“Of the countless books that teachers use to shed light on such issues as friendship, inclusion, empathy, problem solving, or understanding differences, some titles stand out for being especially authentic and memorable,” Open Circle says. “Like good friends, the books on this list are potential sources of comfort, validation, laughter, surprises, and new perspectives for children.”

1. The Hundred Dresses.* Eleanor Estes. Harcourt, 1944. Gr 3–5.
2. Crow Boy. Taro Yashima. Viking, 1955. Gr 2–5.
3. Yesterday I Had the Blues. Jeron Ashford Frame. Tricycle. 2003. Gr 2–5.
4. Henry and the Kite Dragon. Bruce Edward Hall. Philomel, 2004. Gr 3–5.
5. Crazy Hair Day. Barney Saltzberg. Candlewick, 2003. Gr 2–4.
6. Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes. HarperCollins/Greenwillow,1996. Gr K–3.
7. I Miss Franklin P. Shuckles. Ulana Snihura. Annick, 1998. Gr 1–3.
8. Danitra Brown, Class Clown. Nikki Grimes. Harpercollins/Amistad, 2005. Gr 3–5.
9. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy.* Gary Schmidt. Clarion, 2004. Gr 5.
10. Wonder.* R.J. Palacio. Knopf, 2012. Gr 3–5.
11. Rules.* Cynthia Lord. Scholastic, 2006. Gr 3–5.
12. Anything But Typical. Nora Raleigh Baskin. S&S, 2009. Gr 5.
13. When Sophie gets Angry, Really Angry. Molly Bang. Scholastic/Blue Sky, 1999. Gr K–1.
14. My Name is María Isabel.* Alma Flor Ada. S&S/Atheneum, 1993. Gr 3–4.
15. Thank you Mr. Falker. Patricia Polacco. Philomel, 1998. Gr 4–5.
16. Yoon and the Jade Bracelet. Helen Recorvits. Farrar,  2008. Gr 3–4.
17. The Teddy Bear. David McPhail. Holt, 2002. Gr 3–5.
18. Mouse Was Mad. Linda Urban. Harcourt, 2009. Gr K–1.
19. Teammates. Peter Golenbock. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990. Gr 4–5.
20. Chrysanthemum. Kevin Henkes. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, 1991. Gr K–1.
21. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.* Jack Gantos. Farrar, 1998. Gr 4–5.
22. Also Known as Harper.* Ann Haywood Leal. Holt, 2009. Gr 5.
23. How to Steal a Dog.* Barbara O’Connor. Farrar, 2007. Gr 5.
24. Becoming Naomi Leon.* Pam Munoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2004. Gr 3–5.
25. Willow’s Whispers. Lana Button. Kids Can Press, 2010. Gr K–1.

*chapter book or novel

For more information about several of the titles on this list and interactive ways that these books can be used to help engage children, a series of short videos, featuring Peg Sawyer, B.S.Ed., trainer and coach with the Open Circle Program, is available online.

The Wellesley Centers for Women is one of the largest gender-focused research and action organizations in the world. Scholars at the Centers conduct social science research and evaluation, develop theory and publications, and implement training and action programs on issues that put women’s lives and women’s concerns at the center.

(Editor’s note: What are your favorite titles for helping kids develop their social and emotional skills? Please comment with suggestions for new books as well as your perennial favorites.)

With his hulking body and sledge-hammer-shaped fists, Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) has been the villain in a kid-favorite arcade video game for 30 years, smashing buildings and causing mayhem throughout Niceland, damage adeptly repaired by the ever-cheerful Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer). Fed up with being another 8-bit baddie, Ralph is ready to take a shot at being the good guy and decides to prove his mettle by earning a medal.

His quest takes him—via power cord—to “Hero’s Duty,” a modern, first-person shooter game starring the stalwart Sergeant Calhoun (Glee’s Jane Lynch) and a mass of evil alien cy-bugs. Next, he crash-lands in the candy-themed kart-racing game, “Sugar Rush,” where he meets spunky Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), a feisty and outspoken youngster who is determined to earn a place in the starting lineup despite her propensity for glitching. The two form an alliance, and Ralph believes he has finally made a friend, until events that he has inadvertently set in action—and a carefully camouflaged villain—cause everything to crash down around them. Will Ralph be able to set things right before it’s too late?

Designed to look and sound like an old-school arcade game, the movie’s official website provides a trailer, a selection of behind-the-scenes videos, and a gallery of movie images. A characters option introduces each of the major players with a bright illustration, a bar chart of personality-specific statistics (e.g., “Fist Power” for Ralph or “Heart” for Vanellope), a brief bio, and downloads. Showcased here are some familiar videogame villains featured in the film, including the orange-colored ghost from “Pac-Man” and Dr. Eggman from “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Kids can also try their hand at online versions of the movie’s three arcade games, providing a fun interactive extension to the viewing experience. Each offering’s graphic style, music, and milieu are cleverly suited to its particular era (a classic 1980’s pixilated veneer for “Fix-it Felix, Jr.,” a super-cute Nintendo-esque ‘90s look for “Sugar Rush,” and a hyper-realistic setting for “Hero’s Duty”).

