K-2 Bibliography

Student Literature Grades K-2

Amazing Grace

Mary Hoffman

Dial: 1991 (first ed.)

When Grace wants to play the lead role in her class production of Peter Pan, one classmate says she can’t because she’s a girl and another says she can’t because she’s black. Bolstered by her family’s support and her indomitable spirit, the determined Grace wins the coveted role. This beautifully illustrated book uses colloquial language and provides positive message of self-affirmation. Use this as a positive springboard for discussing how stereotypes (about race and gender) create barriers. Emphasize how standing up for your beliefs takes courage and perseverance. Role-play different points of view.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues

Amos and Boris

William Steig

Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 1992 (in Spanish: 1999)

Overwhelmed by the beauty of the sea, Amos (a mouse) accidentally falls off his boat in mid-ocean and is rescued by Boris, a friendly whale. This unlikely pair becomes fast friends and Amos hopes he can one day repay Boris for his kindness. As with many books for students this age, there is more fantasy than realism here, but this “flaw” is offset by rich vocabulary, tender illustrations, and opportunities to talk to younger students about themes like love and friendship, courage, helping others, and more. The Spanish translation is well done.

BP Themes: Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships

Araboolies of Liberty Street, The

Sam Swope

Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 2001

In this fable, the Araboolies are shunned because they look and act different than their neighbors. The situation escalates because the family refuses to fit in, and they are ordered to move. Neighborhood children ultimately join forces to help them stay—a rather unrealistic plot twist, but one that reinforces the positive role of bystanders and community teamwork. Very young students may not grasp complex concepts about prejudice, but students this age will understand the notion of unfairness conveyed by the story (also listed in the Grades 3-5 section). This age can also understand the ideas that arbitrary rules and customs can exclude others and create unfairness that cause barriers to friendship. It also reinforces how courageous bystanders can work together to solve problems.

BP Themes: Communication, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes

Arnie and the Skateboard Gang

Nancy Carlson

Puffin: 1997

When Arnie is challenged to skateboard down a dangerous hill, he has to decide how far he is willing to go to be “cool.” His decision not to succumb to peer-pressure brings palpable relief to his friends. The illustrations and animal characters are appealing, but the concept of peer pressure may be too abstract for Kindergarteners who tend to equate courage with risky physical behavior. Discussions will be more

meaningful with slightly older students. Encourage students to write alternate endings or create their own ‘you won’t be my friend if…’ stories. Though Arnie’s friendship group is mixed gender, you might also discuss ways expectations and experiences about being “cool” are different for boys and girls.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues

Arthur’s April Fool

Marc Tolon Brown

Little, Brown Young Readers: 1985

Arthur’s worries about remembering his magic tricks for the April Fool’s Day assembly are compounded by Binky’s threats to pulverize him—leading Arthur to use trickery to put the unsuspecting Binky in his place. This book accurately depicts the feelings associated with being bullied and how that fear can cause physical symptoms. This book contains some serious flaws: Binky is a stereotypic “bully”; when he is subsequently humiliated, the result is presented as humorous; and the book ends with a retaliatory “trick”). But the popularity of Arthur books and the PBS cartoon series may warrant addressing them in discussion and teaching points: e.g. even “nice kids” don’t always make good choices; retaliation or responding to bullying “in kind” is neither acceptable nor justified (and hurts people’s feelings); adults should be used as a resource when threats are made. Other books in the series provide links to discussions about friendship, standing up for what’s right, and related to bullying prevention themes. Consult pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/index.html for tips on incorporating specific episodes into classroom curriculum.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships

Brand New Kid, The

Katie Couric

Doubleday: 2000

This rhyming story follows Ellie, her friend Carrie, and Lazlo, the new boy at school who is taunted and excluded until Ellie finds a way to welcome and include him. Ellie’s efforts inspire others, and Lazlo lavishly returns her kindness. Written by Couric for her own daughter, this story provides a vehicle to introduce themes like empathy, kindness and compassion, making amends, courage, friendship, and accepting people who may be perceived as different. Although the rhyming is a bit choppy (practice before reading aloud) and there are some minor plot holes, students will find the text, message and illustrations engaging.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Cat in the Hat, The

Dr. Seuss

Random House: 1985

Two children left at home on a rainy day are visited by The Cat in the Hat who takes over until the two (with their talking fish) assert themselves. Home invasion, absentee parent, and “dated” attire aside, use this humorous rhyming story as a catalyst to discuss peer pressure, practice assertive behavior, or address safety (strangers) and following adult instructions. Available in many languages, though choose carefully, as many translations are literal, and therefore lose the rhyme (as the 1967 Random House bilingual edition of this one does)! Also available in audio and video formats.

