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All books are in print and available unless designated with an *; all DVDs are available for purchase. Books not in print may be found in public, private, or church libraries. Many of the suggestions were contributed by Marjorie Geissinger, Naomi Kauffman, Clara Landis and Wendy Westfall, members of the Bux-Mont Librarians in Pennsylvania.
47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea, Phil Vischer (Nashville: Tommy Nelson,2007).
Phil Vischer spins a rollicking tale about 47 beavers who find themselves lost at sea and discover that things go best when they all work together. (Session 9)
Are You My Friend?, Janice Derby (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1993).
An illustrated book about noticing what is different about others and still wanting to be friends with them.
Can You Say Peace?, Karen Katz (New York: Henry Holt, 2006).
Colorful drawings of children from around the world are on each page. The word for peace in the language spoken in that part of the world is given along with its pronunciation. Wonderful pictures show the commonality of being human despite the unique nature of different cultures.
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom, Tim Tingle (El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos Press, 2006).
Set in Mississippi in the days before the Civil War, the author and illustrator create a tale of friendship across cultures. A Choctaw girl befriends a family of slaves on a plantation. The result is heartwarming.
Enemy Pie, Derek Munson (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2000).
One little boy learns effective recipes for turning his best enemy into his best friend. The story focuses on the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.
The Grouchy Ladybug, Eric Carle (New York: HarperCollins, 1996).
An arrogant, bad-tempered ladybug becomes a nicer, happier bug through its encounters with others.
Hermie & Friends - Hailey & Bailey’s Silly Fight, 60 minutes, DVD (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2007).
The twins can’t agree on whether to pack tomatoes or blueberries for their picnic. Will their sibling spat spoil their good deeds and infect the entire garden or will everybody learn about getting along?
Hermie and Friends – Buzby the Misbehaving Bee; 30 minutes, DVD (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2005).
Hermie and Friends – Webster the Scaredy Spider, 30 minutes, DVD (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2004).
Hermie and Friends – Flo the Lyin’ Fly, 30 minutes, DVD (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2003).
Hermie and Friends – Hermie: A Common Caterpillar, 30 minutes, DVD (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2007).
Children will spend time in the garden with their insect friends, learning important lessons about honesty, fear, rules, and how important they are to God. (Session 2)
Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, Karen English (New York: Clarion Books, 2004).
Two girls, mired in a “never going to be friends again day” find a way to reforge their friendship. Stunning collage art graphics by Javaka Steptoe.
I’m Sorry, Sam McBratney (New York: Harper Collins, 2000).
Even best friends fight and when that happens, “I’m sorry” is the hardest thing to say. A sensitive picture book. (Session 7)
I Want It, Elizabeth Crary (Seattle: Parenting Press, 1982).
Through the situations in this book, children are helped to identify alternative solutions to situations where they may not agree with other children.
It’s Mine!, Leo Lionni (New York: Knopf, 1986).
Three childlike frogs spend their days selfishly bickering and baiting each other. It isn’t until disaster almost strikes that they realize private ownership isn’t that important.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kevin Henkes (New York: Greenwillow Books, 1996).
When Lily disrupts the class to show everyone her new purple purse, the teacher takes it away from her. The next day, Lily tells her teacher and classmates how sorry she is for her behavior and asks them to forgive her. (Also available in Spanish.)
Loving, Ann Morris (New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1990).
Photographs of families engaged in everyday activities show the intimacy between parents and their children in a variety of situations.
Matthew and Tilly, Rebecca C. Jones (New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1991).
Two inner-city kids are close friends. When their relationship breaks, they discover that everything is more fun when they have each other. Both children are happy when their friendship is restored.
Old Henry, Joan W. Blos (New York: William Morrow, 1987).
Old Henry won’t fix up his property. There are misunderstandings and confrontations. Fed up, Henry leaves. Now the townspeople become concerned about him and wonder if he’ll come back. (Sessions 5, 8, 9)
The Peace Book, Todd Parr (New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2004).
The author illustrates many different kinds of peace for young children.
People, Peter Spier (New York: Doubleday, 1980).
The author discusses the differences among the billions of people on earth and concludes, “Now isn’t it wonderful that each and every one of us is unlike any other?” (Session 9)
Shine Your Light, Cherub Wings Collection, animated, 25 minutes, DVD (Video Vision, 2005).
Cherub and Chubby explore practical ways to share the message of Jesus’ love with others in their everyday lives. (Session 13)
Talk Peace, Sam Williams and Mique Moriuchi (New York: Holiday House, 2005).
