EARLY LITERACY LINK
IN
THE ALBERTA SOCIAL STUDIES
CURRICULUM
Kindergarten – Grade Three
Presented by Suzanna Wong, M.ED
www.ualberta.ca/suzannaw
E-mail:
suzawong@gyrd.ab.ca
suzannaw@ualberta.ca
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KINDERGARTEN: BEING TOGETHER
K.1 I Am Unique
Azore, Barbara. Wanda and the Wild Hair (2005)
Wanda has a big problem: she loves her wild hair very much. She loves the way it
feels when she touches it with her fingers. She loves the way it looks when she
strokes it in front of her bathroom mirror. Unfortunately, her mom often nags at
her to wash it; her dad wants her to the “poodle parlor” for a trim, and her teacher
threatens to ask the principal to cut it off for her. What can poor Wanda do?
Students who love their hair will relate to Wanda’s playful solution to her wild
hair.
Beaumont, Karen. I Like Myself (2004)
This book is full of high energy and imagination. It encourages children to
appreciate everything about themselves. Certainly is ode to self-esteem.
Beaumont’s cheerful rhyming text and Catrow’s wild illustrations are a great
combination. This book is fun and lively book for all young children.
Chen, Chih-Yuan, Guji Guji (2004)
Guji Guji was raised from an egg by Mother Duck and he is quite happy with his
life being a duckling, despite the fact that he doesn’t look anything like his
siblings. Then one fateful day, he meets up with three nasty, grinning creatures
who not only convince him that he is, like them, crocodile, but also try to
persuade him to deliver his fat, delicious duck relatives for their dinner! What’s a
“crocoduck” to do? Young students will cheer for this unlikely but endearing hero
as he figures out a way to save both the day and the ducks.
Ellis, Sarah. Big Ben (2001)
Ben feels left out when his older brother and sister can do so many things he can’t
do, and when the get report cards from school. He doesn’t get a report card from
play school. In order to make him feel better, his brother and sister write a report
card for him outlining all the special talents he brings to the family.
Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum (1991)
Chrysanthemum is very proud of her special name, until she starts school and
finds out that “special” can mean “weird” to others. This is a nice story about
individuality, self-respect and respecting others.
Lovell, Patty. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon (2001)
Molly Lou Melon is short, clumsy and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog
being squeezed by a boa constrictor. But she doesn’t mind. Her grandmother has
always told her to be true to herself. She takes that advice to heart, even when a
bully tries to bother her at her new school.
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Numeroff, Laura. Sherman Crunchley (2003)
Sherman Crunchley is next in line to become police chief of Biscuit City, just like
his father, and his grandfather, his great-grandmother and all the other Crunchleys
who have come before. But Sherman doesn’t like being a police officer. Will he
have the courage to be himself? This is a cute story with terrific illustrations and a
message about being true to yourself.
Richmond, Marianne. Hooray for You! A Celebration of “You-ness” (2002)
This is a rhyming book that lists many things to celebrate about children’s
individual gifts.
Swanson, Susan. The First Thing My Mama Told Me (2002)
A young girl celebrates the name that was chosen just for her.
Weiss, Nicki. The World Turns Round and Round (2000)
The children in the class have relatives all over the world who share their culture
and send special presents to them.
Wells, Rosemary. Yoko (1998)
Yoko the kitten is teased by her classmates when she brings sushi for lunch.
When the teacher plans an International Food Day for the class, Timothy the
raccoon tries Yoko’s sushi and the two become fast friends. The tone and
illustrations make this suitable for very young children.
Wheeler, Bernelda. Where Did You Get Your Moccasins? (1992)
In this simple story for very young children, Jody explains to his classmates how
his Kookum, or grandmother, made his moccasins.
K.2 I Belong
Elliott, Laura Malone. Hunter’s Best Friend at School (2002)
Hunter and Stripe are best friends. They like all the same things and do all the
same things. But when Stripe starts misbehaving at school, should Hunter follow
along?
Martin, Ann. Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-Off (1992)
Rachel and Olivia don’t get along and that causes problems in the kindergarten.
Their teacher will have to find a way to help them resolve their conflicts.
McLeod, Elaine. Lessons from Mother Earth (2002)
Young aboriginal girl learns to care for the earth and it provides as she walks with
her grandmother.
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Sanderson, Esther. Two Pairs of shoes (1990)
Maggie receives two gifts for her eighth birthday: a pair of patent leather shoes
and a pair of moccasins. She comes to value both kinds of shoes: they represent
the two cultures she must reconcile. This book is suitable for very young children.
