Developed and compiled by Janet Watt, Grosse Pointe Schools

CHILDREN’S BOOKS FOR TEACHING CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES Aasung, Nathan (1994). You Are the Supreme Court Justice. Minneapolis, MN: Oliver Press. (popular sovereignty, decision making) Readers step into the shoes of the justices and pick possible solutions for actual cases. Then they learn the real decisions and consequences. This is a great book to use for learning the judicial process by having mock trials in the classroom and then finding out how they actually ended. Adler, David A. (1989). A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln. New York, NY: Holiday. (equality, diversity, liberty, freedom, individual rights) This book tells about Abraham Lincoln’s life from boyhood through his assassination. Adler, David A. (1992). A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman. New York, NY: Holiday. (equality, liberty, freedom, individual rights) This is a biography of Harriet Tubman who escaped from slavery. She was a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Adler, David A. (1990). A Picture Book of Helen Keller. New York, NY: Holiday. (equality, liberty, freedom, individual rights) The story of Helen Keller helps the reader understand how she was able to lead a productive life despite her disabilities. Adler, David A. (1989). A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York, NY: Holiday. (equality, diversity, liberty, freedom, individual rights) This biography tells about Martin Luther Kings, Jr.’s role as a Baptist minister and civil rights leader. He is best known for his nonviolent beliefs and employing peaceful civil disobedience. Adler, David A. (1993). A Picture Book of Rosa Parks. New York, NY: Holiday. (equality, liberty, freedom, individual rights) Rosa Parks became famous for her leadership in civil rights by her refusal to give up her seat on a bus. Barnes, Peter W. & Cheryl Shaw (1999). Woodrow for President. Alexandria, VA: Vacation Spot Publishers. (popular sovereignty) This book makes the complicated election process easy to follow. It’s done in rhyme. The reader will follow Woodrow on his way to the presidency. Bartone, Elisa (1996). American Too. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. (diversity)

A spirited Italian emigrant girl comes to New York with her family. Rosina want to change herself into an American girl. The story tells her struggle to accept her heritage as well as be American. Bemelmans, Ludwig (1954). Madeline’s Rescue. New York, NY: Viking Child. (life-safety; common good-rules) A dog rescues Madeline from the Seine River. After the rescue he becomes a school pet but the trustees try to chase him away. The dog returns. Blos, Joan W. (1987). Old Henry. New York, NY: William Morrow & Co., Inc. (individual rights-liberty) This book tells the story of Henry who moves into a dilapidated house in a neighborhood. The neighbors expect him to fix up the house but Henry is happy with it the way it is. He finally leaves after confrontations with the neighbors. They end up with an empty house and the people miss him. Bowen, Gary (1994). Stranded at Plimoth Plantation 1626. New York, NY: Harper Collins. (justice; common good) This is the story of Christopher Sears, an indentured servant who is shipwrecked at Plimoth. The story shows how the colonists work together to solve problems. Bray, Rosemary L. (1995) Martin Luther King. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. (diversity; equality) This is a beginning biography and an introduction to the Civil Rights movement in America. The illustrations are great. Brown, Laurene Krasny (1998). How to Be a Friend. New York, NY: Little Brown. (common good, individual rights) The author uses dinosaur characters to show friendship skills through example. Brown, Marc Tolon (1982). Dinosaurs, Beware! : a safety guide. New York, NY: Little Brown. (common good) Dinosaur characters show how to stay safe at home, in the car, camping, and other familiar places. Brown, Marc Tolon (1987). The True Fancine. Boston, MA: Little, Brown. (truth) Muffy stands by while Francine gets blamed for cheating on a test. Buehner, Caralyn (1995). It’s a Spoon, Not a Shovel. Puffin. (common good) Many humorous examples with animal characters are used to explain what are appropriate manners in different situations. The entire book is in the format of a multiple-choice test on manners. Bunting, Eve (1994). A Day’s Work. New York, NY: Clarion Books. (truth) A boy tries to help his non-English speaking grandfather find work by telling a lie. The lie spoils the day but the boy learns a lesson about restitution from his grandfather.

