FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS
Books That Help Start Important Conversations
Children’s books can give students a comfortable way to explore experiences that may be difficult to understand or talk about. Nana’s Books Foundation offers books and resources to help educators open thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about Alzheimer’s and dementia, disabilities and differences, caregiving, and family life.
EXPLORE BY TOPIC
Find Books and Resources for the Conversations Your Students Are Having
Children often encounter experiences they may not fully understand: changes in someone they love, differences they notice in themselves or others, or the responsibilities families take on when someone needs care. These resources can help teachers explore those topics with language and stories children can understand.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Find books and resources that help children understand memory loss, changes in behavior, and what may be happening when someone they love is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Explore Alzheimer’s & Dementia →
Disabilities & Differences
Discover stories that help children understand different abilities, experiences, and ways of moving through the world while encouraging empathy, inclusion, and connection.
Explore Disabilities & Differences →
Caregiving & Family Support
Explore books and resources that reflect the ways families care for one another and help children make sense of changes in roles, routines, and relationships.
Explore Caregiving & Family Support →
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Let the Story Open the Door
A children’s book can create a natural starting point for talking about experiences that may be unfamiliar, confusing, or personal. Teachers don’t need to provide all the answers. A shared story can give students space to notice, wonder, ask questions, and connect what they are reading to their own experiences.
The goal isn’t to tell children how they should feel. Stories can give them more ways to understand and talk about what they already feel.
Begin with what students notice
Invite observations before explanations. Ask what students noticed about the characters, what changed during the story, or what they are wondering about.
Make room for different reactions
Children may respond to the same story in very different ways. Some will want to talk. Others may listen quietly or need time to think. There doesn’t need to be one “right” response.
Keep the conversation open
A single story doesn’t have to answer every question. Let students know they can return to the subject, ask questions later, or talk privately with a trusted adult.
CLASSROOM RESOURCES
Go Deeper When a Student Needs More Support
Some questions need more than a single conversation. These resources offer additional guidance for explaining complex topics, choosing books, and helping children understand changes affecting someone they care about.
Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia Through Books
Age-appropriate guidance for talking with children about memory loss, changes in behavior, and what dementia can mean for someone they love.
Read the Article →
Helping Children Understand Caregiving and Changing Family Roles
Guidance for choosing stories and using them to help children understand caregiving, changing family roles, and their own reactions.
Read the Article →
Books and Resources to Help Children Understand Disability and Difference
Practical guidance for talking about disabilities and differences in ways that encourage understanding, respect, and inclusion.
Read the Article →
Supporting a Child Whose Grandparent Has Dementia
Practical guidance for supporting a student whose grandparent is living with dementia, including what the child may be experiencing and ways teachers can help at school.
Read the Article →
BOOKS FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Could Your Title I School Receive Books?
Nana’s Books Foundation provides new, grade-appropriate books to students in Title I schools at no cost to the school. The books help children better understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, disabilities and differences, caregiving, and other experiences that may touch their families and communities.
Teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, and other school staff can learn more about the program and how schools are selected to receive books.
Books Can Help Children Understand What They’re Experiencing
Explore Nana’s Books Foundation’s collection of books and resources created to help children, families, and educators navigate Alzheimer’s and dementia, disabilities and differences, caregiving, and family life.