When Sophie Thinks She Can’t…by Molly Bang; illustrated by Molly Bang. 2018. Published by The Blue Sky Press.

Brief summary: Sophie is home trying to put puzzle pieces together to make a square, her sister walks by and quickly arranges them. The sister exists the rooms saying, “Too bad you’re not smart.” Sophie goes to school the next day where they learn what smart means and how they must exercise their brains to become stronger just like their muscles. Their teacher gives them a math problem to solve together in small groups. Sophie becomes frustrated and can’t figure it out.  The teacher then teaches them another word–yet.  She encourages her students to keep working on the problem. The students eventually get the correct answers.  The teacher then adds “er” to smart.

Comments: Super example of fixed mindset and growth mindset. Teachers could use this book to demonstrate those mindsets but also the word “yet”.  We have not found the answer YET.