LibGuides: Growth Mindset and the Elementary Classroom- Lisa Franey: Growth Mindset Student Resources

Read-Alouds Which Foster A Growth Mindset

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781554537044
Publication Date: 2014-04-01
A little girl has a wonderful idea. With the help of her canine assistant, she is going to make the most magnificent thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. But making the most magnificent thing turns out to be harder than she thinks.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty; David Roberts (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781419708459
Publication Date: 2013-09-03
A young aspiring engineer must first conquer her fear of failure.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett (Illustrator); Gary Rubinstein
ISBN: 9781402255441
Publication Date: 2011-10-04
Beatrice is so well-known for never making a mistake that she is greeted each morning by fans and reporters, but a near-error on the day of the school talent show could change everything.
What Do You Do with a Problem? by Mae Besom (Illustrator); Kobi Yamada
ISBN: 9781943200009
Publication Date: 2016-06-01
When a problem becomes too big from worrying about it, a child decides to face the problem and learns that problems can make us stronger.
Thanks for the Feedback, I Think by Julia Cook; Kelsey De Weerd (Illustrator); Anita Dufalla (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781934490495
Publication Date: 2013-09-01
RJ learns what it means to receive positive and negative feedback, and how to respond appropriately, learning to accept and grow from criticism and compliments at home, school and with friends.
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
ISBN: 9780761157281
Publication Date: 2010-09-23
A life lesson that all parents want their children to learn: It's OK to make a mistake. In fact, hooray for mistakes! A mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of discovery. A spill doesn't ruin a drawing--not when it becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear in your paper? Don't be upset about it when you can turn it into the roaring mouth of an alligator.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780763619619
Publication Date: 2003-09-15
Vashti believes that she cannot draw, but her art teacher's encouragement leads her to change her mind.
The Ok Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Illustrator); Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780061152559
Publication Date: 2007-04-24
A character enumerates a great many things that it enjoys doing, although not great at any of them, knowing that someday it will excel at something.
Not Yet by Lisa Cox
ISBN: 9781457555633
Publication Date: 2017-05-30
A little girl, Lorisa, faces the challenges of her day with her younger brother looking up to her and her dog, Doodle, by her side. She demonstrates for our readers what a growth mindset looks like. She has big dreams and an attitude of positive thinking that is going to take her into the future with all kinds of possibilities.
Of Course It's a Big Deal by Bryan Smith; Lisa Griffin (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781944882112
Publication Date: 2017-03-01
Braden delivers drama to every minor misunderstanding, grievance and annoyance in his life! Will he learn to keep his cool in the face of disappointment, or will every discouraging moment send him into an emotional meltdown? See what lessons he learns in this fast-paced story about the perils of overreacting and losing self-control.
Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook; Allison Valentine (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781937870430
Publication Date: 2017-04-18
Meet Bubble Gum Brain and Brick Brain: two kids with two very different mindsets. Bubble Gum Brain likes to have fun adventures, learn new things, and doesn't worry about making great mistakes. Brick Brain is convinced that things are just fine the way they are and there's not much he can do to change them, so why try? When Bubble Gum Brain shows Brick Brain how to peel off his wrapper, Brick Brain begins to realize just how much more fun school...and life... can be!
Mindset Matters by Bryan Smith; Lisa Griffin (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781944882129
Publication Date: 2017-09-01
At the first sign of trouble, Amelia frets she's a failure. But she soon learns that success has many definitions. "Mindset Matters" teaches children how to see problems and dilemmas as opportunities to learn and grow and reveals why failing doesn't make them failures.
My Day Is Ruined! by Bryan Smith; Lisa Griffin (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781944882044
Publication Date: 2016-08-01
When the championship baseball game gets rained out, ballplayer Braden curls up on the couch and cries. Just another one of his overreactions. Braden always lets small disappointments ruin his day, so his mom and teacher give him a lesson on 'flexible thinking.' Will this help Braden feel better when disappointment comes his way?
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan; Roslyn M. Jordan; Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780689834196
Publication Date: 2003-11-01
Michael Jordan.
The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he'd never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That's when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion -- patience, determination, and hard work.
What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada; Mae Besom (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781938298073
Publication Date: 2014-02-01
What do you do with an idea? Especially an idea thats different, or daring, or a little wild? This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. Its a story for anyone, at any age, whos ever had an idea that seemed too big, too odd, too difficult. Its a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it space to grow, and to see what happens next.
Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator); Peter Reynolds (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780763623449
Publication Date: 2004-08-19
Drawing is what Ramon does. It's what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon's older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right."
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty; David Roberts (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781419721373
Publication Date: 2016-09-06
Ada Twist is a very curious girl who shows perseverance by asking questions and performing experiments to find things out and understand the world.
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty; David Roberts (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780810911062
Publication Date: 2007-10-01
Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they're sometimes surprised by his materials--who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up!
Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming; Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780374399085
Publication Date: 2013-06-04
In the summer of 1851, with encouragement and ideas provided by his family, an inventor builds a working submarine and takes his family for a ride. Includes notes about Lodner Phillips, the real inventor on whom the story is based.
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