BP Themes: Bullying, Communication, Peer Relationships

Chrysanthemum

Kevin Henkes

Greenwillow: 1992; HarperCollins Big Book: 2007; Spanish version, Everest Publishing (2nd ed.): 2008

Chrysanthemum (a mouse) loves her name—until she starts school and her peers, led by self-righteous Victoria, start making fun of it. The clever drawings illustrate how it feels to be teased (especially about something as personal as a name) and how teasing can be contagious. Use this book to initiate discussion about ways bystanders can help and adults’ role in stopping teasing or bullying. The slightly flawed “epilogue” depicts Victoria’s humiliation (through her own doing), leaving our heroine gloating. Either skip it, or use it as a teachable moment to talk about acting like “good winner” or revenge.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Accepting Differences, Peer Relationships

Don’t Laugh At Me

Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin

Tricycle Press: 2004

This picture book is characterized by bright stylized drawings and depicts the hurt caused by different kinds of bullying. It can be used to encourage values of kindness, tolerance, and compassion for students perceived as different, especially at this age level. However, do not place it in the class library without first engaging students in a carefully guided discussion about understanding differences and appropriate ways bystanders can intervene to include marginalized peers. Some aspects of the illustrations and text may be interpreted as both simplistic and reinforcing certain stereotypes—particularly for literal thinkers—such as with the “geeky kid.” While promoting acceptance, be careful not to minimize the impact disabilities can have and be sensitive not to single out students who may “match” the differences highlighted by the text. The ending may be viewed by some adults as having a faith-based context. Be aware that there are several CD versions available (one designed to accompany this book) of this same title; other versions are not appropriate for this age level. There is a also a free curriculum kit by this same name promoted by Operation Respect (www.operationrespect.org); always be sure to reinforce for young children the need to get adult help with bullying problems, not to use conflict resolution in an effort to address bullying.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes

Emma’s Rug

Allan Say

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children: 1996

Inspired by images she sees in her dingy, shaggy white rug, first-grader Emma is a prodigiously talented artist. On the ill-fated day her mother decides to wash the rug, forever changing its character, Emma is bereft—believing she has lost her muse. The photographic quality of the illustrations in this picture book makes it easy for children to identify Emma’s expressions of joy, despondency, and hope. Reinforce empathy and perspective-taking by pausing to encourage students to identify Emma’s feelings and offer ideas for how they would intervene to help. This book also provides validation for children who have special talents that might set them apart from their peers. If possible, use this original hardcover edition rather than the newer paperback edition (Sandpiper: 2003) for image quality.

BP Themes: Feelings, Accepting Differences

Franklin’s New Friend

Paulette Bourgeois

Kids Can Press, Ltd.; Library Ed.: 1997

Fans of Franklin Turtle will enjoy this story of what happens when a new family of moose moves into his neighborhood. When his teacher asks Franklin to be Moose’s buddy, Franklin is uneasy because Moose is so large. Predictably, Franklin soon realizes that despite their differences, they can be friends. While this story is unrealistic with regard to the ease with which resolutions are reached (all this happens in the course of a single morning) this simple story can be used to help young children understand the underlying message about accepting others (regardless of physical differences) and the importance of getting to know each other.

BP Themes: Team Building, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Franklin’s Secret Club

Paulette Bourgeois

Kids Can Press, Ltd.: June 30, 1998; Spanish: Lectorum Publications: 2003)

Franklin discovers a perfect hideaway for a secret clubhouse, but there’s only room for four members. When one of his excluded friends starts her own club, Franklin begins to understand how it feels to be left out. While a bit didactic, this simple picture book portrays the value of including everyone and the benefit of incorporating others’ ideas and viewpoint. It also provides an age appropriate entrée to talk about popularity and intentional exclusion. Available in Spanish.

