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ADOPTION BOOKLIST
Banish, Roslyn, A Forever Family
The story of eight-year-old Jennifer Jordan-Wong, a child given up by her biological parents, who has lived in a foster home and who is now legally adopted. This true story tells about Jennifer’s experiences with foster parents, social workers, and getting used to the new life she leads with her adoptive family.
Brokenbrow, Jon. Little Chick and Mommy Cat
Chapman, Mary Beth. You Were Always in My Heart
Chen, Shan Shan. Mei-Mei’s Lucky Birthday Noodles: A Loving Story of Adoption, Chinese Culture and a Special Birthday Treat
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.
Friedman, Darlene. Star of the Week: A Story of Love, Adoption, and Brownies with Sprinkles
As her turn to be “Star of the Week” in her kindergarten class approaches, Cassidy-Li puts together a poster with pictures of her family, friends, and pets, and wonders about her birthparents in China.
Galindo, Renata. My New Mom & Me
Gliori, Debi. Dragon’s Extraordinary Egg
Hoffman, Mary. Welcome to the Family
Katz, Karen. Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale
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A loving couple dream of a baby born far away and know that this is the baby they have been waiting to adopt.
Lambert, Megan Dowd. Real Sisters Pretend
Lears, Laurie. Megan’s Birthday Tree: A Story about Open Adoption
Every year on Megan’s birthday her birth mother sends a picture of the tree she planted the day Megan was born. When her birth mother decides to get married and move to a new house, Megan worries that she will be forgotten.
Leronimo, Christine. A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water across the World
Lewis, Rose. 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.
Lin, Grace. The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale
A sad king and queen find joy and happiness after a mysterious red thread leads them to a baby waiting to be adopted.
Ling, Nancy Tupper. The Story I’ll Tell
Moore-Mallinos, Jennifer. We Are Adopted
An adopted girl welcomes her baby brother whom her parents have also adopted from Russia, and she describes the reasons for adoption, what life is like as an adopted child, and her interactions with other adopted children.
Nemiroff, Marc and Jane Annunziata. All about Adoption: How Families Are Made & How Kids Feel about It
Using simple language, describes the stages of the adoption process and discusses complex feelings commonly felt by adopted children.
Parr, Todd. We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
Brief text and colorful pictures show how adoptive families share their love.
Petertyl, Mary E. Seeds of Love: For Brothers and Sisters of International Adoption
Carly works through feelings of anticipation and fear when her parents travel to another country to adopt her baby sister.
Powell, Jillian. Adoption
Discusses adoption, the feelings of insecurity that such a situation may cause, and the nature of biological parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents.
Rotner, Shelley. I’m Adopted!
Encourages readers to reflect and ask questions about adoption.
Serrano, Berta. Born from the Heart
Steers, Billy. Tractor Mac Family Reunion
Thomas, Pat. My New Family: A First Look at Adoption
Explains adoption, the feelings of insecurity that such a situation may cause, and the nature of biological parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents.
ANGER BOOKLIST
Bang, Molly. When Sophie Gets Angry–Really, Really Angry… 
A young girl is upset and doesn’t know how to manage her anger but takes the time to cool off and regain her composure.
Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears Get the Screamies
Binkow, Howard. Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns It’s OK to Back Away:A Story About Managing Anger
Graves, Sue. I Hate Everything! A book about feeling angry 
Johnston, Marianne. Dealing With Anger 
A discussion of anger, including suggestions for ways to deal with it directly, channel it to something productive, and avoid its destructiveness.
Jonell, Lynne. When Mommy Was Mad
A young boy helps his mother realize how her bad mood is affecting everyone in the family.
Kurtzman-Counter, Samantha. When Miles Got Mad
Lyon, George Ella and Peter Catalanotto. No Dessert Forever!
After they have an argument, a young girl imagines how she would treat her mother if their roles were reversed.
Mayer, Mercer. I Was So Mad 
Meiners, Cheri. Cool Down and Work Through Anger/Cálmate y supera la ira 
Miller, Connie Colwell. Angry Is … 
Photographs and short rhyming verses describe how it feels to be angry.
Murphy, Stuart J. Percy Gets Upset 
Mommy and Daddy help their son calm down and feel better when situations during the day make him angry.
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.
Spelman, Cornelia Maude. When I Feel Angry 
A little rabbit describes what makes her angry and the different ways she can control her anger.
