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Be Yourself and Self-Love books for kids
Alex Gino, writer of queer and progressive middle grade novels, including the Stonewall and Lambda Award-winning "Melissa," will be presenting at PWPL via zoom on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Alex's books encourage kids to be themselves, and to show love to themselves for their differences. Following is a list of great books that encourage self-love, worthiness and other social-emotional skills. If you are looking for more SEL (social-emotional learning) books, ask us in the Youth Department, as this list barely scratches the surface of amazing books that can support your children and families through big feelings and encourage them to love them for who they are.
Picture Books
"I am.... Books" by Susan Verde
Author Susan Verde is a great place to start to find books that encourage compassion, love and worthiness for children. Titles in the I am.... Series includes:
≤I am Yoga
≤I am Peace
≤I am Human
≤I am Love
≤I am One
≤I am Courage
≤I am me
"Your Name is a Song" by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
This story encourages kids to stand up for their right to have their name pronounced correctly, and to be proud of their family history and the history behind their names. Beautifully illustrated story that ties together themes of family, empowerment, and embracing yourself.
"Dear Girl" & "Dear Boy" by Amy Crouse Rosenthal
Each book is a love letter to the wonderful boys and girls in your life, reminding those kids to love themselves and that they are worthy and valued.
"The Red Jacket" by Bob Holt
This is a funny picture books that will have children giggling! It also has a great message that something like a jacket) that makes you feel amazing and awesome is not what actually makes you amazing and awesome-you are what makes you amazing!
"When Aiden became a Brother" by Kyle Lukoff
This is a sweet and reassuring picture book about Aiden, a transgender child, is struggling with welcoming a new baby into the family.
"Big" by Vashti Harrison
All adults and children should read this book. This snippet of School Library Journal's star review says it best "This book resonates with a potential impact that is immense … this inspiring and highly relatable title could be used with readers of any age to discuss topics of body image and self love."
"The Proudest Blue" & "The Kindest Red" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Two beautiful stories that show embracing your identity, sisterly love and more. The illustrations are gorgeous with well-crafted stories that allow you to enjoy the story and converse about difficult topics.
"A Spoonful of Faith" by Jen Holliday
This is a sweet book about a girl nervous for her first day of school. With some creative cooking with her mom, using ingredients such as kindness, prayers, warm hugs and trust in God, she heads off to school ready to face the challenge.
Chapter Books
"Starfish" by Lisa Fipps
This book tackles many difficult topics. Body image, self-love, bullying and the importance of allies and support. Great book for any kid struggle with self-esteem.
"Genesis Begins Again" by Alicia Williams
Another book that tackles a lot of tough topics. Genesis as 96 things that she hates about herself, from the color of her skin to her family's regular eviction from their house. Self-love, encouraging adults, confidence, bravery and more are required before Genesis can begin again.
"Smile" by Raina Telgemeier
Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels are long-time fan favorites of upper elementary and middle school aged kids. Tacking topics such as self-image, embarrassing headgear, and normal middle school troubles with friends and boys this graphic novel is a winner that kids will read again and again.
"You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!" by Alex Gino
This is a great book that can help open kids' eyes to how the world will unfairly treat people differently and how to be there for your friends and family. Especially powerful for those with hearing difference as this book follows Jilly as she learns how to be an ally, sister and friend for her deaf sister and her deaf Black ASL user friend Derek.
"Magical Imperfect" by Chris Baron
A boy who won't speak after his mother leaves. A girl who has been bullied so badly about her eczema that she left school. This is a great story about love, friendship, heartbreak and more.
"Too Small Tola" by Atinuke
Perfect for newly independent readers, these 3 short stories follow Tola, who though she is small she has a huge will and heart to make herself known by. An empowering and uplifting read-especially for kids who are told they are "too small" for something.
By Sarah Rehborg
Youth Services