has to go to the hospital, Emma is afraid that she will die--but she is also afraid to talk about her
fear.
Wojahn, Rebecca Hogue
Evan Early
When Natalie's baby brother is born too soon, she tries to wait patiently to teach him everything he will need to
know, but she misses her parents and begins to resent the time they spend with him at the hospital.
Manners
Brown, Marc
D.W.'s Guide to Perfect Manners
No summary available.
Keller, Laurie
Do unto Otters: (A Book about Manners)
Mr. Rabbit wonders if he will be able to get along with his new neighbors, who are otters, until he is reminded
of the golden rule.
Savadier, Elivia
Will Sheila Share?
Nana helps teach her toddler granddaughter to share.
Senning, Cindy Post
Emily's Sharing and Caring Book
A picture book for toddlers about the importance of sharing and caring.
Willems, Mo
Time to Say "Please"!
Narrated by a group of friendly mice, an amusing book provides preschoolers with an introduction to manners
through helpful demonstrations of when certain words and phrases, such as "excuse me" and "please," are used
in social situations.
Moving
Carlstrom, Nancy White
I'm Not Moving, Mama
Mama and child discuss the family's upcoming move to a new house and the reasons why she does not wish to
leave the child behind.
Grindley, Sally
A New Room for William
When William and his mother move, he is unhappy about having a new room, but he changes his mind after he
gets dinosaur wallpaper and makes a new friend.
Johnson, Angela
The Leaving Morning
On the leaving morning, a child watches for the moving men, has a cup of cocoa in the deli across the street,
and leaves lip marks on the window of the apartment before departing for the new home.
Komaiko, Leah
Annie Bananie
Sad because her best friend, Annie Bananie, is moving away, a little girl remembers all the fun they had
together.
Viorst, Judith
Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
Angry Alexander refuses to move away if it means having to leave his favorite friends and special places.
New Glasses
Brown, Marc
Arthur's Eyes
His friends tease Arthur when he gets glasses, but he soon learns to wear them with pride.
Brown, Marc
Glasses for D.W.
Arthur's little sister wants to wear glasses like her brother and tries to prove she needs them.
Hest, Amy
Baby Duck and the Bad Eyeglasses
Baby Duck is unhappy about the new eyeglasses she has to wear, until Grampa helps her realize that they are
not so bad after all.
Smith, Lane
Glasses, Who Needs 'Em?
A boy is unhappy about having to wear glasses, until his doctor provides an imaginative list of well-adjusted
eyeglass wearers.
Parents in Prison
Brisson, Pat
Mama Loves Me from Away
When a mother and daughter are separated by the mother's incarceration, they find a special way to keep their
loving relationship alive.
Higgins, Melissa
The Night Dad Went to Jail: What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Jail
When someone you love goes to jail, you might feel lost, scared, and even mad. What do you do? No matter
who your loved one is, this story can help you through the tough times.
Testa, Maria
Nine Candles
After visiting his mother in prison on his seventh birthday, Raymond wishes it were his ninth birthday when
Mama has promised to be home with his dad and him.
Williams, Vera
Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart
A series of poems tells how two sisters help each other deal with life while their mother is working and their
father has been sent to jail.
Woodson, Jacqueline
Visiting Day
A young girl and her grandmother visit the girl's father in prison.
Perseverance
Funke, Cornelia Caroline
The Princess Knight
Violetta, a little princess, is determined to become as big and strong as her brothers. She secretly teaches herself
to become the bravest and cleverest knight in the land until she must face the king's best knights in a jousting
tournament. Will she be ready?
James, Simon
Little One Step
As three duckling brothers cross forest and field to return to their mother, the older ones encourage the youngest
by teaching him a game that earns him the name of Little One Step.
Kinerk, Robert
Clorinda Takes Flight
Using determination and vision, Clorinda the cow and her friend Hop the pig build a variety of flying machines,
hoping to fulfill her desire to take flight.
Kipling, Rudyard
If : A Father's Advice to His Son
An illustrated version of one of Kipling's famous poems about a father's advice to his son.
Kirk, Daniel
Keisha Ann Can!
Keisha Ann is proud of all the things she can do during her day at school.
