Examining the relationship between diverse Children’s literature and students' ability to navigate social and emotional learning / by Claire Weaver

This thesis provides analysis regarding the strong relationship between diverse children’s literature and its ability to build social and emotional learning (SEL) skills in the elementary classroom. It will examine fifteen highly awarded, diverse picture books based on a specially designed checklist unique to this thesis. Themes presented in diverse children’s picture books often allow educators and young readers to recognize and build upon their SEL skills. The study addresses these top fifteen picture books and brings awareness to the idea that a classroom library is broad and unique to the teacher and the set of students. It is crucial that students are presented with opportunities to see themselves and new perspectives in children’s books located in their classroom, as these opportunities lead to the ability to better understand and navigate SEL competencies.