Shannon, David. No David. (1998)
A young boy is depicted doing a variety of naughty things for which he is
repeatedly admonished, but finally he gets a hug. See also David Gets in Trouble
(2002).
Willis, Jeanne. Be Quiet, Parrot (2002)
This is a brightly illustrated book for very young children that show the
consequences of Parrot’s disruptive behaviour in the classroom. See also Take
Turns, Penguin (2002)
GRADE ONE – CITIZENSHIP: BELONGING AND CONNECTING
1.1 My World: Home, School, and Community
Identity
Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar (2001)
Unhei has just arrived from Korea and her classmates at her new school are
having trouble pronouncing her name. She decides to pick a new name, one that
will be easier for her new life in America, and her classmates put their
suggestions in a glass jar. When the time comes to introduce herself to the class
with her new name, she surprises herself as well as them with her choice.
Cosby, Bill. The Treasure Hunt (1997)
Little Bill is stuck at home on a rainy day. His brother and his father have special
hobbies they like to do. Little Bill doesn’t think he has anything special, until his
great-grandmother asks him to make up a story. Then he knows what his special
treasure is.
Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum (1991)
Chrysanthemum is very proud of her special name, until she starts school and
finds out that “special” can mean “weird” to others. This is a nice story about
individuality, self-respect and respecting others.
Hoffman, Mary. Amazing Grace (1991)
When Grace’s friends tease her about her wish to play Peter Pan in the school
play, Grace’s grandmother helps her understand that her gifts will always help her
reach her dream.
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Levine, Ellen. I Hate English (1995)
Mei Mei refuses to speak English because she’s afraid she will lose her Chinese
identity. From an understanding teacher she learns that if she wants to share who
she is, she will have to speak English as well as Chinese.
Numeroff, Laura. Sherman Crunchley (2003)
Sherman Crunchley is next in line to become police chief of Biscuit City, just like
his father, and his grandfather, his great-grandmother and all the other Crunchleys
who have come before. But Sherman doesn’t like being a police officer. Will he
have the courage to be himself? This is a cute story with terrific illustrations and a
message about being true to yourself.
Richmond, Marianne. Hooray for You! A Celebration of “You-ness” (2002)
This is a rhyming book that lists many things to celebrate about children’s
individual gifts.
Sanderson, Esther. Two Pairs of shoes (1990)
Maggie receives two gifts for her eighth birthday: a pair of patent leather shoes
and a pair of moccasins. She comes to value both kinds of shoes: they represent
the two cultures she must reconcile. This book is suitable for very young children.
Torres, Leyla. Liliana’s Grandmother (1998)
Liliana experiences two very different households and ways of life when she
visits her grandmothers, one who live just down the street, and the other that lives
in a different country and speaks only Spanish.
Belonging
Abercrombie, Barbara. Charlie Anderson (1995)
Two girls adopt a cat that stays with them only during the night. One day they
follow him and discover that he has another home, just like they do! Just like the
Girls who divide their time between their mother’s and their father’s households,
Charlie belongs to two families who love him. This is a sensitive approach to a
delicate issue.
Caseley, Judith. Mickey’s Class Play (1998)
Mickey is not very happy about being assigned the role of a duck in the school
play. When his costume is ruined though his whole family pitches in to make sure
he is the best duck ever.
Ellis, Sarah. Big Ben (2001)
Ben feels left out when his older brother and sister can do so many things he can’t
do, and when the get report cards from school. He doesn’t get a report card from
play school. In order to make him feel better, his brother and sister write a report
card for him outlining all the special talents he brings to the family.
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Hoffman, Mary. Boundless Grace (1995)
Grace is nervous when she flies overseas to the Gambia to visit her father. It’s
been many years since her parents divorced, and now he lives in another country
with a new wife and children. Can she belong in two families? It takes her some
time to understand what her grandmother keeps telling her: “Families are what
you make them.”
Parish, Peggy. Amelia Bedelia’s Family Album (1988)
Amelia Bedelia entertains Mr. and Mrs. Rogers by showing them her family
album and describing her relatives. Children love her very literal sense of
humour!
Peacock, Carol. Mommy Far, Mommy Near: an Adoption Story (2000)
This is the story of a Chinese child adopted as an infant by an American family. It
traces her search to understand having two mothers – her far mother in China and
her near mother in United States.
Sanderson, Esther. Two Pairs of shoes (1990)
Maggie receives two gifts for her eighth birthday: a pair of patent leather shoes
and a pair of moccasins. She comes to value both kinds of shoes: they represent
the two cultures she must reconcile. This book is suitable for very young children.