Thomas, Isabel. Dealing with Feeling Angry by Thomas, Isabel (January 1, 2013) Paperback
Vail, Rachel. Sometimes I’m Bombaloo
When Katie Honors feels angry and out of control, her mother helps her to be herself again.
Yolen, Jane and Mark Teague. How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad!
Illustrations and rhyming text explore some of the things that dinosaurs might do when they are angry–and how they should control their tempers.
BULLYING AND TEASING BOOKLIST
For Younger Children
Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Teasing
Bosch, Carl, Bully on the Bus 
Brown, Monica. Lola Levine Is Not Mean!
Carlson, Nancy, How to Lose All Your Friends 
Cohen-Posey, Kate, How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies: A Book That Takes the Nuisance Out of Name Calling and Other Nonsense
Cole, Joanna. Bully Trouble 
Ferguson, Addy. Bullying With Words: Teasing, Name-Calling, and Rumors
Gordon, David. Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery
Greene, Stephanie. Princess Posey and the First-Grade Boys
Higgins, Melissa. Teasing Isn’t Funny: Emotional Bullying
Kellogg, Steven, Best Friends
Romain, Trevor, Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain 
and Cliques, Phonies, & Other Baloney
Say, Allen. The Favorite Daughter
Scieszka, Jon. Zoom! Boom! Bully
Sheinmel, Courtney. Stella Batts Needs a New Name
Shulevitz, Uri. Troto and the Trucks
Simon, Coco. Alexis Gets Frosted 
Smallman, Steve. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Bunny?
Weulersse, Odile. Nasreddine
For Upper Elementary School Age Children and Older
Guillian, Charlotte, Coping with Bullying
Raatma, Lucia, Cyberbullying
Schwartz, Heather, Cyberbullying
DIVORCE BOOKLIST
Adams, Eric J. and Kathleen Adams. 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.
Amos, Janine. Divorce
Uses letters, stories, and informational text to provide advice for children on how to cope with their parents’ divorce.
Bunting, Eve. The Days of Summer
As summer ends and they get ready to go back to school, two young girls try to deal with the news that the grandparents they love are getting a divorce.
Coffelt, Nancy. Fred Stays With Me!
A young girl describes how she lives sometimes with her mother and sometimes with her father, but her dog is her constant companion.
De Smet, Marian. I Have Two Homes
Nina recounts her feelings about her parents’ divorce and describes what it is like to live in two households, in an honest account of divorce from a child’s point of view that will reassure readers who are experiencing a similar family change.
Gray, Kes. Mom and Dad Glue
A child searches for glue to mend his parents’ marriage. The owner of the glue shop helps him learn that although his parents may be broken, they will always love him and that he must learn to love each of them even when they no longer live together.
Hays, Jontie and Sarah Ulmer. Monkey in the Middle Series Book One: I Have the Right to Understand
, Book Two: I Have the Right to My Feelings
, and Book Three: I Have the Right to Hear Happy Words
Max’s parents are getting a divorce. He is confused and doesn’t understand what is going to happen. How will his parents’ separation affect him and his best friend, Marley?
Higginbotham, Anastasia. Divorce Is the Worst 
Higgins, Melissa. Weekends with Dad
Krohn, Katherine. You and Your Parents’ Divorce
Explains how to cope with the life changes and emotional challenges that occur when parents divorce.
Lansky, Vicki. It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear
KoKo Bear learns what divorce means, how to deal with changes, how to recognize and talk about KoKo’s feelings, and that the divorce is not KoKo’s fault. Each page includes tips for parents.
Rowland, Joanna. Always Mom, Forever Dad
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.
Shreeve, Elizabeth. Oliver at the Window
When Oliver’s parents move into separate houses, he spends a lot of time looking out of windows with his pet lion as he adjusts to a new preschool and to living in two places.
Smet, Marian De. I Have Two Homes
Spelman, Cornelia Maude. Mama and Daddy Bear’s Divorce
Dinah Bear feels sad and scared when her parents say they are going to divorce.
Stanton, Karen. Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend
Walsh, Melanie. Living with Mom and Living with Dad
A little girl describes what her life is like now that her parents no longer live together.
DOCTOR VISITS AND HOSPITAL STAYS BOOKLIST
Going to the Doctor
Banks, Steven, SpongeBob Goes to the Doctor
Bennett, Howard, Lions Aren’t Scared of Shots: A Story for Children about Visiting the Doctor
Berenstein, Stan, The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor
Bergan, Lara Rice, Wee Bear Who Didn’t Want to Go to the Doctor
Cole, Joanna. My Friend the Doctor
Describes Hannah’s visit to the doctor’s office for a routine examination.
