Additional September Book Suggestions - Grades K-3
Aliki. Manners.
Greenwillow, 1990. (Respect, K-1)
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Random, 1991. (Respect, K)
Shamed by his looks and spurned by others, the ugly duckling endures trial, adversity, and loneliness. A heart-rending classic showing that respect for others should not be based on appearance.
Barber, Antonia. The Monkey and the Panda.
Illustrated by Meilo So. Macmillan, 1995. (Respect, K-3)
Monkey is jealous and cannot understand why the children love Panda so. “I am bolder and braver and a great deal livelier. Compared to me, Panda is boring.” A wise man will decide who is “worthier” and his judgment helps monkey and children understand that every creature has gifts and strengths for which each should be respected. An excellent lesson in overcoming jealousy.
Blumberg, Rhoda. Jumbo.
Illustrated by Jonathan Hunt. Simon and Schuster, 1992. (Respect, K-3)
Story of the first elephant in modern Europe. Tale of respect for all the world’s creatures.
Brett, Jan. Fritz and the Beautiful Horses.
Houghton Mifflin, 1987. (Respect, 2)
Of all the beautiful horses, the not-so-beautiful one, which was snubbed by the village children, rescues a boy and his village. Good themes of faithfulness and respect regardless of appearance.
Brown, Marc and Stephen Krensky. Perfect Pigs: An Introduction to Manners.
Little, 1983. (Respect, K-2)
Carrick, Donald. Harald and the Great Stag.
Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (Respect, 2-4)
Set in medieval times, a young boy helps the mighty stag escape pursuit by lords and barons, who hunt for pleasure. Themes of respect for the wonder of nature and mercy to nature’s most beautiful animals.
Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest.
Harcourt Brace, 1990. (Respect, K-2)
In Brazilian rainforest, a woodsman comes to understand the number of creatures who depend on the kapok tree for their homes. Themes of respect for nature and true stewardship of the earth.
Cohen, Barbara. Yussel’s Prayer.
Illustrated by Michael J. Deraney. Lothrop, 1981. (Respect, K-3)
Arrogant rabbi comes to appreciate the true prayer of a poor Jewish boy on Yom Kippur. Themes of faith and faithfulness as well.
Cohen, Barbara. Molly’s Pilgrim.
Illustrated by Michael J. Deraney. Bantam, 1990. (Respect, 2)
Russian-Jewish immigrant girl and her classmates learn that “pilgrims” still come to America today. Respect for others regardless of faith and national origin.
Fiday, Beverly and Deborah Crowdy. Respect.
Child’s World, 1988. (Respect, K-1)
This K-1 level text provides an appealing, practical, and brief overview of both the meaning and application of the virtue.
High, Linda Oatman. Barn Savers.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Boyds Mills, 1999. (Respect, K-2)
A young boy and his father rise at dawn to dismantle an old barn before bulldozers can destroy it. They work through the day, the boy stacking wood and the father carefully removing its timbers for new uses. “Respect” is the word that best sums up this book’s simple message: respect for the dignity of the structure, its past and its secrets, the boy’s respect for his father’s work, and the mutual respect of father and son as they work to preserve part of their heritage. Lewin’s watercolors are, as always, limpid, pure and lovely. Excellent for use with 2nd grade focus on stewardship of the earth and its goods.
Hines, Gary. A Christmas Tree in the White House.
Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. Henry Holt, 1998. (Respect, K-2)
The theme of respect for our environment and stewardship of the world’s resources emerges in this charming story, based on fact. As President, Teddy Roosevelt established some of the nation’s first national parks and pursued a policy of conservation. At Christmas time he tells his children there will be no live Christmas tree in the White House because it would set a bad example to “cut down trees for mere decoration.” His disgruntled sons, Quentin and Archie, take matters into their own hands and sneak a tree into their room. Their father discovers it and trots them off to a forester, who shows the family how some thinning of trees is healthy in order to allow others to grow. Particularly good for use with 2nd grade unit in September on respect for the environment.
Hodges, Margaret. Brother Francis and the Friendly Beasts.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Atheneum, 1991. (Respect, 2)
The story of St. Francis with a special focus on his love and respect for animals, the least of God’s creatures.
Martin, Claire. The Race of the Golden Apples.
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Dial, 1991. (Respect, 2-4)
In this stunningly illustrated classic tale from Greek mythology, the cocky runner Atalanta respects no man and considers none her equal. In the end she learns respect for the slower (but clever) Hippomenes. Works well with 2nd grade unit on Ancient Greece.
Perrault, Charles. Cinderella. Retold by Amy Ehrlich.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1985. (Respect, K)
The youngest, least respected step-daughter earns the love of the prince in this classic tale. Superb illustrations in this graceful retelling.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1987 (Respect, K-3)
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, however, through great application, she teaches herself to read and she who is “least of all” earns the respect and admiration of her elders.
