Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey

Thelma the Unicorn is a surprisingly sweet picture book with a powerful message for young children: love who you are. Thelma’s journey from ordinary pony to sparkling celebrity teaches kids that they don’t need to change to find happiness. This book is an excellent tool for promoting self-acceptance and embracing authenticity in the classroom.

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I am a GREAT Friend! by Lauren Stohler

I am a GREAT Friend! delivers a sweet message about authenticity and friendship through the eyes of Baby Capybara. When he tries to change his adventurous nature to fit in, he learns that true connection comes from being himself. This relatable picture book is perfect for showing young children that it’s okay if not everyone likes your ideas—your perfect friend is out there!

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Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Something Like Home is a heartfelt novel in verse that uses its poetic structure to give students a gentle, honest window into the themes of family, belonging, and resilience. This powerful story is a quick, engaging read perfect for sparking deep ELA discussions on character development and poetic structure in grades 4-6.

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