These social emotional learning books are designed for children aged 7 to 13, including sensitive kids who feel things deeply, struggle with confidence, or find big emotions overwhelming.
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Radical Ray: Australia's Little Champion for Big Change
“This is the kind of story that shows kids how small acts can truly change the people around them.”
Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite, 5-Star Review
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Radical Ray: A Father's Return
“It helps kids make sense of family, forgiveness, and what it really means to move forward.”
Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite, 5-Star Review
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You already know the kids who need this.
Shrinking to Fit
The one who got told they were too much — and quietly started making themselves smaller to fit.
Complicated Families
The one whose family is complicated — a parent who left, came back, or was never quite there to begin with.
Child Grief & Loss
The one who's carrying the loss of someone they loved and doesn't have the words for what that feels like yet.
Even if the loss isn't a parent, it could show how he went through the stages of grief without ever losing who his mother was.
- Intervention Specialist
The Four Books
Chapter books that help children 7–13 grow through the hard stuff — without making them sit through a lesson about it.
These social emotional learning books help kids understand their feelings and feel more confident being themselves. The first three books in the series each include a built-in discussion guide.
Kids don't learn emotional skills from being told about them.
As a therapist, we are always looking for resources to help teach clients and create ways for clients to learn and grow.
This book is an excellent resource for assisting professionals. It's wonderfully written and the talking points are amazing.
Highly recommend not only for professionals, but also parents seeking opportunities to explore kindness and healthy coping.
— Melissa K., Licensed Therapist, Ohio
Helping kids navigate real life, not a perfect life.
Whether you’re a teacher, school counselor, or parent, Radical Ray gives you social emotional learning stories that make talking about feelings feel a little less awkward and a lot more real. In the classroom, the counseling room, or around the kitchen table, it meets you right where you are.
For Teachers
Your read-aloud just got a lot more interesting. SEL books that support real classrooms
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Built-in Think, Share, Explore discussion guides — no prep required
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Supports SEL competencies for grades 2–5
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Sparks real conversation about emotions, belonging, and resilience
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Works as a class read-aloud, small group text, or independent reading
For Counselors
A non-clinical entry point into very clinical conversations.
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Endorsed by a licensed therapist as an excellent professional resource
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Covers grief, family change, self-worth, and emotional resilience
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Gives children language for feelings they can't yet name
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Effective with kids who resist direct emotional questioning
For Parents
Helping kids with big emotions feel understood
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Helps children who feel too much — or not enough — feel understood
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Covers real situations: absent parents, loss, and belonging
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Family discussion questions built into every book
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Short chapters that keep even reluctant readers turning pages
Meet Ray
Ray Roxby is eight years old, lives in Botany, Sydney — and he is not always easy. He blurts things out, cares too much, and sometimes makes things worse before he makes them better.
He's the kind of kid who notices when someone is sitting alone, steps up when things aren't fair, and feels everything deeply — even when he doesn't have the words for it yet.
Sound like a child you know?
A cheeky, big-hearted eight-year-old learning that kindness isn't just a feeling — it's something you do.
Ray Roxby
A journalist who's always on deadline, always in his corner, and loves him with her whole heart — even on the hard days.
Shirl - Ray's Mum
Atlas the Blue Heeler
Ray's loyal dog and constant companion. Always there. Never judges.
Grandma Leila
The warm, wise presence in Ray's life who dispenses the best advice — usually on the front porch.
She saw what kids were carrying,
and decided to do something about it.
My name is Bobbi Chegwyn. I grew up in Australia, landed in the United States, and decided the best way to understand my new community was to drive a school bus full of third and fourth graders. What I saw on those rides never left me. Kids carrying things they had no words for. Feelings showing up as behaviour — and behaviour getting them in trouble.
I've spent twenty years working in human behaviour — understanding what shapes the way people think, feel, and see themselves. That knowledge is in every page of Radical Ray. The emotional patterns Ray lives through aren't invented. They're real.
These books were written for a specific window — ages seven to twelve. Before adolescence arrives. Before everything gets louder and harder to reach. That window is precious, and it's short.
A child who builds emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-worth before their teenage years doesn't just survive adolescence more easily. They carry those tools for life.
Radical Ray was written to fill that window — not with lessons, but with stories.
Because children don't learn who they are from being told. They learn from living alongside someone who's figuring it out too.
What the community says about Radical Ray
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As a therapist, we are always looking for resources to help teach clients & creating ways for clients to learn & grow - this book is an excellent resource for assisting professionals. It’s wonderfully written & the talking points are amazing!! Highly recommend not only for professionals; but also, parents seeking opportunities to explore kindness & healthy coping!
Melissa K., Licensed Therapist
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My grandson, who is 10 and is an avid reader says Radical Ray is the best book he's ever read! He is creating a Radical Ray quiz.
Sue P - Lebanon, Ohio
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Bobbi Chegwyn’s Radical Ray is an absolute blast! This fun and inspiring children’s book follows Ray, a fearless and energetic character who isn’t afraid to be himself, spreading positivity, confidence, and a whole lot of radical energy!
With an uplifting message, this book is perfect for kids who need a reminder that being unique is their greatest strength.
Ray’s adventurous spirit and can-do attitude will have little readers cheering him on and maybe even feeling a little more radical themselves!
If you’re looking for a book that’s fun, empowering, and full of heart, Radical Ray is a must-read. My nephew is definitely one of Ray's biggest fans!!
Verified Amazon Purchase
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I was hooked from the first pages of this story. I didn’t expect to be so drawn into a children’s book, but honestly, I couldn’t wait to turn each page. The depth of emotion is so compassionately described that I felt like I truly understood Ray’s grief journey. The author has a gift not only in how she writes, but in how she allows us to tap into the soul of the story. This is a beautifully written book that gently explores how a little boy may be processing the loss of the most important person in his world, his mom. It’s easy to read and digest, and it sheds light on how a young boy works through such a profound loss. Brilliantly done — and a book that would absolutely support any child experiencing a similar life event. 10/10 as a book addressing a tragic situation in a way that will resonate with a child going through it.
Kathryne Imabayashi
M.Ed., B.S.Ed. | Parents of Boys Coach | Early Years Specialist | Author
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I LOVED this book. I actually got goosebumps as I read it. I wanted to be Ray. I wanted to be Ray's grandmother. As a grandmother, I can't wait to read this to my grandkids so it will inspire wonderful discussions about bringing change to the world by the way we think and treat others. Rather than focusing on combatting bullying in schools, wouldn't it be so much better to focus on inspiring kids to be kind and thoughtful. This could start at home or in the classroom. I hope Radical Ray is adopted by families and schools world wide to influence change. I know our kids are looking for it. Thanks Bobbi for bringing Ray to life.
Karen T - Perth, WA
This book is an absolute gem that deserves a place on every child's bookshelf. I bought the book to read to my 6 year old niece. Having read the book, I can honestly say that it is one of the most heartwarming and inspiring stories I've come across. The book beautifully captures the essence of kindness, courage, and resilience, as Ray's journey unfolds in the Sydney suburb of Botany. The Aussie Glossary at the back will help non-Aussies with some common words. I enjoyed how Ray's adventures taught valuable life lessons about compassion, forgiveness, and the impact of even the smallest acts of kindness.
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Jodie - Shellharbour, NSW
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