Schechter, Ben. Great Uncle Alfred Forgets.
Harper Collins, 1996. (Respect, K-1)
Aging Uncle Alfred cannot remember his niece’s name, nor the season, nor the clothes he should be wearing. He is losing the ability to tie his shoes. Little Emily can help with all of these and listen to the stories of the things he does remember—his youth. A touching story of family ties and ongoing respect for the elderly.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Dial, 1991. (Respect, 1-3)
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Stockton, Frank. The Griffin and the Minor Canon.
Harper Collins, 1987. (Respect, 1)
One town shudders when the griffin, a mythical beast of fearsome form, comes for a visit. Minor canon believes and teaches fellow townsmen that you can’t judge an animal by its appearance.
Uchida, Yoshiko. The Wise Old Woman.
Illustrated by Martin Springett. Macmillan, 1994. (Respect, 2-4)
“Anyone over seventy is no longer useful,” Lord Higa declares. He orders that the elderly be taken to a mountain and left to die, but a devoted son, cannot do this to his aging mother. He hides her. Higa decides to destroy the village unless the young man can solve three riddles. They are solved by the aging mother and the tyrant decrees that “henceforth the aged will be treated with respect and honor and will share with us the wisdom of their years.” Bold and rich illustrations.
Yep, Laurence. The Junior Thunder Lord.
Illustrated by Robert Van Nutt. Bridgewater Books, 1994. (Respect, 2-3)
A young boy’s respect for and kindness to a man of few manners and no apparent culture is richly rewarded.
Yep, Laurence. The City of Dragons.
Illustrated by Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng. Scholastic, 1995. (Respect, 2-4)
Set in China, a young boy with the saddest face in the world is shunned by fellow villagers and asked to stay at home because his looks ruin happy festivals. In the end his looks and enterprise save the villagers and they learn to “judge the boy by what he did and not by the way he looked.”
Yolen, Jane. The Emperor and the Kite.
Illustrated by Ed Young. Putnam, 1988. (Respect, 2-4)
The Emperor’s youngest daughter is the most ignored member of the Chinese imperial family. As the littlest of eight children and a girl, she has no future and is ignored by her family. But when her father is kidnapped and the empire falls into the hands of evil-doers, Djeow Seow (“the smallest one”) uses her kite to feed and ultimately rescue him. Themes of family loyalty and respect for all.
Greenwillow, 1990. (Respect, K-1)
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Random, 1991. (Respect, K)
Shamed by his looks and spurned by others, the ugly duckling endures trial, adversity, and loneliness. A heart-rending classic showing that respect for others should not be based on appearance.
Barber, Antonia. The Monkey and the Panda.
Illustrated by Meilo So. Macmillan, 1995. (Respect, K-3)
Monkey is jealous and cannot understand why the children love Panda so. “I am bolder and braver and a great deal livelier. Compared to me, Panda is boring.” A wise man will decide who is “worthier” and his judgment helps monkey and children understand that every creature has gifts and strengths for which each should be respected. An excellent lesson in overcoming jealousy.
Blumberg, Rhoda. Jumbo.
Illustrated by Jonathan Hunt. Simon and Schuster, 1992. (Respect, K-3)
Story of the first elephant in modern Europe. Tale of respect for all the world’s creatures.
Brett, Jan. Fritz and the Beautiful Horses.
Houghton Mifflin, 1987. (Respect, 2)
Of all the beautiful horses, the not-so-beautiful one, which was snubbed by the village children, rescues a boy and his village. Good themes of faithfulness and respect regardless of appearance.
Brown, Marc and Stephen Krensky. Perfect Pigs: An Introduction to Manners.
Little, 1983. (Respect, K-2)
Carrick, Donald. Harald and the Great Stag.
Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (Respect, 2-4)
Set in medieval times, a young boy helps the mighty stag escape pursuit by lords and barons, who hunt for pleasure. Themes of respect for the wonder of nature and mercy to nature’s most beautiful animals.
Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest.
Harcourt Brace, 1990. (Respect, K-2)
In Brazilian rainforest, a woodsman comes to understand the number of creatures who depend on the kapok tree for their homes. Themes of respect for nature and true stewardship of the earth.
Cohen, Barbara. Yussel’s Prayer.
Illustrated by Michael J. Deraney. Lothrop, 1981. (Respect, K-3)
Arrogant rabbi comes to appreciate the true prayer of a poor Jewish boy on Yom Kippur. Themes of faith and faithfulness as well.
Cohen, Barbara. Molly’s Pilgrim.
Illustrated by Michael J. Deraney. Bantam, 1990. (Respect, 2)
Russian-Jewish immigrant girl and her classmates learn that “pilgrims” still come to America today. Respect for others regardless of faith and national origin.
