Summer is the perfect time to relax, recharge…and read! Whether your students are playing in the pool, heading to camp, or just enjoying a slower pace, books can be a wonderful way to help students continue learning all year long. At Classroom Champions, we know that learning doesn’t stop in June, and neither does mindset development. That’s why we’ve pulled together a reading list inspired by the eight mindsets we explore in the Champion Mindset curriculum. But, these aren’t just units we teach during the year—they’re life skills that kids can explore and strengthen through books, conversations, and real-world moments all summer long. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and get ready to grow that Champion Mindset—one story at a time.
Picture Books on Goal SettingÂ
When students learn to set goals, they learn to take ownership of their future. They start to think critically about what they want, how they’ll get there, and how to navigate the bumps along the way. Summer is a great time to revisit these skills—especially through stories about characters who fall short, get back up, and try again.Books in this section can help students connect the dots between dreaming big and doing the hard work it takes to grow. The right story might even spark a new goal for the season ahead.
Book ideas:Â
- The Koala Who Could
- It Began with Lemonade
- Going Places
- When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left
- Chasing Dreams
- The Year We Learned to Fly
Picture Books on Teamwork
Even the strongest individuals know they can’t do it all alone. That’s why teamwork is a core part of the Champion Mindset. It teaches students how to communicate clearly, appreciate different perspectives, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.This summer, let students dive into books where characters learn to work together, overcome conflict, and discover how collaboration helps a dream become a reality. These stories can help build a stronger sense of empathy and community, even outside the classroom.
Book ideas:Â
- Packs: Strength in Numbers
- The Way Champs Play
- Boxitects
- Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever!Â
- UnstoppableÂ
- Someone Builds the Dream
- That Fruit is Mine
- Up the Creek
Picture Books on Emotions
From high highs to low lows, emotions are part of life, especially for growing kids. Being a Champion means learning how to recognize those feelings, manage them, and still make thoughtful choices, even in tough moments. Stories in this section give students the chance to see emotional regulation in action. They’ll meet characters who feel deeply, react in big ways, and ultimately find tools to steady themselves.
Book ideas:Â
- The What Ifs
- Ruby Finds a Worry
- Taco Falls Apart
- Grumpy Monkey
- Alphabreaths
- The Lion Inside
- B is for Breathe
- My Body Sends a Signal
Picture Books on Community
Every champion has a support system behind them. Communities lift us up and help us reach our goals. These books help students understand the power of connection, inclusion, and belonging. They just might inspire readers to look around and ask, “How can I make a difference right here?”
Book ideas:Â
- We Are Better Together
- We Are All Connected
- All Are Neighbors
- More Than Words
- The Circles All Around Us
- Say Something!Â
- The Buddy Bench
- Chairs on Strike
Picture Books on Feedback
Getting feedback can be tough, but it’s one of the most valuable tools for growth. At Classroom Champions, we believe feedback helps us stay open, learn from those around us, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.These stories show what can happen when characters listen, reflect, and take action. From peer advice to coach critiques, feedback is everywhere. Help your students start thinking about how they can both give and receive it in ways that build eachother up.
Book ideas:Â
- The Magical Yet
- The Big Cheese
- Thanks for the Feedback
- What Should Danny Do?
- Taste Your Words
- The Curious Why
Picture Books on Perseverance
“I can do it, even when it’s hard!” That’s the heart of perseverance. This mindset is all about grit, resilience, and sticking with something even when progress feels slow. Summer is a great time to reinforce this belief through stories of challenge and comeback. These books highlight characters who keep going, even when things don’t go their way. It’s a great way to help students see that every step, every setback, and every try counts.Â
Book ideas:Â
- Stacey’s Extraordinary Words
- She Persisted in Sports
- Giraffes Can’t Dance
- After the Fall
- The Girl Who Figured it Out
- Jabari Jumps
Picture Books on Healthy Living
From what they eat to how they move to the choices they make every day, kids are constantly building habits. Champions learn early that small, healthy decisions add up to a strong body and a strong mind.These books spark curiosity about what it means to live well. Whether they focus on nutrition, movement, rest, combatting peer pressure, or self-care, they can help students reflect on their own routines, and maybe even try something new this summer.
Book ideas:Â
- A Kids Book About SleepÂ
- I am Yoga
- The Magic of Me: My Magical Foods
- A Bad Case of Stripes
- You Are Healthy
- I Can Eat a Rainbow
- What Does it Mean to Be Safe?Â
- From My Head to My Toes
- The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others
Picture Books on Leadership
Every student has the power to use their voice, make thoughtful choices, and inspire others. Books in this section highlight all kinds of leaders - from quiet changemakers, to bold action takers. Leadership can look different for everyone. As students read, they’ll see how leadership is less about being in charge and more about lifting others up. Encourage them to notice what kind of leader they already are, and what kind they want to become.
Book ideas:Â
- She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch
- RoxaboxenÂ
- Are You the Pirate Captain?Â
- He Leads: Mountain Gorilla, the Gentle Giant
- We Are Better Together
- Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
