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Courage is a big virtue, with physical, moral, intellectual, and civic dimensions. At each grade level we address different dimensions of courage, and teachers should take special note of those indicated in the Core Virtues book. But at all levels we stress that courage is not being "unafraid"; it is moving beyond fear in order to accomplish a higher good. Or, as Plato had it, courage "is knowing what things are truly to be feared."
January offers the opportunity for splendid discussions on the difference between courage and recklessness. The same action (jumping off a bridge, for example) could be courageous or foolhardy depending on one's motivation. Is the jumper trying to save a child who is floundering in the river and cannot swim? Or is she responding to a dare? Our goal in January is not to make students oblivious to danger and foolhardy, but to showcase lives and stories that speak to the human will to act when necessary, despite pain, pleasure, or pressure to the contrary.
Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January) provides an excellent opportunity to showcase moral and civic courage in action. (see Heroes - Lives to Learn From)
January Recommendations
The following books are a small sampling of the books recommended in the Resource Guide.
New and Noteworthy for this month is Tutti's Promise.
(grade levels indicated in parentheses)
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
The following books are a small sampling of the books recommended in the Resource Guide.
New and Noteworthy for this month is Tutti's Promise.
(grade levels indicated in parentheses)
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
Brave Irene. William Steig.
Square Fish, Reprint, 2011. (K-3)
When mom falls sick, devoted Irene volunteers to deliver the dress her mother has made for the Duchess. She is met by hazards of nature at every turn. Only her courage and love for her mother keep her going. Steig's humor and Irene's irrepressible nature combine to make this a delightful read-aloud.
Square Fish, Reprint, 2011. (K-3)
When mom falls sick, devoted Irene volunteers to deliver the dress her mother has made for the Duchess. She is met by hazards of nature at every turn. Only her courage and love for her mother keep her going. Steig's humor and Irene's irrepressible nature combine to make this a delightful read-aloud.
Thunder Cake. Patricia Polacco. Puffin, 1997. (Courage, K-3)
A grandmother helps her young granddaughter overcome fear of an approaching storm by insisting that they hurry to bake a “Thunder Cake.” As lightning blazes, thunder claps, and the storm nears, the two hurry to gather ingredients, and by the time the thunder storm pounds overhead, the cake is iced and the child has forgotten her fears. Lively folk art and a lovely tribute to family.
A grandmother helps her young granddaughter overcome fear of an approaching storm by insisting that they hurry to bake a “Thunder Cake.” As lightning blazes, thunder claps, and the storm nears, the two hurry to gather ingredients, and by the time the thunder storm pounds overhead, the cake is iced and the child has forgotten her fears. Lively folk art and a lovely tribute to family.
Snowflake Bentley. Jacqueline Briggs Martin.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-3)
A beautifully illustrated, true story of intellectual courage. Vermont farm boy, Wilson Bentley, never lost his life-long fascination with snowflakes. As a young boy, he was captivated by their beauty, puzzled over them, and at age 17 (in 1882) began photographing the six-pointed flakes, finding no one flake identical to another. His passion for this wonder of nature and patience in mastering its photography, rewarded each of us with a fuller understanding of snowflake structure. But Bentley himself received little reward along the way. His parents spent the cost of a herd of cattle buying him a camera. Bentley's costs dramatically outstripped his revenues, and the scientific community took no interest in his results until he was in his sixties. Ultimately, this is a book about intellectual courage and the perseverance needed to pursue one's ideas.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-3)
A beautifully illustrated, true story of intellectual courage. Vermont farm boy, Wilson Bentley, never lost his life-long fascination with snowflakes. As a young boy, he was captivated by their beauty, puzzled over them, and at age 17 (in 1882) began photographing the six-pointed flakes, finding no one flake identical to another. His passion for this wonder of nature and patience in mastering its photography, rewarded each of us with a fuller understanding of snowflake structure. But Bentley himself received little reward along the way. His parents spent the cost of a herd of cattle buying him a camera. Bentley's costs dramatically outstripped his revenues, and the scientific community took no interest in his results until he was in his sixties. Ultimately, this is a book about intellectual courage and the perseverance needed to pursue one's ideas.
Starring Mirette and Bellini. Emily Arnold McCully.