Cousins, Lucy, Doctor Maisy
Lock, Deborah. DK Readers: A Trip to the Doctor
This book, illustrated with photographs, follows a young boy’s trip to a routine doctor visit.
Murphy, Liz. ABC Doctor
The ABCs of visiting the doctor – from examinations and fevers to nurses and urine samples.
Radabaugh, Melinda Beth. Going to the Doctor 
This book explains to children what happens during a visit to the doctor.
Wells, Rosemary. Felix Feels Better
Felix feels bad and does not want to eat or play, so his mother takes him to Doctor Duck, who makes everything better.
Going to the Hospital
Barber, Nicola. Going to the Hospital (The Big Day!)
This book uses photos to illustrate what children can expect during a stay at the hospital.
Bennett, Howard J., M.D. Harry Goes to the Hospital: A Story for Children about What It’s Like to Be in the Hospital
This story follows a young boy’s stay at the hospital.
Bourgeois, Paulette. Franklin Goes to the Hospital
Franklin must face a trip to the hospital and an operation when the doctor discovers a small crack in his shell.
Johnston, Marianne. Let’s Talk About When Someone You Love Is in the Hospital 
Discusses visiting loved ones in the hospital, how to make them feel better, how they look as patients, and the scary feelings one has at such a time.
Mayer, Mercer. Little Critter: My Trip to the Hospital
When Little Critter breaks his leg in a soccer game, he has to make his first trip to the hospital. Follow brave Little Critter as he rides in an ambulance, meets the doctor, and gets his first X-ray and his first cast.
Sateren, Shelley Swanson. Max and Zoe at the Doctor
While practicing gymnastics with his friend Zoe, Max cuts his leg and must get stitches.
Thomas, Pat. Do I Have to Go to the Hospital?: A First Look at Going To the Hospital 
This book helps children to understand that sometimes when they are very sick it is best to go to a hospital.
FEARS/STRESS/WORRYING BOOKLIST
Aaron, Jane. When I’m Afraid
Explains fear as a normal part of life and discusses how to deal with it. Includes a parents’ guide with examples and suggestions.
Arnaldo, Monica. The Little Book of Big Fears
Battersby, Katherine. Brave Squish Rabbit
Squish, a little rabbit who is afraid of nearly everything, ventures into the night during a storm to find his friend, Twitch, who he fears may have encountered chickens.
Dewdney, Anna. Llama Llama Red Pajama
Emberley, Ed. Go Away, Big Green Monster!
Die-cut pages through which bits of a monster are revealed are designed to help a child control nighttime fears of monsters.
Gehring, Lisa B. Emily Grace and the What-Ifs: A Story for Children About Nighttime Fears
Harris, Robie H. When Lions Roar
Loud, scary noises frighten a child until quiet and calmness return.
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.
Huebner, Dawn. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
Johnston, Tony. A Small Thing . . . but Big
Nichols, Cheyenne. Scared Is … (A+ Books: Know Your Emotions)
Photographs and short rhyming verses describe how it feels to be scared.
Parr, Todd. The I’M NOT SCARED Book
Pitzer, Susanna. Not Afraid of Dogs
Young Daniel must confront his fear of dogs when his mom dog sits his aunt’s pet. Sanders, Addie Meyer.
Rivlin-Gutman, Annette. Just Breathe
This book helps children cope with the anxiety and worry that can come from everyday life circumstances by reminding them to take a moment to breathe.
Sanders, Addie Meyer, I Don’t Want to Go
Joey is visiting his grandparents on his own for the very first time and is nervous about being far from home. He is sure this will be the worst trip ever.
Scieszka, Jon. Melvin Might? 
Thomas, Pat. Why Do I Feel Scared?: A First Look at Being Brave
This book offers a look at how people are brave in different ways and gives children ideas for dealing with things that scare them.
Vail, Rachel. Jibberwillies At Night
Katie is almost always happy, but sometimes at night, when the Jibberwillies come and scare her, her mother must catch them in a bucket and throw them out the window before Katie can fall asleep.
Watt, Melanie. Scaredy Squirrel
Meet Scaredy Squirrel, a squirrel who never leaves his nut tree because he’s afraid of the unknown “out there.” But then, something unexpected happens that may just change his outlook.
