Picture Books for Lessons

These lists of picture books are sorted by topics and themes so that teachers can enhance, introduce, or vary curricular units. These lists may also be useful for teachers participating in #classroombookaday, a program started by Jillian Heise on Twitter that encourages a daily classroom read-aloud (particularly so that upper grades continue to benefit from read-alouds).

Relationship-Building Picture Books

Sub-categories include:
Identity - names, self-confidence, cultural heritage
First Week of School - first day experiences, school rules, building classroom communities
Family Relationships
Friendships / Teamwork

People in Picture Books

Sub-Categories include:
Trailblazing Women
Families
Cultural Heritage
World History
American History

Artists
Athletes
STEAM Careers
Politics/Government/Leaders
Other Careers
Health

Social-Emotional Learning

Celebrating Imagination; Wonder
Risk-Taking & Mistake-Making
Feelings, including Anxiety, Grief
Communication

Mindset & Attitude
Open-Mindedness
Persistence

Reading & Writing Picture Books

Love for Books and Libraries
Words and Writing
Author's Craft - Mentor Texts and Exploration of Text Elements
Author's Craft - Figurative Language
Picture Books That Use Letters to Tell the Story
Meta-Fiction: Books That Break the Fourth Wall
Wordless Picture Books

STEAM

Maker Mindset Picture Books
Sciences
Technology & Innovation
Engineering
The Arts: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Mathematics
Business