Welcome to Diverse Dives! Diverse Dives are book focused extensions that highlight different areas of social emotional learning. Scroll down to see the currently released studies! Upcoming dives are featured here:
The first Diverse Dive created is A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold. This early middle grade book study features an autistic 3rd grader who is excited to discover his veterinarian mother has a skunk kit that needs some extra care. This study explores the mixed emotions Bat feels throughout the story, as well as exploring a wildlife rehabilitation center, art ideas, and discussion questions throughout. You can find that study, here:
Introducing, A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond! This book study is perfect for K-3 as it explores alternative communication and sensory differences. Connect with the story through hands on activities, book extensions, and art ideas to describe your own unique voice as well! You can find this study, here:
Explore diversity in nature and in a classroom with Together a Forest by Roz MacLean. This book study is perfect for K-3, exploring diversity in nature and society around us, showcasing sensory supports as well as visible and invisible disabilities. Connect with the story using discussions, nature activities, and different caregiver resources!
How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico is a beautifully illustrated middle grade graphic novel that explores emotions that happen through grief after loss. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is best for ages 9 and up, and heavily deals with emotions throughout. Explore grounding exercises, emotional intelligence, and loads of discussion questions throughout to connect to grief and plants alike! You can read more about it and find this study, here:
Take a trip to the ocean with Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith! This middle grade graphic novel focuses on the topics of blended families, divorce, sibling dynamics, and emotional communication. Explore discussion questions around divorce, extended resources that connect to it, as well as art projects and community hands-on ideas! You can read more about this story and find the study, here:
Explore the different ways people move, just like ocean life, in Jamie Sumner’s picture book, A Fish Like Me! This study includes resources for caregivers on how to explain disabilities to your learners, what swim therapy is, and ocean life activities! The main character in this story is attending swim therapy for their mobility, and it features mobility aids, too.
Follow Frankie, a neurodivergent girl, as she navigates losing her best friend socially, as well as piecing together the mystery of her friend’s disappearance. This book study accompanying Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick, is a bit larger, providing guidance and support in understanding neurodivergent situations as well as grief in different ways. Best for ages 9 and up, more info below:
Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles is one of the most impactful reads of 2026. Start important conversations with your learner around grooming, sexual harassment, and child/teacher dynamics. This study is VERY guided and involves a lot of personal reflection as learners explore what it means to be an upstander and protect themselves/others from harm. Extensive resources are provided to help caregivers facilitate these conversations. Best for middle schooler and beyond. You can get the study, here:
