The Rag Coat

This book tells about a girl who lost her father.   When I first read this it was at a time when we were reading much about poverty and my first thought was, "Wouldn't this depress the kids?"  However, poverty is a constant, universal issue -- it exists because we as a people have not done what we need to do to eradicate it.  In this story the community does what it can to help out this needy family.  There are also themes of dealing with ridicule, developing a positive outlook and being able to communicate effectively with those who criticize you.  The artwork is exceptional and well-suited to the story.  Because of the subject matter, though, you might want to preview it before you read it to your kids. 

Beatrice's Goat

This is the story of a little girl in Uganda whose life is changed because of a gift made through Heifer Project International.  Great book to read when you're thinking of what to do/give as a family to those suffering in poverty around the world.  Also an appropriate read around Advent or Lent when we need to reflect on the abundance that is available to us here in the US, and see where we can take steps to maybe live simpler, live with less, and give more to our brothers and sisters who live in difficult conditions.

One Hundred Shining Candles

Lovely book about siblings helping each other to make Christmas a little lovelier. Sacrifices are made, mistakes are made, humility is learned, but overall there is a theme of giving up things for the good of others.