November 2023
Social-Emotional Wellness APLD’s Recommendations for Kids
AFTER THE FALL
BEING A DOG
Dan Santat After falling off the wall, Humpty Dumpty is very afraid of climbing up again, but is determined not to let fear stop him from being close to the birds.
Maria Gianferrari
Join a young child and their dog as they experience every minute of the day to its fullest— from the second they wake up to the moment they fall asleep. Readers will love barking, wagging, and sniffing along with the gentle cues in the book.
REAL SUPERHEROES Julia Seal Some superheroes have shiny capes, super-strength, and trusty sidekicks, but how many of these superheroes have ever rescued you? Perfect for children aged 3-7 years, and a wonderful picture book dedicated to brave frontline workers - the real heroes who look after us!
DIARY OF AN AWESOME FRIENDLY KID
ENEMY PIE Derek Munson Hoping that the enemy pie which his father makes will help him get rid of his enemy, a little boy finds that instead it helps make a new friend.
Jeff Kinney In his first journal, middle schooler Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley's sidekick, records his experiences and misguided decision to write a biography of Greg, who, in his own mind, is destined to become rich and famous.
BIG FEELINGS Alexandra Penfold A group of kids express a multitude of feelings and discover they are not alone.
OUT OF MY MIND
SOMETIMES I KAPLOOM
Sharon M. Draper Eleven year-old Melody is a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy. She discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.
Rachel Vail Sometimes I Kaploom masterfully explores how hard it can be for children when they're nervous or scared and have to transition to new places and faces when they just don't feel quite ready. Readers learn along with Katie that bravery and fear are not mutually exclusive.
I AM ENOUGH Grace Byers
I
Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
GOOD DIFFERENT Meg Eden Kuyatt
GOODNIGHT BUTTERFLY Ross Burach Butterfly wakes up while Porcupine is having breakfast, and Porcupine tries to explain what it means to be nocturnal and Butterfly considers the advantages of a nighttime life while trying to get back to sleep.
Seventh-grader Selah Godfrey knows that to be "normal" she has to keep her feelings tightly controlled when people are around, but after hitting a fellow student, she needs to figure out just what makes her different--and why that is ok. Told in verse.
JABARI TRIES Gaia Cornwall Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! "It'll be easy. I don't need any help," he declares. But it doesn't work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all.
THE MONSTER PARADE Wendy O’Leary
MUSTACHES FOR MADDIE Chad Morris Inspired by the true story. Maddie is a normal twelve-year-old, but when a CT scan reveals she has a brain tumor, it will take all her imagination, courage, and support from her friends and family to meet this new challenge.
This fun and playful story uses the analogy of a parade to help children acknowledge and manage big feelings. Watch as anger passes and sadness disappears...it's all part of the parade.