ISBN: 9780316222587
Publication Date: 2014-10-07
Little Louie's story keeps getting messed up, and he's not happy about it! What's the point of telling his tale if he can't tell it perfectly? But when he stops and takes a deep breath, he realizes that everything is actually just fine, and his story is a good one--imperfections and all.
Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780375870071
Publication Date: 2013-04-09
A father teaches his daughter all about bicycle riding, from selecting the right bike to trying again after a fall.
Anything Is Possible by Giulia Belloni; Marco Trevisan (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781926973913
Publication Date: 2013-08-15
The sheep in this story is a dreamer, while her friend the wolf has a more practical disposition. One day the sheep runs to the wolf with an idea. She wants to build a flying machine! But the wolf tells her it's impossible. Eventually, however, the sheep's dream gets the better of the wolf's doubts, and they begin to work on the project together. Through perseverance and the process of trial and error, the sheep and wolf manage to create a winning design, brought to life by architecturally and mathematically inspired paper collage art. At the end of this whimsical tale, even the wolf has to admit that anything is possible!
Marvelous Mattie by Emily Arnold McCully
ISBN: 9780374348106
Publication Date: 2006-02-21
With her sketchbook labeled "My Inventions" and her father's toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything - toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. However, in court, a man claimed the invention was his, stating that she "could not possibly understand the mechanical complexities." Marvelous Mattie proved him wrong, and over the course of her life earned the title of "the Lady Edison."
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780399242861
Publication Date: 2004-06-03
Eager to have a star of his own, a boy devises imaginative ways of catching one.
Whistle for Willie by Weston Woods Staff (Created by)
ISBN: 9781555928568
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
A young boy tries to learn how to whistle, so that he can call his dog like all the bigger boys do.
Flight School by Lita Judge (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781442481770
Publication Date: 2014-04-15
Although little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn't built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly! Even if he needs a little help with the technical parts, this penguin is ready to live on the wind.
A Splash of Red by Jennifer Bryant; Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780375867125
Publication Date: 2013-01-08
An inspiring story of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved, and be recognized for who he was: an artist.
Emmanuel's Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson; Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780449817445
Publication Date: 2015-01-06
The story of a West African youth who pursued an education, helped support his family and became a record-setting cyclist in spite of a disability traces his ongoing achievements as an activist.
Nadia by Karlin Gray; Christine Davenier (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780544319608
Publication Date: 2016-06-07
A biography of the young Romanian gymnast describes some of the ways her energy got her into trouble as a child, how she became involved in gymnastics, and how practice and determination led her to become an Olympic champion.
Brave Irene by William Steig (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780312564223
Publication Date: 2011-10-11
Brave Irene, the dressmaker's daughter, ventures out into a fierce snowstorm to deliver the beautiful ball gown her mother has made for the duchess.
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle; Rafael López (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780544102293
Publication Date: 2015-03-31
This story follows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki; Qin Leng (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781894786331
Publication Date: 2014-08-01
In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only had only three lessons. Hana's brothers insist she isn't good enough. 'It's a talent show, Hana,' they tell her. 'You'll be a disaster!' Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana begins to practice every day. When her confidence wavers on the night of the show, she's frightened it won't pay off.
Ruby's Wish by Bridges Shirin Yim; Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781452145693
Publication Date: 2015-08-04
Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family.
Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak; Sarah Ackerley (Illustrator); Leslie Iorillo (Designed by); Judy O'Malley (Editor); Rana DiOrio (Editor-In-Chief)
ISBN: 0982993803
Publication Date: 2010-12-13
This book provides information about the human brain, discussing what it is, its different parts, how it grows, and its role in controlling various parts and functions of the body.
When Pigs Fly by Valerie Coulman; Rogé Girard (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780998074238
Publication Date: 2017-04-26
Ralph wants a bicycle, but as everyone tells him, cows don't ride bicycles! His father unwittingly offers a glimmer of hope when he tells Ralph he can have a bicycle "when pigs fly." But pigs don't fly, right? "Not yet," replies a determined Ralph. With vivid, charming illustrations and a can-do attitude, this award-winning picture book shows young readers that positive thinking can triumph over all the no’s in the world.

Book descriptions retrieved from https://www.titlewave.com.

Videos for Students

Musician Bruno Mars teams up with Sesame Street characters to sing about persistence and not giving up when things get tough.

A description of growth mindset concepts for older elementary students. Includes a personal story from a student who struggled with math and worked to overcome this using the power of "yet".

An informative video on the differences of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, explained by the narrator, who incorporates hand-drawn images to illustrate the topics discussed. Best for older elementary students.

Big Bird sings about how mistakes are a normal part of life for everyone - even you!

A bright 6th grader explains growth mindset in this brief but informative video for students.

Janelle Monae and the Sesame Street crew team up to sing a song about "the power of yet".

This funny video features real teachers who admit they make mistakes all the time! Through their embarrassing stories which they share, students learn that mistakes are simply a part of life and something to learn from.

A student-created music video about growth mindset and mathematics, set to the tune of a popular song.

A fun, catchy song, sung by a class, about how we can learn from our mistakes and never give up.

A lively, entertaining song, sung by third graders to the tune of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off", about making mistakes and always trying your best.

A clever song to teach students about neuroplasticity and what it means.

A catchy song which students will soon be singing themselves after watching the video! It teaches them to "have a go" and try their best, even when things are tough.