Social Fortune or Social Fate

“With Social Fortune or Social Fate, Pamela Crooke and Michelle Garcia Winner promote the idea of social competence (not just social skills) in a way that incorporates research in the areas of visual learning and cognitive behavioral interventions. In addition, their use of the graphic novel as a platform to translate social concepts into complex behavioral repertoires takes a popular medium and uses it in a, potentially, very productive way.”

“Once again, Winner and Crooke have zeroed in on a critical social thinking concept that many of our kids struggle with: making choices and predicting the corresponding consequences. Through clever organization, the authors present 10 social scenarios in anime-style cartoon strips where the characters make their choices and, on the opposite page, discuss the consequences of that choice. Each social scenario begins with a good choice (Fortune) or unexpected choice (Fate). The outcome hinges on perspective taking before making a choice. Social Fortune or Social Fate is a must have in the Social Thinking® toolbox. Our kids are really enjoying discussing the scenarios and relating them to their own life choices.”

“Love the emotion meters, thought and speech bubbles, and graphics as a way to help students incorporate and internalize what they have learned from social behavior mapping and hidden curriculum lessons. This is a great way for teens to learn about their own and others’ Social Thinking®.”

“Cool! The illustrations would appeal to ages 12–17. The facial expressions show what they are feeling. When you flip the book, it’s like a replay on a social situation.”