If Only by Carole Geithner (ages 10 and up)
A stunning debut about one girl’s journey through loss and grief. Corinna’s world is crushed after her mother dies of cancer. How does she get through the funeral, trays of ziti, a father who can’t communicate, the first day of school, Mother’s Day, people who don’t know what to say, and the entire eighth-grade year? […]
The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf thinks, I’m not ready yet. As the seasons change all around, Little Yellow Leaf holds on to the tree. Still not ready. Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready? This is a story about facing the unknown—and about friends who help us take the leap. It […]
Where Do They Go? by Julia Alvarez (ages 3 to 7)
“This beautiful book asks all the right questions to help young children become aware of the eternal bonds that live on after death, while wisely leaving the answers to the readers themselves. A book to ponder, to discuss, and to cherish.” —R. J. Palacio, author of Wonder
Death Is Stupid by Anastasia Higginbotham (ages 4 to 8)
“She’s in a better place now,” adults say again and again. But mortality doesn’t seem better, it seems stupid. This forthright exploration of grief and mourning recognizes the anger, confusion, and fear that we feel about death. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, but also the possibilities for celebrating life […]
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland (ages 4 to 8)
From the perspective of a young child, Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one, to help in the grieving process. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box will […]
Tell Me About Sex, Grandma by Anastasia Higginbotham (ages 8 and up)
Unusual and visually compelling picture book from an author who tackles other sensitive topics with similar aplomb and grace (she has books on death, divorce and race, too). Written in a voice that honors the kinds of real thoughts and questions kids actually have.
Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg (ages 8 and up)
Full of eye-catching graphics and simple text, this wonderful book is inclusive and far-reaching, drawing readers in by exploring bodies, gender, safety, and sexuality. Not terribly graphic, it deals with sexuality as an expansive concept, while still providing plenty of thought-provoking conversation starters. It’s a book an older child can explore independently, but works even […]
Consent: It’s as Simple as Tea (ages 11 and up)
This funny viral video uses various tea-based scenarios to illustrate the nuances of consent for tweens and teens. Somewhat reductive in its metaphor, it is nevertheless amusing and relatable to most adolescents. Great way to start a conversation about the more unsettling aspects of sexual consent.
Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner has identified seven distinct intelligences. This theory has emerged from recent cognitive research and “documents the extent to which students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways.”
Peace Path (PDF)
Used at PS 321 and many schools, the Peace Path is a framework for addressing a myriad of interpersonal conflicts such as feeling left out of a group, having problems sharing or taking turns, physical altercations, or other words or actions that lead to hurt feelings.