by Mylisa Larsen; Clarion 2024; Quagmire Tiarello bluffs his way through peer relationships, hiding behind a detached facade while struggling to maintain his home life as his mom’s mental health spins out of control.
Social-Emotional Learning
A Star Shines Through
by Anna Desnitskaya; Eerdmans; 2024; A girl and her mom find a way to make their new place in a new country feel a little less strange and a little more like home.
This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2024.
Bursting with colorful scenes of children and adults with a range of abilities and disabilities engaged in exuberant play, this picture book offers an ideal entry into a discussion about disabilities and enjoying relationships despite differences.
I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared: Finding the Brave You
by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Hannah George; Sourcebooks Kids, 2024.
An accessible, affirming picture book, I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared offers gentle advice for meeting and overcoming fears to children in Grades K-3.
Sourgrass
by Hope Lim, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani; Beach Lane Books, 2024.
Sofia and May forge their friendship as they play in the wildflowers beyond their yards. How their friendship evolves when May moves away makes for a sweet and hopeful story just right for primary graders.
One Sweet Song
by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Candlewick Press, 2024.
“One sweet song for heart and soul; one sweet song to make us whole.” Here’s a counting tale told in lilting rhyme that mirrors the soothing storyline. A diverse neighborhood comes together through music that gradually grows and gently falls. The notes played help overcome loneliness, lift hearts, and connect young and old.