BP Themes: Feelings, Peer Relationships

George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends

James Marshall

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children: 2008

This 25th anniversary compilation of all thirty-five George and Martha stories follows the escapades of these two hippo friends. George and Martha do everything together—but they don’t always get along! While some of the messages are uneven, the characters’ appeal to children makes it worth using these books to discuss ideas like the ups and downs of true friendship, the importance of good communication, the value of setting healthy boundaries with friends, and that “practical jokes” aren’t always funny or appreciated.

BP Themes: Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Frog and Toad Collection (Boxed Set)

Arnold Lobel

HarperCollins: 2004

This trilogy includes the classics Frog and Toad All Year, Frog and Toad Are Friends, and Frog and Toad Together. Frog and Toad’s down-to-earth friendship shows the importance of being able to depend on a friend. Frog is portrayed as a bit more worldly and clever than Toad, but he is gentle, considerate and supportive of his friend. These books are appropriate for a classroom bookshelf or as a teaching tool to discuss the meaning of friendship with young children still learning social graces and nuances of making connections with peers. The underlying message that personal idiosyncrasies don’t have to get in the way of friendship is also worth instilling.

BP Themes: Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Daily Guide to Happiness for Kids

Carol McCloud

Ferne Press: 2006

Whimsical illustrations punctuate this interpretation of “The Golden Rule” that uses bucket filling vs. dipping as concrete metaphors to illustrate the effects words and actions have on the well-being of others, and ourselves. Regarding bullying, this book addresses the power of words to hurt, and the value of using words carefully. The notion of “bullies as bucket dippers” who take from others to fill their own buckets may need clarification (i.e., students who bully aren’t needy, though they may gain from their actions). Also be sure to reinforce the importance of reporting bullying to adults (kindness won’t make bullying stop). This book can help teach young or concrete thinkers about empathy, kindness, respect and consideration for others. The bucket imagery addresses “what’s-in-it-for-me?” (kindness to others fills your bucket and builds you up), positive reinforcement that egocentric learners this age need.

BP Themes: Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Hey Little Ant

Phillip M. Hoose and Hannah Hoose

Tricycle Press: 2004

The parable consists of the song lyrics by this father-daughter team (the printed music is included). The story alternates between the point of view of a boy and the tiny ant he wants to “squish.” The cartoon-like illustrations are cute and the book ends with a question that could prompt discussion about bullying and the protection of animals. The underlying message (respect all creatures) can be used to foster empathy. The format will likely appeal more to younger learners in this group and young children may enjoy acting out the different perspectives.

BP Themes: Bullying, Communication

Hooway for Wodney Wat

Helen Lester

Sandpiper: 2002

All Rodney Rat’s classmates make fun of him because he can’t pronounce his R’s. When a new student turns out to be a class bully (notably, a girl), Rodney’s indomitable spirit and speech impediment

unwittingly drive her away. The humorously illustrated story ends with a hint of retaliation—so leave time to discuss that and the potential for bullying to escalate when in-kind responses are used. This book can also be used to build tolerance and understanding about developmental differences. Available as an audio tape set.

BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

How Chipmunk Got His Stripes

Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac

Puffin: 2003

This father-son retelling of a Native American pourquoi tale (folktale), is an amalgam from Cherokee, Abenaki, and Mohawk sources; author notes provide background. Brown Squirrel cannot resist teasing boastful Bear and challenges him to keep the sun from rising. When the sun does inevitably rise, Bear is angry but Squirrel continues to goad him until Bear retaliates (clawing Squirrel, transforming him into Chipmunk). Some youngsters may be confused by oversimplified messages about teasing (e.g. “…when someone else is wrong, it is not a good idea to tease him”), and may need clarification that retaliation is not a good idea (i.e., Chipmunk’s stripes are a concrete reminder that teasing can have negative consequences—not, “we wouldn’t have Chipmunk if Bear hadn’t retaliated.”). Use that “flaw” as a teaching point, and introduce or reinforce concepts like being a good winner or loser, “saving face,” and making amends.

BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships

How to Lose All Your Friends

Nancy Carlson

Puffin: 1997

This simple, humorous reverse-etiquette book illustrates behaviors that can lead to loss of friendship. Use it to introduce pro-social behaviors, practice friendship-making skills, discuss the advantages of social rules, and as a lead-in to activities about barriers to friendships. One word of caution has to do with the fact that “tattling” is presented as undesirable—it’s important to help students understand that reporting bullying to an adult is both perfectly acceptable and advisable.

