Additional October Book Recommendations Grades K-3
Diligence
Adler, David. The Babe and I.
Illustrated by Terry Widener. HMH, 2004. (K-2)
A heartwarming story about a young boy who becomes a “newsie” to help support his family during the Depression. The son’s loyalty to his father, who is out of work and selling apples on the street, his industriousness in learning what sells papers (principally that slugger Babe Ruth), and his encounter with Babe Ruth make this a great tale of hard work and family loyalty.
Aesop. The Tortoise and the Hare.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown Books, 2013. (K-2)
The steady and determined tortoise triumphs over the cocky hare.
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.
Atkins, Jeannine. Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon.
Illustrated by Michael Dooling. Create Space, 2012. (K-5)
In the early 1800s Mary Anning helped her mother support their family after the death of her father. Mary’s father had taught her how to dig in the sand for buried shells and other “curiosities,” we know as “fossils.” She was twelve years old when she began to uncover the remains of an astonishing creature buried in the sand by the cliffs of Regis, England. This is the true story of a young girl whose year of patient toil brought the world its first “ichthyosaur” skeleton. Mary lived long enough to hear the word “dinosaur” coined in 1841.
Bartoletti, Susan. Silver at Night.
Illustrated by David Ray. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1994. (2)
An Italian immigrant seeks his fortune in Pennsylvania by working long, dark hours in the coal mines. Eventually he is able to afford to bring his sweetheart to America, buy some land, and settle down.
Bartone, Elisa. Peppe the Lamplighter.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Lothrop, 1993. (K-2) (K-5)
Diligence and perseverance are exemplified in this story of an Italian immigrant child who takes a job lighting the street lamps. The child works hard and loves his job, but his father disapproves and is ashamed, because in Italy only street urchins have such jobs. A dangerous situation shows the father that his son’s “menial work” may be of critical importance. Especially good support for 2nd grade immigration unit.
Bradby, Marie. More Than Anything Else.
Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. Orchard Books, 1995. (K-2)
Young Booker T. Washington toils in the salt works with his father and brothers, but longs for the day when he’ll learn to read. He has a “hunger . . . in my head” and “even though my shoulders still ache and my legs are stained with salt, I . . . stare at the marks and try to imagine their song.” This is a beautifully and warmly illustrated story of a young boy whose hope is realized.
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.
Buddha. Courageous Captain: A Jataka Tale. Adapted by Dharma Publishing Editorial Staff. Illustrated by Rosalyn White. Dharma Press, 1989. (2-6)
Seafarers seeking gold and treasure neglect their ship and their duties. Their lack of diligence nearly brings about their ruin, but a virtuous captain helps them recall the importance of dedication and diligence.
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.
Fraser, Mary Ann. The Ten Mile Day: The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Henry Holt, 1993. (4-6) Nonfiction retelling of the quest to complete the transcontinental railroad. Special focus on extraordinary efforts of Irish and Chinese immigrant workers.
Harness, Cheryl. The Amazing Impossible Erie Canal.
Macmillan, 1995 (2, 5)
The building of the Erie Canal is a story of diligence, innovation, and vision. Excellent pictures and engaging story of the canal that ran from Albany to Buffalo and facilitated westward movement by making transportation to the Great Lakes affordable.
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.
Martin, Bill and John Archambault. Knots on a Counting Rope.
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1993. (K-3)
A Native American child overcomes blindness through diligence, courage, and all the while maintains a sense of life’s wonder.
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.
Piper, Watty. The Little Engine That Could.
Illustrated by George and Doris Hauman. Grosset & Dunlap, 2001. (K-1)
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. . . .” The little engine chugs and tugs and ultimately rescues the stranded train that stronger and faster engines had passed by. This is Watty Piper’s classic story of the can-do engine that could, when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. Good themes of perseverance as well
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.
Rockliff, Mara. Me and Momma and Big John. Illustrated by William Low.
Candlewick, 2012. (K-3) Diligence, Humility, Dignity of Labor
Based on a true story, this is a singular book with an unusual message. An African-American mother labors as a stone cutter for the Cathedral of St. John of the Divine (“Big John”) in New York City. It is hard physical labor, but also art, yet no one will know which stone she has cut. The latter profoundly annoys her children (the story is told through the eyes of her son) until they see her work in place at the luminous cathedral, and realize that it is part of something greater than one artist’s self-expression. A beautifully told, beautifully illustrated tale of diligence, the dignity of labor, community and humility.
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.
Self Control and Self Discipline
Baldwin, James. “The King and His Hawk” in Bennett, The Children’s Book of Virtues.
Illustrated by Michael Hague. See General Collections. (K-4)
Stunningly illustrated story of Ghengis Khan who on one of his expeditions thirsts and is lucky enough to find water. The King’s pet hawk repeatedly knocks the cup from his hand as he dips it into the pool and in anger the King slays his hawk. He then looks down to see a dead poisonous snake in the water and realized that the hawk had saved his life. “I have learned a sad lesson today, and that is never to do anything in anger.”
