Build emotional intelligence through stories your kids will actually enjoy!
As a homeschooling mom, one of my favorite ways to teach social-emotional learning (SEL) is through books. Stories have a way of gently guiding kids (and even teens!) to explore emotions, navigate challenges, and understand others—without it feeling like a lesson. The right book can spark meaningful conversations and give our kids tools for life.
Over the years, I’ve collected and read tons of SEL books with my kids—from sweet picture books about friendship to powerful young adult novels that explore identity, loss, and resilience. Today, I’m sharing some of our absolute favorites—organized by age—so you can build your own SEL library at home.
And because I know how busy life gets, I also created a FREE printable SEL Book Checklist that you can use to track what you’ve read, take notes, or plan your next trip to the library (or Amazon 😉).
You can grab that printable at the end of this post!
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Why Use Books to Teach SEL?
Social-emotional learning is all about developing self-awareness, managing emotions, building relationships, and making thoughtful decisions. Reading books together naturally opens the door to all of these things.
Books allow our kids to:
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See themselves in characters
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Safely explore big emotions
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Practice empathy
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Learn coping strategies through storytelling
So let’s dive in!
Best SEL Books for Ages 3–6 (Preschool to Kindergarten)
1. The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
🎯 SEL Skill: Emotional Awareness, Identifying Feelings
This interactive book introduces kids to emotions using colors and simple language. It’s a gentle way to teach kids how to name and sort their feelings.
2. When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
🎯 SEL Skill: Anger Management
Sophie’s tantrum teaches kids that big feelings are normal—and shows healthy ways to cool down.
3. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
🎯 SEL Skill: Emotional Expression
This lyrical book connects emotions with colors and movement. A great conversation starter!
4. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
🎯 SEL Skill: Understanding Complex Emotions
With beautiful illustrations and simple descriptions, it helps young kids understand a range of emotions beyond just “happy” or “sad.”
Best SEL Books for Ages 7–9 (Early Elementary)
5. What Should Danny Do? by Ganit & Adir Levy
🎯 SEL Skill: Decision-Making, Responsibility
This choose-your-own-adventure style book teaches kids that their choices impact their day. It’s a favorite in our house!
6. A Little Spot of Emotion Box Set by Diane Alber
🎯 SEL Skill: Naming Emotions, Coping Skills
This box set includes books about anger, anxiety, love, sadness, and more—perfect for helping kids build a strong emotional vocabulary.
7. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
🎯 SEL Skill: Empathy, Inclusion
Brian feels invisible until a new kid arrives. This story beautifully shows the power of kindness and inclusion.
8. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
🎯 SEL Skill: Emotional Literacy
A great book to help kids identify and understand different emotions with expressive illustrations.
Best SEL Books for Ages 10–12 (Tweens)
9. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
🎯 SEL Skill: Resilience, Identity, Empathy
Told in verse, this book follows a young girl fleeing Vietnam and adjusting to life in the U.S. A powerful story of courage and growth.
10. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
🎯 SEL Skill: Empathy, Kindness, Perspective-Taking
A classic middle-grade novel about a boy with a facial difference and the power of kindness.
11. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
🎯 SEL Skill: Acceptance, Self-Awareness
This inclusive book encourages kids to embrace their differences and ask questions to understand others.
12. Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
🎯 SEL Skill: Self-Confidence, Authenticity
Yumi juggles cultural expectations, impostor syndrome, and the pursuit of her dreams. It’s funny, honest, and empowering.
Best SEL Books for Ages 13–15 (Middle School)
13. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
🎯 SEL Skill: Self-Esteem, Growth Mindset
Ally struggles with dyslexia and self-worth. Her journey helps tweens understand learning differences and personal strength.
14. The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall
🎯 SEL Skill: Forgiveness, Coping with Loss
After throwing a brick at a man, Arthur’s punishment becomes a transformative project that helps him heal from grief.
15. Ghost by Jason Reynolds
🎯 SEL Skill: Managing Anger, Grit, Personal Growth
A fast-paced novel about a boy running from his past (and for the track team). Great for reluctant readers!
16. Roll with It by Jamie Sumner
🎯 SEL Skill: Self-Advocacy, Confidence
A girl with cerebral palsy navigates a new town and school with strength and humor.
Best SEL Books for Ages 16–18 (High School)
17. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
🎯 SEL Skill: Identity, Justice, Moral Reasoning
A gripping YA novel that explores race, activism, and finding your voice. Mature themes, best for older teens.
18. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
🎯 SEL Skill: Conflict Resolution, Choices & Consequences
Written in verse, this powerful novel explores gun violence and emotional trauma in a single elevator ride.
19. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
🎯 SEL Skill: Healing, Empowerment
A classic novel about trauma, silence, and reclaiming your voice. Emotionally intense but important for teens.
20. You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
🎯 SEL Skill: Grief, Letting Go
A beautifully written novel about loss, love, and the emotional journey of saying goodbye.
Grab Your Free Printable: SEL Book Checklist!
To help you track which books you’ve read (or want to read), I’ve made a FREE printable SEL Book Checklist! It’s organized by age, with space to take notes and check off completed books.
👉 [Download the free checklist here!]
You can use this to:
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Plan your monthly homeschool reading
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Add to your family’s library list
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Start meaningful book discussions at home
💛 Final Thoughts
Social-emotional learning isn’t just a subject—it’s a life skill. And books are one of the most powerful ways to bring those lessons into our homeschool, naturally and meaningfully.
Whether you're teaching a preschooler to name their feelings or guiding a teen through real-world issues, stories open hearts and minds. I hope this list helps you build an SEL library your family will love.
And don’t forget—you can also support SEL in your homeschool with ready-to-use resources like my Ultimate SEL Bundle for Kids & Teens. It’s filled with journal pages, coping tools, self-awareness activities, and more. 💛
Have a favorite SEL book I didn’t include? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to check it out!
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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