Book Tie-ins: Picture Books

A selection of Wreck-It Ralph books geared to a variety of reading levels will win over movie fans. A “Little Golden Book” version (PreS-K) of the tale recaps the action in a straightforward narrative, briefly touching upon the story’s highpoints. The colorful cartoon illustrations provide just enough detail to delineate events, while emphasizing Ralph’s super-size fists and Vanellope’s perky nature. Illustrated throughout with glossy large-size images, the “Big Golden Book” retelling (PreS-Gr 4; both Random House) incorporates more elements from the plot, providing dialogue along with a bit more character development. In both the narrative and artwork, transitions between scenes set in the different game worlds and in the arcade are clean and easy to follow.

The illustrations evoke the movie animation, and shifting perspectives and close-ups effectively underscore the unfolding action and the characters’ emotions. The text’s clear writing style and basic vocabulary make the book appropriate for sharing aloud or for independent readers. Some of the same images are presented in Wreck-It Ralph: Read-Along Storybook and CD (Disney, 2012; PreS-Gr 4), a staple-bound paperback that presents a more streamlined retelling. Narrated with plenty of expression, the audio CD also includes lines of dialogue performed by the movie actors, lively sound effects, and background music.

A staple-bound picture book zooms in on Ralph’s adventures in Sugar Rush (Random House, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) as he and Vanellope work together to mix, bake, and decorate a kart confection for the race, and their reluctant alliance gradually blossoms into friendship. Fast-reading text and soft-edged candy-colored illustrations convey the events along with the characters’ growing affection. One Sweet Race (Disney, 2012; PreS-Gr 1), an original picture book set in the world of Sugar Rush, stars Rancis Fluggerbutter, a blonde-haired boy with a jauntily angled chocolate-bonbon cap. When he trades his belongings to purchase a souped-up candy racing kart, it proves impossible to control, and he ends up in a wreck with “bubble gum airbag” deployed. Never fear! Vanellope helps him to piece together a homemade vehicle with a “fudge-bucket seat,” “shock-olate absorbers,” and “taffy bear-rakes,” allowing him to triumph and learn a lesson about friendship. Created by one of the movie’s visual design artists, the artwork depicts the sugar-sweet characters, confection-filled backdrops, and racing action.

Easy Reader/Chapter Books

Game On! (PreS-Gr 1; Random House, 2012), a “Step 2” easy reader, recounts the movie’s plot in a concise narrative that utilizes short sentences and basic, often-repeated vocabulary words. Employing clean lines and muted colors, the illustrations add interest and support the text with visual clues. Beginning readers will enjoy re-living the familiar events, as Ralph discovers that “He does not need a medal to be a Good Guy.”

Standing at 9-feet tall, weighing 643 pounds, and continually yelling, I’m Gonna Wreck It! (Random House; Gr 1-4), the film’s hero recounts his story in a lively first-person narrative. Written in an accessible style, this easy chapter book combines simple vocabulary, short and snappy sentences, and humorous black-and-white cartoons to tell “a pretty crazy story about some Good Guys, some Bad Guys, a cute kid, and lots of gooey taffy.” The text clearly conveys the events, while remaining in character with a warmly informal tone and exclamations like, “Mother Hubbard!” The Kapow! cover (Ralph fisting his way through a brick wall), invitingly open format, and protagonist’s perspective will draw readers into the tale.

Clear and descriptive writing, humorous dialogue, and fast-paced plot make the The Junior Novelization (Random House; Gr 3-6) appropriate for both independent readers and sharing aloud with younger movie fans. The prologue sets the scene by introducing Litwak’s Family Fun Center, with its “ringing bells and electronic beeps,” kids racing from console to console, and the fact that the real action takes place when the arcade closes at night. Told in suspenseful chapters, the tale touches upon themes of finding friendship, discovering untapped talents, and helping others. A colorful cover showing the vivacious Vanellope perched on Ralph’s shoulder, the two smiling affectionately at each other, welcomes movie viewers. Eight pages of captioned full-color artwork are nestled within, along with black-and-white images of a pixilated Ralph.

Go Behind the Scenes

Movie devotees as well as readers with an interest in visual design and animation will enjoy perusing the profusely illustrated pages of Jennifer Lee and Maggie Malone’s The Art of Wreck-It Ralph (Chronicle, 2012; Gr 5 Up). Stating that the movie is a bit of  a departure for Disney Animation, the authors point to the involvement of Moore, who brought with him “an edgy animation aesthetic and a bold, risky sense of humor” along with a commitment to creating a film with a modern sensibility. Well-written chapters delve into each of the very different video-game worlds, describing the design process, settings, and character development (at various times, Ralph was envisioned as a troll, caveman, Sasquatch, and gorilla, as shown in the concept artwork).