Kurtz, Jane
In the Small, Small Night
Kofi can't sleep in his new home in the United States, so his older sister Abena soothes his fears about life in a
different country by telling him two folktales from their native Ghana about the nature of wisdom and
perseverance.
Nolen, Jerdine
Thunder Rose
Unusual from the day she is born, Thunder Rose performs all sorts of amazing feats, including building fences,
taming a stampeding herd of steers, capturing a gang of rustlers, and turning aside a tornado.
Safety
Berenstain, Stan and Jane
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
The Berenstain Bear cubs learn not to be overly friendly with strangers and give their rules for dealing with
them.
Chaiet, Donna
The Safe Zone: A Kid's Guide to Personal Safety
Discusses various self-defense options which may be used when in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation and
suggests what solutions might work in real life.
Joyce, Irma
Never Talk to Strangers
No summary available
Pendziwol, Jean E.
Once Upon a Dragon: Stranger Safety for Kids (And Dragons)
A girl and her friend dragon find themselves inside a fairy-tale book where danger lurks in the form of
strangers. It is up to the girl to teach her friend to be careful about strangers. Provides the perfect starting point
for discussions about stranger safety.
Raatma, Lucia
Safety Around Strangers
Provides a definition of strangers and ways to be safe around them as well as suggestions on where to go for
help if needed.
Thomas, Pat
I Can Be Safe: A First Look at Safety
Explains how to become aware of things children need to know and do in order to feel safe.
School
Carlson, Nancy L.
First Grade, Here I Come
Henry tells his mother that he did not like his first day of first grade, but as he describes what he did and
learned, he begins to realize that he might enjoy it after all.
Cohen, Miriam.
First Grade Takes a Test
The first grade is distressed by an intelligence test which fails to measure true aptitude.
Danneberg, Julie
First Day Jitters
Sarah is afraid to start at a new school, but both she and the reader are in for a surprise when she gets to her
class.
Henkes, Kevin
Wemberly Worried
A mouse named Wemberly, who worries about everything, finds that she has a whole list of things to worry
about when she faces the first day of nursery school.
Hest, Amy
Off To School, Baby Duck
Baby Duck experiences the fear of the first day of school, but with a little help from Grampa, everything turns
out okay in the end.
McGhee, Alison
Countdown to Kindergarten
Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler can not tie her shoes by herself and fears the worst.
Poydar, Nancy
First Day, Hooray!
All over town, Ivy Green and her bus driver and her teacher and the other school employees get ready for the
first day of school.
Stoeke, Janet Morgan
The Bus Stop
Kindergartners gather for their exciting first ride on the school bus.
Wells, Rosemary
Yoko Writes Her Name
Kindergartner Yoko not only learns to write her letters and numbers in English, she shows her teacher and
fellow students how to write their names using Japanese calligraphy.
Wolff, Nancy
It's Time for School with Tallulah
Tallulah the cat plays school with her friends, from welcoming a new student, through naptime, snacks, and
chores, to posing for a class picture.
Wright, Michael
Jake Starts School
No one can pry a frightened Jake away from his parents on the first day of school, and so the three must watch
as his classmates have fun until, at the end of the day, his teacher finally gets him to let go.
Self Esteem
Appelt, Kathi
Incredible Me!
A girl celebrates her own individuality, from her freckles to her wiggles.
Beaumont, Karen
I Like Myself!
In rhyming text, a little girl expresses confidence and joy in her uniqueness, no matter her outward appearance.
Carle, Eric
The Mixed-Up Chameleon
A bored chameleon wishes it could be more like all the other animals it sees, but soon decides it would rather
just be itself.
Curtis, Jamie Lee
I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem
A young girl learns to like herself every single day, no matter what.
Fierstein, Harvey
The Sissy Duckling
Elmer the duck is teased because he is different, but he proves himself by not only surviving the winter, but also
saving his Papa.
Joosse, Barbara M.
Grandma Calls Me Beautiful
A Hawaiian grandmother tells her granddaughter a favorite story about how much she loves her. Includes a
glossary with definitions and explanations of Hawaiian words and customs.