Say, Allen. Allison (1997)
When Allison realizes that she looks more like her favourite doll than like her
parents, she comes to terms with this unwelcome discovery of her adoption
through the help of a stray cat.
Tran, Truong. Going Home, Coming Home (2003)
Ami Chi takes her first trip to Vietnam, a country her parents left years ago but
still consider home. At first, Ami Chi is overwhelmed and intimidated by the
unfamiliar sights and sounds, but with the help of a new friend she begins to
understand how two places can feel like home. The book’s text is written in both
English and Vietnamese.
Turner, Ann. Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies (1990)
A boy who came from far away to be adopted by a couple in this country
remembers how unfamiliar and frightening some of the things were in his new
home, before he accepted the love to be found there.
Wing, Natasha. Jalapeno Bagels (1996)
Pablo’s parents run a bakery that features baking from both their cultures: Jewish
and Mexican. When he has to bring an example of his ethnic food to class, he’s
confused which kind of baking to bring. He finally decides to bring something
that represents the blending of cultures, just like him. The book includes recipes.
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Rights and Responsibilities at Home
Ackerman, Karen. By the Dawn’s Early Light (1994)
An African-American young girl and her brother stay at home with their
grandmother while their mother works the graveyard shift at a factory. Everyone
in the family has special responsibilities.
Browne, Anthony. Piggybook (1990)
When Mrs. Piggott unexpectedly leaves one day, her demanding family begins to
realize just how much she did for them.
Handy, Libby. Boss for a Week (1982)
A girl creates the rules for her household if she were boss for a week.
Hudson, Wade. Jamal’s Busy Day (1991)
Everyone in Jamal’s family has a job to go to – even Jamal. A nice book to
contrast a child’s daily routine with an adult’s at work.
Little, Jean. Revenge of the Small Small (1992)
The smallest member of the Small family gets revenge when her brothers and
sisters are unkind.
Quinlan, Patricia. My Dad Takes Care of Me (1987)
A girl is embarrassed that her father doesn’t have a job until she meets a friend
who teaches her that her father has the most important job of all: taking care of
her.
Russo, Marisabina. When Mama Gets Home (1998)
As Mams travels home from work, her children are setting the table, peeling
vegetables and cooking the chicken. But as hectic as life is in the evenings, Mama
has special time to spend with all the children.
Shannon, David. No, David (1998)
A young boy is depicted doing a variety of naughty things for which he is
repeatedly admonished, but finally he gets a hug. See also David Gets in Trouble
(2002)
Skurzynski, G. Martin by Himself (1979)
Martin makes a big mess in the house as he waits for his mother to come home
from work. When she comes home, they clean up and think of things he could do
after school that might be helpful.
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Rights and Responsibilities at School
Allard, Henry. Miss Nelson is Missing (1977)
The kids in Room 207 take advantage of their teacher’s good nature until she
disappears and they are faced with a vile substitute teacher.
Browne, Susan Chalker. Goodness Gracious, Gilliver Mulligan (2002)
Gulliver Mulligan towers over the rest of the children in his class. He watches
them play, but never joins in. One day a very small Mortimer Goss arrives in the
Class. When Gulliver saves Mortimer on a class field trip, the whole class learns
to value Gulliver’s special gifts and the boys develop a special friendship. A nice
story about valuing each other’s special gifts in a school setting.
Bunnett, Rochelle. Friends at School (1995)
This is a portrait of children with different abilities busily working and playing
together at school.
Carlson, Nancy. Arnie and the New Kid (1990)
Arnie is not very nice to Philip, the new student in his class. He makes fun of
Philip because he is in a wheelchair, but Arnie learns his lesson and what a good
friend Philip can be.
Cazet, Denys. Never Spit on Your Shoes (1990)
Arnie tells his mother about his first day in Grade One. This book has great
illustrations.
Corey, Shana. First Graders from Mars: Episode 1, Horus’s Horrible Day
(2001)
Horus the martian really hates his first day of first grade. On the second day, by
helping a new friend he learns that maybe first grade will be great after all. The
grade one students love the terrific illustrations.
DeGroat, Diane. Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996)
Gilbert’s teacher, Mrs. Byrd, expects that all the children will write nice messages
for Valentine’s Day. But Gilbert doesn’t feel like writing nice messages to Lewis
or Margaret. Why should he be nice when they have teased him? Getting back at
them, however, doesn’t make Gilbert feel very good. What should he do to make
things right?