BP Themes: Communication, Peer Relationships

How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them

Laurie Krasny Brown with Marc Brown

Little, Brown Young Readers: 2001

This self-help picture book of practical suggestions is illustrated with dinosaur characters who demonstrate each situation. It depicts diversity of friendships and the value of being friendly, and also tackles the problems of dealing with peers who are bossy or bully others, protecting friends, making amends, and ways to resolve and avoid disagreements. It is equally useful as an addition to a classroom bookshelf or to generate classroom discussion.

BP Themes: Peer Relationships

Ira Sleeps Over

Bernard Waber

Sandpiper: 2008

Ira is excited about being invited to his first sleep over until his sister teases him about the fact that he still sleeps with a teddy bear. Ira worries that his friend will tease him, too—especially if he finds out the bear’s name is TahTah. This book can be used to prompt discussion about sibling teasing, peer pressure, and how even the fear of being ridiculed can make you feel awful. Teacher guide available.

BP Themes: Feelings, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues

It’s Mine

Leo Lionni

Dragonfly Books: 1996

Lionni’s beautiful collages illustrate this story of three frogs who spend their days taunting each other and bickering until a toad saves them from a flood on their tiny island. Young students will enjoy acting out the different points of view and brainstorming ideas for helping the characters get along.

BP Themes: Peer Relationships

Mrs. Rumphius

Barbara Cooney

Puffin: 1985

This American Book Award winner follows Alice as she grows to become an elderly woman, Mrs. Rumphius. The retired librarian fulfills her dream of visiting faraway places, but still feels unsatisfied. Following her grandfather’s sage advice to “do something to make the world more beautiful,” she decides to scatter seeds from her favorite plant everywhere she goes—then encourages her young niece to continue the cycle. Look for an older version of this for higher quality illustrations, if possible. This book can help young children consider ways they can use their interests and talents to make their world a better place—sowing the seeds of social activism and serving the community.

BP Themes: Serving the Community

Name Jar, The

Yangsook Choi

Dragonfly Books: 2003

Unhei, a new immigrant from Korea, is teased about her name. When she decides to choose an American name instead, her classmates fill a jar with their suggestions. Eventually, she decides to keep her own name, and one of her classmates chooses a Korean nickname meaning “friend.” Beautiful, appealing

illustrations include representations of Korean name stamps. Although the text is a bit didactic, use this in a class meeting about names and nicknames to reinforce that people have a right to their given names (and to expect others to correctly pronounce them).

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes

Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story About Bullying

Becky Ray McCain

Albert Whitman & Company: 2001

This simple book uses very well-rendered, realistic paintings to illustrate the emotional content of the text. Told from the perspective of a bystander who finds the courage to report a bullying problem to a teacher, it is unique in that it portrays active adults, reinforces the need for adult involvement and reporting, and shows the important steps a school needs to follow using “best practices” to address bullying. This book can be used to encourage young students to role-play realistic responses they can use in bullying situations and highlights common dilemmas faced by bystanders. The book ends with some guidance for adults; be careful not to confuse the recommendation for a “no tolerance” approach with the ineffective “zero tolerance” approach (not a recommended strategy for bullying). The book can be used as a catalyst for teaching tolerance and understanding for children perceived as different.

BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships

Oliver Button Is a Sissy

Tomie de Paola

Sandpiper: 1979

Oliver is labeled a “sissy” because he likes to dance. Eventually his parents and classmates come to appreciate his talents and stop teasing him. This autobiographical story can be used to spark role-play and discussions about the impact of this kind of put-down, gender stereotypes, and how bystanders might have intervened. The PBS video “Oliver Button is a Star,” narrated by the author, can be used to further augment or illustrate points.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Accepting Differences, Gender Issues

Something Else

Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell.

Mondo Publishing: 1998

Little Something Else is always left out because he is different. When another strange creature arrives, Something Else initially rejects him, but after some consideration, makes the right decision and a friendship is born. The simple illustrations of this picture book help younger children follow the storyline, which offers a subtle message about friendship, accepting differences, and how it feels to be excluded. Everyone is an outsider sometimes.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences

Share and Take Turns

Cheri J. Meiners

Free Spirit Publishing: 2003

One of an appealing but mildly didactic series on social skills, a girl learns techniques for sharing, and then shows how she shares and takes turns when playing at home with her sister and friends. Positive aspects include the fact that the character feels good about using her new skills, the illustrations feature multi-racial groups of children engaged in familiar activities, and the text depicts common problems and feelings. Aside from the obvious focus on sharing and turn-taking, use this book to reinforce concepts such as patience and generosity.

