Additional October Book Recommendations Grades K-3
Diligence
Adler, David. The Babe and I.
Illustrated by Terry Widener. Harcourt, 1999. (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. Retold by Deborah Hautzig.
Illustrated by Kaorina Kaila. Alfred Knopf, 1992. (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. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1999.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Lumpkin, Beatrice. Senefer: A Young Genius in Old Egypt.
Illustrated by Linda Nickens. Africa World, 1992. (1)
A poor, young Egyptian boy applies himself to his studies and becomes the renowned architect, who designed obelisks under the reign of Hatshepsut.
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.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Macmillan, 1991. (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. Scholastic, 1992. (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.
Wallner, Alexandra. Betsy Ross.
Holiday, 1994. (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, 1991 and
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic, 1993. (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.
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. Issunboshi.
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. Harcourt Brace, 1997. (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. Random, 1991. (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 Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Illustrated by Fred Marcellino. Harcourt Brace, 1992. (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.
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.
Illustrated by Terry Widener. Harcourt, 1999. (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. Retold by Deborah Hautzig.
Illustrated by Kaorina Kaila. Alfred Knopf, 1992. (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. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1999.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Lumpkin, Beatrice. Senefer: A Young Genius in Old Egypt.
Illustrated by Linda Nickens. Africa World, 1992. (1)
A poor, young Egyptian boy applies himself to his studies and becomes the renowned architect, who designed obelisks under the reign of Hatshepsut.
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.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Macmillan, 1991. (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. Scholastic, 1992. (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.
Wallner, Alexandra. Betsy Ross.
Holiday, 1994. (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, 1991 and
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic, 1993. (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.
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. Issunboshi.
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. Harcourt Brace, 1997. (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. Random, 1991. (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 Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Illustrated by Fred Marcellino. Harcourt Brace, 1992. (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.
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.
