10 Children’s Books to Support Executive Function
In our last post, we talked about the role of executive function and ways that parents can support their students with these important skills.
Looking for ideas to support your child’s executive function skills at home? Read 20+ Tips for Supporting Executive Function Skills at Home.
Today, we will have a round-up of some wonderful resources, specifically children’s books to support executive function. As the awareness of the importance of executive functioning skills has grown, so too have the resources being made and marketed.
Here are 10 Children’s Books to Support Executive Function Skills:
1. Executive Functioning Workbook for Kids: A Fun Adventure with Bora the Space Cat to Learn How to Plan, Prioritize, and Set Goals in Everyday Life
When I saw Bora the Space Cat, I knew this was not an ordinary workbook. This narrative adventure uses engaging storytelling to teach strategies to support executive function as children help the characters in the story solve their problems.
Not your traditional workbook, this fun, and engaging text are designed for ages 9-12.
2. Executive Functioning Workbook for Kids: 40 Fun Activities to Build Memory, Flexible Thinking, and Self-Control Skills at Home, in School, and Beyond (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids)
This book is aimed at children ages 6-9 with hands-on fun activities to help kids build specific skills. It includes activities that can be completed independently, as well as information for parents about how they can help and support their children.
3. How Do I Remember All That?: A Story to Improve Working Memory
Author and school counselor Bryan Smith has a whole series of 10 books about executive function. These picture books are aimed at children 5-11 years old.
The main character, Braden, models strategies he is learning to tackle his challenges. In this particular title, he is learning how to improve his working memory by using strategies such as breaking complex problems into smaller tasks, using mnemonics, and visualization. Written with humor and love, this series of books is sure to delight.
To learn more about working memory, listen to the Together in Literacy Podcast, Season 1, Episode 9: Working Memory with Dr. Erica Warren.
4. It Was Just Right Here!
Another title in Bryan Smith’s executive function series, this story tackles organizational challenges.
Braden’s younger brother Blake has a habit of misplacing things. Blake’s teacher and parents use his favorite sport baseball to help him learn important organizational skills. This is a particularly helpful book when transitioning back to school in the fall.
5. CONQUERING CHAOS! 8 KEYS TO MASTERING EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND LIFE SKILLS FOR TEENS WITH ADHD: Manage the Chaos Through Using Practical Strategies to Improve Your Mental and Physical Well-being
This book for teens helps kids with ADHD and Executive Function Disorder understand the way their brain works, the challenges they may face because of their neurodivergence, and how to tackle some of the biggest hurdles. This book has a particular emphasis on emotional regulation and well-being including mindfulness techniques and self-care to avoid being drained physically and mentally. It also tackles some of the particular challenges social media can pose for teens with ADHD.
6. The Teens’ Workbook to Self Regulate: Empowering Teenagers to Handle Emotions with Success Through Coping Strategies and CBT Exercises
Although we often think of stress as an adult problem, today’s teens experience more stress than ever before. This book, targeted at ages 9-16, introduces teens and tweens to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in order to help them understand and respond appropriately to stressful situations, strong emotions, and feelings of overwhelm. Not only will this book help teens reflect on themselves, but build emotional resilience for the future.
7. A Smart Girl’s Guide: Getting it Together: How to Organize Your Space, Your Stuff, Your Time – and Your Life
If your girl, age 10+, is motivated to get organized but needs a little guidance, this title from the much beloved American Girl company could be just the right book. This small volume is in easy-to-digest bite-sized chunks making it very accessible. The severely disorganized will likely need parental support to implement these strategies.
8. Kids Chore To Do List Daily Task Checklist Planner Time Management Notebook
Since so often organizational strategies are designed and suggested by people without executive functioning challenges, it can be difficult for individuals with EF challenges to use these systems without training and practice. This notebook is like training wheels for using a planner or checklist. This support helps tweens and teens learn to use this strategy for staying on top of their schoolwork and chores.
9. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Kids Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed
The reality of living with ADHD is such that even if you have found the absolute best medication for your child, that medicine will only get them part of the way to the level of focus they need to be successful. What stands between chaos and success is learning skills and strategies to work with the unique nature of their brains rather than constantly fighting against it.
This book for 8-11-year-olds takes a strength-based approach. Children learn about ADHD and what makes their way of thinking and viewing the world special. They also learn ways to be more confident and in control so they can not only survive, but flourish.
10. Be the Boss of Your Stuff: The Kids’ Guide to Decluttering and Creating Your Own Space
This book for ages 8-12 is not only a decluttering handbook but a creative inspiration that nurtures the child’s burgeoning independence. Children learn not only to manage and take care of their stuff but to create a space that reflects who they are and the interests they have. As they express themselves creatively and create a more peaceful and inviting personal space, they have an opportunity to grow and thrive.
Download and print this list of ten children’s books to support executive function!
This collection of children’s books to support executive function offers something for everyone from young children to young adults to meet a wide variety of learning styles. Choose a title based on your child’s particular areas of weakness whether it is helping them understand their own neurodiversity or helping them organize their space.
Success breeds success as they see their hard work pay off!
To learn more about how you can help support your child’s executive functioning, sign up for Building Readers for Life Academy. Both educators and families are welcome!
Building Readers for Life Academy is a monthly membership program that empowers educators AND families by diving into structured literacy and strategies for ALL learners. With BRFL Academy, you’ll learn what it takes to help EVERY student become a reader for life.