G.P. Putnam’s, 1997. (Courage, Justice, Friendship, 1-4)
Second in the series of Mirette and Bellini books. French high wire wizards, Bellini and Mirette find their freedom performing on the wire. But when they visit St. Petersburg (czarist Russia, turn-of-the-century), they are struck by the plight of Russia’s peasants who are still virtually enslaved to the land. Bellini is arrested for his public criticism of their plight, and Mirette must summon her courage to perform the “Death Walk” tightrope routine to free him from his cell. She does. A tale of courage and concern for others, set amid lively watercolor portraits of Paris, Milan, and St. Petersburg. (See McCully’s other two books Mirette on the High Wire and Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls.)
G.P. Putnam’s, 1997. (Courage, Justice, Friendship, 1-4)
Second in the series of Mirette and Bellini books. French high wire wizards, Bellini and Mirette find their freedom performing on the wire. But when they visit St. Petersburg (czarist Russia, turn-of-the-century), they are struck by the plight of Russia’s peasants who are still virtually enslaved to the land. Bellini is arrested for his public criticism of their plight, and Mirette must summon her courage to perform the “Death Walk” tightrope routine to free him from his cell. She does. A tale of courage and concern for others, set amid lively watercolor portraits of Paris, Milan, and St. Petersburg. (See McCully’s other two books Mirette on the High Wire and Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls.)
Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls. Emily Arnold McCully. G.P. Putnam’s, 2000. (Courage, Friendship, 1-4)
High wire walkers Bellini and Mirette sail for the United States to perform their act over Niagara Falls in the third book of the series. On the Atlantic crossing, they befriend a young Polish boy, Jakob, who is traveling by himself and emigrating to America. When his uncle fails to greet Jakob in NY, they partner with the young Pole in their Niagara Falls venture, and he ensures their safety and success against rivals who seek to foil them. (Jakob is reunited with his uncle at the end.) A story of friendship across national boundaries, courage, and faithfulness. (See McCully’s other two books Mirette on the High Wire and Starring Mirette and Bellini .)
High wire walkers Bellini and Mirette sail for the United States to perform their act over Niagara Falls in the third book of the series. On the Atlantic crossing, they befriend a young Polish boy, Jakob, who is traveling by himself and emigrating to America. When his uncle fails to greet Jakob in NY, they partner with the young Pole in their Niagara Falls venture, and he ensures their safety and success against rivals who seek to foil them. (Jakob is reunited with his uncle at the end.) A story of friendship across national boundaries, courage, and faithfulness. (See McCully’s other two books Mirette on the High Wire and Starring Mirette and Bellini .)
The First Marathon. The Legend of Pheidippides. Susan Reynolds.
Illustrated by Daniel Minter. Albert Whitman & Co., 2006. (2-4)
His twenty-six-mile run to Athens--announcing Athenian victory on the plains of Marathon—ensured him a place in history. But the challenge for Pheidippides’ began weeks earlier, when Athenians dispatched their gifted runner to Sparta, hoping to enlist Spartan aid in their fight against Persia. For the sake of his beloved Athens, Pheidippides ran two-hundred-eighty miles, returning to fight in the battle of Marathon. He was then asked to run to Athens to proclaim his city’s victory over Persia. When Pheidippides reaches Athens, he dies with news of the victory on his lips. This is a story of physical courage, the legend of a historical figure who was not afraid to push himself for love of country. Bright illustrations and fine maps make this a wonderful complement to the study of Ancient Greece and/or modern marathons.
Illustrated by Daniel Minter. Albert Whitman & Co., 2006. (2-4)
His twenty-six-mile run to Athens--announcing Athenian victory on the plains of Marathon—ensured him a place in history. But the challenge for Pheidippides’ began weeks earlier, when Athenians dispatched their gifted runner to Sparta, hoping to enlist Spartan aid in their fight against Persia. For the sake of his beloved Athens, Pheidippides ran two-hundred-eighty miles, returning to fight in the battle of Marathon. He was then asked to run to Athens to proclaim his city’s victory over Persia. When Pheidippides reaches Athens, he dies with news of the victory on his lips. This is a story of physical courage, the legend of a historical figure who was not afraid to push himself for love of country. Bright illustrations and fine maps make this a wonderful complement to the study of Ancient Greece and/or modern marathons.
Captain John Smith's Big and Beautiful Bay. Rebecca Jones.
