Crisis Resources
"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark".
from The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark".
from The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
These resources aim to offer support, comfort, and encourage a look forward during times of intense difficulty.
The books cover topics of sadness, fear, kindness and a way to move onward through activism and art.
Bibliotherapy is using books to promote wellbeing.
Big Feelings
Beneath
by Cori Doerrfeld
Finn is in a bad mood, so his grandfather takes him on a walk in the forest, and tells him about all the things that are beneath the surface of plants and animals--and even people.
Looking for Happy
by Ty Chapman
A young boy reflects on the natural ups and downs of his emotions as his Grandmother helps him shift his sadness through music.
Rain Before Rainbows
by Smriti Prasadam-Halls
In the midst of the rain, rainbows can be hard to see. But with courage and the help of good friends, there is always a way out of the darkness
A Place Inside of Me
by Zettz Elliot
Through a series of poems a child describes his emotions through various events, including a shooting in his neighborhood. Expresses his joy, anger, outrage, conviction, and finally peace.
Characters in a Crisis
The Girl And The Wolf
by Katherina Vermette
A young girl becomes lost in the woods after wandering too far away from her mother. Scared because she is lost, she encounters a large wolf who reminds her of her own ability to survive and find her mother again.
Wolf In The Snow
by Matthew Cordell
This wordless story tells of a girl and a wolf pup lost in a snow storm. The girl helps the pup find its family and the wolves return the favor.
The Breaking News
by Sarah Lynne Reul
When breaking news devastates a young girl's community she finds a way to help cheer everyone up.
After the Fall
by Dan Santat
After falling off the wall, Humpty Dumpty is very afraid of climbing up again, but is determined not to let fear stop him from being close to the birds.
Kindness to Ourselves and Others
The Kindness Book
by Todd Parr
Looks at different ways to show kindness, including choosing kind words, giving compliments, and offering help without being asked.
Be Kind
by Pat Zietlow Miller
The story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend.
You Matter
by Christian Robinson
This story reminds the reader that no matter what happens or how one feels, he or she matters.
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
Taylor decides to build something amazing out of blocks, until a group of crows flies by and knocks it down. Several well-meaning animals try to help him, but only make it worse, until a rabbit arrives and just sits and listens.
A Way Forward
I Am One A Book of Action
by Susan Verde
One child who wants to make a difference joins with another and, through a series of simple actions and others' help, succeeds in making the world a better place. Includes a mindfulness exercise and notes about the importance of taking one first step
A Map Into The World
by Kao Kalia Yang
Paj Ntaub, a young Hmong American girl, spends a busy year with her family in their new home, and seeks a way to share the beauty of the world with a grieving neighbor.
Speak Up
by Miranda Paul
This book encourages the reader to speak up about everything from their own name being mispronounced to someone bring a weapon to school. Includes author's note about real people who have found their voices, when to speak up, and how to express oneself without speaking.
What Can A Citizen Do?
by Dave Eggers
Across the course of several actions by different children, we watch how kids turn a lonely island into a community--and watch a journey from what the world should be to what the world could be.
Online Resources for Adults Working with Children
National Mass Violence Center
Survivor-to-Survivor Tips for Recovery and Resiliency infograph. This PDF created on August 27, 2025 for the Minneapolis community has linked resources for teachers, parents and care givers, teens, survivors, victims and community members.
Managing Distress Grounding Tips for Crime Victims, Survivors and Family Members of Mass Violence Incidents
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources:
After A Crisis: How Young Children Heal uses the acronym safety to inform about behavior and how to address them.
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen
Other Resources:
Mental Health Minneapolis resources
Resources for Victims Minnesota resources
Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health
How to Talk With Your Children About School Shootings UNICEF
Coping with Anger After a Disaster or Traumatic Event by Subtance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events Childcare Aware of America
Phone numbers to call or text for support
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Available 24/7 phone
Family Response and Stabilization Service
612-979-9511
Available 24/7 phone or in-person visit
Cope Mobile Crisis Response Hennepin County
612-596-1223
Available 24/7 phone, virtual, or in-person visit
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
or text AYUDA for help in Spanish
Available 24/7 phone
211 – United Way
Toll Free: 800-543-7709
Local: 651-291-0211
Text your zip code to 898-211*
Find more information about the United Way