Children's Booklist: Discovering Courage

Working with children, I realize the power that a good book has in teaching not only valuable lessons, but also in providing a positive role model for children. Recently, I was asked to prepare a book display for a school library that focuses upon a particular theme. I chose the theme of courage because I believe that children can reach their goals and make their dreams come true when they keep their courage and refuse to give up. Also, I realize the need for positive role models in the lives of children. When selecting books about courage for the display booklist, I focused on books that have the kind of characters children will want to look up to. These books tell the stories of characters who either achieved their dreams by being courageous, or survived harsh circumstances against all odds by holding onto courage.

I hope that in sharing this booklist, I can pass on some noteworthy children's books that can be used by teachers and parents for teaching about the valuable less of courage. I have included a brief annotation for each book to help you decide if the material matches the interests of the children with whom you are working. Also, I have specified whether the book is primary, intermediate, or young adult.

Cutler, Jane. The Cello of Mr. O. Illus. by Greg Couch. NY: Dutton Children's Books, 1999 Ages: Primary.
When a concert cellist plays in the square for his neighbors in a war torn city, his priceless instrument is destroyed by a mortar shell, but he finds the courage to return the next day to perform with a harmonica bringing encouragement to all the neighbors.

Krull, Kathleen. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. Illus. by David Diaz. NY: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1996. Ages: Intermediate.
The remarkable true story of Wilma Krull, who was told at five years old that she would never walk again. Read how she overcame obstacles and became the first woman to win three gold medals during a single Olympic competition.

Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish. Illus. by Beth Krommes. MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 2001. Ages: Intermediate.
In 1913, a boat name Karluk, or "Fish" in Aleutian, became stuck in the Artic ice. Will the captain and crew of scientists, explorers, and Inupiaq hunters survive the cold, dark Artic?

Lovell, Patty. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Illus. by David Catrow. NY: G.P. Putman's Sons, 2001. Ages: Primary.
Even when the class bully at her new school makes fun of her, Molly remembers the advice of her wise grandmother and knows exactly what to do.

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1989. Ages: Intermediate to Young Adult.
In this gripping story, ten-year-old Annemarie learns to be brave in the midst of danger as she helps protect her Jewish friend from the Nazis during the German occupation of Denmark.

Park, Barbara. Mick Harte Was Here. NY: Scholastic Inc., 1995. Ages: Intermediate.
In this authentic story, a sister bravely deals with the untimely death of her younger brother-which could have been prevented if he had been wearing a bike helmet. She is given the opportunity to share her brother's story with others making a difference for her and all those who listen.

Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. Illus. by Donna Diamond. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. Ages: Intermediate to Young Adult.
Jess Aarons has been the fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary until Leslie Burke moves in next door. They become close friends which leads to the creation of a secret kingdom where they rule-a place where Jess learns to face his fears.

Mikaelsen, Ben. Touching Spirit Bear. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2001. Pgs. 240. Ages: Young Adult.
Cole Matthews, an angry young man who has committed a horrendous crime, is banished on an island in SE AK for one year as part of a rehabilitation program called Circle Justice. He receives guidance not only from a group of elders, but also from his experience with the animals on the island, particularly the legendary Spirit Bear which mauls and leaves him for dead.

Retold by Sakurai, Gail. Peach Boy, A Japanese Legend. Illus. by Makiko Nagano. Troll Associates, 1994. Ages: Primary.
In this Japanese folk tale, an old couple finds a baby inside a peach and adopts him as their son. He grows up to fight the dreadful ogres who have been terrorizing the village for many years.

Provensen, Alice & Martin. The Glorious Flight across the Channel with Louis Bleriot. NY: The Viking Press, 1983. Ages: Primary.
A biography of the man who refused to give up risking his own life to produce the Bleriot XI, the first aircraft to cross the English Channel.

Sperry, Armstrong. Call It Courage. NY: Macmillan Co., 1940. Ages: Intermediate.
Based on a Polynesian legend, this is the story of a youth who overcomes his fear of the sea and proves his courage to himself and his people.