Embedded Files
Book Suggestions and a video for Younger Children:
Lying Up a Storm by Julia Cook
Helps to understand how lies can grow and become difficult to manage.
Good discussion starter: Did the lie help?
The Berenstain Bears and The Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain
A classic and very accessible story about admitting a mistake. Reinforces that telling the truth may feel difficult at first, but usually leads to a better outcome.
Ruthie and the (not so) Teeny, Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin
A gentle story about taking something that doesn't belong to you and then deciding to tell the truth. Excellent for discussing guilt, courage, and making things right.
Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on his Back by Howard Binko
Explores honesty and taking responsibility. Children easily connect with the character's mistakes.
The Empty Pot by Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt
One of the strongest honesty stories for this age group. Shows that honesty is more important than success or winning. Excellent for values education.
Daniel Tiger Learns about Honesty and Kindness.
Talks about telling the truth after making a mistake, taking responsibility and repairing trust.
Ramón Recuerda by Joanne Oppenheim
Book Suggestions for Tweens (8-12):
The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by Patricia McKissack
Helps understand the difference between being truthful and being hurtful, teaching them how to balance absolute honesty with kindness and tact.
Cheaters Never Prosper by Julia Cook
Addresses the temptation to cheat in games and schoolwork, showing children how honesty builds true self-esteem and lasting friendships.
Betty Bunny Didn't Do It by Michael Kaplan
Unpacks the reflex to blame others for a mistake, showing how honesty is the only way to genuinely move past a mishap.
A Day's Work by Eve Bunting
Shows the consequences of exaggerating one's skills to get a job, teaching older children that admitting what you don't know is the first step toward real trustworthiness.
A Big Fat Enormous Lie by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Shows how a single lie can feel like a heavy, growing monster that only disappears when the truth is finally told.
Honesty is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book About Telling the Truth and Overcoming Lying by Alicia Ortego
Reframes honesty as a personal strength, helping children see how telling the truth relieves anxiety and repairs broken trust.
The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! by Scott Mag
Demonstrates to children how constantly bending the truth makes people less likely to believe you when it matters most.
Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big by Berkeley Breathed
Explores how a "small" exaggeration can snowball into a massive problem, reminding children that owning up to the truth early saves a lot of trouble.
Book Suggestions for Teens:
The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart
A powerful novel about a boy facing a terminal illness who runs away to climb a mountain. It explores deep truths about friendship, promises, and being honest with oneself and loved ones about fear and pain.
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
A gripping psychological thriller featuring an unreliable narrator. It is an excellent resource for older teens to analyse the psychological mechanisms behind compulsive lying, trust, and the consequences of deception.
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Dystopian novel that heavily questions academic integrity, competition, and whether it is possible to remain honest and true to one's values when the stakes for success are incredibly high.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
Helps adolescents develop personal responsibility, integrity, and good decision-making.
Dare to Lead by Brown, B. (2018)
Selected chapters explore courage, accountability, and living according to one's values.
Honesty Resources by Character Lab
Evidence-based articles and activities designed for teenagers.
Greater Good Magazine – Teen Resources
Articles on character strengths, empathy, honesty, and healthy relationships.
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