Lee, Jeanne M. Silent Lotus.
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1991. ( K-3)
A young girl pushes herself to overcome deafness and become one of the great dancers at the
Hindu temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Martin, Bill and John Archambault. Knots on a Counting Rope. *
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1993. (K-3)
A Native American boy learns to overcome his blindness, ride like the wind, and participate fully in the joy of life.
* This story is available on Storyline Online.
Pinkney, Andrea. Dear Benjamin Banneker.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (2-4)
True story of the first African-American to write an almanac. Banneker stayed up many nights and had to discard a complete draft when publishers refused to print it because he was black. His second attempt met with success. An against-all-odds story.
Suyeoka, George. Issun boshi.
Island Heritage, 1987. (2-4)
In this Japanese Tom Thumb tale, a tiny boy courageously wages battle against evildoers and succeeds—winning the princess’s heart and a normal physical stature in the end.
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.
Gemming, Elizabeth. Lost City in the Clouds: The Discovery of Machu Picchu.
Illustrated by Mike Eagle. Putnam Group, 1980. (5)
Slender chapter book on American archeologist Hiram Bingham’s unrelenting search for the mysterious Inca city in the Andes. Good for use with 5th grade Inca unit.
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.
Hodges, Margaret. Hidden in Sand.
Illustrated by Paul Birling. Macmillan, 1994. (2-4)
Set in the Rajasthan Desert in northern India, a small boy’s tireless effort and enterprise save his caravan from death in the desert. One of the Jataka tales.
Hort, Lenny. The Boy Who Held Back the Sea.
Illustrated by Thomas Locker. Puffin, 1993. (K-3)
Illustrated in the tradition of 17th-century Dutch masters, this beautiful book tells the classic tale of Jan, a mischievous upstart and unlikely savior, who nonetheless sees the hole in the dike and spends a night face down in a ditch, in order to save his town. Themes of hope and renewal as a child turns his life around.
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.
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.
Piper, Watty. Little Engine That Could.
Illustrated by George and Doris Hauman. Grosset &Dunlap, 2001. (K-1)
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. . . .” The little engine chugs and tugs and ultimately rescues the stranded train that stronger and faster engines had passed by. This is Watty Piper’s classic story of the can-do engine that could, when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. Good themes of diligence.
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.
Ward, Helen. The Hare and the Tortoise.
Millbrook, 1999. (K-2)
In this retelling of the classic tale, the reckless, overconfident hare loses a race to the diligent and persevering tortoise. The narrative is witty and engaging, and the pictures are splendid!
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 Terry Widener. HMH, 2004. (K-2)
A heartwarming story about a young boy who becomes a “newsie” to help support his family during the Depression. The son’s loyalty to his father, who is out of work and selling apples on the street, his industriousness in learning what sells papers (principally that slugger Babe Ruth), and his encounter with Babe Ruth make this a great tale of hard work and family loyalty.
Aesop. The Tortoise and the Hare.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown Books, 2013. (K-2)
The steady and determined tortoise triumphs over the cocky hare.
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.
Atkins, Jeannine. Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon.
Illustrated by Michael Dooling. Create Space, 2012. (K-5)
In the early 1800s Mary Anning helped her mother support their family after the death of her father. Mary’s father had taught her how to dig in the sand for buried shells and other “curiosities,” we know as “fossils.” She was twelve years old when she began to uncover the remains of an astonishing creature buried in the sand by the cliffs of Regis, England. This is the true story of a young girl whose year of patient toil brought the world its first “ichthyosaur” skeleton. Mary lived long enough to hear the word “dinosaur” coined in 1841.
Bartoletti, Susan. Silver at Night.
Illustrated by David Ray. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1994. (2)
An Italian immigrant seeks his fortune in Pennsylvania by working long, dark hours in the coal mines. Eventually he is able to afford to bring his sweetheart to America, buy some land, and settle down.
Bartone, Elisa. Peppe the Lamplighter.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Lothrop, 1993. (K-2) (K-5)
Diligence and perseverance are exemplified in this story of an Italian immigrant child who takes a job lighting the street lamps. The child works hard and loves his job, but his father disapproves and is ashamed, because in Italy only street urchins have such jobs. A dangerous situation shows the father that his son’s “menial work” may be of critical importance. Especially good support for 2nd grade immigration unit.
Bradby, Marie. More Than Anything Else.
Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. Orchard Books, 1995. (K-2)
Young Booker T. Washington toils in the salt works with his father and brothers, but longs for the day when he’ll learn to read. He has a “hunger . . . in my head” and “even though my shoulders still ache and my legs are stained with salt, I . . . stare at the marks and try to imagine their song.” This is a beautifully and warmly illustrated story of a young boy whose hope is realized.
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.
Buddha. Courageous Captain: A Jataka Tale. Adapted by Dharma Publishing Editorial Staff. Illustrated by Rosalyn White. Dharma Press, 1989. (2-6)
Seafarers seeking gold and treasure neglect their ship and their duties. Their lack of diligence nearly brings about their ruin, but a virtuous captain helps them recall the importance of dedication and diligence.
