Friendship Issue

Pirate, Viking & Scientist by J. Chapman is a perfect book for a small friendship group in grades 2-5 or a classroom lesson. The book deals with a very common problem of a child who has 2 friends but the friends do not get along with each other. I am sure every elementary counselor has a discussion about this issue multiple times each year. The book also reviews the scientific method and has great vocabulary which makes it useful to reinforce academics as well as social emotional learning. I highly recommend purchasing a copy for your program but if you do not have a budget it is read aloud on YouTube.

New Books

One of my favorite publishers of children books is Magination Press https://www.apa.org They are the publisher of Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal which should be on every elementary counselors book shelf. They have new releases almost every month. The two shown above were just released in April and cover topics elementary counselors deal with frequently: it is OK to ask for help; and moving schools. They have books that address a variety of social emotional needs and disabilities/differences of children. 

Recommended Summer Read

The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom is written from the unique perspective of Patricia (Tish) Jennings who personally experienced several significant traumas during her own childhood. The book has 3 parts: 1) describes the effects of trauma on body and mind, and how to recognize them in students' behavior; 2) introduces the trauma-sensitive practices she has implemented in her work with schools; and 3) connects the dots between mindfulness, compassion, and resilience. The book offers many practical activities to create a compassionate learning environment. The Appendices also have many additional resources.