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“Liang, Tao, and Hosp share a passion for the potential of literature to make a difference in children’s lives. Their commitment to courageous conversations with real children in real classrooms is reflected in this valuable work. The volume provides suggested book sets, activities, discussion prompts, and other resources that are effective starting points for teachers.”

—Kathy G. Short, PhD, Regents Professor, Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies, and Director, Worlds of Words, University of Arizona


“Like a trusted mentor, this book empowers educators to guide courageous conversations about topics like mental health, immigration, and grief, using the power of picture book sets. While many may think that picture books are for younger students, these texts and conversations are invaluable to older students as well. Discover the power of intentional sequencing to unlock deeper learning and spark meaningful discussions. Few resources provide such comprehensive and practical support for maximizing the impact of text sets on students' social and emotional competencies, in developmentally appropriate ways.”

—Naomi Watkins, PhD, Secondary English Language Arts Specialist, Utah State Board of Education


“Liang, Tao, and Hosp have prepared a well-supported, interdisciplinary, thoughtful, creative, and easy-to-navigate book with numerous resources for professionals to encourage children’s well-being and mental health through literature. Children have important questions, deep thoughts, and the ability to take in complex information, and they deserve to be surrounded by adults who acknowledge their challenges, name what they want to discuss, and offer nurturing and informative interactions to help them understand themselves and others. This book prepares educators for the courageous conversations that children want and need.”

—Kristen Missall, PhD, School Psychology Program, University of Washington

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Table of Contents

1. Welcome to the Conversation: An Introduction to Using Children’s Literature for Courageous Conversations

2. The Time to Start the Work Is Now: Let’s Get Started

I. Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Growth Through Literature

Introduction

3. Bully or Bestie?: Talking About Getting Along

4. The Experience of Loss: Talking About Grieving

II. Supporting Children’s Understanding of Communities Through Literature

Introduction

5. It’s Not Fair! What Should I Do?: Talking About Civic Engagement and Taking Action

6. And Then We Had to Leave: Talking About Refugees and Communities

III. Supporting Children’s Positive Identity Formation Through Literature

Introduction

7. Where Are You From?: Talking About Race, Ethnicity, and Identity

8. I’m Me!: Talking About Gender and Identity

9. My Name: Talking About Ability and Identity

IV. Supporting Children’s Mental Health Through Literature

Introduction

10. Feeling Fragile: Talking About Worry and Anxiety

11. Losing Hope: Talking About Depression

Appendix of Reproducible Materials

References

Index

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About the Authors

Lauren Aimonette Liang, PhD, is Associate Professor in Literacy in the Department of Educational Psychology and Director of the QUEST Program for first-year student success at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on the selection and educational use of children’s literature, particularly as related to student response and comprehension. Dr. Liang is the author or coauthor of many articles, chapters, and books, and has held leadership roles in international literacy and children’s literature organizations. She has served as a committee member or chair for several prestigious children’s literature awards.

• Author's website
• All titles by Lauren Aimonette Liang

Karen Weiwei Tao, PhD, is Associate Professor in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah. She is a community-engaged scholar who teaches, conducts research, and facilitates workshops with a commitment to reduce disparities in access, service provision, and quality of mental health and education for historically marginalized groups. Dr. Tao collaborated with PBS Utah to produce an award-winning digital series, “Let's Talk.” As the host of this seven-episode series, she met with parents to discuss how to talk with kids about race, racism, and cultural differences.

Michelle K. Hosp, PhD, is Senior Director of Assessment Innovations at Renaissance Learning and Associate Adjunct Professor of Special Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has over 30 years of experience working directly with students, educators, families, and researchers as a school psychologist, professor, and Director of the Iowa Reading Research Center. Dr. Hosp's research focuses on reading, assessments, and data-based decision making. She has published numerous articles, and book chapters on these topics.

• All titles by Michelle K. Hosp

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Audience

Classroom teachers and other educators working with students ages 8–12 (grades 3–6); school psychologists and counselors.