The Power of Positivity

Well-organized texts supported by photographs of children provide solid introductions to aspects of positivity. Opening chapters offer a few examples of the featured behavior. Middle chapters then tie the emotional benefits of the practices to science. General statements about how kindness is “good for your mind and body” in The Power of Kindness, for example, are followed by more specific physiological facts describing how the practice impacts the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. Diagrams identify the named brain components. Final chapters offer examples of how to practice these actions, from “focus on the good” in The Power of Optimism to meditation and breathing in The Power of Mindfulness. All spreads include photos of kids demonstrating the various behaviors, with broad representation. In some instances, a brief scenario is given to provide context for the emotions depicted in the photograph.

VERDICT: The connections drawn between behaviors and science make these useful additions to nonfiction SEL collections.