Two Eyes, a Nose, and a Mouth, Roberta Grobel Intrater (New York: Scholastic, 1995).
This book celebrates people’s similarities and differences through bright, colorful photos of many multicultural faces of all age groups.
When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry, Molly Bang (New York: Blue Sky Press, 1999).
Sophie learns to take care of her anger in a healthy way. When she is finished, her family happily accepts her back.
Will You Forgive Me?, Sally Grindley & Penny Dann (New York: Kingfisher, 2001).
Figgy Twosocks has lost Jefferson Bear’s favorite stick and she’s too scared to tell him. Figgy’s fibbing gets her into even more trouble . . . until JB reassures her that if you’re truly sorry, friends will forgive and forget.
Yoko’s World of Kindness: Golden Rules for a Happy Classroom, Rosemary Wells (New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2005).
This is a collection of six of Wells’ previously published books about learning skills and building confidence; how people are different; how teasing can hurt feelings; and about making friends.
Amazing Grace, Mary Hoffman (New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1991).
The Big Book for Peace, Ann Durrell and Marilyn Sachs (New York: E. P. Dutton Children’s Books, 1990).
Filled with stories, pictures, and poems, this book tells of many kinds of peace: among people in different lands, among neighbors, and among family members. All celebrate peace and the hope that there will be a peaceful world for every child to inherit.
Boxes for Katje, Candace Fleming (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003).
A young Dutch girl writes to her new American friend in thanks for the care package sent after World War II. Many more packages followed the first one. When the hard winter was over, a package was sent from Olst to Indiana. Based on fact.
The Butter Battle Book, Dr. Seuss (New York: Random House, 1984).
The Cello of Mr. O., Jane Cutler (New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1999).
Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth, Douglas Wood (Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 1999).
Hands are Not for Hitting, Martine Agassi (Minneapolis: Free Spirit, 2000).
If Peace Is . . ., Jane Baskwill (New York: Mondo, 2003).
If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People, David J. Smith (Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2002).
Let’s Read About . . . Rosa Parks, Courtney Baker (New York: Scholastic/Cartwheel Books, 2004).
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Doreen Rappaport (New York: Hyperion, 2001).
Old Turtle, Douglas Wood (New York: Scholastic Press, 2003).
One Child, Christopher Cheng (New York: Crocodile, 2000).
One Thousand Paper Cranes: The Story of Sadako and the Children’s Peace Statue, Takayuki Ishii (New York: Laurel Leaf, 2001).
The Peace Book, Todd Barr (New York: Little, Brown, Inc., 2004).
Peace Begins with You, Katharine Scholes (Boston: Little, Brown, Inc., 1990).
Peace One Day, Jeremy Gilley (New York: Putnam’s Sons, 2005).
Rosa Parks, Eloise Greenfield (New York: Crowell, 1973).
Seven Brave Women, Betsy Hearne (New York: Greenwillow Books, 1997).
Stories of women throughout history who found ways to be brave as they fought many battles but never wars.
Shalom, Salaam, Peace, Howard I. Bogot (New York: Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1999).
Somewhere Today: A Book of Peace, Shelly Moore Thomas (Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 1998).
The Story of Ruby Bridges, Robert Coles (New York: Scholastic, 1995).
The story of a 6-year-old girl’s courage and faith as she became the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school.
Symbols of the Christian Faith, Alva William Steffler (Grand Rapids, Mich.: W. B. Eerdmans, 2002).
Talking Walls, Margy Burns Knight (Gardiner, Maine: Tilbury House Publishers, 1992).
The Three Questions, Jon J. Muth (New York: Scholastic Press, 2002).
Walking with Jesus: Stories about Real People Who Return Good for Evil, Mary Clemens Meyer (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1992).
What Does Peace Feel Like?, Vladimir Radunsky (New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2004).
Whoever You Are, Mem Fox (San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1997).
Young Readers Book of Christian Symbolism, Michael Daves (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1967).
Calie’s Gift, Madeline Arroyo (Huntington, N. Y.: Stairway Publications, 2003).
Calie and her shopping cart are a familiar sight in her inner-city neighborhood. Every school day finds Calie in the park, sharing her musical gift with the children from the elementary school across the street. Over months and many tunes, Calie and several of the children form a special friendship.
Christmas Day in the Morning, Pearl S. Buck (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988).
