children’s rights and social justice book list · pdf filepage 1 introduction: bringing...

RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOLS Children’s Rights and Social Justice Booklist

ABOUT RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOLS (RRS)

Rights Respecting Schools (RRS) is a whole school initiative that uses the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child (the Convention) as the basis for enhancing an inclusive,

participatory and respectful school culture for children and adults.

As a framework for educational improvement, the initiative helps schools address the whole

learning environment through a consistent, rights-based approach. It is premised on the

understanding that in order for children to want to achieve, they have to feel included, that they

belong and that they matter. It brings children into early contact with the universal ideals of respect

for oneself and for others, in the school community and in an interdependent world.

rightsrespectingschools.ca

CONTENTS

Introduction: Bringing Children’s Rights and Social Justice Issues Alive with Picture Books.......... 1

Children’s Rights and Global Citizenship………………................................................................... 2

Making a Difference………………..............…………...................…………..................................... 5

Inclusion and Immigration....……………..........……........................................................................ 7

Celebrating Diversity ......………...................................................................................................... 9

Aboriginal Rights and Stories.......................................................................................................... 11

Peace and the Effects of War.......................................................................................................... 13

Environmental Stewardship...............................................................….......................................... 16

Freedom and Civil Rights...............................................................….............................................. 18

http://globalclassroom.unicef.ca/rrs

INTRODUCTION: BRINGING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES

ALIVE WITH PICTURE BOOKS

As teachers, we want to empower young students to make a difference in their school, community, and world. Yet bringing issues such as poverty, conflict, environmental degradation, aboriginal history, and racial discrimination into our classrooms can be an intimidating task. Perhaps one of the most powerful tools we have for addressing complex social justice and children’s rights issues with our students are picture books. Picture books can act as windows to the world, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of people from all walks of life and in situations unfamiliar to them. When students are given the opportunity to read stories that represent people from diverse backgrounds and voices that are not often heard, prejudice and stereotypes can be avoided and the character traits of empathy, cooperation, and respect for differences can be built. Moreover, teachers should choose picture books that allow children to see their own experiences reflected in stories and that are relevant to the social justice and children’s rights issues that impact their own lives. The purpose of this booklist is to assist teachers in their selection of rich texts that explore various children’s rights and social justice topics in an accessible and meaningful way. The books are organized under the following overarching themes:

Children’s rights and global citizenship

Making a difference

Inclusion and immigration

Celebrating diversity

Aboriginal rights and stories

Peace and the effects of war

Environmental stewardship

Freedom and civil rights The texts listed offer a variety of teaching and learning possibilities and can be integrated across the curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Consider each picture book as a stepping stone on the path to your students becoming active, caring citizens, who appreciate diversity and use critical thinking skills to address a range of issues affecting local and global communities.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

The Carpet Boy’s Gift By Pegi Deitz Shea

A fictional account of the true story of Iqbal Masih, a child labourer who escaped from a factory and worked to liberate thousands of other children. Grades 3 to 6.

To Be a Kid By Maya Ajmera and John Ivanko Using photographs and simple text, this book teaches that children from diverse cultures all need to play and be loved by family and friends. Grades K to 3.

Yasmin’s Hammer By Ann Malaspina A young girl in Bangladesh works in a brickyard to help her family, but dreams to go to school so she can learn to read. Grades 3 to 6.

For Every Child Adapted by Caroline Castle, Published by UNICEF

Different artists from around the world illustrate fourteen Rights of the Child. Grades 1 to 5.

This Child, Every Child By David J. Smith This book illustrates the disparities in the way children live around the world, set against the rights they have under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Grades 4 to 7.

Mine & Yours: Human Rights for Kids By Joy Berry for Amnesty International USA This book explains to children their rights, while also teaching about diverse global cultures and ways of life. Grades 2 to 6.

We Are All Born Free: The UN Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures By Amnesty International Internationally renowned artists and illustrators bring each right in the UN Declaration of Human Rights to life. Grades K to 8.

