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List for Children Back to Reading Lists |
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is a list of children's books that I have found to be very inspirational,
moving and educational. The stories are full of meaning and spiritual
lessons. If you are looking for a gift for a little person, check
these out. And if you love good messages and beautiful, soul stirring
stories... check them out for yourself. |
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Something to Remember Me By Susan V. Bosak with Laurie McGaw A beautiful book about the relationship between the generations, and the way that relationships grow and change over time. A touching story that warms the heart and helps us deeply appreciate the special people in our lives. |
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The Boy Who Ran to the Woods Jim Harrison A powerful story of overcoming personal tragedy and adversity with the help of nature. A great example of the possibility of turning tragedy into triumph. |
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Odd Velvet Mary Whitcomb A sweet story about liking yourself just the way you are. The main message of this story is to honor and express your uniqueness. You are special just the way you are! |
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For Every Child: Convention on the Rights of the Child in words and pictures Caroline Castle A great book put out by the UN to define, for children 14 rights that every child on the planet has, to live a life of hope, peace and security. A very beautiful book that we could all learn from. |
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Through My Eyes Ruby Bridges The awesome and inspiring story of Ruby Bridges, who at age 6 became the first black child to attend an all white school. Through the eyes of a 6 year old, we witness a sobering and, at times, horrifying part of American history, and the continuing struggle to eradicate racism from our country and our planet. An awesome story of courage and perseverance. |
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People Peter Spier A book to help us all celebrate the diversity and richness of our planetary family. Cartoon depictions of clothing, customs, food, housing, etc. from around the world. Another book that kids love to look at. They are fascinated by seeing how people in other parts of our world live their lives. |
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Children Just Like Me Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley All children LOVE this book! It is a colorful, exciting exploration of children around the world. It helps children recognize and celebrate the vast diversity of people and cultures on our fascinating planet! |
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Two Bad Ants Chris Van Allsburg A story about what is really important in life, as learned by two common, ordinary black ants. As a child I wanted to BE an ant... I used to fantasize about squeezing in to a little ant suit and going to live with the ants. So, this story obviously a appealed to me. It's main message is about the dangers of greed, and understanding the consequences of the choices we make. A charming story with a rich lesson. |
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The Miser on the Mountain Nancy Luenn A Nisqually Native American legend of Mount Rainier that teaches us all the true meaning of wealth in life. |
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Mordant's Wish Valerie Coursen A fantastic story about the power of hopes, wishes and dreams. A sweet little mole makes a wish that triggers an unexpected chain of events that lead to fulfillment of his wish. It demonstrates that the act of setting a goal is essential to fulfilling our dreams! |
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Milo and the Magical Stones Marcus Pfister A sweet story to show the difference between gratitude and greed and where each one might lead. This book allows children to choose the ending... and they can explore the consequences of gratitude (the happy ending) and greed (the sad ending). A terrific, beautiful to look at book. |
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One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale Demi A fantastic book where a smart young woman outsmarts a greedy, selfish ruler. A work of art that shows that intelligence and patience can prevail even against great worldly power. Especially wonderful because it's a young woman who uses her knowledge of mathematics to save the day! |
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The Ugly Duckling Hans Christian Andersen The classic tale that teaches us all that no matter how awkward we might feel or look on the outside we all have a magnificent true self within us. We must always believe in ourselves and our beautiful, powerful inner essence. |
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Oh the Places You'll Go Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss is my hero! This book is about new beginnings and about viewing life as a great adventure! A wonderful, encouraging and motivating tale. |
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The Sneetches and other Stories Dr. Seuss Two of my all time favorite stories are in this book! The Sneetches, teaches us about the insanity of prejudice and hatred. What was I scared of? teaches children about fear, and how to befriend our fear as a vehicle for personal growth and change. Every child I know will eventually get a copy of this book! |
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Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories Dr. Seuss How can you top Dr. Seuss??? Teaching stories that children love to hear and read. Yertle the Turtle teaches about the dangers of selfishness and letting one's ego rule. Great stories with great messages. |
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The Brand New Kid Katie Couric A great little story about kindness, understanding and helping to make others feel welcome when they are in new territory. |
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Hank Aaron - Brave in Every Way Peter Golenbock A great kid's version of the story of Hank Aaron and his struggles to overcome racism in order to live out his dream. An inspiring story of courage, tenacity and standing up for what is right. |
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The Other Side Jaquelie Woodson A special story about the man-made fence of racial bias and prejudice. The story illustrates how children can naturally see the silliness and uselessness of the structures that we set up to divide our human family and keep us from truly knowing each other. |
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Grasper Paul Own Lewis A beautifully written and illustrated story about trusting yourself, even when others criticize and doubt you. The main message of this wonderful book is to believe in yourself, your dreams and the possibility of a bigger, better life. |
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The Crayon Box that Talked Shane DeRolf A powerful little book that helps children celebrate diversity. Using the wonderful metaphor of crayons coloring a complete picture shows children that all of us have a place in life's majestic tapestry. |
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Put your Best Foot Forward Allison Stoutland A delightful book filled with simple, positive lessons illustrated by every day events and occurrences. It helps us all look at the world around us as an unlimited opportunity for learning and growing. |
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Reach for the Sky Allison Stoutland Another book by the author of "Put your Best Foot Forward" that continues the theme of looking at nature and our surroundings as teachers of wisdom. |
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In Every Tiny Grain of Sand Reeve Lindbergh An awesome collection of prayers from a wide variety of spiritual traditions. This book helps children to see the similarities of underlying ideas that permeate the world's religions. It helps to find the unity underlying the diversity of spiritual expression around our globe. A true treasure! |
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Old Turtle Douglas Wood A beautiful story to show us how to respect the earth, each other, and our unique views of God and the universe. A powerful, positive way of viewing life and our relationships. |
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The Virtues Guide: A Handbook for Parents Teaching Virtues Linda Kavelin Popov, Dan Popov, PhD, John Kavelin This is such a great book for parents, teachers and anyone who interacts regularly with children. This book takes 52 virtues, such as assertiveness, caring, generosity and kindness, and takes children through a teaching experience around each virtue. There is a description, suitable for children, and there are interactive questions and experiences to help them get a true sense of what the virtue looks like in practice and application. This book is so great for helping kids really understand the value of integrating each virtue. |
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