Bunting, Eve (1991). Fly Away Home. New York, NY: Clarion Books. (diversity, justice, common good, diversity) A homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal and trying not to be noticed, is given hope when he sees a trapped bird find its freedom. Camenson, Stephanie (1989). The Principal’s New Clothes. New York, NY: Scholastic. (liberty-individual rights/freedom of speech; truth) This is a take off on the traditional story of the Emperor’s New Clothes. The principal, Mr. Bundy, is taken in by a couple of con artists and everyone is afraid to tell him he is without clothing. This could be used as a fun way to discuss freedom of speech. Caple, Kathy (1994). The Wimp. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. (justice, truth) Arnold and his sister learn how to deal with bullies and get justice. They help the bullies get caught by the principal so they have to make restitution. Carlson, Nancy (1982). Harriet and the Garden. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. (truth) Harriet ruins her neighbor’s garden and feels very guilty. She finally confesses to doing it and clears her conscience. Carlson, Nancy (1994). How to Lose All Your Friends. Puffin. (common good) This book gives advice on how to behave if you don’t want to have fun. It’s a good point from which to discuss the common good and individual freedoms. Carlson, Nancy (). Life Is Fun. Puffin. (common good) The book tells how to be happy on Earth. The instructions include advice like don’t bring snakes into the house, be nice to the nerdy kid next door as well as any space creatures you may meet. This would be a-Monday @ 2:20 p.m. – Family Gathering -Monday @ 7-8 p.m. – 5th Grade Electricity Night -Tuesday @ 7-8 5th Grade Electricity Night fun book as a springboard to talk about the common good. Celsi, Teresa (1993). The Fourth Little Pig. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn. (equality) The three little pigs have a sister who comes along to help them get over their fear of going outside. They have been hermits since their run in with the big bad wolf. A humorous book. Center for Civic Education (1998). Fair Bears Learn About Justice. Calabasas, CA: Center for Civic Education.

(justice) The story is about three bear families who were neighbors and friends. The story stresses family rules, sharing, and fairness. The book is divided into short chapters that each tell a story about the families and fairness. Cherry, Lynne (1992). A River Ran Wild. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Co. (common good) This book tells the story of the Nashua River’s demise and revitalizaton. It tells the history of the river and the struggle to save it from pollution. Chorao, Kay (1979). Molly’s Lies. New York, NY: Seabury Press. (truth) Molly makes up a lot of stories that she tells her classmates until one of them confronts her and she learns about telling the truth. Cohen, Barbara (1983). Molly’s Pilgrim. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. (liberty; equality) This tells the story of Molly, an immigrant from Russia, whose customs are different than those of her classmates. It stresses that people/pilgrims came to America from other countries to seek liberty and equality. Cohen, Miriam (1985). Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! NewYork, NY: Greenwillow Books. 9truth) Alex is a first grader who is having a difficult time making the adjustment. He makes up stories to impress the other students and learns about telling the truth. Collodi, Carlo (1996). Pinocchio. New York, NY: Penguin. (truth) This is the classic story about Pinocchio whose nose grows from telling lies. Cosby, Bill (1997). The Best Way to Play. New York, NY: Scholastic. (liberty-individual rights, justice) Little Bill and his friends want a video game but their parents refuse to buy it for them. Little Bill’s parents explain they can’t afford it. One child does get the game but the children discover that they mastered it quickly and it became boring. The children decide their creative play is more fun. Cosby, Bill (1997). The Meanest Thing to Say. New York, NY: Scholastic. (liberty-individual rights; common good, truth) A new student at school gets the kids to start trouble by saying mean things to each other. Little Bill’s family helps him to understand this is inappropriate and how to handle the situation. Cottrill, Peter (1994). Anteater on the Stairs. New York, NY: Kingfisher Books. (truth)

