651.Resource, Gordon, Pearl Verses the World: Mentor Text for Emotional Regulation (Grades 3-5)

The theme of Emotional Regulation includes a teachable, complex set of skills for managing emotional states. The skills include identifying emotions, self-control (managing impulses, delaying gratification), managing stress, using coping skills, and reflection.

Pearl is losing the certainty and structure her home provides, as her grandmother is dying. It has always, always, been the three of them—daughter, mother, and grandmother. School provides no comfort, as Pearl cannot seem to write what her teacher assigns and the class princess dislikes her because her boyfriend seems to prefer Pearl. Pearl must learn to manage sadness, grief, frustration, and a mix of emotions. The reader learns her grandmother has provided her with a way to cope.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.