Additional September Book Suggestions - Grades K-3
Respect
Aliki. Manners.
Greenwillow, 1990. (K-1) Respect
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Rabbit Ears, 2012. (K) Respect
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. Simon and Schuster, 1995. (K-3)Respect
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. (K-3)Respect
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. (2)Respect
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. (K-2) Respect
Carrick, Donald. Harald and the Great Stag.
Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (2-4) Respect
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. (K-2)Respect
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. (K-3)Respect
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. Harper Trophy, 1998. (2)Respect
Russian-Jewish immigrant girl and her classmates learn that “pilgrims” still come to America today. Respect for others regardless of faith and national origin.
High, Linda Oatman. Barn Savers.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Boyds Mills, 1999. (K-2) Respect
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, 2001. (K-2) Respect
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. (2)Respect
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. (2-4) Respect
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. Dutton, 2004. (K)Respect
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 (K-3) Respect
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. (K-1) Respect
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. (1-3)Respect
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, 2003. (1)Respect
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. Harcourt, 2001. (2-4) Respect
“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. (2-3)Respect
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, 1997. (2-4) Respect
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. (2-4) Respect
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.
Responsibility
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustratedby Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-4)Responsibility
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Marston, Elsa. The Fox Maiden.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. Simon and Schuster, 1996. (1-4) Responsibility
In this lovely Japanese folktale, Yuri, a fox-turned-maiden, explores the world of human beings. As a maid servant, she grows attached to the family she serves, and comes to love her fellow man-servant, Haruo. She also comes to understand that the forest is really her home. When her master and his family learn her secret (that she is really a fox), they are outraged and try to kill her. This tale puts one in mind of the Little Prince’s reminder: “You are forever responsible for that which you have tamed.” Both Yuri and Haruo take the adage seriously.
Rappaport, Doreen. Freedom River.
Illustrated by Bryan Collier. (Hyperion, 2000) (3-5) Responsibility
This is the inspiring story of Underground Railroad conductor John Parker. He was an escaped slave, a prosperous Ohio businessman, and then one of many conductors on the Underground Railroad, who believed he had a responsibility beyond himself. Parker helped over 900 slaves escape from Kentucky, and in this memorable tale helps a couple depart by snatching their baby from the foot of the white slave owners’ bed. Parker crossed the Ohio River to Kentucky and returned over and over to help slaves gain their freedom. Rappaport continues her tradition of singing the unsung heroes of history, and Collier’s collage illustrations are absolutely riveting.
Aliki. Manners.
Greenwillow, 1990. (K-1) Respect
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Ugly Duckling.
Illustrated by Robert Nutt. Rabbit Ears, 2012. (K) Respect
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. Simon and Schuster, 1995. (K-3)Respect
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. (K-3)Respect
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. (2)Respect
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. (K-2) Respect
Carrick, Donald. Harald and the Great Stag.
Houghton Mifflin, 1990. (2-4) Respect
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. (K-2)Respect
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. (K-3)Respect
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. Harper Trophy, 1998. (2)Respect
Russian-Jewish immigrant girl and her classmates learn that “pilgrims” still come to America today. Respect for others regardless of faith and national origin.
High, Linda Oatman. Barn Savers.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Boyds Mills, 1999. (K-2) Respect
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, 2001. (K-2) Respect
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. (2)Respect
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. (2-4) Respect
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. Dutton, 2004. (K)Respect
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 (K-3) Respect
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. (K-1) Respect
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. (1-3)Respect
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, 2003. (1)Respect
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. Harcourt, 2001. (2-4) Respect
“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. (2-3)Respect
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, 1997. (2-4) Respect
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. (2-4) Respect
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.
Responsibility
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustratedby Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-4)Responsibility
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Marston, Elsa. The Fox Maiden.
Illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. Simon and Schuster, 1996. (1-4) Responsibility
In this lovely Japanese folktale, Yuri, a fox-turned-maiden, explores the world of human beings. As a maid servant, she grows attached to the family she serves, and comes to love her fellow man-servant, Haruo. She also comes to understand that the forest is really her home. When her master and his family learn her secret (that she is really a fox), they are outraged and try to kill her. This tale puts one in mind of the Little Prince’s reminder: “You are forever responsible for that which you have tamed.” Both Yuri and Haruo take the adage seriously.
Rappaport, Doreen. Freedom River.
Illustrated by Bryan Collier. (Hyperion, 2000) (3-5) Responsibility
This is the inspiring story of Underground Railroad conductor John Parker. He was an escaped slave, a prosperous Ohio businessman, and then one of many conductors on the Underground Railroad, who believed he had a responsibility beyond himself. Parker helped over 900 slaves escape from Kentucky, and in this memorable tale helps a couple depart by snatching their baby from the foot of the white slave owners’ bed. Parker crossed the Ohio River to Kentucky and returned over and over to help slaves gain their freedom. Rappaport continues her tradition of singing the unsung heroes of history, and Collier’s collage illustrations are absolutely riveting.