Book Reccomendations

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

This story helps young kids understand that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes and that feelings are valid.

Science: 

Good Night Great Outdoors by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper

 A book that introduces nature, outdoors, and the environment in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Social Studies:

I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

This story ties into the community building aspect of Social Studies because it is a positive, confidence-building book about self-acceptance and valuing oneself, great for building early self-esteem and social awareness.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

Big Feelings by  Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

This story explores common childhood emotions and encourages children to talk about and understand “big feelings” (anger, sadness, frustration, etc.).

Science: 

Vivi Loves Science by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes

This story is an engaging science-themed book for early elementary readers to spark curiosity about science and nature.

Social Studies:

Autentically Ava by Deven Tellis

This story is a diverse picture book focused on identity, self-expression, and understanding differences, helping build empathy and social awareness.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

This is a gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. 

Science: 

“Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty

This story is about a curious young girl who uses the scientific method to solve problems. 

Social Studies:

Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney

This playful introduction to maps shows children how easy it is to find where they live and how they fit in to the larger world.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

This story is about a 10-year-old girl named India Opal Buloni who moves to a small Florida town with her father, a preacher. Loneliness leads her to adopt a stray dog she finds in a grocery store, whom she names Winn-Dixie.

Science: 

Magic School Bus Chapter Book: Space Explorers by Eva Moore

This story is a science chapter book, part of the series, that follows Ms. Frizzle and her class on a field trip to the solar system to learn about the planets. In the book, the class discovers the differences between planets and learns about their temperatures, atmospheres, and distances.

Social Studies:

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

This story is about a brother and sister rivalry, but touches on economics, money, and conflict resolution. With just five days left of summer vacation, Evan and Jessie launch an all-out war to see who can sell the most lemonade before school starts. As the battleground heats up, there really is no telling who will win—and even more important, if their fight will ever end.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This story is about a boy named August "Auggie" Pullman who has a facial deformity and starts 5th grade at a private school for the first time. 

Science: 

This biography is about the life of the famous primatologist (person who studies non-human primates, like apes and monkeys) conservationist (someone who protects, preserves, and manages wildlife resource for future generations). It covers her childhood love for animals, her journey to Africa to study chimpanzees in the wild, and her groundbreaking discoveries about them, including their use of tools. 

Social Studies:

This story explains the American Revolution through a question-and-answer format, making history engaging for children. It covers what daily life was like for kids during that era, how they ate, what they wore, and the events that led to the fight for freedom from England.