Lionni, Leo
A Color of His Own
A little chameleon is distressed that he doesn't have his own color like other animals.
Tarpley, Natasha
I Love My Hair
A young African American girl describes the different, wonderful ways she can wear her hair.
Yaccarino, Dan
Unlovable
Alfred, a pug, is made to feel inferior by a cat, a parrot, and the other neighborhood dogs, until a new dog
moves in next door and helps Alfred to realize he is fine just the way he is.
Separation
Cohen, Miriam
My Big Brother
When his big brother leaves to become a soldier, a boy does what he can to take his place in the family.
Dewdney, Anna
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of nursery school.
Ericsson, Jennifer A.
Home to Me, Home to You
A child at home and a mother flying back from a business trip think of each other as they eagerly await their
reunion.
Gregory, Nan
Amber Waiting
Amber uses her imagination to cope with her father's frequent tardiness when picking her up from school.
Minchella, Nancy
Mama Will Be Home Soon
Lili spends a few days with her grandmother while her mother is away and thinks she sees her mother's yellow
hat everywhere she goes.
Spinelli, Eileen
When Mama Comes Home Tonight
When Mama arrives home, she and her child enjoy a series of activities together before bedtime.
Spinelli, Eileen
While You Are Away
Three children describe how they feel when one of their parents is away serving the country in the military.
Tomp, Sarah Wones
Red, White, and Blue Good-bye
The young daughter of a Navy man does not want him to go to sea, but he points out the red flag on the
mailbox, the white clouds in the sky, and the blue ocean that will remind her of him while he is away.
Willems, Mo
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
While traveling with her family to Holland to visit her grandparents, Trixie once again loses her beloved
Knuffle Bunny.
Wright, Michael
Jake Starts School
No one can pry a frightened Jake away from his parents on the first day of school, and so the three must watch
as his classmates have fun until, at the end of the day, his teacher finally gets him to let go.
Tolerance
Bunting, Eve
Smoky Night
When the Los Angeles riots break out in the streets of their neighborhood, a young boy and his mother learn the
values of getting along with others no matter what their background or nationality.
Cohn, Janice
The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate
Describes how people in Billings, Montana joined together to fight a series of hate crimes against a Jewish
family.
McKissack, Patricia C.
Goin' Someplace Special
In segregated 1950s Nashville, a young African American girl braves a series of indignities and obstacles to get
to one of the few integrated places in town: the public library.
Pinkney, Andrea Davis
Fishing Day
When Reenie and her mother, who are African Americans, go fishing, Reenie decides to share the secret of their
success with their needy white neighbors.
Polacco, Patricia
Chicken Sunday
To thank old Eula for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners, the children sell decorated eggs and buy her a
beautiful Easter hat.
Polacco, Patricia
Mr. Lincoln's Way
When Mr. Lincoln, "the coolest principal in the whole world," discovers that Eugene, the school bully, knows a
lot about birds, he uses this interest to help Eugene overcome his intolerance.
Thomas, Pat
The Skin I'm In: A First Look at Racism
A simple explanation of racism, its basic causes, and the ways in which it can lead to unfair practices.
Wells, Rosemary
Yoko
When Yoko brings sushi to school for lunch, her classmates make fun of what she eats--until one of them tries it
for himself.
Wiles, Deborah
Freedom Summer
In 1964, Joe is pleased that a new law will allow his best friend John Henry, who is colored, to share the town
pool and other public places with him, but he is dismayed to find that prejudice still exists.
Wong, Janet
Apple Pie Fourth of July
A Chinese American child fears that the food her parents are preparing to sell on the Fourth of July will not be
eaten.
Woodson, Jacqueline
The Other Side
Two girls, one white and one black, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides their
town.
Disabilities - Visual Impairments
Brimner, Larry Dane
The Sidewalk Patrol
Abby and her friends take time to move some bicycles so that their blind neighbor can walk on the sidewalk.
Fraustino, Lisa Rowe
The Hickory Chair
A blind boy tells of his warm relationship with his grandmother and the gift she left for him after her death.
Karim, Roberta
Mandy Sue Day
Using her senses of taste, hearing, touch, and smell, a blind girl enjoys a special day on the farm.