Sophie gets a new neighbor named Joe. Joe tells Sophie all about his wonderful pets. Sophie makes up a story about her pet polar bear and Joe doesn’t pay attention to her. They learn a lesson about honesty and friendship. Cusack, Isabel Langis (1978). Ivan the Great. New York, NY: Crowell. (truth) A child named Ivan learns about truth from a parrot. Demi (1990). The Empty Pot. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Company. (common good; truth) This story tells the tale of a Chinese boy who is willing to follow the Emperor’s rules and then tell the truth. The Emperor when looking for a replacement gave all the children a seed to grow and bring back in a year. Ping was the only child with the courage to return with an empty pot. Ernst, Lisa Campbell (1983). Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt. New York, NY: Mulberry Books. (equality) Sam Johnson wants to join a woman’s quilting group but is told he can’t join. This takes a look at stereotypes as well as equality. Estes, Eleanor (1944). The Hundred Dresses. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. (diversity) Wanda keeps her hundred dresses hidden and wears the same blue dress every day. The girls at school who tease her finally find out why she does this. Evans, Katherine (1960). The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Chicago, IL: A. Whitman. (truth) A boy tending sheep keeps calling “wolf” as a joke. Then no one pays attention when he cries “wolf” and there really is one. Discussions of truth and trust can follow from this story. Feder, Paula Kurzband (1995). The Feather-Bed Journey. Lebanon, NH: Albert Whitman & Co. (liberty) As she reuses the insides of a torn feather pillow, Grandma tells about her childhood in Poland, about the Nazi persecution of Jews during World War II, and about the origin of this special pillow. Fisher, Leonard Everett (1995). Gandhi. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. (tolerance) This book tells about Gandhi’s life and beliefs. The impact on his country of India is stressed. Freedman, Russell (1980). Immigrant Kids. New York, NY: Scholastic. (equality) The author tells about the lives of immigrant children. The chapter on children in the workplace could lead to a good discussion on equality. Fritz, Jean (1973). And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? New York, NY: Scholastic. (truth)

This book tells the story of Paul Revere and clarifies the myth. It’s a good picture book biography of Paul Revere. Fritz, Jean (1987). Shh. We’re Writing the Constitution. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam & Sons. (popular sovereignty) This is a nicely illustrated book that tells about the Constitutional Convention and the basis of our government. It details how they got delegates and the issues they brought to the Convention. Gleiter, Jan & Kathleen Thompson (1995). Booker T. Washington. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn. (equality; liberty) This tells the story of Booker T. Washington’s life as a slave and his struggles to get an education and found Tuskegee Institute. Golenbock, Peter (1990). Teammates. New York, NY: Harcout Brace. (equality) This book tells the story of Jackie Robinson becoming the first black baseball player in the Major Leagues. He suffers through a lot of discrimination. His teammate Pee Wee Reese offers support and friendship to Robinson. Gertz, Susanna (1992). Rabbit Rambles On. New York, NY: Four Winds Press. (truth) Rabbit brags and stretches the truth in his stories. Duck and Frog teach him a lesson. Henkes, Kevin (1996). Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. New York, NY: Morrow. (common good, individual rights) Lilly loves school and her teacher but in her excitement over showing some things brought from home, she interrupts the lesson and infringes on the rights of others. She makes it worse in her anger and then her parents help her to rectify the situation. Henkes, Kevin (1996). Chrysanthemum. New York, NY: Morrow. (diversity) Chrysanthemum starts kindergarten only to find out that the other kids make fun of her name. Her parents try to reassure her that her name is OK. Her family love and support see her through the teasing. Hopkins, Deborah (1993). Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (freedom; equality) Clara makes a patchwork quilt that cleverly includes a map to help slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. The author claims that this is based on a true story. Clara and her family are able to also escape but leave the quilt behind to help others. Klamath County YMCA Family Preschool (1993). The Land of Many Colors. New York, NY: Scholastic. (diversity; common good) The people of all different colors begin fighting each other and finally get together to make it better for everyone. They learn that friendship is possible despite the differences.

