The ball is in the reader’s court in the Making Good Choices series (6 new titles), which uses fictional narratives and a choose-your-own-path framework to demonstrate decision-making and interpersonal skills in a variety of social situations. Young readers will find the scenarios relatable and the digital illustrations inviting, with their familiar playground and neighborhood settings and racially diverse characters. Feelings of worry and anger emerge in My Best Friend’s New Friend, which offers readers the chance to indulge negative impulses (and then need to apologize) or confront the titular situation with bravery and honesty. Each book ends with “Think Again” questions, which prompt readers to consider the text and their choices, as well as to make connections to making choices in their own lives. Useful SEL tools that allow readers to face tough choices in a risk-free environment.

Social-Emotional Learning gets a choose-your-own-adventure twist. In each book, children are confronted with social situations that they will recognize from school, the playground, or the bus stop. The choose-your-own-adventure format lets reader see possible outcomes based on the behaviors of the characters. Will the bullied student tell the teacher? Will the friend try to break up the fight? After exploring multiple endings, it will become apparent that there is not always a magic answer or perfect solution, as you cannot control other people or how they will react. Some of the options lead to very short stories, but that is okay; there are plenty of endings available to keep kids reading. VERDICT Sweet illustrations and multiple endings make this fun to read. The realistic reactions and situations make it a useful tool for SEL learning.