Fly Away Home By Eve Bunting This book deals with homelessness in a sensitive, non-judgmental way. A father and son live in an airport, moving from terminal to terminal trying not to be noticed. Grades 3 to 6.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP (CONTINUED)

I Have the Right to Be a Child By Alain Serres A young narrator describes what it means to be a child with rights. This book suggests that talking about rights helps to ensure they are respected. Grades K to 4.

Beatrice’s Goat By Page McBrier A girl in a small African village longs to go to school, but her family cannot afford it. Then Beatrice receives a gift from far away that helps lift her family out of poverty. Grades 1 to 3.

Those Shoes By Maribeth Boelts A boy wants a pair of shoes like the ones everyone at school has. The story discusses the difference between “wants”, “needs” and “rights”. Grades 1 to 4.

If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People By David J. Smith This book increases children’s global awareness by imagining what the world would be like if it were a village of only 100 people. Grades 4 to 6.

A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World By UNICEF

This book provides insight on how children in diverse places and of different cultures live their lives. Grades K to 5.

What a Wonderful World By George David Weiss Colourful illustrations of children of all backgrounds and the lyrics of the song made famous by Louis Armstrong combine to express the beauty of the world around us. Grades K to 2.

Children Just Like Me By Anabel Kindersley Discover the homes, schools, families, and cultures of young people around the world. Grades K to 6.

Celebrations By Anabel Kindersley Learn about the festivals, traditions and celebrations of children everywhere. Grades K to 6.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP (CONTINUED)

Muktar and the Camels By Janet Graber

A boy who lives in an orphanage on the border of Kenya and Somalia misses his old life with his family, especially taking care of his camels. Grades 2 to 4.

Let’s Eat: What Children Eat Around the World By Beatrice Hollyer

Learn all about the way diverse children and their families eat! Grades K to 6.

One Well: The Story of Water on Earth By Rochelle Strauss

Young readers learn how water on Earth is connected and how important it is to conserve and global well. Grades 3 to 6.

The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough By Katie Smith Milway

A family in Honduras tries to grow enough food to meet their needs. Shows ways for children to be part of a global movement to foster food security. Grades 2 to 5.

Rain School By James Rumford

This is the simple story of a school in rural Chad, Africa. It shows how important learning is to children. Grades 1 to 3.

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg Mortenson and Three Cups of Tea By Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth

This is the true story of a mountaineer who decided to build a school for a distant village in the Himalayas. Grades 3 to 6.

A Shelter in Our Car By Monica Gunning

A mother and daughter move from Jamaica to the United States in the hopes of starting a new life. However, the mother struggles to find work and they are forced to live in their car. Grades 2 to 5.

Every Human Has Rights: A Photographic Declaration for Kids By National Geographic

The 30 rights in the UN Declaration of Human Rights are listed and illustrated by evocative photography. Grades K to 8.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Mama Miti By Donna Jo Napoli

Tells the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, a Kenyan woman who founded the Green Belt Movement and won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Grades 3 to 6.

One Peace: True Stories of Young Activists By Janet Wilson

Inspiring tales of real children who have worked to promote peace. Children will learn that, no matter what their age is, they can change the world. Grades 4 to 8.

Paths to Peace: People Who Changed the World By Jane Breskin Zalben

16 peacemakers are profiled in this book, representing different eras and parts of the globe, including Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Cesar Chavez, and Aung San Suu Kyi. Grades 4 to 8.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa By Jeanette Winter

The true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Children will see how one person’s passion for creating positive change can inspire many others to make a difference. Grades 3 to 6.

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq By Jeanette Winter

In a country where war has come and women have little power, a librarian is determined to save her community’s library from being destroyed. Grades 3 to 6.

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference By Katie Smith Milway

A boy from Ghana turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. The story demonstrates how a little help can make a big difference. Grades 3 to 6.

Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together By Herb Shoveller

This is the true story of a six year old boy who raises enough money to build a well in Africa and befriends an orphan. Grades 2 to 6.

The Can Man By Laura E. Williams

A boy wants to save enough money to buy a skateboard by collecting cans. He encounters a homeless man and decides to make a positive change in someone else’s life. Grades 2 to 6.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE (CONTINUED)

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez By Kathleen Krull

Cesar Chavez is known as one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders, improving the lives of thousands of migrant farm workers in California. This is his story. Grades 3 to 6.

