If you’ve been waiting for this post, I apologize! Life has gotten a little nutty and I am clearly not winning that battle. 😂

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If you’re looking for Habits 1-3 (and 5 essential paradigms, click on the image below!

Habits 4-8 are known as the “external victory.” These are the changes other people will see in you! Again, I’ve worked to ensure a variety of text types (picture books, chapter books, graphic novels) and diverse reads. I became painfully aware of the “holes” in my classroom library last year as I realized several of my students were not represented. This list is far from perfect, but it’s a good starting point, so let’s dive in!

HABIT 4: THINK WIN-WIN

This set of texts includes several classic favorites. Each character is an “overcomer” and works to find a solution that requires working with a positive attitude, no matter what their circumstances are. I love “overcomer” stories and the connections my students make with them. These are no exception!

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller

HABIT 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD

Each of these books teaches children to be willing to seek out others’ thoughts and feelings before sharing their own. In each text, the main character(s) are either misunderstood due to the assumptions of others, or they almost miss out on the opportunity to form a friendship because they are busy guarding their hearts against others. Such rich discussions just waiting to happen! 

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Rules by Cynthia Lord

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Stargirl by Herry Spinelli

Working together is always better, and all of these books promote that idea. These books teach students to value the input and strengths of others, and learn from them. The characters learn to solve problems with others, a huge lesson for our students. 

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty by Nathan Zimelman

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

The Harmonica by Tony Johnston

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki

The Courage Test by James Preller

I mean, can you think of a character better than Auggie to teach children to find their voice? Find the things you love about yourself and use it to make the world a better place. Find the things you have right now at your disposal. Use them to create happiness for yourself and those around you – it’s contagious! These messages are prevalent in each of these texts. 

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

Again several of the texts I’ve mentioned today are FREE with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. I look at it as self-care and a pretty awesome teacher hack. 😉 If you have any questions about how Kindle Unlimited works, I’m happy to answer them! 

Don’t forget to download your FREE set of paradigm posters by signing up for my newsletter as well! 

Have a great week!