LITERATURE
To ensure that every individual has appropriate materials, specifically pertaining to mental health and its concepts, the following children's books have been authored by CultureChange co-founder, Jasmin Kotek. As an educator herself, all books align with both CASEL and MN standards, ensuring they are relevant, real, and relatable, and easily fit into the curriculum accessible across our state of Minnesota and beyond.
The initiative, Open Books, Open Minds, has also been in the works for the last few years, working to place. a complete set of these books into every Minnesota library, breaking down the barrier of access to literature that has been faced by so many.
See each book below, the fitting standards, and view its availability.
Believe, Bella
CASEL Standards Alignment:
-
Self-Awareness (confidence, self-efficacy)
-
Self-Management (perseverance, goal-setting)
-
Relationship Skills (peer encouragement, communication)
-
Social Awareness (empathy, recognizing others’ emotions)
Minnesota Standards Alignment:
-
Mental & Emotional Health (confidence building)
-
Interpersonal Communication (encouragement, teamwork)
-
Goal Setting & Personal Development
-
Empathy & Respect Development
Exhale, Ella
CASEL Standards Alignment:
-
Self-Awareness (recognizing stress, emotions, triggers)
-
Self-Management (coping strategies, emotional regulation)
-
Responsible Decision-Making (choosing healthy coping tools)
-
Social Awareness (understanding others’ emotional experiences)
Minnesota Standards Alignment:
-
Mental & Emotional Health (stress and anxiety awareness)
-
Stress Management & Coping Skills
-
Decision-Making & Healthy Choices
-
Emotional Regulation & Self-Control
Strong, Sox
CASEL Standards Alignment:
-
Self-Awareness (recognizing strengths and areas for growth in learning)
-
Self-Management (persistence through academic challenges)
-
Responsible Decision-Making (choosing to keep trying, using strategies)
-
Relationship Skills (seeking help, collaboration with peers)
Minnesota Standards Alignment:
-
Mental & Emotional Health (confidence in academic identity)
-
Goal Setting & Personal Development
-
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
-
Interpersonal Communication (asking for help, teamwork)
Wishful, Winnie
CASEL Standards Alignment:
-
Self-Awareness (recognizing dreams, self-doubt, and personal motivation)
-
Self-Management (goal-setting, discipline, persistence in training)
-
Responsible Decision-Making (choosing effort, preparation, and perseverance)
-
Relationship Skills (collaboration, support from others—Salt)
-
Social Awareness (encouragement and shared success)
Minnesota Standards Alignment:
-
Mental & Emotional Health (confidence through effort and growth)
-
Goal Setting & Personal Development
-
Decision-Making & Healthy Choices
-
Interpersonal Communication (collaboration, encouragement)
-
Persistence & Work Ethic Development
Grateful, Gibby
CASEL Standards Alignment:
-
Self-Awareness (recognizing positive experiences, emotions, and mindset shifts)
-
Social Awareness (appreciating others, recognizing acts of kindness)
-
Relationship Skills (expressing gratitude, strengthening connections)
-
Self-Management (shifting mindset toward positivity and appreciation)
Minnesota Standards Alignment:
-
Mental & Emotional Health (positive mindset, emotional well-being)
-
Interpersonal Communication (expressing appreciation and gratitude)
-
Empathy & Respect Development
-
Positive Identity & Self-Reflection
COMING SOON...
CASEL Standards Alignment:
Minnesota Standards Alignment: