Three Self-Awareness and Personal Discovery Books That Can Help Students Become Successful Readers

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Helping kids become successful readers is important for so many reasons. Not only does reading lead to academic success, but it can also build empathy and help readers learn more about themselves and the world around them. Not to mention, it can be very fun!

Here are three books that can help build social and emotional learning competencies (SEL):

Why Am I Blue? A Story About Being Yourself by Kalli Dakos

Blue Frog struggles to understand why he is blue, and not green like the other frogs. Why Am I Blue? is an excellent choice for supporting personal growth for young readers. Being different from our peers can be challenging. Students, like the blue frog, may feel sad, confused, dislike their differences, and even hide them to fit in. When Blue Frog learns the simple reason that he is blue, he begins to accept and embrace being different. Students can learn to accept and embrace their differences as well. 

This story helps the reader learn that differences are normal and not a bad thing. Students who hear this message can learn to respect and eventually embrace others' differences. 

A student with a disability, struggles with gender identity, or is literally a different color than their peers will relate to Blue Frog. These students will find this book enjoyable to read as they connect with it, and therefore have an easier time comprehending the text. Books like these that students can relate to help promote a better self-efficacy towards reading.

Hello, Universe by Erin Estrada Kelly

Four misfits come together to form an unsuspecting friendship in this award-winning story about bravery, friendship, and self-acceptance. Readers are encouraged to embrace their differences, be proud of their skills, and learn what it means to be brave.

This is a story about a Filipino-American boy, a Japanese-American girl, a neighborhood bully, and a deaf girl. This diversity helps create a story where different experiences and perspectives come together to highlight themes of acceptance and understanding.

Estrada Kelly writes with an “authentic, humorous, and irresistible tween voice” (Villanueva, 2017) that is sure to appeal to young readers. Between the voice and the relatable, adventurous story, students will be motivated to read this book, promoting successful readers.

The School for Invisible Boys by Shaun David Hutchinson

Sixth grader Hector is bullied at home for liking music over sports and bullied at school by a homophobic kid who used to be his friend. Students struggling as they are discovering who they are will relate to Hector’s story. A reader who gave the book five stars said, “I liked Hector's character because he is always determined, wants to help, and is really kind.” Readers who appreciate Hector’s positive character traits will inspire them to follow in his footsteps.

This heartwarming story includes themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and valuing yourself. Reading about Hector’s challenges can foster empathy and understanding among students. Students will learn that people who have differences can also have excellent character and be someone they may want to be friends with.

Students who see themselves in Hector will feel more connected and engaged with this book. Elements of fantasy, adventure, and mystery will also provide for an exciting read.

It is true that students with higher social and emotional skills tend to achieve better academic results. Therefore, reading books that focus on SEL competencies support students in becoming successful readers.  

References

Riedel, K. N. (2018). 18 Books That Kids Say Have Helped Them Find Their Own Voice. Retrieved from readbrightly.com: https://www.readbrightly.com/books-kids-say-helped-them-find-their-own-voice/

Villanueva, G. (2017). Hello, Universe. Retrieved from erinestradakelly.com: https://erinentradakelly.com/book/hello-universe/

Why Am I Blue?: A Story About Being Yourself. (2017). Retrieved from goodreads.com: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34500777-why-am-i-blue