Wells, Rosemary. Felix and the Worrier
The Worrier visits Felix night after night, reminding him of what could go wrong the next day, until the night that a special birthday present changes everything.
FRIENDSHIP BOOKLIST
Battersby, Katherine. Squish Rabbit
A lonely little rabbit named Squish wants to make a friend, and he finally gets a big chance.
Blabey, Aaron. Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley
Pearl and Charlie are best friends, although they seem to be different in every way.
Bley, Anette. A Friend
Examines traits of friends and how their acts make the world a better place in which to live.
Brown, Laurie Krasny and Marc Brown. 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.
Carle, Eric. Friends
When a best friend moves away, it can be painful for the child who is left behind. But the spunky boy in this upbeat story makes up his mind to find his missing playmate.
Claire, Celine. Shelter
DiCamillo, Kate. La La La: A Story of Hope
Gray Smith, Monique. You Hold Me Up
Jahn-Clough, Lisa. Alicia’s Best Friends
When her friends want Alicia to choose which one of them is the best, she has problems.
Jahn-Clough, Lisa. My Friend and I
A young girl makes friends with the new boy next door, and when they have a fight, she discovers that she misses him.
Miller, Amanda. Let’s Be Friends 
Explains what friends are, what they do, and how to make and keep friends.
Palacio, R.J. We’re All Wonders
Pomerantz, Craig. Made by Raffi
Tells the story of a little boy who doesn’t care for sports but likes to knit and sew — at first he is teased for his hobby, but in the end he becomes a hero to his class.
Schwaeber, Barbie Heit. Ed. Make New Friends 
Expands on a song about friendship first popularized by the Girl Scouts Organization more than sixty years ago. Includes sheet music, facts about the song, the Girl Scouts, and friendship.
Simon, Norma. All Kinds of Friends
Discusses the importance of having many different types of friends, from having friendships in school, neighborhoods, with family members, and even with pets.
Thompson, Lauren. Little Quack’s New Friend
When a frog invites five ducklings to play, four refuse because he is too little and green, but Little Quack has so much fun with his new friend that the other ducklings soon join in.
Torrey, Richard. Ally-saurus & the Very Bossy Monster
Trumbauer, Lisa. Who Is a Friend? 
Provides a definition of friendship, and explains how friends share experiences, but that they do not always have to be the same, or to like the same things.
Vail, Rachel. Flabbersmashed About You
When Katie’s best friend Jennifer plays with Roy at recess instead of with her, Katie is surprised and angry.
Waters, Jennifer. Be a Good Friend! 
Enumerates the qualities that make someone a good friend.
Watt, Melanie. Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend
Scaredy Squirrel prepares to meet a new, safe friend (some bite!). He has a name tag, mittens, a mirror and a lemon to help. Read about his nutty adventure!
Wells, Rosemary. Fiona’s Little Lie 
Willems, Mo. There Is a Bird On Your Head!
, and Who Is That, Cat the Cat?
, and Should I Share My Ice Cream?
, and My New Friend Is So Fun!
, and I Am Invited to a Party!
, and I Love My New Toy!
, and A Big Guy Took My Ball
, and Pigs Make Me Sneeze!
Young, Amy. A New Friend for Sparkle
Learn what happens when two is company and three is a crowd.
Zagarenski, Pamela. Henry & Leo
Zolotow, Charlotte. My Friend John
This is the heartwarming story of two young boys who together experience fun times, sad times, happy times, hard times, secret times, and all the in-between times only two best friends can share.
JEALOUSY BOOKLIST
Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster
Kravetz, Jonathan. How to Deal with Jealousy 
Madonna. A Rose By Any Other Name (The English Roses, No. 4)
Madonna and Jeffrey Fulvimari. The New Girl (The English Roses 3)
Thomas, Isabel. Dealing with Feeling Jealous
Toner, Jacqueline. What to Do When It’s Not Fair: A Kid’s Guide to Handling Envy and Jealousy 
Waber, Bernard. Evie and Margie
LOSS, GRIEVING, AND SERIOUS ILLNESS BOOKLIST
SERIOUS ILLNESS
Loughridge, Sally. Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket
Daniel is a young boy whose older sister gets cancer and, from his perspective, far too much of their parents’ attention.
LOSS AND GRIEIVNG
Brown, Laurie Krasny and Marc Brown. When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death 
Explains in simple language the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one and the ways to honor the memory of someone who has died.
