Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets by Barbara Esham

Illustrated by Mike Gordon and Carl Gordon. 30 p., Mainstream Connections, 2008.

Children who have ADHD may struggle with controlling their impulses. Such is the case with David, who explains that he upsets his teacher, Mrs. Gorski, every day, even though he doesn't want to. Finally Mrs. Gorski sends a note to his parents. His father dismisses her concerns: "'David just has the wiggle fidgets. I had the wiggle fidgets when I was a kid.'" But Mrs. Gorski wants to meet with the family. Before then, David decides to think of a cure for the "wiggle fidgets." He brings four cures to the meeting. First, he makes cards to put on his desk that say things like "FOCUS and LISTEN" and "What are the CONSEQUENCES?" He also brings a timer because he if he knows how long it's necessary to pay attention, he doesn't have to wonder about that, which presumably would distract him. Third, he brings a stress ball to fidget with, which helps him pay attention. Finally, he proposes that he be allowed to do things that involve physical activity, such as erasing the blackboard. Mrs. Gorski approves of these ideas and plans to implement them. In fact, it turns out that as a child, she had the "wiggle fidgets" too! As the story ends, she tells David, "many great minds come with the wiggle fidgets." This story supplies empathy for children who really do want to do what they're expected to. Not only does it present some helpful strategies for coping with ADHD, but also, it shows kids that kids who have ADHD may do an excellent job taking initiative and solving problems. These attributes make this story an excellent resource to support children in coping with ADHD.

Ages: 6-10
Cultural Context: multicultural

The Apple Doll by Elisa Kleven

32 p., Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007.

Starting school for the first time can bring concerns about being away from home and about making new friends. In this story, Lizzy is worried about both. She finds a great way to bring the security of home with her: her favorite thing at home is the apple tree in her yard, and she brings one of its apples, which comforts her when she misses home. But it isn't just an apple. Lizzy gives the apple a face and a stick body, and names her Susanna, and in Lizzy's imagination, Susanna promises to be her friend in this scary new place. When children tease Susanna, Lizzy tells her she doesn't have to go to school any more, but then Lizzy is lonely at school. Meanwhile, at home, her family is preserving apples for the winter, and they get the idea to preserve Susanna by drying her. She becomes a grandma doll that exudes strength, happiness, and wisdom. Lizzy's classmates are so impressed that her teacher invites her to show the class how to make apple people. After this, Lizzy and Susanna have lots of new friends. Instructions for making an apple doll are included. With colorful illustrations that are full of detail and energy, this story offers hope for bringing your own strength to a new and daunting experience.

Ages: 4-8
Cultural Context: multicultural

Darkness by Mildred Pitts Walter

Illustrated by Marcia Jameson. 26 p., Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Whether or not you're afraid of the dark, wonderful things that happen there -- the beginning of human life in the darkness of the womb, the beginning of plant life and the formation of precious metals and stones in the darkness of the earth, and undersea life in the darkness of the sea. Even creative ideas begin in the darkness of inside the human mind. Because dreams are also mentioned as a benefit of darkness, this might be a less-appropriate choice for children who fear bad dreams. If this isn't a concern, this book can help change fearful children's perspectives on the dark to one of appreciation of its growth-promoting properties.

Ages: 1-7
Cultural Context: multicultural

Tío Armando by Florence Parry Heide and Roxanne Heide Pierce

Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi. 32 p., Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1998.

To resolve grief, children need to keep someone they love in their heart even after the person has died. Lucitita's favorite great-uncle, Tío Armando, comes to live with her, her parents, and her brothers and sister. During a year in the family's life, Tío Armando shows kindness, generosity, wisdom, and a remarkable capacity to bring the family together. He tells Lucitita that he will never leave her. When he dies at the end of the year, Lucitita feels sadness beyond tears, and at the same time understands that he will always be with her, beautifully illustrating this paradoxical combination that is a central component of mourning.

Ages: 5-9
Cultural Context: Latina

Brenda Berman, Wedding Expert by Jane Breskin Zalben

Illustrated by Victoria Chess. 48 p., Clarion, 2009.

Sometimes a blended family comes in the form of the marriage of a favorite uncle who you thought you had all to yourself. Such is the case for Brenda when her favorite Uncle Harry announces his engagement. Brenda will have to share Uncle Harry not only with her new Aunt Florrie, but also with Florrie's niece, her new cousin Lucy. And to top it all off, Brenda has always dreamed very specific dreams of being a flower girl at a wedding, but now the wedding plans will be made according to Florrie's preferences. Brenda is absolutely sure that she'll never like Lucy or forgive Uncle Harry. But when things don't go the way she expects, she enlists Lucy in a plan to make them right. The two girls end up as good friends, Brenda's special vision is acknowledged and appreciated, and Brenda forgives Uncle Harry and accepts her new family. With Brenda, children can learn that even though you can't always have things the way you want them, you can not only survive what feels like disaster, but you can also discover good experiences that you never would have predicted.

Ages: 6-9
Cultural Context: European American

The Little Elephant With a Big Earache by Charlotte Cowan, MD

Illustrated by Elaine Garvin. 32 p., Hippocratic Press, 2004.

Earaches are virtually universal among young children. They can worry kids, particularly when they start during the night, as so often happens. This is the experience of Eddie the elephant, just when his cousins have come to celebrate his birthday with him. His mom takes his temperature, gives him medicine and lots of reassurance, and rocks him back to sleep. In the morning, she takes him to Dr. Hippo. Gentle Dr. Hippo asks Eddie's mom to monitor the fever and malaise and to bring him back if he gets worse. Eddie's infection clears up quickly on its own, and he enjoys his birthday party. Eddie is a good role model - he expresses his concerns, but tolerates discomfort. For example, he hates his bad-tasting medicine, but swallows it, and at Dr. Hippo's office, he wants to go home, but stays. He also takes good care of himself by finding his mom when he feels sick. There are some wonderful details of anthropomorphized elephant life - when it's time for dinner, Eddie's mom tells the kids to squirt themselves off! The illustrations are colorful and child-friendly, with very expressive faces. A separate guide for parents (in a pocket inside the back cover) gives helpful information and advice about caring for and seeking medical help for a child with an ear infection. Fun and exuberant while still acknowledging the realities of kids' fear and pain, this sweet story provides age-appropriate information and reassurance about ear infections.

Ages: 2-7
Cultural Context: non-human

Big Brother Dustin by Alden R. Carter

Illustrated by Dan Young and Carol Carter. 32 p., Whitman, 1997.

Dustin's parents bring home great news: they are going to have a baby girl. Dustin is very excited. He helps get the baby's room ready, takes a class for older siblings at the hospital, and, with his mother, reads a book about having a new baby in your family. But his biggest job is thinking of a name for the baby. He works hard at this, and comes up with the perfect name, MaryAnn, after his grandmothers, Mary and Ann. The story ends with a delightful album of pictures of Dustin and MaryAnn playing together. Dustin has Down syndrome. Illustrated with emotionally resonant color photographs, this story conveys excitement and warmth.

Ages: 3-7
Cultural Context: European American