Illustrated by Linda Shute. Schiffer Publishing, 2011. (1-5)
Rebecca Jones ploughs new ground, when telling children this true but little-known story of John Smith exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Smith, leader of the beleaguered Jamestown colony (1607), is known for shepherding (and haranguing) early colonists through a rough first winter. But that first spring brought the chance to explore the uncharted Chesapeake Bay. Smith and his crew braved hurricane-force winds, Indian attacks, hunger and disease, to better understand the new world they inhabited. With whimsical drawings, fully substantiated text, humor, and a deft touch, Jones and Shute bring Smith's courage and curiosity to life. Adaptable for a wide range of ages.
Illustrated by Linda Shute. Schiffer Publishing, 2011. (1-5)
Rebecca Jones ploughs new ground, when telling children this true but little-known story of John Smith exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Smith, leader of the beleaguered Jamestown colony (1607), is known for shepherding (and haranguing) early colonists through a rough first winter. But that first spring brought the chance to explore the uncharted Chesapeake Bay. Smith and his crew braved hurricane-force winds, Indian attacks, hunger and disease, to better understand the new world they inhabited. With whimsical drawings, fully substantiated text, humor, and a deft touch, Jones and Shute bring Smith's courage and curiosity to life. Adaptable for a wide range of ages.
David and Goliath. Beatrice Schenk de Regniers.
Illustrated by Scott Cameron. Orchard Books, 1996. (2-6)
A stunningly illustrated and fast-paced retelling of the Old Testament classic, in which young David, the weakest and least respected of eight brothers, agrees to do battle against the Philistine giant, Goliath. David has some experience using his sling shot as a shepherd against a menacing bear and lion. Now, with slingshot in hand and courage from above, David takes on the giant Goliath and triumphs. Out of print at present but easy to track down and worth the effort.
Illustrated by Scott Cameron. Orchard Books, 1996. (2-6)
A stunningly illustrated and fast-paced retelling of the Old Testament classic, in which young David, the weakest and least respected of eight brothers, agrees to do battle against the Philistine giant, Goliath. David has some experience using his sling shot as a shepherd against a menacing bear and lion. Now, with slingshot in hand and courage from above, David takes on the giant Goliath and triumphs. Out of print at present but easy to track down and worth the effort.
The Cats in Krasinski Square. Karen Hesse.
Illustrated by Wendy Watson.
Scholastic, 2004. (3-6)
Based on a true story of the Warsaw ghetto, this World War II-era tale is appropriate for older children (third graders and up). A young Jewish girl (ten or twelve) helps her older sister smuggle food to fellow Jews trapped behind the wall of Poland's Warsaw ghetto. The two come up with an ingenious plan to outwit the Gestapo and its dogs (which sniff out food) by using the superabundance of stray cats in Krasinski Square. The clever rouse was the courageous work of a young girl, and it worked. Sparse, lyrical text and uncluttered watercolor illustrations make this a powerful and quick read-aloud for 3-6.
Illustrated by Wendy Watson.
Scholastic, 2004. (3-6)
Based on a true story of the Warsaw ghetto, this World War II-era tale is appropriate for older children (third graders and up). A young Jewish girl (ten or twelve) helps her older sister smuggle food to fellow Jews trapped behind the wall of Poland's Warsaw ghetto. The two come up with an ingenious plan to outwit the Gestapo and its dogs (which sniff out food) by using the superabundance of stray cats in Krasinski Square. The clever rouse was the courageous work of a young girl, and it worked. Sparse, lyrical text and uncluttered watercolor illustrations make this a powerful and quick read-aloud for 3-6.
The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands.
Louise Borden. Illustrated by Niki Daly.
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004. (3-6)
Ten year-old Piet, a strong skater, dreams of taking first place in his nation's famous two hundred kilometer ice-skating race. But in the winter of 1941, he realizes the most important race in his life may be a mere twelve kilometers long. His grandfather asks him to skate two children (whose lives are in danger in German-occupied Holland) to the safety of the Belgian border. They plot a route and strategy to outwit German guards posted along the frozen canal. Piet must rely not only on his own skating abilities, but on his ability to support and inspire his younger charges to push on with him. A touching and breathtaking work of historical fiction showing that courage starts young.
Louise Borden. Illustrated by Niki Daly.
