Additional October Book Recommendations Grades K-3
Diligence
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Wild Swans.
Illustrated by Helen Crawford White. Puskin, 2017. (2-4)
Devoted younger sister makes 11 coats from nettles to rescue her brothers from a witch’s spell.
Brenner, Barbara. Wagon Wheels.
Illustrated by Don Bolognese. Harper Trophy, 1993 (2)
Three African-American brothers brave storms, fire, and famine to achieve their goal of a homestead on the western plains.
Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
Houghton Mifflin, 1993. (K-1)
Determination and diligence win the day as Mike’s old fashioned steam shovel shows the new ones how it’s done.
Demi. The Magic Tapestry: A Chinese Folktale.
Henry Holt, 1994. (K-3)
Chinese tale of a poor woman who diligently weaves tapestry for the fairies only to have it blown away. Her devoted son undertakes a rescue mission and overcomes trials and dangers to recover his mother’s work. Extraordinary artistry. Good with either of the ancient China units.
Howard, Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Virgie Goes to School With Us Boys.
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Simon and Schuster, 2000. (K-2)
Based on a true story of an African-American family, Virginia’s brothers must walk seven miles to school each week to attend the Quaker school. “Virgie” wants to go with them. Her great desire to read and learn all she can shines through in this charming text.
Kroll, Virginia. Pink Paper Swans.
Eerdmans, 1994. (K-3)
A young girl works diligently to master the art of origami in order to help her arthritic neighbor.
Lester, Julius. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story.
Dial, 1998. (1-4)
The true story of Bob Lemmons, a former slave, who has an uncanny ability to track and tame wild mustangs. Lester’s rich prose and Pinkney’s watercolors celebrate the wide-open spaces of the west and the life of this enterprising man.
Milton, Nancy. The Giraffe that Walked to Paris.
Illustrated by Roger Roth. Crown, 1992. (2-4)
Heartwarming, true story of an Egyptian pasha’s gift of a giraffe to the French King (1826). Marked first appearance of this African grassland animal on European soil.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Macmillan, 1993. (K-3)
Set in the early 19th century, the youngest (and “least important”) member of a large Vermont farm family tries very hard to help her family but is not as able as her older brothers and sisters. In the end, through great application, she teaches herself to read and she who is “least of all” has something very important to pass on to her elders.
Ray, Mary Lyn. Shaker Boy.
Illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (K-3)
When his father is killed in the Civil War and his mother must go to work in the Lowell factories, young Caleb is sent to live with the Shakers in Canterbury, New Hampshire. Theirs is a life of diligent labor, simple faith, and great joy. Whether he is collecting eggs, milking cows, feeding hens, making brooms, doing woodwork, or collecting sap from the maple trees, Caleb finds himself drawn to these strong and gentle people and his new life among them. Bright and bold illustrations accompany the simple but moving text.
Singer, Marilyn. Chester, the Out of Work Dog.
Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith. Henry Holt, 1997. (K-1)
Chester the Dog is a diligent herder of sheep until his family sells their farm and moves to the city. Chester misses his sheep. He has nothing to do and he is not happy about his retirement. He tries to herd squirrels, delivery men, firemen, and garbage collectors, none of whom appreciates his efforts. This a sweet little book about a hard-worker who can’t stop working. He finally finds a new place to direct his energies.
Sorensen, Henri. New Hope. Lothrop, Lee, and Shepard Books, 1995. (2-4)
Danish immigrant family comes to America in 1885 to start a new life. They start a new town too—New Hope. Diligence, courage, and serendipity combine in the founding of a growing American community. Immigration unit in 2nd grade.
Wallner, Alexandra. Betsy Ross. Holiday, 1997. (1)
Celebrates the enterprise and resourcefulness of the revolutionary heroine who was widowed three times and still managed to raise her children, run a business, and be an American patriot!
Waters, Kate. Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl. Scholastic, 2008 and
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic, 1996. (1-3)
Both books are set in colonial times at Plymouth Plantation and show the hard work and constructive attitudes of Pilgrim children. Excellent reinforcement for American History units on Plymouth in 1st and 3rd grades.
