Storybook characters and situations are perfect for launching discussions of social emotional learning—why not let them help? In picture books, well-loved characters deal with many of the same problems students face in their own lives. What better resource could there be for encouraging students to think about their actions and responses? Using classroom texts to start SEL conversations— during an interactive read- aloud or an extension of shared close- reading lessons— weaves social emotional learning organically into the fabric of an existing curriculum rather than adding a new block to the day. In a book perfect for a study group or for immediate use in the classroom, literacy educator Nancy Boyles connects the dots between the competencies identified by leaders in the SEL field with the rich content of children’s literature. More than 200 award- winning picture books are profiled along the way as she unpacks each SEL skill, sketches typical classroom situations in which teachers might not see that skill demonstrated, discusses what to look for in books that address it, and provides carefully crafted sets of questions to explore with students. Reviews: A beautiful text for any educator who longs for their students to be enlightened by literature and develop a deeper understanding of the story and of themselves. —Meg Morrison, School Adjustment Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Mindfulness Teacher Nancy Boyles takes all of the guesswork out of choosing quality children's literature and guides you to the right texts, lessons, and rigorous activities for the all of the competencies of social and emotional learning. —Bridget Vaughan, M.Ed., Children's Literature Professor, Literacy and English Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator This book proves that picture books hold power. Children deserve to encounter and experience powerful stories to discover the power in themselves. —Tanny McGregor, teacher and author of Comprehension Connections, Comprehension Going Foward, Genre Connections, and Ink & Ideas Once again Nancy Boyles writes what teachers want to know now, using literature that she has specifically selected on current topics students face daily. She creates an engaging template as the perfect resource for student responses, using strategies to help students reflect and connect to characters. —Elizabeth Gilmore, Reading Specialist, Plainfield, CT About the Author: Nancy Boyles is Professor Emerita of Reading from Southern Connecticut State University, an independent literacy consultant, and an author of multiple books for literacy educators. As a consultant, Nancy works with districts and educational agencies to provide workshops, model lessons in classrooms, and assist with curriculum development. | 
