The school year has barely begun…

A tragic shooting took place Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during the school’s first Mass of the year, leaving two children, ages 8 and 10, dead and 17 others injured. Among the injured were 14 children between 6 and 15 and three parishioners in their 80s.

I shared a similar version of this book list on my Instagram almost exactly a year ago and how infuriatingly and devastatingly tragic that this collection of books would seem to be relevant almost every week since then.

I actually checked the date of the last time I posted this book list, and it was on September 5, 2024, after a school shooting. And just like last year, this school year has begun the same way: with another mass shooting at a school.

We nurture, raise, and love our new generations of learners and leaders, only to have them forever silenced before they even have a chance to create their own impact on the world.

That is not okay. This is unacceptable.

As Mr. Frey, a vocal advocate for stricter gun laws, has stated in the aftermath of the Minneapolis shooting: “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”

I sincerely yearn and hope for the day these books are no longer necessary due to current events, but instead a solemn reminder of the terror of rampant gun violence and a warning against a lack of gun laws.

Until then, read and share these picture books to support your littles during the aftermath of gun violence.

Picture Books to Support Children During the Aftermath of Gun Violence

Find the full book list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles listed below:

Something Happened in Our Park by Ann Hazzard | Addresses the aftermath of community gun violence through the story of Miles, whose cousin Keisha is injured in a shooting. Struggling with fear and worry, Miles discovers that by leaning on his imagination, creativity, friends, and family, he can find strength and hope. The story highlights how communities can come together to reduce violence and support healing. An extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers provides practical guidance, sample dialogues, and reassurance to help adults talk with children about gun violence in age-appropriate, constructive ways.

One Thursday Afternoon by Barbara DiLorenzo | Ava is unsettled after a school lockdown drill leaves her feeling fearful in a place she once felt safe. With her granddad’s quiet support and creative companionship, she begins to rediscover beauty and comfort in the world around her. This tender story gently addresses children’s anxieties in an unpredictable world and includes an author’s note with guidance for caregivers on helping kids cope with fear.

Not Like Every Day by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic | Henry finds school lockdown drills overwhelming. Staying quiet and still makes his stomach feel like it’s full of butterflies. Even when the drill ends, the worry lingers. With care and guidance from his teacher, Henry learns calming strategies like breathing exercises and grounding himself in the present.

The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul | A young girl;s community is shaken by tragic news, leaving even the adults around her overwhelmed. Encouraged to “look for the helpers,” she discovers that even small acts of kindness can add up to make a big difference. This heartfelt story highlights themes of resilience, community, and hope in difficult times.

Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma by Susan Farber Straus | A gentle, supportive story for children who have experienced trauma. It reassures kids that they are not to blame, helps them understand their feelings, and offers strategies to feel safer and more confident. Includes an extensive caregiver note with resources from the American Psychological Association.

The Tunnel by Sarah Howden | This book follows a boy who digs a tunnel to escape his sadness after something bad happens. In the quiet distance, he begins to process his feelings and recognize his family’s love, finding the courage to return home. Subtle text and evocative illustrations capture the healing power of space, time, and gentle connection.

Grief is an Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith | An imaginative and comforting exploration of grief, this book shows how Grief can shrink over time, from a giant elephant to a small firefly, guiding us toward loving remembrance. A heartfelt story for anyone navigating loss, whether of a loved one or changes in the world around us.

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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~

Happy Reading,

Maya