Perseverance
Adler, David A. Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man.
Illustrated by Terry Widener. HMH, 2001. (1-4)
As a boy, Lou Gehrig never missed a day of school. As one of baseball’s most valuable players, he never missed a game. When diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, now known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” he never missed a beat. This is a well-told story of courage and perseverance in the face of a debilitating disease that ended Gehrig’s life at age 37.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Rabbit Ears, 2012. (K)
The ugly duckling confronts trial, insult, and a winter of loneliness before coming into his own as a beautiful swan.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Morrow, 1999. (K-3)
The classic tale is given new life in this richly illustrated version by Jerry Pinkney. The “duckling” is despised for his largeness, homeliness, and strange quack. Indeed, he comes to despise himself, but perseveres through torment to discover (with lush artwork) that he is really quite a special bird indeed. A tale of endurance, but also of the need for respect regardless of appearance.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Illustrated by Fred Marcellino. Antheneum, 2017. (K)
Faithful and persevering tin soldier weathers life’s vicissitudes and ultimately gives the gift of his life.
Armstrong, Jennifer. King Crow.
Illustrated by Erich Rohmann. Knopf, 1995. (2-4)
Two kings—one wise, generous, and slow to anger and another evil and treacherous—battle for a kingdom. The good king is defeated in battle and blinded, and yet in his misery aids a wounded crow. The crow does not forget the good king’s kindness, but helps him, and ultimately brings him victory. Also an excellent tale of faithfulness.
Blake, Robert. Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod.
Puffin Books, 2004. (K-3)
Akiak, an Alaskan Husky, has raced the Iditarod, the famous Alaskan sled race for ten years. As lead dog, she had guided her team over 1100 miles of snow, but never won. In this tenth year, she is injured on day 4 of the race, and made to sit out the competition. Except she doesn't. Escaping, she sets off on the race over hundreds of miles alone, finds her team, sets them straight on their location, and wins hearts if not the race. A well told tale for younger students of faithfulness, courage, and perseverance. Wonderful illustrations.
Bunting, Eve. How Many Days to America?
Illustrated by Beth Peck. Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (K-4)
A Caribbean immigrant family braves danger, military persecution, and open sea to make their way to the United States.
Garland, Sherry. The Lotus Seed.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. HMH, 1997. (2)
Vietnamese immigrant perseveres in adjusting to her new home and is kept close to memories of her old home by the lotus seeds she brings with her. Poignant story, stunningly illustrated.
Graves, Charles P. Annie Oakley: The Shooting Star.
Illustrated by Louis F. Cary. Chelsea House, 1991. (2-4)
A delightful read-aloud about a woman eager and determined to use her talents, even when those talents were not the “womanly” variety. This is a marvelous story of young Annie, who worked diligently and followed her heart. Her ability with a rifle won her a husband, a career, and ultimately international fame.
Greene, Carol. Margaret Steiff: Toymaker.
Children’s Press, 1993. (K-3)
This Rookie Biography provides the inspiring true story of Margaret Steiff. Crippled by polio at 18 months of age, she never walked. Her parents worry about how she will take care of herself when they are gone. From a wheelchair in the 1800s she began the world famous toy factory we know today and ended up providing jobs for all her family.
Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm K. Grimm. Seven Ravens.
Adapted by Laura Geringer. Paintings by Edward S. Gazsi. Harper Collins, 1994. (2-4)
A sister exhausts herself to break the spell holding her seven brothers captive as seven ravens.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837.
National Geographic Society, 1996. (4-6)
Lyrical prose and vivid illustrations bring young Abe to life. Harness provides an engaging retelling of Lincoln’s Midwestern boyhood, the hardships of frontier life, and the pain of much personal loss (mother dying at nine; sister at 18). Born with no social advantages, Lincoln shines for his love of learning, drive to improve himself, and extraordinary perseverance. Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Kipling, Rudyard. How the Camel Got His Hump.