Burrowes, Adjoa J. Grandma’s Purple Flowers
On her way to visit her favorite Grandma, a young girl always picks purple flowers–her Grandma’s favorite–but after her Grandma passes away, the girl has only the purple flowers of the spring to remind her of her Grandma’s smile.
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.
Cobb, Rebecca. Missing Mommy: A Book About Bereavement
Daddy comforts and reassures a very young boy after Mommy dies.
Greenlee, Sharon. When Someone Dies
Provides guidance and comfort for those recovering from the death of someone they know, offering suggestions for how to survive the grief and remember the good times.
Johnston, Marianne. Let’s Talk About Going to a Funeral
Gives an overview of what a funeral is, why our culture holds them, and what might happen at one.
Joslin, Mary. The Goodbye Boat
Presents the phenomena of grief and loss and the concept that death is not the end.
Londner, Renee. Stones for Grandpa
After a year of missing his grandfather and remembering things they did together, a young boy and his family unveil Grandpa’s tombstone, place stones on it, and share stories, knowing the memories will never be lost.
Loth, Sebastian. Remembering Crystal
Crystal had lived in the garden for many years and she was growing old–Zelda was just starting out in life and though she was young, she and Crystal were best friends, but one day Crystal was not in the garden, she had died; in this gentle, beautifully illustrated story, children learn, with Zelda, that true friendship is a gift that doesn’t die.
Moundlic, Charlotte. The Scar
When his mother dies, a little boy is angry at his loss but does everything he can to hold onto the memory of her scent, her voice, and the special things she did for him, even as he tries to help his father and grandmother cope.
Murphy, Patricia J. Death 
Explores the emotions that are often experienced by those who have lost a loved one, and introduces customs and traditions of remembrance.
Raschka, Chris. 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.
Rosen, Michael. Michael Rosen’s Sad Book 
A man tells about all the emotions that accompany his sadness over the death of his son, and how he tries to cope.
Shriver, Maria. What’s Heaven
After her great-grandmother’s death, a young girl learns about heaven by asking her mother all kinds of questions.
Sinykin, Sheri. Zayde Comes to Live
When Rachel’s beloved grandfather, Zayde, comes to spend his last days with her family, she worries what will happen when he dies, especially after friends tell her the Christian and Muslim beliefs about the afterlife.
Weigelt, Udo. Bear’s Last Journey
All the animals in the forest must deal with the death of their old friend, the bear, when he goes to sleep and never wakes up.
Weitzman, Elizabeth. Let’s Talk About When a Parent Dies
Provides advice on surviving the death of a parent and suggests what feelings and behavior to expect from others.
Death of a Pet
Dalpra-Berman, Gina. Remembering Pets
Rhyming text describes the author’s memories of her pet parrot, Michie, and provides advice on how remembering a beloved pet can help to accept the animal’s death and to begin to build new memories with another creature.
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.
Parker, Marjorie Blain. Jasper’s Day
A family spends a last day, filled with favorite activities, with their elderly, ill dog.
Partridge, Elizabeth. Big Cat Pepper
Big Cat Pepper has always been part of the family, but after he grows very old and dies, the boy who loves him comes to understand his mother’s reassurance that “his spirit is forever and can fly, fly, fly.”
Rogers, Fred. When a Pet Dies
Explores the feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness that a youngster may feel when a pet dies.
Walsh, Barbara. Sammy in the Sky
A little girl tells about her special pet, Sammy, “the best hound dog in the whole world,” and how, after he becomes sick and dies, she comes to know the truth of her mother’s words, that Sammy’s spirit is everywhere.
Recommended Books from Safe Harbor for Children Ages 3-8
Boulden, J&J, Saying Goodbye
Britain, Lory, My Grandma Died: A Child’s Story About Death and Loss
Heegaard, M., When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief 
Holmes, M., Sam’s Dad Died: A Child’s Book of Hope Through Grief
and Molly’s Mom Died: A Child’s Book of Hope Through Grief
Lanton, S., Daddy’s Chair (General Jewish Interest)
Limb, S., Come Back, Come Back Grandma
Mellonie, B. & Ingpen, R., Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children
Old, W., Stacy Had a Little Sister 
Rogers, F., When a Pet Dies
Thornton, T., Grandpa’s Chair
Varley, S., Badger’s Parting Gifts
Vigna, J., Saying Goodbye to Daddy
Viorst, J., The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
nbsp;
Recommended Books from Safe Harbor for children Ages 9-12
Alexander, S., Nadia the Willful 
Bennett, Cherie, Searching for David’s Heart: A Christmas Story
Buscaglia, L., The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
Carrick, C., The Accident
Cohn, J., I Had a Friend Named Peter: Talking to Children About the Death of a Friend
Krementz, Jill, How It Feels When a Parent Dies
LeShan, Eda, Learning to Say Good-By: When a Child’s Parent Dies
Richter, E., Losing Someone You Love: When a Brother or Sister Dies
Rofes, E., The Kid’s Book About Death and Dying
Sims, A., Am I Still a Sister?
