Just Be You: Ask Questions, Set Intentions, Be Your Special Self, and More

Gr 4-6–Finding mindfulness texts appropriate for middle-grade readers and the adults in their lives can be a struggle, but Chopra has filled the chasm with this latest installment in her series, which includes Just Breathe and Just Feel. Beautifully laid out and with a focus on diversity in both the realistic illustrations depicting children and adults of different backgrounds and abilities, as well as the inclusive language in the text, Chopra succeeds in unflinchingly acknowledging the benefits and challenges of feeling different. Chapters introducing key concepts are interspersed with mindfulness exercises designed to calm, to promote self-knowledge, and to focus energy on positive thoughts like gratitude. With a focus on helping middle-grade children understand who they are, and by extension respect and understand others, Chopra untangles and names the feelings commonly experienced by this age group while also offering coping strategies. Many of the exercises, including meditation, naming heroes, and environmental awareness, have strong curricular tie-ins or connect to SEL goals. An afterword by the author’s father, Deepak Chopra, as well as a bibliography, is aimed at the adult audience serving this age group.