One By Kathryn Otoshi

This original book is about taking a stand and making your voice heard when you see something that is not right. There is an anti-bullying message. Grades 1 to 6.

Courage and Compassion: Ten Canadians Who Made a Difference By Rona Arato

A series of short profiles on Canadians who have taken action on a wide range of social justice and equity issues. Grades 3 to 6.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind By Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba

The amazing story of a fourteen-year-old boy from Malawi who brought electricity to his entire village by building a windmill out of junkyard scraps. Grades 3 to 6.

Humanitarians (Women in Profile Series) By Carlotta Hacker

In this book, children will learn about several women from different time periods, cultures, and countries who made the world a better place. Grades 3 to 6.

Running Shoes By Frederick Lipp

A young girl lives in a poor, rural village in Cambodia with no school. But when she receives a pair of running shoes, her life changes forever. Grades 1 to 4.

The Streets Are Free By Kurusa

When the local government of Caracas, Venezuela does nothing after promising a playground, a group of children inspire the entire community to come together. Based on a true story. Grades 4 to 6.

Our Rights: How Kids are Changing the World By Janet Wilson

Profiles ten young activists who fought for a diverse range of children’s rights and social justice issues in different countries around the world. Grades 4 to 6.

INCLUSION AND IMMIGRATION

The Color of Home By Mary Hoffman

A first grader and his family are forced to flee their home in Somalia. When he begins school in the United States, he cannot understand English and his African home. Grades K to 3.

The Chinese Violin By Madeleine Thien

A young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their traditional Chinese violin with them. The violin connects them to the life they left behind. Grades 1 to 4.

The Name Jar By Yangsook Choi

A new girl at school just moved from Korea. Her fear that nobody will be able to pronounce her name makes her feel that she should choose an American name instead. Grades K to 4.

The Day I Became a Canadian: A Citizenship Scrapbook By Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet

Xiao Ling Li and her parents take part in a citizenship ceremony and become Canadians. Grades 3 to 6.

One Green Apple By Eve Bunting

A young immigrant begins school in a new country. Despite the language barrier, she finds a way to connect with the other students and begins to feel that she belongs. Grades 1 to 4.

Nadia’s Hands By Karen English

Nadia is a flower girl for her aunt’s wedding and her hands are designed with henna. But Nadia is worried about what her classmates will think of her hands when she returns to school on Monday. Grades K to 4.

Landed By Milly Lee

Immigrating to America from China is not easy for 12-year-old Sun and his father because of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. This book recounts a troubling period of Chinese American history. Grades 3 to 6.

Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara By Ehria Woodruff

In 1845, Darcy and her family must leave Ireland forever when the potato famine strikes. Darcy must find a way to bring the small beauties of her life in Ireland with her to a new land across the Atlantic. Grade 2 to 5.

INCLUSION AND IMMIGRATION (CONTINUED)

My Name Is Bilal By Asma Mobin-Uddin

Bilal is nervous about being teased by his classmates for being Muslim. He considers changing his name to Bill so no one will know. Grades 3 to 5.

Our New Home: Immigrant Children Speak By Emily Hearn

Immigrant children share stories of leaving their homes in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Vietnam, Germany, Guyana, and Somalia. Grades 2 to 5.

My Name Is Yoon By Helen Recorvits

When Yoon writes her name in Korean, she feels happy. But when she must learn to write her name in English, she feels sad and alone. Yoon must find her place in a new country. Grades K to 3.

Lights For Gita By Rachna Gilmore

Gita recently immigrated from India and is excited to celebrate Divali, her favorite holiday. But Divali is just not the same in Canada and she longs to be back in India. Grades 1 to 4.

My Name is Sangoel By Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Sangoel is a refugee from Sudan adapting to his new life in the United States. He tries to cope with the fact that no one can pronounce his name at school. Grades 3 to 6.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Violet By Tania Duprey Stehlik

Violet’s father is blue and her mother is red. So why is she purple? Like many children, Violet is a beautiful mix of colours. Grades K to 3.