Recommended Books from Safe Harbor for Teens Ages 13 and Over
Dower, L., I Will Remember You: What to Do When Someone You Love Dies – A Guidebook Through Grief for Teens
Gootman, M., When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Grieving & Healing
Grollman, E., Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love
Krementz, J., How It Feels When a Parent Dies
LeShan, Eda,Learning to Say Good-By: When a Child’s Parent Dies
Richter, E., Losing Someone You Love: When a Brother or Sister Dies
Traisman, Enid Samuel, Fire in My Heart, Ice in My Veins: A Journal for Teenagers Experiencing a Loss
Wolfelt, Alan, Healing Your Grieving Heart for Teens: 100 Practical Ideas 
and The Healing Your Grieving Heart Journal for Teens 
MOVING BOOKLIST
Asch, Frank. Goodbye House 
Just before leaving with his family for the move to their new home, Little Bear says goodbye to all his favorite places in and around his old house.
Bagley, Jessixa. Before I Leave
Barber, Nicola. Moving to a New House (The Big Day!)
This book uses photo illustrations to share with children what to expect when their family moves to a new house.
Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day
Border, Terry. Peanut Butter & Cupcake
Bottner, Barbara. Rosa’s Room
Rosa searches for things that will fill her room in her new home, but it feels empty until she discovers exactly what is missing.
Carle, Eric. Friends
Carlson, Nancy. My Best Friend Moved Away 
After her best friend moves away, a little girl misses the special times they had together.
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.
Gleeson, Libby. Half A World Away
When Louie’s best friend Amy moves to the other side of the world, Louie must find a way to reconnect with her.
Harper, Jessica. I Like Where I Am
The rhyming story of a six-year-old boy who is sad about moving to a new home but ends up being happy when he gets there.
Manushkin, Fran. Moving Day 
When Katie Woo’s family moves, she is sad about leaving her room to a stranger, and even more concerned that the new house will never feel like home.
McGeorge, Constance W. Boomer’s Big Day
Moving day proves confusing for Boomer, a golden retriever, until he at last explores his new home and finds his own favorite and familiar things.
Penn, Audrey. A Kiss Goodbye
Chester Raccoon is very unhappy about leaving his home, a tree that has been marked by tree cutters, but his mother tries to convince him that their new home might be even better.
Stead, Philip C. Lenny & Lucy
Wagner, Anke. Tim’s Big Move
Pico, a stuffed dog, worries that he will not like the new house when his owner tells him they are moving to a new town.
NEW BABY BOOKLIST
Andry, Andrew. Hi, New Baby; A Book to Help Your Child Learn About the New Baby
Appeit, Kathi. Brand-New Baby Blues
Ashman, Linda. When I Was King
A young boy describes how he is no longer “king” now that there is a new baby in the house, but then his family helps him enjoy the change.
Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby
Cole, Joanna. I’m a Big Brother
A child observes all the things that his new baby brother does and gives all the reasons why he loves being a big brother.
I’m a Big Sister
A sister enumerates the joys of welcoming a new baby to the family and the advantages of already being “big.”
Duchess, Sarah. Michael and His New Baby Brother
Fuller, Rachel. My New Baby
Gaydos, Nora. Now I’m Growing! I’m a New Big Sister – Little Steps for Big Kids
and Now I’m Growing! I’m a New Big Brother – Little Steps for Big Kids
When a new baby comes home, a new big sister/brother explores her/his role, in a text that provides parents with tips on keeping children involved.
Gliori, Debi. Little Owl’s Egg
Green, Jen. Our New Baby 
Harris, Robie H. Hi New Baby!
A father recalls his young daughter’s first reactions to her new baby brother.