Other sections introduce “Game Central” (a train-station-like hub through which the characters travel from one game console to another), scenes set in the human world of the arcade, and characters that were cut before production. Commentary from the creative staff is woven into the narrative, along with pull-out quotes, providing an interesting look at how the film’s look and storyline evolved side by side. The handsome pages are filled with concept art, character sketches, story boards, and models (including an amazing built-from-candy rendition of the Sugar Rush town square).

Publication Information

SAXON, Victoria, adapt. Wreck-It Ralph. illus. by Lorelay Bove. “A Little Golden Bk.” Random. 2012. Tr $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2972-6.

BAZALDUA, Barbara, adapt. Wreck-It Ralph. illus. by the Disney Studio Artists. “A Big Golden Bk.” Random. 2012. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2954-2.

GLASS, Calliope, adapt. Wreck-It Ralph: Read-Along Storybook and CD. illus. by the Disney Storybook Artists. Disney Pr. 2012. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-142316061-8. w/CD.

O’HARA, Ellen. Wreck-It Ralph: Sugar Rush. illus. by Cory Loftis. Random. 2012. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2959-7.

RISCO, Elle D. Wreck-It Ralph: One Sweet Race. illus. by Brittney Lee. Disney. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-142316628-3.

AMERIKANER, Susan. Wreck-It Ralph: Game On! illus. by the Disney Storybook Artists. Random House. 2012. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-8116-8; pap.  $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2889-7.

BAZALDUA, Barbara, adapt. Wreck-It Ralph: I’m Gonna Wreck It! illus. by David Gilson. Random House. 2012. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2958-0.

TRIMBLE, Irene, adapt. Wreck-It Ralph: The Junior Novelization. Random House. 2012. pap.  $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2960-3.

LEE, Jennifer & Maggie Malone. The Art of Wreck-It Ralph. Chronicle. 2012. Tr $40. ISBN 978-1-4521-1101-8.

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Interested in picture books? Attend SLJ’s Spring Picture Books webcast to learn about the season’s line up from OwlKids Books, NorthSouth, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group and Candlewick Press.

Learn about OwlKids Books’ exciting answer book How? The most awesome question and answer book about nature, animals, people, places—and you! By Catherine Ripley and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. One of NorthSouth’s highlighted books comes from the author and illustrator duo Carol Roth and Sean Julian with a story about a sleepy kitty who can’t find her mommy in Where’s My Mommy? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group presents the beautifully illustrated More, the story of a hoarding magpie and a few well-intentioned mice. Candlewick Press celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is still going strong with publishing enjoyable books like I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen.

Presenters:

Jennifer Canham, Group Publisher, Owlkids Books
Jennifer Canham is the publisher of Owlkids, an award-winning family of children’s books and magazines that has been in business for more than 35 years. She spearheaded the development of the book publishing program and led the acquisition of Maple Tree Press in 2008. Jennifer is a member of the steering committee for the National Reading Campaign focused on developing a reading strategy for Canada.

Karen Boersma, Publisher, Owlkids Books
Karen is a new addition to the OwlKids Books team. Boersmaʼs experience is extensive, with a focus in childrenʼs publishing for the past 16 years. In her most recent position, as Vice-President and Publisher of Kids Can Press,she has led the development of the publishing program, oversaw the international sales and licensing programs for much of her tenure, and was a member of the executive committee.

Heather Lennon, Publishing Director , NorthSouth Books
Heather Lennon has worked for NorthSouth Books for the past four years, focusing on expanding their distribution to schools and libraries in the United States and Canada. Before that, she worked for Random House Children’s Book Publishing and HarperCollins Children’s Book Publishing.
She lives in New Jersey.

Lisa DiSarro, Director of School & Library Marketing, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group
Lisa DiSarro is the Director of School & Library Marketing for the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group. After being an elementary school teacher and a bookseller she received her master’s degree in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. She thinks that the best part of her job is sharing great books with as many people as possible.

Anne Irza-Leggat, Educational Marketing Supervisor, Candlewick Press
Anne Irza-Leggat is the Educational Marketing Supervisor for Candlewick Press where she has worked for 15 years. Previously a preschool teacher attracted to Candlewick by its wonderful picture books she is very proud of the fact that the company has grown to include just as many wonderful books for young adults.

Moderator:

Luann Toth, Managing Editor, Book Review, School Library Journal

Can’t make it on March 8? No problem! Register now and you will get an email reminder from School Library Journal post-live event when the webcast is archived and available for on-demand viewing at your convenience!

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