Tag: Social Emotional Learning

A cartoon style rocket ship in front of a blue background. Also a purple nebula spiral and a small saucer style space ship with a critter inside.
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

I Need Space

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

I Need Space* (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Molly Harris and illustrated by Jon Corby at first appears to just be a simple look at playing in space, but it’s much more.

Rocco the rocket ship finds the playground so much fun. It’s a blast until some others don’t play nice. What’s a spaceship to do?

I love puns, so the title and parts of the text especially appeal. And the art is darling! I like the backmatter as well.

I think this story will be helpful for kids learning how to navigate life, which they all have to do, and will appeal to teachers and parents as well. Readers of Jenn Bailey’s award-winning Henry books, may enjoy this one, too.

Read about the author here and see Molly’s other books here.

Read about Jon here and see his books and some of his illustrations here.

*The book’s official release date was Tuesday. I received a copy for review from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

cover of Gut Reaction
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Gut Reaction

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Gut Reaction (Scholastic Press, 2024) by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt was an inspirational read.

After the loss of her father, 8th grader Tess Medina is starting a new school and when she gets her new schedule, it shows a SEL class. What’s that? The counselor explains it is “Social Emotional Learning. Talking about feelings and stuff.” No way is she going to share feelings with strangers! Especially how baking is what still ties her to her dad. Or that she’s got this pain in her stomach that makes her rush for the bathroom. She has a goal of winning the Jubilee Flour Junior Baker West Coast competition, but how is she going to raise the money for the entry fees?

This is Quinn’s debut book, written with her mom, Kirby, and inspired by her own experience with Crohn’s disease. Read this interview about how the book nearly didn’t happen. This is Kirby’s first contemporary middle grade book. Read about the award winning author here and check out all her other books here.

This is the book’s website.