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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."
At the lower grades, 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. This involves, as Aristotle argued, "habituation" - frequently doing the frightening things that conduce to a greater good. Last year we featured, Eleanor Roosevelt's wise advice: "Do one thing everyday that scares you." It's a good motto.
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 A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader.
(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 A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader.
(grade levels indicated in parentheses)
Additional suggestions by virtue for K-3 ; Additional suggestions for 3-6
If I Never Forever Endeavor. Holly Meade.
Candlewick, 2011. (K-2) Courage, Wonder
Charmingly illustrated, rhyming text of a young bird considering its first flight - perils and potential glory. Should he do it? The yellow songbird might plummet and flail. Or perhaps swoop and glide, but how will the fledgling know, if he never, forever endeavors? Marvelous vocabulary and uplifting in every way. Excellent springboard for K-2 discussions about "what am I afraid of?"
Candlewick, 2011. (K-2) Courage, Wonder
Charmingly illustrated, rhyming text of a young bird considering its first flight - perils and potential glory. Should he do it? The yellow songbird might plummet and flail. Or perhaps swoop and glide, but how will the fledgling know, if he never, forever endeavors? Marvelous vocabulary and uplifting in every way. Excellent springboard for K-2 discussions about "what am I afraid of?"
Brave Irene. *William Steig.
Square Fish, Reprint, 2011. (K-3) Courage
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. *This story is available on Storyline Online.
Square Fish, Reprint, 2011. (K-3) Courage
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. *This story is available on Storyline Online.
Thunder Cake. Patricia Polacco. Puffin, 1997. (K-3) Courage
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)Courage, Perseverance
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)Courage, Perseverance
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.
Before She Was Harriet. Lesa Cline-Ransome. Illustrated by James E. Ransome
Holiday House, 2017 (K-3) Courage, Service
A poetic review of the very full life of Harriet Tubman. Engrossing full-page watercolors draw you into the amazing accomplishments of Harriet’s life - suffragette, nurse, Union spy as well as conductor of the Underground Railroad. The text is sparse, but lyrical and will lead to many questions and discussion of Harriet’s courage and sense of purpose. Excellent with the second grade Core Knowledge unit on the Civil War.
Holiday House, 2017 (K-3) Courage, Service
A poetic review of the very full life of Harriet Tubman. Engrossing full-page watercolors draw you into the amazing accomplishments of Harriet’s life - suffragette, nurse, Union spy as well as conductor of the Underground Railroad. The text is sparse, but lyrical and will lead to many questions and discussion of Harriet’s courage and sense of purpose. Excellent with the second grade Core Knowledge unit on the Civil War.
Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls. Emily Arnold McCully. G.P. Putnam’s, 2000. (1-4) Courage, Friendship
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 .)
Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes for President. Anna Malaspina. Illustrated by Steve James. Albert Whitman & Co., 2012. (2-4) Courage, Justice
Her entire life was instructive, but this fine picture focuses on Susan B. Anthony's courageous decision to vote for President in 1872 (decades before women had the right to vote) and the judge's infamous verdict of "guilty." A leader in the women's suffrage movement, Anthony defied public ridicule (insults and eggs thrown at her), arrest, and trial, as she led the fight for women's rights. Beautifully illustrated. This volume covers just one courageous incident in her life. For a fuller biography, see the Alexandra Wallner biography featured under Heroes.
Her entire life was instructive, but this fine picture focuses on Susan B. Anthony's courageous decision to vote for President in 1872 (decades before women had the right to vote) and the judge's infamous verdict of "guilty." A leader in the women's suffrage movement, Anthony defied public ridicule (insults and eggs thrown at her), arrest, and trial, as she led the fight for women's rights. Beautifully illustrated. This volume covers just one courageous incident in her life. For a fuller biography, see the Alexandra Wallner biography featured under Heroes.
The First Marathon. The Legend of Pheidippides. Susan Reynolds. Illustrated by Daniel Minter. Albert Whitman & Co., 2006. (2-4) Courage
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.
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) Courage
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) Courage
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.
Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams. Stephen Krensky, Illustrated by Greg Harlin
Dutton Children’s Books, 2005 (3-5) Courage, Love of Country
In February of 1778, John Adams is sent on a desperate mission to France to enlist aid for the American Revolution. Crossing the Atlantic in winter is always dangerous, but to Adams’ son, Johnny, it is a great adventure. In descriptions taken from John Adams own diary, we follow their journey through storms, battles with British ships and the hardships of the voyage. The wonderful watercolor paintings beautifully express the moods of cold and danger, calm and boredom of the voyage. Great for Core Knowledge units on the Revolutionary War.
Dutton Children’s Books, 2005 (3-5) Courage, Love of Country
In February of 1778, John Adams is sent on a desperate mission to France to enlist aid for the American Revolution. Crossing the Atlantic in winter is always dangerous, but to Adams’ son, Johnny, it is a great adventure. In descriptions taken from John Adams own diary, we follow their journey through storms, battles with British ships and the hardships of the voyage. The wonderful watercolor paintings beautifully express the moods of cold and danger, calm and boredom of the voyage. Great for Core Knowledge units on the Revolutionary War.
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.
The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust. Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland Desaix. Holiday House, 2009 (4-6) Courage, Compassion
A little-known, true story from World War II, gorgeously illustrated. In occupied Paris, Jews had reason to fear for their lives. The Algerian-born rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris mobilized fellow Muslims to assist them. Built atop a network of tunnels, the Mosque afforded sanctuary; the Muslim community provided new identity papers, and safe passage for many Jews.. This well-researched, highly informative book documents the courage of those who risked their lives in this effort and inspires hope in compassion as a bond between all peoples and faiths. Excellent older grade read-aloud.
A little-known, true story from World War II, gorgeously illustrated. In occupied Paris, Jews had reason to fear for their lives. The Algerian-born rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris mobilized fellow Muslims to assist them. Built atop a network of tunnels, the Mosque afforded sanctuary; the Muslim community provided new identity papers, and safe passage for many Jews.. This well-researched, highly informative book documents the courage of those who risked their lives in this effort and inspires hope in compassion as a bond between all peoples and faiths. Excellent older grade read-aloud.
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.
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.
Nothing to Fear. Jackie French Koller.
HMH Books for Young Readers, 1993. (5-8) Courage, Perseverance, Hope
Set in the 1930s, eleven-year-old Daniel Garvey barely notices the Great Depression at first, but his neighbors' and his own family's circumstances grow more dire with each day. When Danny's father loses his job and needs to move to seek a new one, the son must look out for his pregnant mother and sister. He is a wary young man, who takes on each challenge not without trepidation, but with conviction, gaining courage as he goes. An inspiring and hopeful coming of age story. This is a novel, and an excellent read-aloud for fifth to eighth grades.
HMH Books for Young Readers, 1993. (5-8) Courage, Perseverance, Hope
Set in the 1930s, eleven-year-old Daniel Garvey barely notices the Great Depression at first, but his neighbors' and his own family's circumstances grow more dire with each day. When Danny's father loses his job and needs to move to seek a new one, the son must look out for his pregnant mother and sister. He is a wary young man, who takes on each challenge not without trepidation, but with conviction, gaining courage as he goes. An inspiring and hopeful coming of age story. This is a novel, and an excellent read-aloud for fifth to eighth grades.
Tutti’s Promise. K. Heidi Fishman. MB Publishing, 2017 (5-8)
A superb portrayal of one family’s courage and resilience during the Holocaust: true story of the Lichtensterns, a close-knit, German-Jewish family, who move Amsterdam in the 1930s to avoid Nazi persecution in their homeland. When the Netherlands falls to the Third Reich, their lives are threatened. 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?) 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 family members. Hardships are counter-balanced by their own resourcefulness and acts of kindness from others. K. Heidi Fishman (Tutti’s daughter) presents 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.
A superb portrayal of one family’s courage and resilience during the Holocaust: true story of the Lichtensterns, a close-knit, German-Jewish family, who move Amsterdam in the 1930s to avoid Nazi persecution in their homeland. When the Netherlands falls to the Third Reich, their lives are threatened. 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?) 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 family members. Hardships are counter-balanced by their own resourcefulness and acts of kindness from others. K. Heidi Fishman (Tutti’s daughter) presents 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.
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