As a parent and educator, the most important part of teaching the young people in my care is how to love themselves and others. Learning and applying wisdom and knowledge begins with a strong social emotional foundation. A fellow middle school teacher and I were talking this week about how the content we teach is secondary to the SEL opportunities we design and provide that are growing them into young adults who care about themselves and others. 

I was reminded of how important this is when my youngest daughter wanted to read You Have A Friend In Me tonight. 

@melodymcallister

My youngest daughter read “You Have a Friend In Me” by my sweet friend and author, Kashama Leo-Henry. This children’s book addresses being a friend & finding belonging, while spotlighting ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome & other unique abilities. It touched my heart to hear these sweet words and talk about their meaning. Find it at sandcastlebook.com 💜 #friendship #childrensbook #ADHD #downsyndrome #belonging #family #readwithyourkids #autism #earlyreaders #poems

♬ original sound – Mel

So here are three books I recommend adding to your personal and professional libraries that are grounded in empathy and belonging. They also help start conversations around students with different abilities like autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome and a few more. 

ABBS: Ability, Brave, Beautiful, Smart

ABBS was written by my friend Melisa Hayes. Her inspiration comes from her own daughter, Abbs and Abbs’ older sister, Madd. This book is about a rainbow with Down Syndrome. The story encourages physical movement while exploring what Down Syndrome means to Abbs. 

You Have A Friend In Me

You Have A Friend in Me was written and published by my friend, Kashama Leo-Henry. It is told through a heart-warming poem. It touches on quite a few different abilities and even touches on assistive technology. When we aren’t sure how to talk about this with our kids or students, these stories open the conversation so naturally. I am always blown away by the thoughts and opinions offered when our children do open up. 

Destiny’s Amazingly Different Dreams

Destiny’s Amazingly Different Dreams is written by Molly Schaefer and illustrated and published by the talented Jillian DuBois. Together, these talented authors created a story where acceptance of one’s self is highlighted. Having ADHD or Autism isn’t looked upon as though it’s a weakness. The main character is a girl, and that is uncommon as so much as our Autism knowledge is based around studies on males. Molly Schaefer shares in our bookchat what it means to tell some of her own story through Destiny’s. 

Strong Characters From Indie Authors & Publishers

I didn’t realize that another thing these books have in common is that the main characters are strong, females. They are also published by indie publishers, so your purchase really makes a difference.

I always encourage anyone who will listen that if you like a book leave a five star review! So check these books out and let me know if they help bring out some amazing conversations about empathy and belonging!