William’s Doll By Charlotte Zolotow

More than anything, Williams wants a doll to play with. But his father is against the idea. Then William’s grandmother understands. Grades K to 3.

And Tango Makes Three By Justin Richardson

The true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who became partners and raised a baby penguin together. Grades 1 to 4.

Yo! Yes? By Chris Raschka

Two boys who do not look alike and have different ways of speaking meet and become friends. Grades 1 to 3.

The Sneetches and Other Stories By Dr. Seuss

The Sneetches shows children that pointless prejudice and fear of the unknown can be costly. Grades 1 to 4.

Wings By Christopher Myers

A new boy in school is an outcast because he has strange wings. But his resilient spirit inspires one girl to speak up for him. Grades 4 to 6.

My Friend Has Down Syndrome By Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

This is the story of an ordinary child who comes to understand and befriend another child who has Down Syndrome. Grades K to 3.

10,000 Dresses By Marcus Ewert

Bailey wants to wear dresses and be a girl. But Bailey is told “You are a BOY!”. Grades 4 to 6.

A Girl Named Dan By Dandi Daley Mackall

This is the true story of Dandi Daley Mackall and her love for baseball at a time when girls did not get equal opportunities in sports. Grades 3 to 5.

The Sandwich Swap By Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah

Lily and Salma’s friendship is put to the test when the sandwiches in their lunches reflect their cultural differences. Grades 1 to 4.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY (CONTINUED)

Mom and Mum are Getting Married By Ken Setterington

Friends and family come together to celebrate the marriage of Rosie’s two mothers. Grades K to 3.

The Skin You Live In By Michael Tyler

A celebration of diversity by focusing on skin, something that makes us both different and similar at the same time. Grades K to 2

Amazing Grace By Mary Hoffman

Grace longs to play the role of Peter Pan in her school play, but her classmates say she can’t play because she is a girl and she is black. Grades 1 to 3.

We Are All Related: A Celebration of Our Cultural Heritage By George Littlechild

Artwork by children from a school in Vancouver, British Columbia celebrates their diverse cultural heritages. Grades 3 to 6.

Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability By Pat Thomas

This picture book explores the questions and concerns about physical disabilities that typical children may have. Grades K to 3.

The Great Big Book of Families By Mary Hoffman

This book features families of all kinds and how they share their lives. Grades K to 3.

Autistic? How Silly Is That! I Don’t Need Any Labels At All By Lynda Farrington Wilson

This book helps children understand that having autism is only one small aspect of who someone is. Grades K to 3.

Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller By Doreen Rappaport

An introduction to the life of Helen Keller, who not only overcame her disabilities, but sought justice and equality for all. Grades K to 4.

The Faraway Seed By Anna Boucaut

A story that illustrates the importance of understanding and accepting change and different cultures, and how diversity only enriches our land. Grades K to 3.

Whoever You Are By Mem Fox

A celebration of the world’s diverse cultures, both our similarities and differences. Grades K to 3.

ABORIGINAL RIGHTS AND STORIES

Many Nations: An Alphabet of Native America By Joseph Bruchac

Illustrations and brief descriptions demonstrate the cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples across North America. Grades K to 4.

Seven Sacred Teachings By David Bouchard and Dr. Joseph Martin

This book explains the Seven Sacred Teachings, which are universal to most First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples across North America. Grades 4 to 6.

Shi-shi-etko By Nicola Campbell

Beginning in 1870 and ending only in 1996, Aboriginal children in Canada were forcibly taken from their families to attend residential schools. The government’s objective was to erase their traditional languages and cultures. This is the story of a young girl’s last days at home before she will be taken away. Grades 3 to 6.

Long Powwow Nights By David Bouchard and Pam Aleekuk

This story demonstrates the importance of culture and identity. It focuses on the Powwow, a Native American celebration of life, spirituality, and traditions, uniting people through dance and ritual. Grades 4 to 6.

Shin-chi’s Canoe By Nicola Campbell

The sequel to Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children’s experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, and this time her little brother, Shin-chi, is coming too. Grades 3 to 6.