Fiday, Beverly and Deborah Crowdy. Respect.
Child’s World, 1988. (Respect, K-1)
This K-1 level text provides an appealing, practical, and brief overview of both the meaning and application of the virtue.
High, Linda Oatman. Barn Savers.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Boyds Mills, 1999. (Respect, K-2)
A young boy and his father rise at dawn to dismantle an old barn before bulldozers can destroy it. They work through the day, the boy stacking wood and the father carefully removing its timbers for new uses. “Respect” is the word that best sums up this book’s simple message: respect for the dignity of the structure, its past and its secrets, the boy’s respect for his father’s work, and the mutual respect of father and son as they work to preserve part of their heritage. Lewin’s watercolors are, as always, limpid, pure and lovely. Excellent for use with 2nd grade focus on stewardship of the earth and its goods.
Hines, Gary. A Christmas Tree in the White House.
Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. Henry Holt, 1998. (Respect, K-2)
The theme of respect for our environment and stewardship of the world’s resources emerges in this charming story, based on fact. As President, Teddy Roosevelt established some of the nation’s first national parks and pursued a policy of conservation. At Christmas time he tells his children there will be no live Christmas tree in the White House because it would set a bad example to “cut down trees for mere decoration.” His disgruntled sons, Quentin and Archie, take matters into their own hands and sneak a tree into their room. Their father discovers it and trots them off to a forester, who shows the family how some thinning of trees is healthy in order to allow others to grow. Particularly good for use with 2nd grade unit in September on respect for the environment.
Hodges, Margaret. Brother Francis and the Friendly Beasts.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Atheneum, 1991. (Respect, 2)
The story of St. Francis with a special focus on his love and respect for animals, the least of God’s creatures.
Martin, Claire. The Race of the Golden Apples.
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Dial, 1991. (Respect, 2-4)
In this stunningly illustrated classic tale from Greek mythology, the cocky runner Atalanta respects no man and considers none her equal. In the end she learns respect for the slower (but clever) Hippomenes. Works well with 2nd grade unit on Ancient Greece.
Perrault, Charles. Cinderella. Retold by Amy Ehrlich.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1985. (Respect, K)
The youngest, least respected step-daughter earns the love of the prince in this classic tale. Superb illustrations in this graceful retelling.
Purdy, Carol. Least of All.
Illustrated by Tim Arnold. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1987 (Respect, K-3)
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, however, through great application, she teaches herself to read and she who is “least of all” earns the respect and admiration of her elders.
Schechter, Ben. Great Uncle Alfred Forgets.
Harper Collins, 1996. (Respect, K-1)
Aging Uncle Alfred cannot remember his niece’s name, nor the season, nor the clothes he should be wearing. He is losing the ability to tie his shoes. Little Emily can help with all of these and listen to the stories of the things he does remember—his youth. A touching story of family ties and ongoing respect for the elderly.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Dial, 1991. (Respect, 1-3)
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Stockton, Frank. The Griffin and the Minor Canon.
Harper Collins, 1987. (Respect, 1)
One town shudders when the griffin, a mythical beast of fearsome form, comes for a visit. Minor canon believes and teaches fellow townsmen that you can’t judge an animal by its appearance.
Uchida, Yoshiko. The Wise Old Woman.
Illustrated by Martin Springett. Macmillan, 1994. (Respect, 2-4)
“Anyone over seventy is no longer useful,” Lord Higa declares. He orders that the elderly be taken to a mountain and left to die, but a devoted son, cannot do this to his aging mother. He hides her. Higa decides to destroy the village unless the young man can solve three riddles. They are solved by the aging mother and the tyrant decrees that “henceforth the aged will be treated with respect and honor and will share with us the wisdom of their years.” Bold and rich illustrations.
Yep, Laurence. The Junior Thunder Lord.
Illustrated by Robert Van Nutt. Bridgewater Books, 1994. (Respect, 2-3)
A young boy’s respect for and kindness to a man of few manners and no apparent culture is richly rewarded.
Yep, Laurence. The City of Dragons.
Illustrated by Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng. Scholastic, 1995. (Respect, 2-4)
Set in China, a young boy with the saddest face in the world is shunned by fellow villagers and asked to stay at home because his looks ruin happy festivals. In the end his looks and enterprise save the villagers and they learn to “judge the boy by what he did and not by the way he looked.”
Yolen, Jane. The Emperor and the Kite.
Illustrated by Ed Young. Putnam, 1988. (Respect, 2-4)
The Emperor’s youngest daughter is the most ignored member of the Chinese imperial family. As the littlest of eight children and a girl, she has no future and is ignored by her family. But when her father is kidnapped and the empire falls into the hands of evil-doers, Djeow Seow (“the smallest one”) uses her kite to feed and ultimately rescue him. Themes of family loyalty and respect for all.
