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A common activity during a Kids Hope USA mentoring hour is reading. Whether your student is all about picking up a book or needs some additional encouragement to start on a page, reading can be a valuable activity that has so many great benefits.
But what to read?
Some mentors and students meet in a library, where they have access to hundreds of books. Other pairs may meet elsewhere and may need to bring books along.
If you’re looking for a great book to help encourage your student to read more during your time together—or if you’re a director and want to provide even more book options—check out this list! Be sure to use the links below to make your purchase to help Kids Hope USA raise additional funds through Amazon’s affiliate program.
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Social-Emotional Books
The Invisible Boy
This book by Trudy Ludwig is a story about how an act of kindness changes everything.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
This book by Carol McCloud is about kindness and empathy with practical ideas.
WishTree
This book by Katherine Applegate is a story about an Oak tree that has many rings old, bringing themes of friendship, kindness, and hope.
Very Last Leaf
This book by Stef Wade is a story about a young leaf conquering his fear of falling. It’s a way to help kids talk about fear.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days
This book by Shelly Becker is a silly and engaging story of how superheroes deal with bad days.
Mason’s Greatest Gems
This character-building book by Chelsea Lee Smith shows how we all have hidden gems inside.
Ruby Finds a Worry
This book by Tom Percival is helpful for students who tend to worry, with a practical tip to make worries get smaller.
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
This book by Julie Cook is about worrying, with some practical tools to address worries.
The What Ifs
This book by Emily Kilgore provides practical tools for today’s troubles by thinking about the good “what-ifs”.
The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon
This book by Matthew Burgess will help readers having a grumpy day to find ways to turn it around.
What Do You Do With a Chance?
This book by Kobi Yamada shares what happens when you have courage and saying yes.
Character Traits
Being Frank
This book by Donna Earnhardt shares how Frank learns a great lesson about honesty and compassion.
Do Unto Otters
This book by Laurie Keller is a fun way to help students see the Golden Rule played out every day.
Gratitude is Your Superpower
This book by Amy Weber will help instill thankfulness for big things and little things and help students understand how it feels to share thankfulness with others.
Beautiful Oops
This fun book by Barney Saltzberg is about making mistakes. He turns mistakes into something beautiful.
Creativity Books
Carla’s Sandwich
This book by Allison Janney is a story that will help spark creativity and inspiration.
The Sandwich Swap
This book by Queen Rania Al-Abdullah is about having the courage to try something new.
Closure Books
Goodbye Friend, Hello Friend
This book by Cori Doerrfeld is a sweet story about closure, where every goodbye can be turned into a hello.
Gotta Go, Buffalo
This book by Kevin & Hailey Meyers is a helpful resource for closure with
students.
See You Later, Alligator
This book by Sally Hopgood is a helpful resource for closure with students.
