Social-Emotional Learning
This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation

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.

Sourgrass

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

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.

A Family Like Ours

A Family Like Ours

by Frank Murphy and Alice Lee, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Sleeping Bear Press, 2023.
The latest in the …Like series of picture books, A Family Like Ours celebrates the diversity found in families while reflecting on the commonalities. As the refrain that grows through the book reflects, “We are braver together, we are better together, we are made to be together. We are safe together; we are stronger together.”