Hewitt, Sally. Our New Baby (Grades 2 – 5)
Huang, Rebecca Minhsuan. Bobo and the New Baby
Jacobs, Julie. My Heart is a Magic House
A mother explains that when the new baby arrives, her heart will add a room so everyone will always receive the same amount of love.
Lobel, Gill. Too Small for Honey Cake
Little Fox learns that his daddy still loves him even though there is a new baby in the house.
McQuinn, Anna. Lola Reads to Leo
Lola reads story books to her new baby brother Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.
Murkoff, Heidi. What to Expect When Mommy’s Having a Baby 
Explains a baby’s development before birth and what will happen when the baby is born.
Murkoff, Heidi. What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home 
Answers children’s questions about what new babies look like, what they do and don’t do, and what having one around the house will really be like.
Oud, Pauline. But I Wanted a Little Sister
Packard, Mary. The New Baby
A boy is a little jealous of his new baby brother until mommy gives him a hug and the new baby gives him a smile.
Penn, Audrey. A Pocket Full of Kisses
Chester Raccoon is worried that his mother does not have enough love for both him and his new baby brother.
Roth, Carol. Will You Still Love Me?
Through rhyming text, young animals and a little boy are reassured that their mothers will still love them after a new baby–or kittens, or cub–arrives.
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.
POTTY TRAINING BOOKLIST
Bolam, Emily, I Go Potty! 
When it’s time to go potty … this toddler knows what to do!
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin. Potty Book for Girls, The
and The Potty Book: For Boys
Hannah/Henry gets her/his own potty when it is time for her/him to graduate from diapers.
Cole, Joanna. My Big Girl Potty
and My Big Boy Potty
With the help of understanding parents, a young girl/boy learns how to use her/his potty so she/he does not have to wear diapers any longer. Includes helpful hints for parents.
Corderoy, Tracey. It’s Potty Time!
Dahl, Michael. Duck Goes Potty
Ford, Bernette and Sam Williams. No More Diapers for Ducky!
“No more diapers for me!” is what toddlers will proudly say after they hear this appealing tale of a lovable duck who takes the big step.
Frankel, Alona. Once Upon a Potty — Girl
and Once Upon a Potty — Boy
Explains in simple text and illustrations why and how a little girl/boy uses a potty.
Hochman, David. The Potty Train
Katz, Karen. A Potty for Me!
Murkoff, Heidi. What to Expect When You Use the Potty 
This question/answer format book explains different aspects of potty training to children.
O’Connell, Rebecca. Done with Diapers!
Celebrates the accomplishments of children, from Adam to Zach, as each learns to use the toilet for him or herself.
Patricelli, Leslie. Potty 
Baby, a toddler, decides to use the potty for the first time.
Rogers, Fred. Going to the Potty 
Parent and child may read together about the way children develop in the experience of eliminating waste products from their body and about the positive aspects of using the toilet.
Sears, William, M.D. and Martha Sears, R. N. and Christie Watts Kelly. You Can Go to the Potty 
A guide for parents and children to use for toilet training.
Shea, Bob. Dinosaur vs. the Potty 
Dinosaur doesn’t need to use the potty. Even when making lemonade, running through the sprinkler, splashing in puddles, playing in the water. But wait, is that a victory dance or something else?
Vestergaard, Hope. Potty Animals: What to Know When You’ve Gotta Go!
The potty animals from Sycamore Preschool are here to help little ones everywhere be in the know when it’s time to go.
Willems, Mo. Time to Pee!
PREJUDICE, DIVERSITY AND TEACHING TOLERANCE BOOKLIST
Britt, Paige. Why Am I Me?
Couric, Katie. The Brand New Kid
Hall, Bruce Edward. Henry & The Kite Dragon
Horvath, Polly. When the Circus Comes to Town, Grades 4 – 6
Lamothe, Matt. This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World
Lester, Julius. Let’s Talk About Race, grades 1 – 5
Miller, Sharee. Princess Hair
Papineau, Lucie. Leon the Raccoon
Polacco, Patricia. Mr. Lincoln’s Way
Roberts, Cynthia. Tolerance (Learn about Values)
Rosen, Michael. This is Our House
Sanders, Bruce. Let’s Talk About Rascism
FOR PARENTS
Bullard, Sara. Starting Small: Teaching Tolerance in Preschool and the Early Grades 
SELF-ESTEEM BOOKLIST
Cole, Kathryn. Never Give Up: A story about self-esteem 
Curtis, Jamie Lee. I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem
Esham, Barbara. Last to Finish: A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class
Mazer, Anne. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining 
McCloud, Carol. Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids 
Moss, Wendy. Being Me: A Kid’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-esteem
Parr, Todd. It’s Okay To Be Different
and Be Who You Are
Payne, Lauren Murphy. Just Because I Am: A Child’s Book of Affirmation
Santat, Dan. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Swain, Jessica. Nate by Night
Thomas, Isabel. Dealing with Feeling Proud
Tyler, Michael. The Skin You Live In
Zobel Nolan, Alia. What I Like About Me!