Kroll, Steven (1991). Annabelle’s Un-Birthday. New York, NY: Macmillan. (truth) Annabelle is a second grader. She starts the school year telling everyone about her birthday and big plans for a party at her grandmother’s. She then has to face the truth and make restitution for her lie. Kubler, Susanne (1984). The Three Friends. New York, NY: Macmillan. (truth) Cat is a storyteller who has a reputation for being a liar. Sam the hare and Duffel the bear help their friend, Cat, learn the importance of honesty. Lindbergh, Reeve (1996). Nobody Owns the Sky. Crystal Lake, IL: Candlewick Press. (diversity) A rhymed telling of the life of the first African American aviator who dreamed of flying as a child; the cotton fields of Texas and persevered until she made that dream come true. Lionni, Leo (1983). Cornelius. New York, NY: Random. (diversity) A fable about a young crocodile who isn’t afraid to try something new even though the other alligators make fun of him. Lionni, Leo (1967). Frederick. New York, NY: Random. (diversity) Frederick the field mouse sat on the old stone wall while his four brothers gathered food for the approaching winter days. The other mice felt that Frederick was not doing his share of the work, but when the food ran out, Frederick saved the day with what he had gathered. Lionni, Leo (1991). Matthew’s Dream. New York, NY: Random. (diversity) Matthew lives in a dreary corner of a dusty attic but a visit to a museum helps him look at his surroundings in a new way. McCully, Emily Arnold (1996). The Ballot Box Battle. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (equality) The story is about election day in 1880 and the lesson Cordelia learns about women’s rights. McKissack, (1986). Flossie and the Fox. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. (justice) Flossie encounters a fox on her way to deliver eggs. She outsmarts the fox so he loses his confidence and doesn’t take her eggs. MacLachlan, Patricia (1991). Three Names. New York, NY: Harper Collins. (equality) This is a story about a boy and his dog set 100 years ago on the prairie. It takes a close look at equality in education.

Maestro, Betsy (1987). A More Perfect Union. New York, NY: Mulberry. (popular sovereignty) A good overview of the Constitutional Convention is given. The book includes summaries of the Constitution and Amendments. Maestro, Betsy (1986). The Story of the Statue of Liberty. New York, NY: Mulberry. (patriotism) This book tells the story of the Statue of Liberty with great illustrations. Maestro, Betsy & Giulio (1996). The Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, Inc. (popular sovereignty) This book presents a thorough summary of democracy in our country. She is able to explain some complicated ideas in simple language. The election process is detailed. Marzollo, Jean (1994). In 1776. New York, NY: Scholastic. (popular sovereignty) This is a simple introduction to the American Revolution and how we fought for democracy as our county began. McKissack, Patricia C. and Pinkney, Jerry (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. (diversity, equality) This story takes place in the south during the 1950’s. The main character encounters much racism/segregation but finds the library to be a place that welcomes everyone. Mochizuki, Ken (1995). Heroes. New York, NY: Lee and Low Books. (diversity) Japanese American Donnie, whose playmates insist he be the “bad guy” in their ear games, calls on his reluctant father and uncle to help him get away from that role. Morrison, Toni (1999). The Big Box. Boston, MA: Little Brown. (freedom) A story regarding three feisty kids who can’t handle their freedom. They are forced to abide by adults' rules and live in a big box. It tells why the adults can’t give them the freedom they want. Morrow, Mary Frances (1990). Sarah Winnemucca. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn. (justice) Recounts the life story of the influential Paiute woman who fought for justice and a better life for her people. Parks, Rosa with Jim Haskins (1997). I Am Rosa Parks. New York, NY: Dial Books. (equality) This book tells the story of Rosa’s life. The story is a good stepping stone to discussion of the Civil Rights movement.

Peters, Julie Anne (1992). The Stinky Sneakers Contest. Boston, MA: Little, Brown. (truth) Earl and Damian enter a contest for the smelliest sneakers. In their competition against each other, they almost lose their friendship. Pfister, Marcus (1992). The Rainbow Fish. New York, NY: North-South Books. (equality, liberty, diversity) The Rainbow Fish learns about equality and diversity as he shares his gifts. Pinkney, Andrea Davis (1994). Dear Benjamin Banneker. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace. (equality) Banneker’s struggled with being a black man despite a Constitution that said all men are equal. He was an astronomer and mathematician. His almanac was published and he corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about slavery. Pinkwater, Daniel Manus (1977). The Big Orange Splot. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. (liberty-individual rights; common good; diversity) This is a story about individual rights and the resolution of conflict. When Mr. Plumbeam paints his house the neighbors are upset but one-by-one they change their thinking. Potts, Steve (1996). Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Photo-Illustrated Biography. Photo-Illustrated Biographies. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone Books. (popular sovereignty) This is a brief biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Purdy, Carol (1985). Iva Dunnit and the Big Wind. New York, NY: Dial Books. (liberty-individual rights; pursuit of happiness) This is a funny book about Iva Dunnit who shows the right to own property and pursue happiness. Raatma, Lucia (2000). Mankato, MN: Bridgestone Books. Titles in Character Education Series:

