Living in the Upper Elementary world, I am all for a good chapter book novel study. Talking about theme, symbolism, and character development are just a few of my favorite things to teach. The hidden secret with all of this, however, is that picture books are just as beneficial for these things in Upper Elementary classrooms as they are in the lower level ones. With smart word choices, intricate illustrations, and thought provoking messages, picture books give upper elementary students things to study and talk about without the time frame of a chapter book or the stress to a struggling reader.
Below, I have compiled a list of my favorite picture books to use for growth mindset lessons.
1-Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Knight Owl is story about an owl who sets a goal that most would say is out of his reach. He wants to become a knight. Not only does he achieve this goal, but he becomes quite a good one with his witty ways!
I absolutely love using this picture book in my upper elementary classes as it is not only centered around goal setting, but the message goes much further than that. In the story, Owl has the confidence to set a goal that seems unachievable and he not only works hard to reach it, but he also stays true to who he is. The students enjoy how cute the storyline and pictures are, but as a teacher, I love how we are also able to tie in great conversations. It makes a great beginning of the year story as we are setting our own goals.
Also, the author just released a sequel called, Knight Owl and the Early Bird which is just as cute and has a message focused around friendship!
2-I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
I Need My Monster is one of my favorite books! It is about a little boy who cannot sleep without the monster who lives under his bed. When his monster goes fishing, the boy tries to find a replacement, but is met with disappointment after disappointment as no other monster measures up.
While initially this book does not seem to have any growth mindset ties, it actually does a great job bringing up the topic about everyone needing certain things to feel safe or succeed. I use this in the beginning of the school year as I get to know my students. We read it together and then I share three things that I rely on each day to help me be the best I can be (My family who I can confide in, breaks throughout the day to move and refocus, and quiet time each night so I can bring myself down after each day). From there, the students make their list of three things that they rely on to help them be their best selves.
This book is also part of a series and they are all just as good as this one!
3-A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
A Porcupine Named Fluffy is an older picture book, but is adorable and hilarious. Even in 4th grade, my students ask to read it several times a year. This is a story about a porcupine that is named Fluffy, but quickly realizes that he his anything BUT fluffy. He does all of these things to try to live up to his name before an unexpected meeting teaches him that he is more than just a name. I love using this book when talking about being unique and ourselves. It is also a great way to emphasize being friends to everyone even when they are different from us.
Helen Lester has several other books that all have different character messages. We use them all in my classroom and I love how many students ask to borrow them during buddy class reads as well as independent reading time.
4-After the Fall by Dan Santat
After the Fall is a play on the classic Humpty Dumpty story. Humpty loves to watch the birds, but after his famous fall, he no longer can go to his favorite high viewing spot due to the fear of falling again. The story then goes on to show how he overcomes that fear.
We use this as a first week read aloud and I pair it with this activity where students get to design an egg “person” and then brainstorm 4 ways that they will help their classmates get back up after a setback/failure.
5-The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines
I have always been a “Fixer Upper” fan, so it was no surprise to me that I fell in love with this book after coming across it. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a simple story that highlights the fact that everyone brings something unique to the table while also learning in different ways. I love using this just simply as a read aloud. It can be used as a great lead in for students to identify their learning styles and what they bring to the table.
6-What Do You Do With a Chance by Kobi Yamada
What Do You Do With a Chance is a story about a little boy and a golden origami figure that symbolizes a “chance”. After several failed attempts to go after the figure, the boy finally takes a risk and grabs it. When he does, he soars around and realizes that in order to experience things like that, he cannot hold back. This is a timeless story that can be used at any point in the school year.
This book is part of a series that are all great for growth mindset.