Books to Read in Session
I wouldn't tell you to purchase a book I haven't already purchased. Some of these are better than others, so read reviews before you purchase them. I'll mention which ones are my favorites in the descriptions that I write. Feel free to email me with any additional books that you've found useful!
I also know that many of these still neglect to include kiddos of color in the illustrations. I am constantly looking for more inclusive children's books. Here's a list that is not specific to trauma, but does list books with children of color. Here's some more, and some related to LGBTQ+ identities, etc.
A Terrible Thing Happened
This is one of the key books I use in therapy. A must have!! While written for younger kids, I honestly believe that you can make reading "little kid books" fun with any age. It introduces the idea of trauma and seeing a therapist!
The Way I Feel
Another one of my favorite books -- it introduces key emotions for kiddos in a fun, colorful way.
The Way I Act
This book is cute. It talks about actions and can be an easy-to-digest book for kiddos.
Listening to My Body
Yay for getting in touch with our bodies!
Please Explain "Anxiety" to Me!
As explained by the title, this book talks about anxiety and how it works biologically. It's a little technical but very helpful!
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
This book talks about worry, what kids may worry about, and how to "put worries in the worry hat" to help kiddos understand how to confront their worries.
An Exceptional Children's Guide to Touch
Many kiddos with trauma may have difficulty understanding what positive and consensual touch looks like due to forced touches that have been perpetrated against them. This can help kiddos learn!
Do You Have a Secret?
Kiddos who experience trauma may have been told to "keep it a secret," especially when it comes to sexual abuse and physical abuse. This can help kiddos process what to do with "secrets."
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
This book deals with secrets and what to do if they experience an unsafe touch.
I Said No!
This empowering book can teach kiddos about what touch is okay and what behaviors may be inappropriate.
Trauma: Teaching Kids All About Trauma
This book talks about trauma, including different types of trauma. It can help kiddos see how different events can be traumatic.
My Body Belongs to Me
We love enhancing safety skills in trauma therapy with kiddos. This can help them gain confidence and know what to do if they experience an unsafe touch.
Your Body Belongs to You
This book helps kiddos understand that even if you sometimes want a hug or kiss from someone, but they don't always need to accept touch from people.
I Can Handle it!
This book is precious, honestly. It can help kiddos think through what they can say and do when dealing with tough emotions.
B is for Breathe
This book is filled with ideas for coping skills that kiddos can use when experiencing big feelings.
Yoga Games for Children
Yoga is a great way to engage kiddos and help them become more mindful and in touch with their bodies. This book gives some creative ideas to use in therapy sessions!
I am Enough
This beautiful book talks about loving yourself, respecting others, and engaging in the world in meaningful ways.
Breathe Like a Bear
This book has several calming strategies for kiddos, from muscle relaxation to breathing techniques to visualization activities.
The Day My Daddy Lost His Temper
This book addresses domestic violence and can be useful in showing kiddos that they are not the only ones witnessing domestic violence.
My Mouth is a Volcano!
This book, although not specific to trauma, helps kiddos that struggle to stop and think before they speak or interrupt someone.
It's Okay to Be Different
This book is recommended for younger kiddos and can help them appreciate who they are and celebrate differences.
A Family That Fights
This book talks about witnessing fighting, and can be useful for the kiddos you work with who experience domestic violence.
I Just Don't Like the Sound of No!
This book is part of a series that teaches kiddos various coping skills. This book helps kiddos with communication skills.
What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake
This book is part of a series that helps kiddos and takes a cognitive-behavioral approach to worry, temper, sleep, OCD, negativity, nail-biting, etc.
Lots of Feelings
The reason I love this book is that it talks about many different feelings AND gives real pictures of kiddos experiencing those different feelings.
What to Do When Your Temper Flares
This book is also part of a series that helps kiddos and takes a cognitive-behavioral approach to worry, temper, sleep, OCD, negativity, nail-biting, etc.