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zerger. North-South Books, 2001. (K-3)
Lisbeth Zwerger’s marvelous artwork brings additional zest and verve to Kipling’s classic tale. The lazy, self-indulgent camel shirks work. When bidden to help with a task, he can only say, “humph!” Guess what? He gets one. Virtue teaches by its inverse in this charming story.
Knight, Amelia Stewart. The Way West. Adapted by Lillian Schlissel.
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Simon and Schuster, 1993. (2-4)
Beautiful woodcuts and actual journal entries illustrate the way west and the difficulties faced on
the Oregon Trail.
Kroll, Steven. Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat.
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Holiday House, 1999. (2, 4)
Ingenuity, restlessness, and perseverance all combine in the life of one of America’s consummate inventors. Famous for his invention of the steamboat, Fulton’s early life shows radical openness to the many paths before him and a keen desire to find the best use of his own gifts. He made his home in the United States, Europe, and America again. Among the many avenues he pursued were painting, jewelry making, canal design, submarine design (which he imagined would end warfare), and finally steamboat design. He suffered derision and scoffing (his steamboat was nicknamed “Fulton’s Folly”), but lived to see the success of his work. He died helping a friend. Because of th relative complexity of the chronicle, 4th grade is probably a better placement than 2nd, but Fulton is featured in both grades.
Kroll, Virginia. Pink Paper Swans. Eerdmans, 1994. (K-3)
A young girl works diligently to master the art of origami in order to help her arthritic neighbor.
Lattimore, Deborah Nourse. The Flame of Peace: A Tale of the Aztecs.
Harper Collins, 1991. (1, 5)
An Aztec child embarks on an arduous and risky quest for peace by confronting seven capricious Aztec gods.
Lester, Julius. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story. Dial, 1998. (1-4)
The true story of Bob Lemmons, a former slave, who has an uncanny ability to track and tame wild mustangs. Lester’s rich prose and Pinkney’s watercolors celebrate the wide-open spaces of the west and the life of this enterprising man.
Lewin, Ted. Lost City: The Discovery of Machu Picchu. Puffin, 2012. (3-6)
The perseverance and tenacity of Hiram Bingham come to life in this lavishly illustrated book about the Yale archaeologist who re-discovered the Inca’s lost “city in the clouds.” Bingham traveled from Cuzco to Machu Picchu through snake-infested jungles and over vine-choked mountain passes.
Lindbergh, Reeve. Johnny Appleseed.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little, 1993. (K-2)
Poetic retelling of the life and mission of one of America’s earliest explorers.
Lionni, Leo. Tillie and the Wall.
Knopf, 1989. (K-1)
Story of a mouse who perseveres in the construction of a wall.
McGill, Alice. Molly Bannaky.
Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. HMH, 2009. (2-4)
The true, but little-known story of English orphan Molly Walsh, who in 1683 was sentenced to indentured servitude in the American colonies. After seven years of arduous labor she gained freedom and, although a lone woman, took the unusual step of staking a claim of land. Struggling to keep up, she bought an African slave, Bannaky, to help her farm the land. The two fell in love, married (she freed him), and raised four free children, one of whom became the mother of Benjamin Banneker, the first African-American to write an almanac. Stunning illustrations.
Nichol, Barbara. Beethoven Lives Upstairs.
Illustrated by Scott Cameron. HMH School, 2001. (3-6)
A little boy who lives in the apartment below Beethoven recounts the story of Beethoven’s life and music—his battle with deafness and the triumph of his art and spirit over disability. Can be read earlier, but Beethoven is covered in 6th grade.
San Souci, Robert. N.C. Wyeth’s Pilgrims.
Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. Chronicle Books, 1991. (3-6)
Substantive treatment of pilgrim endurance of the hardship of their first winter and loss of half their colony with the timeless illustrations of N.C. Wyeth.
Sandin, Joan. Long Way to a New Land.
Harper, 1986. (2-4)
Immigrant crossing from Europe to America in late 19th and early 20th century.
