Book choice is a big part of the magic of this program: each Reading with Relevance unit is built around a carefully-selected text that authentically engages and motivates students. How do we choose our books? We start by reading a lot of children’s and young adult books, and then use our SEL book selection criteria to guide our final choices. When assessing texts for the program, we ask ourselves questions like: “Is the text enabling, providing counter narratives around diverse identities and promoting self-confidence?” “Are values being explored instead of preached?” “Are there conflicts, decisions, and issues for children to consider, question, and talk about?” “Is there a positive or uplifting tone to the text as a whole?”
