Toolbox Booklist
Teacher Toolbox is a research based social and emotional program targeting elementary aged youth that helps develop resilience, self-mastery, and empathy for others. It teaches 12 simple yet powerful “Tools”. The common language and practices of Toolbox help children quickly adopt the Tools and use them with autonomy, resilience, and self mastery. The 12 Tools are: Breathing Tool, Quiet/Safe Place Tool, Listening Tool, Empathy Tool, Personal Space Tool, Using Our Words Tool, Garbage Can Tool, Taking Time Tool, Please & Thank You Tool, Apology & Forgiveness Tool, Patience Tool, Courage Tool.
The books on this list are intended to support the 12 Tools. All of these books are available in the Berkeley elementary school libraries. When the book is also available as an ebook, the book cover will link to the ebook.
For more information about these books, please ask your school library specialist. More information about the Teacher Toolbox is available here.
Breathing Tool
I calm myself and check-in.
Puppy in My Head: A Book About Mindfulness
by Elise Gravel
Grades K-2
Take a Breath
by Sujean Rim
Grades 3-5
Quiet/Safe Place Tool
I remember my quiet, safe place.
Charlotte and the Quite Place
by Deborah Sosin
Grades K-3
Fatima's Great Outdoors
by Ambreen Tariq
Grades 4-5
Listening Tool
I listen with my ears, eyes, and heart.
A House for Every Bird
by Megan Maynor
Grades K-3
XO, Exoplanet
by Deborah Underwood
Grades 4-5
Empathy Tool
I care for others. I care for myself.
I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
by Kerascoët
Grades K-3
Jenny Mei is Sad
by Tracy Subisak
Grades 2-4
What's the Matter, Marlo*
by Andrew Arnold
Grades 2-4
*This book can also be used for the "Taking Time" tool
Personal Space Tool
I have a right to my space and so do you.
Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It!)
by Carrie Finison
Grades K-3
Don't Touch My Hair!
by Sharee Miller
Grades K-4
Using Our Words Tool
I use the "right" words in the "right" way.
That's Not My Name!*
by Anoosha Syed
Grades K-1
*This book can also be used for the "Courage" tool
Something Good
by Marcy Campbell
Grades 4-5
Garbage Can Tool
I let the little things go.
I Don't Care
by Julie Fogliano
Grades K-1
Bird Boy
by Matthew Burgess
Grades 1-3
Taking Time Tool
I take time-in and time-away.
Enough is Enough
by Barney Saltzberg
Grades K-2
What's the Matter, Marlo*
by Andrew Arnold
Grades 2-4
*This book can also be used for the "Empathy" tool
Please & Thank You Tool
I treat others with kindness and appreciation.
The Thank You Letter
by Jane Cabrera
Grades K-1
Do Unto Otters
by Laurie Keller
Grades 1-3
Apology & Forgiveness Tool
I admint my mistakes and work to forgive yours.
I Forgive Alex: A Simple Story About Understanding
by Kerascoët
Grades K-2
I'm Sorry
by Michael Ian Black
Grades 1-3
Patience Tool
I am strong enough to wait.
Waiting on Mr. Sloth
by Katy Hudson
Grades K-2
Not 'Til Tomorrow, Phoebe
by Julie Zwilich
Grades 1-3
Courage Tool
I have the courage to do the "right" thing.
That's Not My Name!*
by Anoosha Syed
Grades K-1
*This book can also be used for the "Using Our Words" tool
When Langston Dances
by Kaija Langley
Grades 2-4