Morning on the Lake By Jan Bourdeau Waboose

A boy and his grandfather spend the day in the wilderness. The grandfather guides his grandson to respect the ways of nature and helps him understand his place within it. Grades 1 to 4.

Big Turtle By David McLimans

The traditional story of how the world and its people came to be. Children will recognize the sacred role nature and animals play in Aboriginal cultures and beliefs. Grades K to 4.

The Table Where Rich People Sit By Byrd Baylor

A young girl resents her family’s lack of material wealth and then comes to understand what really matters to her and the true value of their way of life. Grades 4 to 8.

ABORIGINAL RIGHTS AND STORIES (CONTINUED)

Shannen and the Dream for a School By Janet Wilson

The true story of Shannen Koostachin, a young student from Attawapiskat First Nation, Ontario, who fought for a proper school to be built in her community. Novel, Grades 5 to 8.

Secret of the Dance

By Andrea Spalding and Alfred Scow

In Canada in 1935, Aboriginal cultural practices like the Potlatch were forbidden. This is the story of a child growing up in a time when the heritage of First Nations people was sought to be destroyed. Grades 4 to 6.

Encounter By Jane Yolen

This is the story of Christopher Columbus landing on the island of San Salvador in 1492. It is told from a young Taino Indian’s perspective, demonstrating the destruction of his people and their culture by the colonizers. Grades 5 to 8.

Nokum Is My Teacher By David Bouchard

A grandmother and her grandson discuss life beyond their reserve. The grandmother shares her wisdom of respecting the old ways, while also encouraging her grandson to find his place in the outside world. Grades 4 to 6.

As Long As The Rivers Flow By Larry Loyie

This is the true story of the author’s last summer with his Cree tribe before entering residential school. Novel, Grades 5 to 8.

Kookum’s Red Shoes By Peter Eyvindson

An elderly woman tells the story of her residential school experience as a young girl. Grades 4 to 6.

A Coyote Columbus Story By Thomas King

This is a retelling of the Christopher Columbus story from a Native point of view. Grades 4 to 8.

A Walk on the Tundra By Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler

Inuujaq walks with her grandmother onto the tundra where she learns about the land, the plants and the wildlife, and their significance to the Inuit. Grades 1 to 4.

PEACE AND THE EFFECTS OF WAR

What Does Peace Feel Like? By Vladimir Radunsky

Co-authored by children from different countries, this book explores the concept of peace through the children’s descriptions of what peace feels, smells, sounds, looks, and tastes like in their lives. Grades K to 3.

A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope By Michael Foreman

A boy’s home has become a conflict zone and now a wire fence separates him from the hills and streams he once played in. But the boy finds hope in a small green sapling growing in the rubble. Grades 2 to 4.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes By Eleanor Coerr

Based on a true story, Sadako is diagnosed with “atomic bomb disease” (leukemia). She makes one thousand paper cranes so the gods will grant her wish to be healthy again. Novel, Grades 4 to 6.

Playing War By Kathy Beckwith and Lea Lyon

A group of friends play war, using sticks for guns and pine cones for bombs and grenades. When a new friend hesitates to join in, he tells them that he came from a country with a real war. Grades 2 to 5.

Always With You By Ruth Vander Zee

When Kim’s village in Vietnam is bombed, she is left alone and afraid until she is rescued by American soldiers and brought to an orphanage. Grades 3 to 4.

Feathers and Fools By Mem Fox

Two flocks of birds begin to fear each other because of their differences. They become enemies and create weapons to protect themselves. One day, panic strikes. Grades 4 to 8.

The Little Yellow Bottle By Angele Delaunois

Marwa and Ahmad live in a country where war is happening, but their lives go on as usual. Then one day they come across a small yellow bottle in a field and reach to pick it up. The bomb explodes, injuring them both. Grades 4 to 6.

Four Feet, Two Sandals By Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Two girls are living in a refugee camp on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. When relief workers bring used clothing and shoes, the two girls find a pair of sandals that will teach them the true meaning of friendship. Grades 3 to 6.

