My Top 3 SEL Books

[Andrew_Mouse]

Book 1: Ego is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Synopsis: Ego is The Enemy is a fascinating book that takes a deeper look at historical events, popular pieces of literature, and common philosophical questions in order to answer the question as to why certain conflicts were lost by a specific side. After careful analysis, author Ryan Holiday found that a common factor among various losses in history was the losing side having too big of an ego.

Benefits: This book acts as cautionary tale for young readers; encouraging them to be more mindful of their actions and confidence as it can be one's undoing. That being said, watching one's ego helps to teach an overall aura of respect among individuals despite what conflicts may come. Lastly, this book does an amazing job at leaving the reader wanting more and having to think deeply on the subject at-hand, which continues to promote overall successful readers.

Sources: Holiday, R. (2016). Ego is the enemy. Profile Books.

Find more information on GoodReads.com: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Goodreads

Book 2: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell

Synopsis: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell is a though provoking piece of literature that explores the common theme of "don't judge a book by its cover." It accomplishes this by going to the extremes by discussing individuals such as Fidel Castro and Adolf Hitler and how the people around them couldn't have known exactly who these people were or what they would do without getting to know them very well first.

Benefits: This book supports personal growth for young readers by teaching that classic theme that we have heard time and time again throughout our lives. It encourages students to drop their pre-conceived notions about individuals and instead get to truly know the person before any "judgement" can be passed. Similarly, it promotes an idea of respecting each other's differences solely because one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This promotes acceptance of individuals despite their physical characteristics (race, gender, clothing, etc.). Lastly, this book promotes a sense of being a successful reader by challenging students to think about their actions and truly understand the idea that no one knows another person's personality let alone their entire life just by passing by them on the street or having a single conversation.

Sources: Gladwell, M. (2019). Talking to strangers: What we should know about the people we don’t know. Little, Brown and Company.

Find more information on GoodReads.com: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell | Goodr...

Book 3: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Synopsis: This book explores author Dr. Brene Brown in her journey of life and self-discovery while encouraging others to do the same. Dr. Brown is motivated by the belief that one's own story matters because they as a person matter and addresses this sentiment regularly within her novel. Acting as a guide of sorts on how to live life to its fullest and truest to oneself, Dr. Brown believes that one's authenticity to others starts with being authentic to themselves and claims that "worthiness is an absolute act of resistance."

Benefits: This book supports the personal growth of individual readers by encouraging authenticity while addressing the fears and concerns that might come with being true to oneself. Dr. Brown utilizes these fears and stigmas to better guide students to respect each other and respect yourself because everyone matters. Lastly, this book promotes a sense of being a successful reader to students because they are encouraged to take these lessons and sentiments that Dr. Brown discusses and utilize them within their daily lives. Dr. Brown encourages students to be their truest and most authentic selves, which by proxy encourages students to find successful strategies for difficulties in life whether they be personal or school/academic-related.

Sources: Brown, B. (2022). The gifts of imperfection. Hazelden Publishing.

Find more information on GoodReads.com: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown | Goodreads