This page contains recommendations for Children's books that help young people learn about handling emotions along with the topics of equity, inclusion & belonging. Some of the books even have links to video read-a-louds.

Children's Books/Videos about Emotions

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​ The Color Monster, A Story About Emotions  : helps young children identify emotions and feel more in control.
Social Sprouts Story Time:
A series on self-regulation.  An interactive book parents can use to help guide children to recognize sensations and feelings along with strategies to use and practice.
Take the Time- Mindfulness for Kids : It is a sweet little book that helps us slow down and recognize how we are feeling...and guides us to self-awareness and mindfulness.
I Can Handle It: Humor and repetition for the win! Kids love the illustrations and the idea that they CAN handle all of life’s everyday problems.
Puppy Mind- Author read aloud​: ​​ Mr. Nance guides kids in learning how to train their own wandering minds to stay in the present, instead of wandering off to the past or the future!
I Am Peace- Author read aloud : Author Susan Verde helps kids learn what mindfulness means and find new ways to stay calm.
Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child discovers mindful breathing and experiences the beauty of silence. Children will relate to the unfolding adventure and message of self-discovery and empowerment.
Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation Research has indicated that meditation can assist with improving concentration and focus, calming anxiety, and reducing impulsivity. Bee Still is a child-friendly introduction to meditation.
More Book Suggestions
My Magic Breath by Nick Ortner 
I Matter (Mindful Mantras) by Laurie Wright
Breathing Makes it Better by Christopher Willard
Mind Bubbles by Heather Krantz
Wild Mindfulness by Laura Larson
A World of Pausabilities by Frank Silio
Here and Now by Julia Denos
Alphabreaths by Christopher Willard 
Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey
A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh
Stand Tall Like a Mountain by Suzy Reading
Sitting Like a Frog by Eline Snel
Matt’s Swirly World by Madeleine Matthews
Slumberkins: by Slumberkins

Inclusive Children's Books/Videos 

​The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander: The Undefeated is a poetry picture book featuring the words of Kwame Alexander. The poem was initially written by Kwame for his new daughter back in 2008 and for Ex-President Obama too.
​Coming On Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson: Set during World War II, Coming On Home Soon is a Caldecott Honor Book that tells the story of a young girl named Ada whose mother leaves home to find a job in Chicago. 
My Papi has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero: My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero is a beautiful book that highlights the bond between a child & father. ​
When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff: Aidan and his family prepare for a new baby in the family. Aidan feels worried that the baby will get misgendered as he did.
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow :  Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. (The Link connected to photo of the book cover takes you to the author sharing her pronunciations of the names for her book)

Crisis Resources

If you are worried about someone or yourself OR if you need immediate support:
Call (855-565-2729) or Text to (652729) or e-mail at ok2say@mi.gov
OK2SAY is a program designed to empower Michigan students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs,
and law enforcement to share and respond to student safety threats.
​Are you facing a crisis? Call Common Ground for free and confidential counseling, information, and referrals. 
​(online chat service also available on Common Ground link above):
Oakland County ​Crisis/Suicide Hotline (1-800-231-1127)
Crisis Text Line (741741

​ (​CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT HOTLINE
1-855-444-3911
DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE
1-800-985-5990
MICHIGAN SUICIDE HOTLINE
1-800-273-8255 
MICHIGAN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
1-800-799-7233
MICHIGAN CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
1-888-535-6136
COVID19@MICHIGAN.GOV
MICHIGAN 2-1-1
A one-stop connection to thousands of local agencies and resources that can help—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 211 or Text your ZIP Code to 898211
New Oakland Mobile Crisis Unit
Available to families in Oakland County with Medicaid.   Will travel to homes and schools.  Therapists and Social Workers come to location for on the spot assessment and coordination for continued stabilization.  Hours 2pm-10pm, 7 days a week including holidays.  More info: 1-877-800-1650 (as of 8/3/2020 they are not going to homes, but still doing over the phone assessments, connections and referrals).
​RAYA Rochester Area Youth Assistance
248-656-3558
​SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION HOTLINE
1-800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUs to 66746
The Rochester/Auburn Hills Community Coalition is dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyle choices, preventing and reducing substance misuse and promoting safety in collaboration with youth, families and other sectors of society.

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