PEACE AND THE EFFECTS OF WAR (CONTINUED)

Can You Say Peace? By Karen Katz Children will learn how to say the word “peace” in twenty-two different languages and take part in a global wish for peace. Grades K to 2.

Gervelie’s Journey: A Refugee Diary By Anthony Robinson and Annemarie Young

The true story of Gervelie, her family, and their long journey from living in a war-torn country to finding a new life in England. Grades 3 to 6.

The Composition By Antonio Skármeta

Pedro’s life in Chile is ordinary until the day his father is taken away by military officers. This book portrays an abusive dictatorship from a child’s point of view. Grades 3 to 6.

Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan By Mary Williams Based on true events, a young boy unites with thousands of other orphaned boys to walk to safety in a refugee camp after war destroys their villages in Sudan. Grades 2 to 5.

Why? By Nikolai Popov

This is a wordless picture book with a strong anti-war message. A frog sits peacefully in a field until a mouse comes along and steals his flower. Grades 1 to 4.

The Roses In My Carpets By Rukhsana Khan

A young Afghani refugee living in an impoverished camp finds escape from his recurring nightmares of recent war in the beautiful carpets he weaves. Grades 2 to 4.

A Bear in War By Stephanie Innes and Harry Endrulat When Aileen’s father goes to war in Europe, she sends her beloved Teddy to protect him. This is the true story of a Canadian family’s life during World War I, told by a teddy bear. Grades 2 to 4.

Peace One Day: The Making of World Peace Day By Jeremy Gilley Jeremy Gilley’s determination and enthusiasm convinced world leaders to create the UN International Day of Peace on September 21. Grades 3 to 6.

PEACE AND THE EFFECTS OF WAR (CONTINUED)

Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen By Michelle R. McCann Despite the danger of execution by the Nazis, a woman rescues fifty-four abandoned children in a concentration camp. Grades 4 to 6.

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow By Amy Lee-Tai During World War II, Mari and her family are living in a Japanese internment camp. Mari finds hope, despite the injustices she endures, in her desert sunflowers. Grades 1 to 4.

The Harmonica By Tony Johnston

Based on the life of a Holocaust survivor, a boy is torn apart from his family, but manages to take the harmonica his father gave him as a gift to the concentration camps. The harmonica offers him comfort and ensures his survival. Grades 3 to 6.

The Butterfly By Patricia Polacco Monique lives in a French village occupied by the Nazis. One night, she discovers a young girl named Sevrine has been hiding from the Nazis in the basement of her family’s home. Grades 3 to 6.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The Lorax By Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss sends a powerful message about the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the environment. Grades 1 to 5.

The Little Hummingbird By Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

This simple story has a strong message about how one person can make a difference when they take responsibility for their home and their environment. Grades K to 5.

The Flower

By John Light

Brigg lives in a bleak, future city, where there are no flowers or green things. Then one day he reads a forbidden book at the library and learns that flowers once existed. This is a story about the value of protecting natural beauty. Grades 1 to 5.

Dear Children of the Earth By Schim Schimmel

Mother Earth writes a letter to the children of our planet encouraging them to take care of the environment. Grades 1 to 4.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps By Jeanette Winter

This book shares the extraordinary life story of Jane Goodall and her worldwide efforts to protect the chimpanzees of Gombe, Tanzania, that she spent years observing. Grades 1 to 4.

The Great Kapok Tree By Lynne Cherry

A man is sent into the Amazon rainforest to chop down a great kapok tree. Creatures in the forest emerge to remind him of the importance of the tree and the interdependence of all living things. Grades 3 to 5.

You Are Stardust By Elin Kelsey

This book provides children with a variety of ways that they are intimately connected to nature, including the fact that every atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. Grades 1 to 6.

Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming By Jean Davies Okimoto

A polar bear named Winston rallies other bears together to convince humans to save their Arctic habitat. But Winston learns that he too must change his ways to stop global warming. Grades 1 to 4.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP (CONTINUED)

Yucky Worms By Vivian French

Children will discover that worms are not just “yucky” but play an essential role in nurturing the soil and allowing our food to grow. Grades K to 4.

