Some books about sharing to share with kids…
It’s a good time to think about kindness. These books will help kids see that in a new way.
Rabbit’s Gift: A Fable from China
by George Shannon
Grades K-2
This is a sort of Pay it Forward for the younger set. It’s late winter, and Rabbit is low on food. Suddenly, turnips start showing up on his doorstep, and he decides to share his good fortune with others.
Wolf’s Coming
by Joe Kulka
Grades K-2
The forest animals scurry around and hide as soon as they hear the wolf is coming, but they are actually hiding to give the wolf a surprise party.
The Shy Creatures
by David Mack
Grades 1-4
A shy young girl dreams of being a doctor for other shy creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, who she wants to help if they are hurt or sick.
Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie Babbitt
Grades 4-8
This is a classic, but sometimes we forget about the books that have been around awhile. The novel tells the story of a family who has discovered the fountain of youth and why they wish they hadn’t. When a young girl thinks she wants to partake, they have to help her understand what the cost of such a gift is. A really compelling story with lots of big questions about life and how we live it.
Shiloh
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Grades 4-7
When a compassionate young boy is followed home by an abused dog, he tries to give it a new home. However, the abusive owner doesn’t want to give the dog up. Great read aloud that raises good questions for discussion.
Ruby Holler
by Sharon Creech
Grades 5-8
13 year-old twins Dallas and Florida have been in tons of horrible foster homes, but they start to believe that can change when an older couple adopts them and takes them on a variety of unique adventures. Creech’s books are full of rich, colorful language. This one has some darker moments, especially when they talk about the various foster homes, but the brother-sister team are unforgettable characters.
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
Grades 5-12
The narrator, Leo, is a high school student in Arizona. When a new girl comes to town, the whole school is at a loss of what to make of her. However, her generous spirit infects the school and changes their corner of the world, for awhile at least. I love the independent title character as well as the realistic arc of the school’s reactions to her.
