Unlocking Emotional Intelligence Through Brooke’s Feelings Power and the Sidekick Secrets Series
- Molly Schreiber, Founder + CEO
- May 2
- 4 min read
Written by Molly Schreiber, Founder + CEO, Challenge to Change
"Did you know your feelings are like messages from yourself, telling you how you're doing inside?" ~ Excerpt from Brooke's Feelings Power
What if the key to helping kids feel more confident, kind, and connected was as simple as teaching them to name their emotions? That’s exactly the power that unfolds in Brooke’s Feelings Power: Getting to Know Your Feelings, where young readers follow Brooke and her classmates on a vibrant, emotionally rich trip to the museum. But this isn’t just another field trip—it’s an invitation to unlock the Super Kid Code through the superpower of emotional literacy.
As Brooke models emotional awareness and empathy, she empowers young readers to become “self-scientists,” equipped with tools to decode their emotions and build stronger, more compassionate relationships. As Brooke’s emotional journey unfolds, young readers are reminded that everyone has a superpower inside—it just takes a little self-awareness to find it.
Brooke’s story is more than just a fun adventure—it’s a guide for helping children recognize, name, and understand their feelings in real time.
The Sidekick Secrets Series
This book is part of the Sidekick Secrets Series —a heart-centered collection designed to help children explore the full spectrum of emotional intelligence.
The series is grounded in the globally respected Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself (KCG) model developed by Six Seconds: The Emotional Intelligence Network. Throughout the series, the eight emotional intelligence competencies, or "superpowers," are introduced through the lens of friendship and real-life situations, using relatable characters and kid-friendly language. When all eight skills combine, the awe-inspiring Super Kid Code unlocks!
Through engaging storytelling and expressive illustrations, the Sidekick Secrets Series doesn’t just tell kids what emotions are—it shows them how to use those emotions as a strength. Children are guided to understand their inner world, make thoughtful choices, and show up with empathy and intention—all through stories they can see themselves in. Whether it’s recognizing a wave of frustration or identifying a spark of excitement, readers learn to connect the dots between emotions, actions, and outcomes.
Each book begins with a parent resource guide to help adults support the learning journey. For parents, caregivers, and educators, the Sidekick Secrets Series is a valuable resource for nurturing children’s social-emotional development in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and age-appropriate. These stories offer a launchpad for meaningful conversations between children and the adults in their lives, building emotional vocabulary and nurturing social bonds —both during the story and long after the last page is turned.
Co-authoring the Sidekick Secrets Series with Dr. Liza Johnson has been a meaningful journey. Together, we share a mission to transform learning environments by weaving emotional intelligence into the fabric of everyday life for kids.
Liza brings a wealth of real-world experience as an EQ Ambassador for Six Seconds and as Director of the Wendt Center for Character Education at the University of Dubuque. I bring my own heart-centered perspective as a former elementary school teacher and now as the Founder and CEO of Challenge to Change. This series has enabled me to pursue my Noble Goal of creating happy, healthy, and safe kids who make the world better than they found it.
Through this series, we’ve combined our passions to create stories that help children—and the adults who support them—build emotional strength, awareness, and connection in a way that feels natural, empowering, and fun.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Today’s Kids
Why does emotional intelligence matter? In a world where kids are navigating big emotions, social pressures, and constant stimulation, this story offers a timely and relatable tool to help children—and the adults who support them—build emotional awareness and resilience.
Six Seconds has conducted extensive research on the benefits of EQ in children. Here are some key findings:
Improved Academic Achievement: Emotional intelligence skills are correlated with increased academic performance. By developing EQ, students enhance their ability to focus, manage stress, and engage in learning. Six Seconds
Enhanced Emotional Literacy: Teaching children to accurately identify and understand their feelings—known as emotional literacy—provides critical information about themselves and others, leading to better decision-making and relationships. Six Seconds
Better Health and Well-being: EQ development is linked to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. Children with higher emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle stress and emotional challenges. Six Seconds
Stronger Relationships: Emotional intelligence fosters empathy and effective communication, which are essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Reduced Behavioral Issues: Implementing EQ programs in schools has been associated with lower rates of conflicts, violence, and disciplinary actions, creating a more positive school climate. Six Seconds
Children who can name their emotions are more likely to resolve conflict peacefully, bounce back from setbacks, and feel confident expressing themselves—in the classroom, at home, and on the playground. These findings underscore the importance of integrating emotional intelligence education into children's learning environments to support their overall development and success.
Upcoming Books in the Sidekick Secrets Series
Stay tuned for more adventures in the Sidekick Secrets Series, as Brooke’s friends step into the spotlight to explore emotion-fueled superpowers like hope, optimism, and building meaningful friendships.
Book 1: Sidekick Secrets: Unlocking 8 Emotion-Fueled Superpowers that Make an Awesome Friend
Book 2: Brooke’s Feelings Power: Getting to Know Our Feelings
Book 3 (Releases October 1, 2025): Colin’s Pause Power: Learning to Make Good Choices
Book 4: Hana’s Brain Power: Planning Ahead to Make Great Choices
Book 5: Mateo’s Choice Power: Picking the Best Feelings
Book 6: Luke’s Heart Power: Using His Big, Kind Heart to Help Others
Book 7: Zuri’s Hope Power: Always Believing Good Things Are Coming
Book 8: Hana's Empathy Power: Putting Yourself in Others’ Shoes
Book 9: Antonio’s Purpose Power: Uncovering What You’re Meant to Do
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, the Sidekick Secrets Series is here to support you in raising emotionally intelligent kids—one story, one feeling, and one superpower at a time.
The journey to unlocking the Super Kid Code has just begun!
~Molly
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