Books published by publisher Boys Town Press

Kids do things before they think ALL THE TIME! Help them learn self-control and reduce their disruptive behaviors with this fun story. When you're a child, it's not easy to control your impulses. Children aren't always aware that what they are doing is inappropriate. Third-grader Braden loves to be the center of attention. His comic genius, as he sees it, causes his friends to look at him in awe. But some poor decision-making, like ill-timed jokes in class and an impulsive reaction during gym that left a classmate teary-eyed and crumpled on the floor, forces the adults in Braden's life to teach him about impulse control. But will the lessons shared by his teachers and his mom really help Braden manage his impulses? Young readers will enjoy this story filled with relatable and common situations all children share. What Were You Thinking? shows kids how to think before they act, and is part of the Executive FUNction series of books by author and school counselor Bryan Smith. Written for kids ages 5-10 (Grades K-5), this storybook includes tips for parents, counselors and teachers. This series of entertaining books help kids develop friendships, control emotions and improve their manners.

Do you know a child who can't go with the flow? This book is for children who struggle when things don't go as planned! Braden was so excited for his upcoming Championship baseball game! The night before he dreamt of that moment - THE moment - the oohs and ahhs of the crowd as he scored the game-winning run! But imagine his surprise when he woke up to pouring rain - and NO GAME! A cancelled game, coupled with some events at school that don't go his way, send Braden on an overreaction tailspin! Braden is a kid who struggles at handling disappointment. Can the adults in Braden's life help him to use adaptive thinking to help manage his emotions and learn to be okay with changes? This story from the very popular Executive Function series by award-winning author and school counselor Bryan Smith has been a hit with anyone who wants to help children learn to think flexibly, manage stress, and handle emotions. This book series is a great tool for teachers, parents, and counselors who help kids with social skills, social emotional learning, and manners. Readers said this: [The book provides] tools to use when [my son] feels frustrated I read this story to my child clients in therapy. It teaches flexible thinking which is a great tool for coping with stress. Great book to use in school counseling. Several readers shared that their children or students with ASD / autism enjoyed and are benefiting from having read this book! Enjoy this story and the tips for parent and educators with your 6-12 year old today!

Teach children to stop making excuses and blaming others when they make mistakes. My name is Norman David Edwards but everybody calls me Noodle. Sometimes things happen to me that get me into trouble. But it's not my fault! This first book in the new Responsible Me! Series, follows Noodle through a very rough day at school. It just isn't his fault that his brother's game ran late and he didn't finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. Or that Mary Gold got in his airspace and hit his arm with her head... Join Noodle on his journey as he learns not to blame others or try to find fault; but instead practices accepting responsibility, and turns his very rough day into a very good NEW day! Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle as he makes one excuse after another for his behavior and choices that lead to unwanted consequences. It just isn t his fault that his brother s game ran late, and he didn t finish his homework. By learning to accept responsibility he finds instead how to use mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving and to turn negatives into positives. Stop the Blame Game "I LOVED this book! It has cut down so much on tattling and students blaming others for their actions. The book really goes into depth about how it is our responsibility for how WE react to situations. It has helped with the blame game in my first grade room." - Desiree

If you are encouraging social emotional learning in your classroom, the story of Decibella will speak volumes to your students, especially those who need precise examples to follow for using appropriate behavior. Spunky, spirited Isabella is always shouting out her every though, idea, and feeling. She loves using her loud voice so much, it s even earned her the nickname Decibella! But that s not a nickname to brag about. Isabella s so loud, she interrupts class and irritates others. She doesn t know how or when to use a softer, quieter voice until her teacher introduces the five volumes of voice. Award-winning author Julia Cook s creative storytelling, coupled with eye-pleasing illustrations, help K-6 readers learn and remember what voice volume to use when speaking in class, chatting in the library, sitting at the lunch table or playing outside. Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice is the second book in the author s popular series, Communicate with Confidence, which focuses on skills to help young children learn how to communicate appropriately.

Bossy behavior is tough to tolerate! And if there's one child who knows a thing or two about being bossy, it's Cora June! She points out her teacher's boring assignments. She dictates the games people play at recess. She even objects to family dinners. If Cora June doesn't get her way in the classroom, on the playground, or at home, she can make life miserable for those around her. Thank goodness Cora June's mom and teacher are around to help her learn that there's a difference between being assertive and being bossy. And that to be a good leader, people need to follow you. In comes the lesson on the power of flexibility! Read along as Cora June learns about values like respecting the wants and needs of others, and not always needing to be the decision-maker. But she doesn't have to lose her own wants and needs in the process - just learn to be more flexible! Readers will enjoy watching Cora June embrace new experiences in this and the other titles in The Leader I'll Be book series. Readers have this to say: I work in the school system and these books are essential to molding and shaping young behaviors. These tools are vital to helping the children who struggle socially and behaviorally. A must! - Amazon Verified Purchaser This book really hit home for my bossy and sweet 4 year old. We are now working on being more flexible and we have a signal if she starts to be bossy that helps her remember to take a step back and listen to others wants/needs. - Amazon PurchaserThis book is a great gift for preschool kids and children ages 6-8, and the parents and teachers in their lives. Help kids learn to apply adaptive and flexible thinking into their everyday lives. Don't miss this and award-winning author Julia Cook's other entertaining and educational tales that help kids learn values, character, manners, social skills, and improve positive behavior!