MacLachlan, Patricia
Through Grandpa's Eyes
A young boy learns a different way of seeing the world from his blind grandfather.
Martin, Bill
Knots on a Counting Rope
A grandfather and his blind grandson, Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, reminisce about the young boy's birth, his
first horse, and an exciting horse race.
Petrillo, Genevieve
Keep your Ear on the Ball
Davey, a blind student, refuses all help from his new classmates, even while playing kickball at recess, until
they find a way to help without doing everything for him.
Disabilities - Hearing Impairments
Lakin, Pat
Dad and Me in the Morning
A deaf boy and his father share a special time as they watch the sun rise at the beach.
Millman, Isaac
Moses Goes to a Concert
Moses and his schoolmates, all deaf, attend a concert where the orchestra's percussionist is also deaf. Includes
illustrations in sign language and a page showing the manual alphabet.
Millman, Isaac
Moses Goes to School
Moses and his friends enjoy the first day of school at their special school for the deaf and hard of hearing, where
they use sign language to talk to each other.
Seeger, Pete
The Deaf Musicians
Lee, a jazz pianist, has to leave his band when he begins losing his hearing, but he meets a deaf saxophone
player in a sign language class and together they form a snazzy new band.
Disabilities - Learning
Daly, Niki
Once Upon a Time
Sarie struggles when she reads aloud in class in her South African school, but then she and her friend Auntie
Anna find a book about Cinderella in Auntie Anna's old car and begin to read together.
Paterson, Katherine
Marvin One Too Many
When Marvin refuses to go back to his new school because he is the only one in his class who cannot read, his
father decides to help him learn by reading with him.
Polacco, Patricia
Thank You, Mr. Falker
At first, Trisha loves school, but her difficulty learning to read makes her feel dumb, until, in the fifth grade, a
new teacher helps her understand and overcome her problem.
Senisi, Ellen B
Just Kids: Visiting a Class for Children With Special Needs
Second-grader Cindy is assigned to spend part of each day in the class for students with special needs, where
she finds out that even though some kids may learn differently or have different abilities, they are all "just kids."
Disabilities - Mental Challenges
Carter, Alden R
Big Brother Dustin
A boy with Down Syndrome helps his parents and grandparents get ready for the birth of his baby sister and
chooses the perfect name for her.
Fleming, Virginia M.
Be Good to Eddie Lee
Although Christy considered him a pest, when Eddie Lee, a boy with Down's Syndrome, follows her into the
woods, he shares several special discoveries with her.
Gifaldi, David
Ben, King of the River
Chad experiences a range of emotions when he goes camping with his parents and his five-year-old mentally
disabled brother Ben who has many developmental problems.
Rickert, Janet Elizabeth
Russ and the Almost Perfect Day
Russ, a student with Down syndrome, is having a perfect day until he realizes that the five-dollar bill he has
found probably belongs to a classmate.
Shriver, Maria
What's Wrong With Timmy?
Making friends with a mentally disabled boy helps Kate learn that the two of them have a lot in common.
Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie
We'll Paint the Octopus Red
Emma and her father discuss what they will do when the new baby arrives, but they adjust their expectations
when he is born with Down syndrome.
Disabilities - Physical Challenges
Avi
Prairie School
In 1880, Noah's aunt teaches the reluctant nine-year-old how to read as they explore the Colorado prairie
together, Noah pushing Aunt Dora in her wheelchair.
Best, Cari
Goose's Story
A young girl finds a Canada goose with a badly injured foot and looks for her each day to see how she is doing.
Caseley, Judith
Harry and Willy and Carrothead
Three boys overcome prejudicial ideas about appearances and become friends.
Harshman, Marc
The Storm
Though confined to a wheelchair, Jonathan faces the terror of a tornado all by himself and saves the lives of the
horses on the family farm.
Osofsky, Audrey
My Buddy
A young boy with muscular dystrophy tells how he is teamed up with a dog trained to do things for him that he
can't do for himself.
Willis, Jeanne
Susan Laughs
Rhyming couplets describe a wide range of common emotions and activities experienced by a little girl who
uses a wheelchair.
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