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.
Fraser, Mary Ann. The Ten Mile Day: The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Henry Holt, 1993. (4-6) Nonfiction retelling of the quest to complete the transcontinental railroad. Special focus on extraordinary efforts of Irish and Chinese immigrant workers.
Harness, Cheryl. The Amazing Impossible Erie Canal.
Macmillan, 1995 (2, 5)
The building of the Erie Canal is a story of diligence, innovation, and vision. Excellent pictures and engaging story of the canal that ran from Albany to Buffalo and facilitated westward movement by making transportation to the Great Lakes affordable.
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.
Martin, Bill and John Archambault. Knots on a Counting Rope.
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1993. (K-3)
A Native American child overcomes blindness through diligence, courage, and all the while maintains a sense of life’s wonder.
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.
Piper, Watty. The Little Engine That Could.
Illustrated by George and Doris Hauman. Grosset & Dunlap, 2001. (K-1)
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. . . .” The little engine chugs and tugs and ultimately rescues the stranded train that stronger and faster engines had passed by. This is Watty Piper’s classic story of the can-do engine that could, when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. Good themes of perseverance as well
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.
Rockliff, Mara. Me and Momma and Big John. Illustrated by William Low.
Candlewick, 2012. (K-3) Diligence, Humility, Dignity of Labor
Based on a true story, this is a singular book with an unusual message. An African-American mother labors as a stone cutter for the Cathedral of St. John of the Divine (“Big John”) in New York City. It is hard physical labor, but also art, yet no one will know which stone she has cut. The latter profoundly annoys her children (the story is told through the eyes of her son) until they see her work in place at the luminous cathedral, and realize that it is part of something greater than one artist’s self-expression. A beautifully told, beautifully illustrated tale of diligence, the dignity of labor, community and humility.
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.
Self Control and Self Discipline
Baldwin, James. “The King and His Hawk” in Bennett, The Children’s Book of Virtues.
Illustrated by Michael Hague. See General Collections. (K-4)
Stunningly illustrated story of Ghengis Khan who on one of his expeditions thirsts and is lucky enough to find water. The King’s pet hawk repeatedly knocks the cup from his hand as he dips it into the pool and in anger the King slays his hawk. He then looks down to see a dead poisonous snake in the water and realized that the hawk had saved his life. “I have learned a sad lesson today, and that is never to do anything in anger.”
Lee, Jeanne M. Silent Lotus.
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1991. ( K-3)
A young girl pushes herself to overcome deafness and become one of the great dancers at the
Hindu temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Martin, Bill and John Archambault. Knots on a Counting Rope. *
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1993. (K-3)
A Native American boy learns to overcome his blindness, ride like the wind, and participate fully in the joy of life.
* This story is available on Storyline Online.
Pinkney, Andrea. Dear Benjamin Banneker.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1994. (2-4)
True story of the first African-American to write an almanac. Banneker stayed up many nights and had to discard a complete draft when publishers refused to print it because he was black. His second attempt met with success. An against-all-odds story.
Suyeoka, George. Issun boshi.
Island Heritage, 1987. (2-4)
In this Japanese Tom Thumb tale, a tiny boy courageously wages battle against evildoers and succeeds—winning the princess’s heart and a normal physical stature in the end.
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.
Gemming, Elizabeth. Lost City in the Clouds: The Discovery of Machu Picchu.
Illustrated by Mike Eagle. Putnam Group, 1980. (5)
Slender chapter book on American archeologist Hiram Bingham’s unrelenting search for the mysterious Inca city in the Andes. Good for use with 5th grade Inca unit.
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.
Hodges, Margaret. Hidden in Sand.
Illustrated by Paul Birling. Macmillan, 1994. (2-4)
Set in the Rajasthan Desert in northern India, a small boy’s tireless effort and enterprise save his caravan from death in the desert. One of the Jataka tales.
Hort, Lenny. The Boy Who Held Back the Sea.
Illustrated by Thomas Locker. Puffin, 1993. (K-3)
Illustrated in the tradition of 17th-century Dutch masters, this beautiful book tells the classic tale of Jan, a mischievous upstart and unlikely savior, who nonetheless sees the hole in the dike and spends a night face down in a ditch, in order to save his town. Themes of hope and renewal as a child turns his life around.
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.
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.
Piper, Watty. Little Engine That Could.
Illustrated by George and Doris Hauman. Grosset &Dunlap, 2001. (K-1)
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. . . .” The little engine chugs and tugs and ultimately rescues the stranded train that stronger and faster engines had passed by. This is Watty Piper’s classic story of the can-do engine that could, when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. Good themes of diligence.
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.
Ward, Helen. The Hare and the Tortoise.
Millbrook, 1999. (K-2)
In this retelling of the classic tale, the reckless, overconfident hare loses a race to the diligent and persevering tortoise. The narrative is witty and engaging, and the pictures are splendid!
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.