Social and emotional learning is imperative in the chaos of today's world. Not only do the skills introduced through SEL better equip children to understand themselves, but they also teach them how to cultivate deeper relationships with those around them. Below are 30 fantastic reads for learners between the ages of 10 and 13. These books make space for more kindness and confidence, more self-compassion and risk-taking, as well as provide superb anxiety-reducing techniques!
1. The Anxiety Toolkit For Teens
This read recognizes that being a teen is hard- that's why it provides practical strategies to help you manage your anxiety. You'll be able to recognize your triggers and better calm yourself in both social and private scenarios.
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2. Imperfect: Poems About Mistakes
Imperfect helps its readers cultivate positive relationships with the mistakes they make. It advocates that slipping up in life is natural. It encourages readers to analyze their errors in order to take something away from the trying times they face.
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3. Conquer Negative Thinking
Conquer Negative Thinking helps teens see a situation for what it is. They'll learn to challenge their inner critic as well as develop the emotional skills needed in order to reach a higher level of resilience.
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4. Mindfulness For Teens
Staying calm and focused is difficult for everyone, let alone middle school students! This book provides teenagers with short practice ideas, breathing techniques, and more that will aid them in becoming more present and less anxious.
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5. The Self-Esteem Workbook For Teens
Growing up in a social environment that is extremely judgmental often leads to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt. This inspiring book encourages readers to work on building their self-esteem and growing their confidence- giving them pragmatic ways to do so!
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6. The Stars Beneath Our Feet
After the main character loses his brother, he must learn to navigate the tumultuous experience of grief. It's a book about remaining firmly rooted in who you are and not succumbing to the pressures that society puts on you.
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7. The Manual To Middle School
The Manual To Middle School is perfect for elementary students about to make the jump! This book helps readers learn how to build strong relationships, navigate their fluctuating emotions, and achieve student success by conquering the challenges faced when learning.
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8. Everything Sad Is Untrue
This poignant autobiographical novel portrays the importance of speaking your truth no matter how difficult it may be. True stories such as these are perfect for maturing middle schoolers as they enhance emotional learning by teaching learners to be mindful of what others may be going through.
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9. The Miscalculations Of Lightning Girl
The Miscalculations Of Lightning Girl is all about the importance of friendship and making meaningful social connections. After being struck by lightning, Lucy Callahan's life is forever changed. By being encouraged to attend middle school after the incident she is pushed out of her comfort zone- and who knows, it might just be the best thing that could have happened to her!
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10. Surviving Middle School
Survive and thrive with the help of this encouraging read, written by a middle school teacher! Learners are introduced to various aspects of positive psychology- encouraged to put their best foot forward and make the most of their challenging middle school journey.
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11. I'm 12 Years Old And I Saved The World
This powerful story provides comfort to learners who are fighting emotional battles. It aims to give its readers the strength to pick themselves up on the hardest of days and reminds us to embrace an empathetic approach to those around us.
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12. Planet Middle School
We've all been there and can certainly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that heartbreak isn't easy! This is a story of hope and is a source of comfort for those feeling lost. Planet Middle School is all about making sense of a world that seems like it's forever changing and makes no sense at all.
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13. Chicken Soup For The Soul
Sometimes we have to learn to make light of a tough situation. This book will help you do just that. Chicken Soup For The Soul gives readers a chance to reflect, learn, and be encouraged by reading 101 experiences that other middle schoolers have experienced.
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14. Dress Coded
Tired of the dress code rules at her school, one brave teen starts a rebellion! This story is not only about developing strong leadership skills, but also a tale of friendship and standing up against what is wrong.
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15. Posted
Teaching students to use the correct language, tone and approach should be an integral goal in every educational environment. Posted is a book about bullying. It teaches us that words have the power to harm and may often change things forever.
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16. Fish In A Tree
This story is centered around a young girl who has dyslexia and for the first time in her life, comes to truly believe that she is more than just her disability. It's one of the best middle school books for anyone struggling with a learning disability.
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17. The Thing About Jellyfish
Exposing middle schoolers to the effects of grief is what this remarkable read is all about. The Thing About Jellyfish follows the story of Suzy who, after losing her close friend in a tragic drowning incident, searches for hope!
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18. A Good Kind Of Trouble
Standing up for what is right isn't always easy, but this book makes readers feel like positive actions are always the right choice! This heartwarming tale teaches kids to do what they feel, in their heart of hearts, is right- even if it means losing a few friends along the way.
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19. Friendship Or Fame
Another inspiring read is Friendship Or Fame. The book written by Paul Breau is about a young girl who feels torn between her friends and pursuing one of her biggest passions.
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20. The Bridge To Terabithia
The Bridge To Terabithia gives readers insight into the social-emotional skills needed to cope with the loss of a loved one and reminds us to celebrate the lives of those who have passed.
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21. Turtle Boy
Taking chances isn't always easy if we don't know what the outcome will be. Turtle Boy teaches kids about emotions such as self-doubt and self-belief. It encourages us to take risks and step out of our comfort zone before it's too late!
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22. Side Tracked
Side Tracked teaches middle schoolers not to discredit themselves or berate themselves before they've given something a good shot! This read reminds us to spend time cultivating new friendships and working on our social skills.
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23. Well That Was Awkward
Well, That Was Awkward is a sweet chapter book that prompts us to lean into hope instead of wallowing in despair and embarrassment.
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24. Shouting At The Rain
Shouting At The Rain dives into the frustration we feel when life takes its due course and things around us start to change. It reminds us that no good comes from these feelings and reminds us to instead be renewed by the support of those closest to us.
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25. How To Be A Person
How To Be A Person takes a look at all the facets of growing up. It provides middle schoolers with tips and additional strategies on how to navigate the basics in life and master their social skills.
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26. Break Through The Noise
Mindfulness practice, anxiety-reducing techniques, and confidence-building tips are what this book is all about. It's a suggested read for middle school learners who struggle in social settings and have a difficult time expressing themselves.
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27. Swim Team
One of the biggest social skills that even adults have difficulty mastering, is working in a team. Swim Team not only encourages teamwork, but also shines a light on the importance of stepping out to try new things as well.
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28. Becoming Bully Proof
Becoming Bully Proof is all about cultivating the necessary skills to stand up to those pesky bullies. Physical violence is never the answer, but lucky for Logan, his martial arts training just might be the extra boost of confidence he needs to put a stop to his bullies once and for all.
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29. You Are Awesome
Authors such as Matthew Syed know how hard finding confidence can be. That's why he's created a book that reminds readers just how awesome they are! It's the perfect read for young learners struggling to build their confidence and step out of their comfort zone.
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30. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is a poignant tale of remaining persistent despite what others have to say. This book has been reworked to suit a younger audience and is adorned with inspiring pictures and drawings.
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