A man reminisces about the time as a young boy he overheard his father express to his mother how he cared about his son. The boy wished to show his father how much he loved him and surprised his father by rising extra early on Christmas to do the milking before his father even called him to get up.
Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, Amy Krouse Rosenthal (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006).
Down-to-earth applications for important words such as patience, respect, kindness.
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, Kathleen Krull (San Diego: Harcourt Inc., 2003).
The biography of Cesar Chavez from ages 10-38 highlights his organization of a peaceful protest to bring miserable working conditions to the public eye. (Session 4)
Praying With Our Feet, Lisa D. Weaver (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2005).
Story told by a young girl who takes part in a walk for peace with her parents and church family.
Coals of Fire, Elizabeth H. Bauman (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1954).
The author shares true stories of men and women who practiced returning good for evil. (Sessions 1, 8, 13)
I Like Your Buttons!, Sarah Marwil Lamstein (Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 1999).
When a little girl compliments her teacher, it starts a chain reaction of good will, good deeds, and thoughtfulness throughout the day. (Sessions 3, 6, 13)
Potatoes, Potatoes, Anita Lobel (New York: Greenwillow Books, 2004).
Classic story of two brothers who become enemies at war and their wise mother whose cleverness comes to rebuild it in one day. Wonderful oil paintings.
Reaching Out in Love: Stories Told by Mother Teresa, compiled and edited by Edward Le Joly & Jaya Chaliha (Boston: Element Children’s Books, 2000).
The smallest acts of kindness and love make the world a better place for everyone. (Sessions 1, 13)
Because of Winn-Dixie, 106 minutes, DVD (Twentieth Century Fox, 2005).
A very wise 10-year-old girl and her preacher father move to a small southern town where she adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The special bond between them grows and rubs off on the eccentric townspeople. Conflicts are resolved, hardened hearts softened, and community healing takes place. (Sessions 9, 10, 11, 12)
Ebony & Ivory: Discovering 10 Keys to Racial Harmony, Stephen Elkins (Nashville: Broadman and Homan Publishers, 2004).
A heartwarming story that breaks down racial barriers and builds a foundation for positive living. The book is narrated by Toby Keenan and Michael Tait of the Christian musical group, dc talk. Uses the piano keyboard as an analogy for the rules of living in harmony. (Session 4)
Owen and Mzee, The Language of Friendship, Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu (New York: Scholastic Press, 2007).
Owen, a one-year-old rhino, and Mzee, a 130-year-old sea turtle, the most unlikely pair, become exclusive friends after the 2004 tsunami strikes off the coast of eastern Africa and both need a friend. (Session 10)
Plant a Seed of Peace, Rebecca Seiling (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2007).
Forty-three illustrated true stories of peacemakers from today and the past. Appropriate for a variety of ages. Stories tell of people whose lives point to a transforming faith in God.
*The Man Who Would Not Hate: Festo Kivengere (Heroes of the Faith), Jill Briscoe (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1991).
Relates events in the life of the Ugandan bishop, Festo Kivengere. (Session 8)
Cups Held Out, Judith L. Roth (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2006).
A girl and her father drive from South Dakota to Mexico where they encounter poor children and beggars. They ponder their feelings of guilt and their responsibility to those who live in poverty. An excellent resource to begin a discussion on how responsible we are and what can we do to help. (Session 4)
The Jacket, Andrew Clements (New York: Simon & Schuster Books, 2002).
Phil’s absent-minded younger brother forgot his lunch money. Phil determines to deliver it to him before the first bell rings. He spies the back of Jimmy’s one-of-a-kind jacket and pushes forward. But the kid wearing the jacket is someone else—a black kid he never saw before. Phil makes an accusation, tempers flare, and both boys land in the principal’s office. Will Daniel be able to forgive Phil’s accusation based on racial prejudice?
Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, Susan Jeffers (New York: Dial, 1991).
A beautifully illustrated picture book that explores issues of land ownership, and the hope that the land can be restored. Both the Leviticus text and native peoples can help us relearn our love for the land, for it is this land that will sustain our children and our children’s children in health and wonder.
Number the Stars, Lois Lowry (New York: Yearling, 1990).
Great family reading. It tells the story of two girls during World War II. Within hours of discovering that Danish Jews would be deported, the Danish resistance movement arranged for a small flotilla to take 7,000 Jews to Sweden. This kind of resistance presented a much greater challenge to Nazi generals than violent resistance. They couldn’t stop this secret plan with brute force. Nonviolent resistance blesses persecutors by keeping them from doing the evil they had planned.