Seuss, Dr. Horton Hears a Who!
Random, 2020. (K-1)
Perseverance of a faithful elephant who believes in and protects the people on the speck of dust.
Shepard, Aaron. Savitri: A Tale of Ancient India.
Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry. Albert Whitman and Company, 1992. (2-3)
In this ancient Indian tale, princess Savitri seeks to marry a virtuous man. She finds her love in Satyavan, but he is destined to live a short life. Knowing this, but still admiring and loving him, she marries Satyavan and engages in a battle of wits with Yama, the god of death to save his life. Her perseverance and single-mindedness overcome the decree of destiny. Particularly good with the ancient India unit in 2nd grade.
Van Leeuwen, Jean. Across the Wide Dark Sea: The Mayflower Journey.
Illustrated by Thomas B. Allen. Penguin Books, 1995. (1-4)
The Mayflower journey and pilgrim experience movingly retold through the eyes of a young boy. A quintessential story of perseverance against all odds.
Waters, Kate. On the Mayflower.
Photographs by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, 1999. (1-3)
A fine recreation of the Mayflower voyage through the eyes of two stout-hearted children—William Small, the ship’s apprentice, and Ellen Moore, a pilgrim child. Small, as one of the ship’s crew, weathers the dreadful ocean crossing above decks and Ellen is mostly below with the pilgrim passengers. The book captures the hardship of the voyage with its close quarters, rank smell, and relentless storms. It also captures the spirit of these two children who do their duty in harsh settings.
Williams, Margery. The Velveteen Rabbit.
Illustrated by Charles Santore. Applesauce Press, 2013. (K-4)
The classic story of “becoming real” through faithfulness, perseverance, and love. Favorite stuffed rabbit sticks with his master through play, illness, and abandonment. Ultimately, the rabbit is rewarded by actually becoming real!
Yolen, Jane. Wings. Illustrated by Dennis Nolan. Harcourt Brace, 1997. (2)
Beautifully illustrated story of Daedalus and Icarus. Icarus’ failure to heed his father’s warnings and persevere in his task are his undoing.
Illustrated by Helen Crawford White. Puskin, 2017. (2-4)
Devoted younger sister makes 11 coats from nettles to rescue her brothers from a witch’s spell.
Brenner, Barbara. Wagon Wheels.
Illustrated by Don Bolognese. Harper Trophy, 1993 (2)
Three African-American brothers brave storms, fire, and famine to achieve their goal of a homestead on the western plains.
Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
Houghton Mifflin, 1993. (K-1)
Determination and diligence win the day as Mike’s old fashioned steam shovel shows the new ones how it’s done.
Demi. The Magic Tapestry: A Chinese Folktale.
Henry Holt, 1994. (K-3)
Chinese tale of a poor woman who diligently weaves tapestry for the fairies only to have it blown away. Her devoted son undertakes a rescue mission and overcomes trials and dangers to recover his mother’s work. Extraordinary artistry. Good with either of the ancient China units.
Howard, Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Virgie Goes to School With Us Boys.
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Simon and Schuster, 2000. (K-2)
Based on a true story of an African-American family, Virginia’s brothers must walk seven miles to school each week to attend the Quaker school. “Virgie” wants to go with them. Her great desire to read and learn all she can shines through in this charming text.
Kroll, Virginia. Pink Paper Swans.
Eerdmans, 1994. (K-3)
A young girl works diligently to master the art of origami in order to help her arthritic neighbor.
Lester, Julius. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story.
Dial, 1998. (1-4)
The true story of Bob Lemmons, a former slave, who has an uncanny ability to track and tame wild mustangs. Lester’s rich prose and Pinkney’s watercolors celebrate the wide-open spaces of the west and the life of this enterprising man.
Milton, Nancy. The Giraffe that Walked to Paris.