Responsibility Respect Friendliness Caring Tolerance Peacefulness Consideration

Rathman, Peggy (1995). Officer Buckle and Gloria. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. (common good, life-safety) A police officer teaches children about safety with the help of his dog. Rosenblum, Richard (1993). Stars and Stripes and Soldiers. New York, NY: Scholastic. (patriotism)

This book shows the many flags of the United States. It also talks about the soldiers who carried them. Roy, Ron (1979). Awful Thursday. New York, NY: Pantheon Books. (truth) Jack ruins a tape recorder at school and wrestles with telling his teacher, Miss Hope, what happened. Ryan, Pam Munoz (1995). The Flag We Love. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge. (patriotism) Told in poem form, this is a tribute to our flag. It is a major symbol of our patriotism. Rylant, Cynthia (1997). Poppleton. New York, NY: Scholastic. (common good, freedom, individual rights) This book is three very short stories. The first story has the most potential for stressing core democratic values. Poppleton moves in next door to a neighbor who friendliness becomes overbearing. They finally work out a way to keep their independence and privacy and become good friends. Rylant, Cynthia (1982). When I Was Young in the Mountains. New York, NY: E.P. Dutton. (liberty-freedom of religion) A family’s life in the mountains is told which stresses their struggle for religious freedom. St. George, Judith (2000). So You Want to Be President. New York, NY: Philomel Books. (popular sovereignty) This book won a Cadecott Medal. It gives little known facts about all the presidents. It would be an interesting and humorous compliment to a study of government. Saltzberg, Barney (1998). Mrs.Morgan’s Lawn. Hyperion. (common good) Mrs. Morgan is a mean neighbor who yells at the kids whenever they go near her perfect lawn. She keeps all balls that go into the yard. After doing an act of kindness for Mrs. Morgan, the boy in the story discovers that all the lost balls have reappeared. Schaefer, Lola M. (1999). Martin Luther King, Jr. Famous Americans. Mankato, MN: Pebble Books. (diversity, equality) Martin Luther King, Jr’s life is told. Scieszka, Jon (1998). Squids Will Be Squids. New York, NY: Viking Press. (truth) These are a collection of twisted fables which tell a moral. The Little Walrus story is about truth. Scieszka, Jon (1989). The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. New York, NY: Viking Aestrel. (justice)

A wolf presents his side of the story. He feels he was framed for the death of the first two pigs. In reality, he said he was only trying to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbors and the press exaggerated the story. Scillian, Devin (2001). A is for America: an American Alphabet. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press. (patriotism) Each letter of the alphabet features an important part of the United States. Scott, Elaine (2000). Friends. New York, NY: Atheneum Books. (common good) A story about friendships. Seskin, Steve and Shamblin, Allen (2002). Don’t Laugh at Me. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press. (diversity) This book comes with a CD since the words have been set to music. The words celebrate the many differences in people and encourages tolerance. Sharmat, Marjoie Weinman (1978). A Big Fat Enormous Lie. New York, NY: E.P. Dutton. (truth, common good) The main character tells a lie to avoid the anger of his family. He feels so bad about it that he finally tells the truth. Shenkman, Richard (1991). “I Love Paul Revere, Whether He Rode or Not”. New York, NY: Harper Perennial. (truth) The author tells about myths from history including the ride of Paul Revere. Silverman, Jerry (1992). American History Songbook. Pacific, MO: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (patriotism) Judge Judy’s witty, wise questions and answers challenge kids to make winning choices – for life. Sleator, William (1979). Once, Said Darlene. New York, NY: Dutton. (truth) Darlene makes up fantastic stories and then insists that they are true. She learns about truth in the story. Small, David (1999). Ruby Mae Has Something to Say. New York, NY: Crown Books Young Readers. (diversity, freedom, individual rights) Ruby Mae has something important to say but is different. Her young nephew comes to her rescue by designing a strange hat that builds her confidence and thus increases her communication capability. She becomes active in politics. Her final message is that to achieve universal peace and understanding “you have to speak plainly, even though you may look foolish. This is a thousand times better than looking good and talking nonsense”. Smucker, Barbara (1995). Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt. New York, NY: Crown Publishers, Inc. (freedom; individual rights; diversity)

