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.

When the Whippoorwill Calls

What is a whippoorwill exactly?  I must admit, that's one of the reasons I picked up this book.  I am such a sucker for this type of art.  (Not a bad thing, really.)   Ooh, but what a discovery.  Anyone who has *had* to move as opposed to simply wanting to move, and any child going through the stress of change, can be helped by this book.  It's also a good book to read for older kids, prior to discussing the good and bad effects of government in our lives...  (it's not government-bashing, but does make you think).

Prize in the Snow

Prize in the Snow

This book takes you through the boy's thought processes as he goes on his first hunting trip.  You feel his anticipation, his excitement, you want his plans to work.  And then when he finally catches his prey, there's hesitation, fear, and finally, mercy.  He realizes that his pride in catching the rabbit is not as important as the rabbit's hunger.  He releases his catch and decides instead to feed it again the next day.  An excellent book to read to children to teach them to think of the possible consequences of the choices they make.  Lots of material for good discussion.

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.

The Prince of the Dolomites

Prince of the Dolomites

An oldie but goodie from Tomie de Paola.  I love his retelling of old Italian tales -- most of the time they're unknown to me and I get quite an education.  It's also neat seeing places we might want to visit one day.  They're going on the "Places We'd Like to See Before We Die" list.  This book tells about The Dolomites in Northern Italy, and the edelweiss, stella alpina. ***

Homeplace

I love Wendy Anderson Halperin's (the illustrator) books.  Of course, the poetic text is very moving as well.  Together the pictures and words evoke such peace and loveliness in our memories of times gone by.  This book is about family, about the way life changes through the generations... an excellent read aloud for preschoolers but also to teach older children about the past, and help them to reflect on the present, and hopefully inspire them to preserve some of the old things for the future as well.  It's a beautiful book to linger and pore over and reminisce on how life was at a simpler time.  Being somewhat of a Luddite at times, this is one book that makes me wistful and a bit sad.

I Have A Dream

Beautiful, beautiful book.  Text from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, partnered with illustrations from Coretta Scott King Award winners and Coretta Scott King Book artists.  Includes a foreword from Coretta Scott King herself. 

Great addition to a history unit study, with lots of vocabulary for copywork or language arts.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Good summary for kids about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.  It does cover his assassination, in case you're watching out for that and want to shield your kids.  For that reason I'm tagging this "middle school".