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Stories about standing out, liking who you are, and having the courage to be yourself even when you feel different.

53 books · 25 with a read aloud on our channel

The Day You Begin
Cover of The Day You Begin

The Day You Begin

K to 3rd grade

Kids who feel different, from their lunches to their summers, discover that sharing their stories helps them find each other. A gorgeous read for starting school and building belonging.

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Exclamation Mark
Cover of Exclamation Mark

Exclamation Mark

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
K to 2nd grade

Exclamation Mark feels different from the periods, until he learns what makes him special. Clever, funny, and great for being yourself.

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Red: A Crayon's Story
Cover of Red: A Crayon's Story

Red: A Crayon's Story

by Michael Hall
PreK to 2nd grade

Red's label says he's red, but everything he colors comes out blue, no matter how hard everyone tries to help. A clever, touching story about being true to who you are.

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Where the Wild Things Are
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Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak
PreK to 3rd grade

Max sails off to be king of the wild things and comes home to a warm supper. A true classic about big feelings and being loved.

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A Bad Case of Stripes
Cover of A Bad Case of Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes

K to 4th grade

Camilla worries so much about fitting in that she breaks out in stripes and wilder things, until she admits she loves lima beans. A vivid classic about being true to yourself.

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Being Frank
Cover of Being Frank

Being Frank

by Donna W. Earnhardt
K to 2nd grade

Frank tells the truth, a little too much of it. A funny, kind look at being honest without hurting feelings.

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Giraffes Can't Dance
Cover of Giraffes Can't Dance

Giraffes Can't Dance

PreK to 2nd grade

Gerald the giraffe is too clumsy to dance at the Jungle Dance, until a cricket helps him find his own music. A rhyming reminder that everyone shines in their own way.

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Elmer
Cover of Elmer

Elmer

by David McKee
PreK to 2nd grade

Elmer the patchwork elephant tries to look like everyone else, then realizes his herd loves him for being himself. A bright, cheerful classic about being different.

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A Frog Thing
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A Frog Thing

by Eric Drachman
PreK to 2nd grade

Frank the frog wants to fly, even though frogs can't. A funny, sweet story about big dreams and finding what you're great at.

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Chester's Way
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Chester's Way

Mouse Books series
PreK to 3rd grade

Best friends Chester and Wilson do everything exactly the same way, until bold, quirky Lilly moves in. Kids learn that new friends can make life bigger and better.

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It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
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It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

by Marilyn Sadler
PreK to 2nd grade

P.J. Funnybunny tries living with other animals, then learns there's no place like home. A sweet classic about being yourself.

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Egg
Cover of Egg

Egg

PreK to 3rd grade

Four eggs crack open, three baby birds fly off, and the fourth egg holds a big surprise. Told in comic panels with few words, it is a sweet story about unlikely friends.

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Woolbur
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Woolbur

by Leslie Helakoski
PreK to 3rd grade

Woolbur does everything his own way, even when the flock wants him to fit in. A funny celebration of being yourself.

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Little Lou and Just Being You
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Little Lou and Just Being You

by Leslie Mitchell Assini
PreK to 2nd grade

Little Lou is a pet store fish who's told nobody will pick her unless she changes. A sweet story about peer pressure and staying true to who you are.

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Zozo the Zebra Finds Her Sparkle
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Zozo the Zebra Finds Her Sparkle

by Sarah Mallen
PreK to 3rd grade

Zozo meets a unicorn and they go on a journey that helps her see her own sparkle. A bright, rhyming reminder that you're enough just as you are.

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Molly Mae's Milkshakes
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Molly Mae's Milkshakes

by Ajia Kirchgasser
PreK to 2nd grade

Molly Mae the cow can't make milk like her sisters, so she tries everything until she discovers amazing milkshakes. A sweet story about finding what makes you special.

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Fancy Nancy
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Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy series
PreK to 2nd grade

Nancy loves everything fancy and gives her plain family lessons in style, right up to a messy dinner out. A joyful, word rich story that celebrates being exactly who you are.

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Jessica
Cover of Jessica

Jessica

PreK to 3rd grade

Ruthie's imaginary friend Jessica goes everywhere with her, even to kindergarten, where Ruthie meets a real girl with the very same name. Warm and reassuring for kids starting school.

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Knight Owl
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Knight Owl

Knight Owl series
PreK to 3rd grade

Small Owl dreams of knighthood, and on night watch he faces a fearsome intruder with clever ideas instead of strength. A gorgeous Caldecott Honor tale about friendship and believing in yourself.

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Olivia
Cover of Olivia

Olivia

Olivia series
PreK to 2nd grade

Olivia the pig is good at lots of things, especially wearing people out. Her big personality, from beach castles to museum visits, makes this Caldecott Honor book an instant favorite.

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