Selina’s family flees their Pennsylvania farm during the Civil War and go to Canada so they can avoid religious persecution. They are Mennonite’s so they can’t bear arms or fight in a war. Selina’s grandmother helps her through the transition by making a patchwork quilt. Sobel, Syl (1999). How the U.S. Government Works. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s. (popular sovereignty) Brief, simple, clear explanation of our government system. Spier, Peter (1973). The Star-Spangled Banner. New York, NY: Doubleday & Co. (patriotism) Our national anthem is illustrated. The book has a summary of what inspired our national anthem. Spier, Peter (1987). We The People. New York, NY: Doubleday & Co. (foundation of core democratic values) This book explains how our government was founded and the issues that led to democracy. It includes the Preamble, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Spier, Peter (1980). People. New York, NY: Doubleday. (diversity) People are shown in many varieties in a delightful picture book. The underlying message is that we can live peacefully together by understanding and appreciating our differences – differences are good. Steig, William (1994). Zeke Pippin. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. (liberty, justice, individual rights) Every time Zeke plays his newly found harmonica, he discovers everyone falls asleep. Thinking his family doesn’t love him, he runs away only to find the harmonica has the same effect on others. He saves himself during several adventures to finally find his way to a joyous reunion at home. Stein, R. Conrad. The Bill of Rights. Chicago, IL: Children’s Press. (patriotism) This book explains the Bill of Rights. Stoltz, Mary (1997). A Ballad of the Civil War. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. (justice) Twin brothers who have grown up playing with slave children on their parent’s plantation are instructed to end their association with their slave friends. One of the twins is marked forever by this incident, and loses his family ties in his search for justice. Swanson, June (1990). I Pledge Allegiance. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. (patriotism) Describes how and why the Pledge of Allegiance was written, how it has changed its wording over the years, and precisely what it means. Sweeney, Joan (1998). Me and My Family Tree. New York, NY: Random. (diversity)

This is a pictorial introduction to genealogy that helps children understand the parts of a family. Vaugham, Marcia (2001). The Secret to Freedom. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books, Inc. (freedom, equality) This story is set in pre-Civil War times. Quilts are used to help slaves escape to freedom. The bravery and spirit of the people comes across. Waddell, Martin (1991). Farmer Duck. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. (justice, rights of individuals) This is a story about a duck who is a servant to a farmer who stays in bed all day. While the duck sleeps the other farm animals take justice into their own hands. Wildsmith, Brian (1974). Python’s Party. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. (justice) The python throws a party for the animals to trick them into coming so he can eat them. Wiles, Deborah (2001). Freedom Summer. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. (diversity; equality, freedom) This is a touching story about two friends – one white and one black – and their experience with racism in the south. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 finally allows them both to swim at the community pool but the pool is filled in so no one can swim in it. Williams, Mary Lowe (1994). Let’s Celebrate Our Differences. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications. (diversity) Woodson, Jacqueline (2001). The Other Side. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. (diversity; equality) This is a beautiful story about two girls – one white and one black -- who are told not to go over the fence that divided the town between white and black people. They eventually sit on the fence and a friendship begins that starts to break down the race barrier in the town. Wright, Coutni C. (1995). Wagon Train. New York, NY: Holiday House. (freedom; equality) An African American family follows the Oregon Trail after the Civil War looking for freedom and a new life of equality. Zemach, Harve (1969). The Judge. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. (justice, truth, equality, freedom) A variety of prisoners come before the judge telling the same story about something terrible coming. He doesn’t question and locks them all up only to find he should have listened. Zolotow, Charlotte (1976). It’s Not Fair. New York, NY: Harper & Row. (justice) A girl decides her life isn’t fair when she compares it to her friends. The book is a springboard to discuss what fair means.