Illustrated by Roger Roth. Crown, 1992. (2-4)
Heartwarming, true story of an Egyptian pasha’s gift of a giraffe to the French King (1826). Marked first appearance of this African grassland animal on European soil.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Macmillan, 1993. (K-3)
Set in the early 19th century, the youngest (and “least important”) member of a large Vermont farm family tries very hard to help her family but is not as able as her older brothers and sisters. In the end, through great application, she teaches herself to read and she who is “least of all” has something very important to pass on to her elders.
Ray, Mary Lyn. Shaker Boy.
Illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (K-3)
When his father is killed in the Civil War and his mother must go to work in the Lowell factories, young Caleb is sent to live with the Shakers in Canterbury, New Hampshire. Theirs is a life of diligent labor, simple faith, and great joy. Whether he is collecting eggs, milking cows, feeding hens, making brooms, doing woodwork, or collecting sap from the maple trees, Caleb finds himself drawn to these strong and gentle people and his new life among them. Bright and bold illustrations accompany the simple but moving text.
Singer, Marilyn. Chester, the Out of Work Dog.
Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith. Henry Holt, 1997. (K-1)
Chester the Dog is a diligent herder of sheep until his family sells their farm and moves to the city. Chester misses his sheep. He has nothing to do and he is not happy about his retirement. He tries to herd squirrels, delivery men, firemen, and garbage collectors, none of whom appreciates his efforts. This a sweet little book about a hard-worker who can’t stop working. He finally finds a new place to direct his energies.
Sorensen, Henri. New Hope. Lothrop, Lee, and Shepard Books, 1995. (2-4)
Danish immigrant family comes to America in 1885 to start a new life. They start a new town too—New Hope. Diligence, courage, and serendipity combine in the founding of a growing American community. Immigration unit in 2nd grade.
Wallner, Alexandra. Betsy Ross. Holiday, 1997. (1)
Celebrates the enterprise and resourcefulness of the revolutionary heroine who was widowed three times and still managed to raise her children, run a business, and be an American patriot!
Waters, Kate. Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl. Scholastic, 2008 and
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic, 1996. (1-3)
Both books are set in colonial times at Plymouth Plantation and show the hard work and constructive attitudes of Pilgrim children. Excellent reinforcement for American History units on Plymouth in 1st and 3rd grades.
Perseverance
Adler, David A. Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man.
Illustrated by Terry Widener. HMH, 2001. (1-4)
As a boy, Lou Gehrig never missed a day of school. As one of baseball’s most valuable players, he never missed a game. When diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, now known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” he never missed a beat. This is a well-told story of courage and perseverance in the face of a debilitating disease that ended Gehrig’s life at age 37.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Rabbit Ears, 2012. (K)
The ugly duckling confronts trial, insult, and a winter of loneliness before coming into his own as a beautiful swan.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Morrow, 1999. (K-3)
The classic tale is given new life in this richly illustrated version by Jerry Pinkney. The “duckling” is despised for his largeness, homeliness, and strange quack. Indeed, he comes to despise himself, but perseveres through torment to discover (with lush artwork) that he is really quite a special bird indeed. A tale of endurance, but also of the need for respect regardless of appearance.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Illustrated by Fred Marcellino. Antheneum, 2017. (K)
Faithful and persevering tin soldier weathers life’s vicissitudes and ultimately gives the gift of his life.
Armstrong, Jennifer. King Crow.
Illustrated by Erich Rohmann. Knopf, 1995. (2-4)
Two kings—one wise, generous, and slow to anger and another evil and treacherous—battle for a kingdom. The good king is defeated in battle and blinded, and yet in his misery aids a wounded crow. The crow does not forget the good king’s kindness, but helps him, and ultimately brings him victory. Also an excellent tale of faithfulness.
Blake, Robert. Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod.
Puffin Books, 2004. (K-3)
Akiak, an Alaskan Husky, has raced the Iditarod, the famous Alaskan sled race for ten years. As lead dog, she had guided her team over 1100 miles of snow, but never won. In this tenth year, she is injured on day 4 of the race, and made to sit out the competition. Except she doesn't. Escaping, she sets off on the race over hundreds of miles alone, finds her team, sets them straight on their location, and wins hearts if not the race. A well told tale for younger students of faithfulness, courage, and perseverance. Wonderful illustrations.