SIBLING RIVALRY BOOKLIST
NEW BABY
Atinuke. Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus
Davies, Gill. Wilbur Waited
Dempsey, Sheena. Bye-Bye Baby Brother!
Enderle, Judith Ross. Smile, Principessa!
Hall, Algy Craig. Fine As We Are
Mario, Heidi Stetson. I’d Rather Have an Iguana
Uegaki, Chieri. Rosie and Buttercup
OLDER SIBLINGS
Asch, Frank. Star Jumper: Journal of a Cardboard Genius 
Blume, Judy. Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One 
Coverly, Dave. Night of the Living Worms: A Speed Bump & Slingshot Misadventure
Dadey, Debbie. A Tale of Two Sisters
Ostrow, Vivian. My Brother is from Outer Space 
Polacco, Patricia. My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother
Szymona, Marlene. My Sister Beth’s Pink Birthday: A Story About Sibling Relationships
Trueit, Trudi. The Sister Solution
STARTING SCHOOL BOOKLIST
Ashburn, Boni. The Class
Blake, Stephanie. I Don’t Want to Go To School!
Simon the rabbit does not want to go to his first day of school, but by the time his mother comes to take him home, he is having such a good time that he does not want to leave.
Carlson, Nancy. 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.
Carlson, Nancy. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come
Even though Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten, he is not sure about staying once he first gets there.
Carlstrom, Nancy White. It’s Your First Day of School, Annie Claire
Annie Claire, excited but nervous about her first day of school, is reasurred by her mother, whose love always goes with her.
Cohen, Miriam. Will I Have a Friend?
Jim’s anxieties on his first day of school are happily forgotten when he makes a new friend.
Danneberg, Julie. First Day Jitters (Mrs. Hartwell’s Class Adventures)
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.
DePaola, Tomie. Meet the Barkers: Morgan and Moffat Go to School
Bossy Moffie and her quiet twin brother Morgie both enjoy starting school, especially getting gold stars and making new friends.
Dewdney, Anna. Llama Llama Misses Mama
Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of nursery school.
George, Lucy M. Back to School Tortoise
Summer is over and Tortoise must summon the courage to go back to school.
Goldfinger, Jennifer. Hello, My Name Is Tiger
Goodman, Joan Elizabeth. Bernard Goes to School
When a little elephant is apprehensive about his first day of school, his parents show him how much fun school can be.
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.
Murkoff, Heidi. What to Expect at Preschool (What to Expect Kids)
Explains what happens during a typical day at preschool, and describes teachers, daily activities, and the classroom.
Penn, Audrey. The Kissing Hand
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.
Rex, Adam and Christian Robinson. School’s First Day of School
Yoon, Salina. Bear’s Big Day
UNDERSTANDING FEELINGS BOOKLIST
Ailiki. Feelings (Reading Rainbow Book)
Boynton, Sandra. Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods 
Cain, Janan. The Way I Feel
Carpenter, Tad. [ I Say, You Say Feelings! By Carpenter, Tad ( Author ) Hardcover 2014 ]
Crary, Elizabeth. I’m Frustrated (Dealing with Feelings)
Curtis, Jamie Lee. Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day
Emberley, Ed. Glad Monster, Sad Monster
Hoffman, Mary. The Great Big Book of Feelings
Madison, Lynda. The Feelings Book (Revised): The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions
Milgrim, David. Wild Feelings
Millar, Goldie. F Is for Feelings
Parr, Todd. The Feelings Book
Rotner, Shelley. Lots of Feelings
Seuss, Dr. My Many Colored Days
Snicket, Lemony. The Bad Mood and the Stick
Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!
Witek, Jo. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts)
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The Center for Parenting Education thanks Ellyn Benner, Children’s Librarian at The Horsham Township Library, for her time and effort in creating these lists. We appreciate her dedication to helping children and families.