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004. (3-6)
Ten year-old Piet, a strong skater, dreams of taking first place in his nation's famous two hundred kilometer ice-skating race. But in the winter of 1941, he realizes the most important race in his life may be a mere twelve kilometers long. His grandfather asks him to skate two children (whose lives are in danger in German-occupied Holland) to the safety of the Belgian border. They plot a route and strategy to outwit German guards posted along the frozen canal. Piet must rely not only on his own skating abilities, but on his ability to support and inspire his younger charges to push on with him. A touching and breathtaking work of historical fiction showing that courage starts young.
Washington at Valley Forge. Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
A model of civic courage under the direst of circumstances, George Washington led the encamped Continental Army at Valley Forge during the brutal winter of 1777-78. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account. Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the Revolutionary army endured enormous privation but kept faith and was led by the resourceful George Washington, whose hope at times wavered, but whose courage did not. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals speak to his own ability to move beyond fear.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
A model of civic courage under the direst of circumstances, George Washington led the encamped Continental Army at Valley Forge during the brutal winter of 1777-78. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account. Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the Revolutionary army endured enormous privation but kept faith and was led by the resourceful George Washington, whose hope at times wavered, but whose courage did not. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals speak to his own ability to move beyond fear.
New and Noteworthy
Tutti’s Promise. K. Heidi Fishman.
MB Publishing, 2017 (5-8)
This novel is a superb portrayal of one family’s courage and resilience during the Holocaust: the true story of the Lichtensterns, a close-knit, German-Jewish family, who settle in Amsterdam in the 1930s to avoid Nazi persecution in their homeland. But when the Netherlands falls to the Third Reich, their hopes are dashed too. Little Tutti is five-years-old at the time of the German invasion. Written simply but beautifully, the novel alternates from Tutti’s point of view (Why can’t I play with my friends after curfew? Why do I have to go to an all-Jewish school and wear this star? How can I help my family in this camp by protecting my doll?) to her parents (How can we get a passport to escape Europe? How will we survive Westerbork Concentration camp?) The Lichtensterns endure humiliation, squalor, hunger, the death of grandparents and a favorite uncle. Their hardships are counter-balanced by their own resourcefulness and acts of kindness from others who help them. Author K. Heidi Fishman (Tutti’s daughter) does not dwell on horror, but has presented the family overcoming grave obstacles in the context of hope. That perfectly rendered balance makes Tutti’s Promise an excellent choice on a difficult subject for middle grade students.
MB Publishing, 2017 (5-8)
This novel is a superb portrayal of one family’s courage and resilience during the Holocaust: the true story of the Lichtensterns, a close-knit, German-Jewish family, who settle in Amsterdam in the 1930s to avoid Nazi persecution in their homeland. But when the Netherlands falls to the Third Reich, their hopes are dashed too. Little Tutti is five-years-old at the time of the German invasion. Written simply but beautifully, the novel alternates from Tutti’s point of view (Why can’t I play with my friends after curfew? Why do I have to go to an all-Jewish school and wear this star? How can I help my family in this camp by protecting my doll?) to her parents (How can we get a passport to escape Europe? How will we survive Westerbork Concentration camp?) The Lichtensterns endure humiliation, squalor, hunger, the death of grandparents and a favorite uncle. Their hardships are counter-balanced by their own resourcefulness and acts of kindness from others who help them. Author K. Heidi Fishman (Tutti’s daughter) does not dwell on horror, but has presented the family overcoming grave obstacles in the context of hope. That perfectly rendered balance makes Tutti’s Promise an excellent choice on a difficult subject for middle grade students.
Earthquake! A Story of the San Francisco Earthquake.
Kathleen V. Kudlinski. Puffin, 1995. (4-6)
On April 19, 1906 San Francisco shuddered, then burst into flames. Twelve year-old Philip and his father stand to lose everything - their horses, their livery, their bicycle repair shop. Philip is in his family's stables when the heaving earth knocks the horses to the ground. This slender chapter book brings the quake of 1906 to life, but also chronicles the courage and heroism of a young man determined to save his family's livelihood.
Kathleen V. Kudlinski. Puffin, 1995. (4-6)
On April 19, 1906 San Francisco shuddered, then burst into flames. Twelve year-old Philip and his father stand to lose everything - their horses, their livery, their bicycle repair shop. Philip is in his family's stables when the heaving earth knocks the horses to the ground. This slender chapter book brings the quake of 1906 to life, but also chronicles the courage and heroism of a young man determined to save his family's livelihood.
For an extensive bibliography of quality children's literature exemplifying these virtues,
see the Core Virtues Resource Guide.
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
see the Core Virtues Resource Guide.
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6