Bunting, Eve. How Many Days to America?
Illustrated by Beth Peck. Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (K-4)
A Caribbean immigrant family braves danger, military persecution, and open sea to make their way to the United States.
Garland, Sherry. The Lotus Seed.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. HMH, 1997. (2)
Vietnamese immigrant perseveres in adjusting to her new home and is kept close to memories of her old home by the lotus seeds she brings with her. Poignant story, stunningly illustrated.
Graves, Charles P. Annie Oakley: The Shooting Star.
Illustrated by Louis F. Cary. Chelsea House, 1991. (2-4)
A delightful read-aloud about a woman eager and determined to use her talents, even when those talents were not the “womanly” variety. This is a marvelous story of young Annie, who worked diligently and followed her heart. Her ability with a rifle won her a husband, a career, and ultimately international fame.
Greene, Carol. Margaret Steiff: Toymaker.
Children’s Press, 1993. (K-3)
This Rookie Biography provides the inspiring true story of Margaret Steiff. Crippled by polio at 18 months of age, she never walked. Her parents worry about how she will take care of herself when they are gone. From a wheelchair in the 1800s she began the world famous toy factory we know today and ended up providing jobs for all her family.
Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm K. Grimm. Seven Ravens.
Adapted by Laura Geringer. Paintings by Edward S. Gazsi. Harper Collins, 1994. (2-4)
A sister exhausts herself to break the spell holding her seven brothers captive as seven ravens.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837.
National Geographic Society, 1996. (4-6)
Lyrical prose and vivid illustrations bring young Abe to life. Harness provides an engaging retelling of Lincoln’s Midwestern boyhood, the hardships of frontier life, and the pain of much personal loss (mother dying at nine; sister at 18). Born with no social advantages, Lincoln shines for his love of learning, drive to improve himself, and extraordinary perseverance. Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Kipling, Rudyard. How the Camel Got His Hump.
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zerger. North-South Books, 2001. (K-3)
Lisbeth Zwerger’s marvelous artwork brings additional zest and verve to Kipling’s classic tale. The lazy, self-indulgent camel shirks work. When bidden to help with a task, he can only say, “humph!” Guess what? He gets one. Virtue teaches by its inverse in this charming story.
Knight, Amelia Stewart. The Way West. Adapted by Lillian Schlissel.
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Simon and Schuster, 1993. (2-4)
Beautiful woodcuts and actual journal entries illustrate the way west and the difficulties faced on
the Oregon Trail.
Kroll, Steven. Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat.
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Holiday House, 1999. (2, 4)
Ingenuity, restlessness, and perseverance all combine in the life of one of America’s consummate inventors. Famous for his invention of the steamboat, Fulton’s early life shows radical openness to the many paths before him and a keen desire to find the best use of his own gifts. He made his home in the United States, Europe, and America again. Among the many avenues he pursued were painting, jewelry making, canal design, submarine design (which he imagined would end warfare), and finally steamboat design. He suffered derision and scoffing (his steamboat was nicknamed “Fulton’s Folly”), but lived to see the success of his work. He died helping a friend. Because of th relative complexity of the chronicle, 4th grade is probably a better placement than 2nd, but Fulton is featured in both grades.
Kroll, Virginia. Pink Paper Swans. Eerdmans, 1994. (K-3)
A young girl works diligently to master the art of origami in order to help her arthritic neighbor.
Lattimore, Deborah Nourse. The Flame of Peace: A Tale of the Aztecs.
Harper Collins, 1991. (1, 5)
An Aztec child embarks on an arduous and risky quest for peace by confronting seven capricious Aztec gods.
Lester, Julius. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story. Dial, 1998. (1-4)
The true story of Bob Lemmons, a former slave, who has an uncanny ability to track and tame wild mustangs. Lester’s rich prose and Pinkney’s watercolors celebrate the wide-open spaces of the west and the life of this enterprising man.