A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History By Lynne Cherry

This book traces 500 years of history of the Nashua River, from Algonquin inhabitants and abundant wildlife, to the arrival of industry, environmental degradation, to its present restoration. Grades 3 to 6.

The Earth Book By Todd Parr

Children will learn simple tips and ideas for “going green” everyday, from planting a tree, to recycling paper, to saving energy. Grades K to 3.

Just A Dream By Chris Van Allsburg

Walter does not appreciate or do his part to protect nature. He imagines a future full of robots and machines. Then one night a dream comes to him and he sees what the Earth might be like if we do not care for it. Grades 4 to 6.

Who Will Save My Planet? By Cristina Urrutia

This wordless book uses provocative photography to speak for the impact of humans on the environment. Grades 4 to 8.

The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein

This story can be used to discuss our relationship to the natural world. Children can consider the gifts that nature offers us and how we can give back to the environment. Grades K to 5.

Varmints By Helen Ward and Marc Craste

Mindless expansion of industrialized society results in the loss of natural environment for rabbit-like creatures called varmints. Grades 1 to 6.

FREEDOM AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Ron’s Big Mission By Corinne Naden

Based on the childhood story of NASA astronaut Ron McNair, an African American boy in a segregated society is courageous enough to take a stand when he is refused the ability to borrow books from his local library. Grades 1 to 4.

SIT-IN: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down By Andrea Davis Pinkney

The true story of four college students who staged a peaceful protest by daring to sit at the “whites only” Woolworth’s lunch counter. It became a defining moment in the civil rights movement. Grades 4 to 6.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad By Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

The story of a slave who must mail himself in a box to the North so he can be free. Grades 2 to 4.

Martin’s Big Words By Doreen Rappaport

This book traces the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from his childhood to his civil rights efforts. Quotes from King’s most beloved speeches tell the story. Grades 2 to 5.

Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth By Anne Rockwell

Sojourner Truth traveled across America speaking out against slavery and became one of the most powerful voices of the abolitionist movement. This is her story. Grades 2 to 5.

Richard Wright and the Library Card By William Miller

As a young black, Richard Wright was forbidden from borrowing books from the library. But with his love for reading and perseverance, he became one of America’s most brilliant writers. Grades 2 to 5.

White Water By Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

When Michael drinks water from the “colored” fountain, it tastes dirty. Yet the boy next to him at the “whites only” fountain eagerly drinks on. It is at this moment that Michael awakens to the injustices of segregation. Grades 1 to 5.

Rosa By Nikki Giovanni

This book tells the story of Rosa Parks, one of the most important civil rights figures in the United States, who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus. Grades 3 to 5.

FREEDOM AND CIVIL RIGHTS (CONTINUED)

The Story of Ruby Bridges By Robert Coles

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she made a mark in American history by becoming the first African American sent to first grade in an all white school. Grades 1 to 5.

The Secret to Freedom By Marcia Vaughan

This is the story of quilts that were made with secret codes in the patterns that gave important information to slaves planning to escape on the Underground Railroad. Grades 1 to 5.

The Other Side By Jacqueline Woodson

Clover has been told it is unsafe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But this does not stop the two girls from forming a friendship. Grades 1 to 4.

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged By Jody Nyasha Warner

In Nova Scotia in 1946, Viola Desmond refused to move from her seat in a movie theatre because she was black. She is an unsung hero in the movement to end racial discrimination in Canada. Grades 4 to 6.

Teammates By Peter Golenbock

This is the story of Jackie Robinson, the first black player on a major league baseball team, and his teammate, PeeWee Reese, who took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate. Grades 1 to 4.

The Children of Africville By Christine Welldon

This is the story of everyday life for children in Africville near Halifax, Nova Scotia. The people of the village were discriminated against and eventually forced to relocate by the local government. Grades 4 to 8.

Last Days in Africville By Dorothy Perkyns

12-year-old Selina is growing up in the community of Africville in the 1960s. Her small school is shut down by the city and she must attend an all-white school in Halifax where she is confronted with racism. Novel, Grades 5 to 8.

children’s rights and social justice book list · pdf filepage 1 introduction: bringing...

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