If your child overreacts, this book is for you! This entertaining story teaches kids to keep their cool, when things don't go their way. Braden brings drama to every minor misunderstanding, grievance and annoyance in his life! He overreacts in any situation that doesn't go as he has planned. What was supposed to be a carefree afternoon of go-cart racing and putt-putt golf, quickly turns sour when Braden shouts and pouts about the rules. Turns out he is too short to drive a go-cart by himself. He thinks that rule is stupid and shouts out his opinion to everyone! Will Braden ever learn to keep his cool in the face of disappointment? Will every discouraging moment send him into an emotional meltdown? <p?This story is part of the Executive Function series of books for children to help them with social-emotional learning. Reacting calmly and appropriately when things don't go your way is an important skill for kids to have. Written for kids in grades K-5,Of Course It's a Big Deal teaches kids strategies to calm down and think about whether their reaction will make things better or worse for them. Tips for parents, counselors and educators are also included.

This touching story helps others understand autism, as well as some of the unique behaviors or unconventional responses of kids with autism. Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches (he has quite the watch collection) and is quick to tell everyone everything about them. Zak also has autism, so he sometimes responds to the world around him in unconventional ways. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, curiosity, tolerance and understanding. Written for kids in grades K-5, this book is a great gift for children living with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to share with friends. It's also a great gift for siblings who have someone with autism or Aspergers in their life.A great tool for parents of children with autism or special education teachers. Tips for parents, counselors and educators are included.

Learning rules is tough, and following rules is even tougher! Does your child think he is exempt from rules? Or does she have an excuse about why she doesn't need to follow the rules? Noodle sure does! Noodle is having a rough couple of days. The rules keep getting in the way of his fun! Rules for this and rules for that. There are so many rules - too many rules!Rules stink!Noodle struggles because he doesn't think rules actually apply to HIM! Can't he just have a rule-free day? Author Julia Cook's very popular book in the Responsible Me! series will have readers in stitches as Noodle describes all of rules he deals with daily.Will Noodle's mother and teacher convince him that rules are meant to help, not harm, him?Whether you are a parent, counselor, therapist, teacher, psychologist, or just someone who spends a lot of time with kids and wants to teach them manners, this book is here to help!This book makes a great gift for children with behavioral disorders or boys and girls who might feel they are above the law. It's also a great tool for teaching children ages 7 through 10 important values, like how to respect themselves, respect others, and respect property, and that there really are benefits to having rules!The whole Noodle series of children's books is great for teaching social-emotional learning, and how to manage emotions and regulate behavior.

Teach strategies to face a task, ignore distractions, and ask a teacher or other adult for help to get the job done. RJ's way of doing things isn't working out for him, especially in math class. His teacher is upset because so many of his assignments are missing or incomplete. RJ blames Norma the booger picker and Rodney the alphabet burper for distracting him during class. The fifth and final book in Julia Cook's award-winning series, Best Me I Can Be! Follow RJ as he learns he can save himself a lot of grief if he stays on task and does things the right way! Kids can relate to RJ as he learns to use his social skills and make positive behavior choices.

Having trouble getting children to listen or follow your instructions? Use this fun story to show them how. RJ has a rough day. He wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he's late to school, earns a zero on his math homework and messes up Mom's kitchen. With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to directions. Author Julia Cook's storybook shows RJ as well as all K-6 readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life! This book is the first in the series BEST ME I Can Be! to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. The skills are part of the Boys Town Education Model® that has improved student behavior and classroom climates in hundreds of schools across the country. The book includes tips for parents and educators on how to effectively teach listening and following instructions skills to kids. Winner of the 2011 Mom's Choice Award Honoring Excellence and the National Parenting Center's 'Seal of Approval.'

RJ learns that feedback is just information that can help him improve and grow even if it is hard to hear! RJ's back in the sixth installment of award-winning author Julia Cook's very successful BEST ME I Can Be! series, Thanks for the Feedback... (I Think?). This entertaining story follows RJ as he goes about his day doing the things he enjoys, such as blowing bubbles, playing soccer, and hanging out with friends. But when a couple of friends give him compliments, he just isn't sure how to respond! As RJ continues through the day, he hears from his teacher and parents that while there are many things he's doing very well, there are also some things he needs to work on. His first reaction is to argue and make excuses instead of accept constructive criticism. Throughout this must-read story, RJ learns what it means to receive positive and negative feedback, and how to respond appropriately to that feedback. Parents and teachers will love taking kids on RJ's journey as he discovers feedback's many forms and learns to accept and grow from criticism and compliments at home, school and with friends. Tips for parents and educators to effectively teach the social skills of giving and receiving compliments and accepting feedback are included. The skills are part of the Boys Town Education Model® that has improved student behavior and classroom climates in hundreds of schools across the country. Winner of the Gold MOM's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence.

Cora June and her classmate, Wilson, are locked in a battle of wills. Each one desperately wants to be the ultimate decider. They scream at each other about whether to play dodgeball or soccer at recess. They get into a tug of war over a Popsicle. Each wants to dictate where to go on the next class trip! Can these two opinionated, wanna-be leaders compromise or agree to anything? Using rhymes and relatable situations, this story offers valuable lessons about the power of compromise and why the best leaders are never afraid to negotiate. Written for kids in grades K-5, The Great Compromise is part of The Leader I'll Be! book series. Tips for parents, educators and counselors are included.