Lewin, Ted. Lost City: The Discovery of Machu Picchu. Puffin, 2012. (3-6)
The perseverance and tenacity of Hiram Bingham come to life in this lavishly illustrated book about the Yale archaeologist who re-discovered the Inca’s lost “city in the clouds.” Bingham traveled from Cuzco to Machu Picchu through snake-infested jungles and over vine-choked mountain passes.
Lindbergh, Reeve. Johnny Appleseed.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little, 1993. (K-2)
Poetic retelling of the life and mission of one of America’s earliest explorers.
Lionni, Leo. Tillie and the Wall.
Knopf, 1989. (K-1)
Story of a mouse who perseveres in the construction of a wall.
McGill, Alice. Molly Bannaky.
Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. HMH, 2009. (2-4)
The true, but little-known story of English orphan Molly Walsh, who in 1683 was sentenced to indentured servitude in the American colonies. After seven years of arduous labor she gained freedom and, although a lone woman, took the unusual step of staking a claim of land. Struggling to keep up, she bought an African slave, Bannaky, to help her farm the land. The two fell in love, married (she freed him), and raised four free children, one of whom became the mother of Benjamin Banneker, the first African-American to write an almanac. Stunning illustrations.
Nichol, Barbara. Beethoven Lives Upstairs.
Illustrated by Scott Cameron. HMH School, 2001. (3-6)
A little boy who lives in the apartment below Beethoven recounts the story of Beethoven’s life and music—his battle with deafness and the triumph of his art and spirit over disability. Can be read earlier, but Beethoven is covered in 6th grade.
San Souci, Robert. N.C. Wyeth’s Pilgrims.
Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. Chronicle Books, 1991. (3-6)
Substantive treatment of pilgrim endurance of the hardship of their first winter and loss of half their colony with the timeless illustrations of N.C. Wyeth.
Sandin, Joan. Long Way to a New Land.
Harper, 1986. (2-4)
Immigrant crossing from Europe to America in late 19th and early 20th century.
Seuss, Dr. Horton Hears a Who!
Random, 2020. (K-1)
Perseverance of a faithful elephant who believes in and protects the people on the speck of dust.
Shepard, Aaron. Savitri: A Tale of Ancient India.
Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry. Albert Whitman and Company, 1992. (2-3)
In this ancient Indian tale, princess Savitri seeks to marry a virtuous man. She finds her love in Satyavan, but he is destined to live a short life. Knowing this, but still admiring and loving him, she marries Satyavan and engages in a battle of wits with Yama, the god of death to save his life. Her perseverance and single-mindedness overcome the decree of destiny. Particularly good with the ancient India unit in 2nd grade.
Van Leeuwen, Jean. Across the Wide Dark Sea: The Mayflower Journey.
Illustrated by Thomas B. Allen. Penguin Books, 1995. (1-4)
The Mayflower journey and pilgrim experience movingly retold through the eyes of a young boy. A quintessential story of perseverance against all odds.
Waters, Kate. On the Mayflower.
Photographs by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, 1999. (1-3)
A fine recreation of the Mayflower voyage through the eyes of two stout-hearted children—William Small, the ship’s apprentice, and Ellen Moore, a pilgrim child. Small, as one of the ship’s crew, weathers the dreadful ocean crossing above decks and Ellen is mostly below with the pilgrim passengers. The book captures the hardship of the voyage with its close quarters, rank smell, and relentless storms. It also captures the spirit of these two children who do their duty in harsh settings.
Williams, Margery. The Velveteen Rabbit.
Illustrated by Charles Santore. Applesauce Press, 2013. (K-4)
The classic story of “becoming real” through faithfulness, perseverance, and love. Favorite stuffed rabbit sticks with his master through play, illness, and abandonment. Ultimately, the rabbit is rewarded by actually becoming real!
Yolen, Jane. Wings. Illustrated by Dennis Nolan. Harcourt Brace, 1997. (2)
Beautifully illustrated story of Daedalus and Icarus. Icarus’ failure to heed his father’s warnings and persevere in his task are his undoing.