Use Your Words: When You Feel Left Out: A story about finding where you belong

By S Bhatia

Your heart sinks. Everyone was there, everyone but you. And nobody even told you.

Being left out is one of the worst feelings there is and one of the most confusing, because no one ever tells you why.

When Theo discovers that his friends built a fort without him, a mean little voice whispers that nobody wants him. But with his grandpa's gentle help, Theo learns to quiet that voice, to see the world through someone else's eyes, and to use his words and discovers that belonging isn't about being picked. It's about making room.

Use Your Words: When You Feel Left Out is a warm, honest picture book that gives children real tools for one of childhood's hardest feelings.

Along the way, your child will learn how to: Notice big feelings in their body and calm them downCatch the "nobody wants me" story and know it's a feeling, not a factPause and imagine how their own actions feel to others (the "walk in their shoes" superpower)Use brave "I" words to speak up honestly and kindlyMake room for others and know that being left out is never their worthInside you'll also find: A "My Brave Words" toolkit page children can return to again and againA note for parents and teachers, with discussion questions and ways to reinforce the skillsPart of the USE YOUR WORDS series, stories that hand children the words and confidence to handle life's tough social moments.

A perfect read for ages 5-12, and a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and school counsellors working on friendship, kindness, empathy, confidence, and social-emotional learning (SEL).

Speak up. Stand tall. Be heard.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H9LPZL84
• ISBN13: 9798188129521
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 58 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"