BP Themes: Feelings, Peer Relationships

Swimmy

Leo Lionni

Knopf/Dragonfly Books: 1973

The lone survivor of a school of fish swallowed by a tuna, Swimmy, a little fish, uses his differences as an asset and devises a plan to camouflage himself and new companions to keep them safe. This picture book promotes the idea of working together, and can be used to effectively encourage young students (the proverbial “little fish” at school) to rely on each other for support and to get help from adults when they are bullied or picked on.

BP Themes: Team Building

Story of Ruby Bridges, The

Robert Coles

Scholastic: 2004

The sole African American child to attend a New Orleans elementary school after court-ordered desegregation (1960), six-year-old Ruby Bridges braved angry crowds of white protesters, flanked by federal marshals and was catapulted into history. She was an ordinary person who changed our world. Parents of the white students kept them home, so Ruby and her teacher worked together in an empty classroom in an empty building. Young students may want to know what more about what Ruby’s experience was like (there is no indication of any ill effects or emotional stress that she may have felt), but quotes from her teacher add to the story and an afterword by the author provides some additional context that could be used in follow-up activities. This book allows students to explore racial discrimination from the point of view of a child their own age and to consider what it must have felt like to be in Ruby’s shoes. The book ends rather abruptly with a prayer that Ruby said daily, asking God to forgive the protesters; some teachers may feel the strong themes of violence and/or faith are not appropriate for their students.

BP Themes: Feelings, Biases and Stereotypes

True Story of the Three Pigs by A. Wolf, The

Sieszka, Jon

Puffin: 1996

This tongue-in-cheek rewrite of the popular tale tells the story of the (rude, name-calling and incompetent) pigs, from the perspective of the maligned, peace-loving, and cold-ridden Wolf in search of sugar to bake a cake for his Granny. The wolf is not exactly “a good guy” and he does eat the pigs, but this humorous tale provides an age-appropriate opportunity to compare different points of view, to examine how preconceived notions can influence our opinions, and may even spark an age-appropriate conversation about social justice. The book’s format also invites links to media literacy curricula.

BP Themes: Bullying, Communication, Biases and Stereotypes

We Are All Alike…We Are All Different

The Cheltenham Elementary School Kindergartners with photographs by Laura Dwight

Scholastic: 2002

This updated version of the 1991 original continues to celebrate diversity through children’s words and drawings. This class of kindergartners share the ways they look and feel, the games they play, the foods they like, the homes they live in, and families they live with, concluding that “We are all alike. We are all different. We are a family.” Use this to reinforce multicultural appreciation, anti-bias learning and as an inspiration for your class to develop their own class book.

BP Themes: Team Building, Accepting Differences

Whoever You Are

Mem Fox

Voyager Books: 2006

This simple beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates our common humanity and stresses the value of connections with a “we-are-all-the-same-under-the-skin’’ message. A bilingual board book by this same name is also available, but is geared for younger children, but may be useful with some English language learners (Libros Viajeros: 2007).

BP Themes: Team Building, Accepting Differences

William’s Doll

Charlotte Zolotow

HarperCollins: 1985

When William wants a doll, he is teased by his friends. Even some of his family members are concerned about his choice. His grandmother buys William his doll and explains the importance of developing gentle, caring and nurturing behavior. While this book doesn’t address the teasing by his peers, it can be used as a focal point for class meeting discussions about gender stereotypes. Be sure to talk about the ways adult (and social) attitudes have a powerful influence on children’s thinking and behavior.

BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Gender Issues

Wolf!

Sara Fanelli

Dial: 1997

When a disarming and big-hearted, but unkempt, wolf sets out to make some new friends, he encounters fear and prejudice at every turn. After a series of misadventures that turn him back lonely and disappointed towards home, he makes a friend and his chastened detractors get to know him. This is a good read-aloud that choice. Though predictable, it is earnest and avoids being heavy-handedly didactic or tedious. Illustrations include collages of maps and newspapers (many printed in foreign languages). Class meetings can focus on bias and what it means to be a friend. Artwork can provide links to social studies or geography curricula.

BP Themes: Feelings, Biases and Stereotypes