Elliott, Laura Malone. Hunter’s Best Friend at School (2002)
Hunter and Stripe are best friends. The like all the same things and do all the same
things. But when Stripe starts misbehaving at school, should Hunter follow along?
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Krensky, Stephen. Louise Takes Charge (1998)
This is a short chapter book that tells the story of how Louise helps the class work
together to stop a bully.
Lovell, Patty. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon (2001)
Molly Lou Melon is short, clumsy and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog
being squeezed by a boa constrictor. But she doesn’t mind. Her grandmother has
always told her to be true to herself. She takes that advice to heart, even when a
bully tries to bother her at her new school.
O’Neil, Alexis. The Recess Queen (2002)
Mean Jean is the biggest bully on the school playground until a new girl arrives
and challenges Jean’s status as the Recess Queen. This is a very good introduction
to problem-solving and conflict resolution in a school setting.
Shannon, David. David Goes to School (1999)
David’s activities in school include chewing gum, talking out of turn, and
engaging in a food fight, causing his teacher to say over and over, “No David!”
See also David Gets in Trouble (2002).
Willis, Jeanne. Be Quiet, Parrot (2002)
This is a brightly illustrated book for very young children that show the
consequences of Parrot’s disruptive behaviour in the classroom. See also Take
Turns, Penguin (2002).
Cooperation
Cooper, Helen. Pumpkin Soup (1998)
Deep in the woods, in the old white cabin live Cat, Squirrel and Duck. They make
pumpkin soup together every day, and every day they make it the same way.
When Duck decides to change the routine, they have to decide the best way to
share responsibilities.
Goodall, Jane. The Eagle and the Wren (2000)
This is a fable retold by conservationist Goodall. All of the earth’s birds engage in
a contest to see who can fly the highest. The outcome surprises them all, and
carries the message that teamwork is best.
Lionni, Leo. Swimmy (1963; 1991)
Swimmy the black fish teaches his red friends that the best way to beat the
dangers of the sea is to cooperate.
Martine, Ann. Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-Off (1992)
Rachel and Olivia don’t get along and that causes problems in the kindergarten.
Their teacher will have to find a way to help them resolve their conflicts.
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Munsch, Robert. Thomas’ Snowsuit (1985)
His mother, teacher, and the principal have a hard time trying to convince Thomas
to wear his snowsuit.
White, Kathryn. When They Fight (2000)
Expressing fear and reassurance, a small badger relates the feelings that results
from his parents’ fighting and subsequent reconciliation. The thoughtful, simple
text and expressive illustrations present a good basis for classroom discussion
about the ways families solve problems.
Caring for our Natural Environment
Anholt, Laurence. The Forgotten Forest (1992)
The children of a community are the only ones who remember the existence of a
small patch of forest in a vast urban landscape. When it comes under threat, will
they be able to convince the adults of its worth? This book was written for the
Sierra Club.
Bouchard, David. The Meaning of Respect (1994)
A Cree boy is sent to the reserve to learn the meaning of respect from his
Moshum (grandfather). He is kept busy hunting, fishing and trapping but soon
comes to realize that there are powerful lessons to be learned from his Mushum’s
relationship with the land.
Bunting, Eve. Secret Place (1996)
The boy in this story finds a special place by the river. Egrets and ducks find this
place too. But this secret place is in the middle of a city and the boy wants to
protect it from others who might want to spoil it.
Frasier, Debra. Out of the Ocean (1998)
A young girl and her mother go for a walk along the beach and marvel at the
treasures cast up by the sea.
McLeod, Elaine. Lessons from Mother Earth (2002)
Young aboriginal girl learns to care for the earth and all it provides as she walks
with her grandmother.
Silsbe, Brenda. A Tree is Just a Tree (20001)
It is a celebration of the beauty and uses of trees in simple verse.
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Our Community
Bougeois, Paulette. Franklin’s Neighbourhood (1999)
Franklin has trouble when he’s asked to draw what he likes best about his
neighbourhood.
Caseley, Judith. On the Town: a Community Adventure (2002)
A boy compares the sights, sounds and daily rountine at his grandmother’s farm
to those of his city home. This is a rather sentimental look at rural life, but a
useful introduction to the comparison of urban and rural environments.
Ellis, Sarah. Next Stop! (2000)
Claire rides the bus every Saturday. She helps the driver announce the community
services or attractions at each stop along the way.
Henderson, Kathy. A Year in the City (1996)
In the city, the seasons come and go with their unique sights and sounds. In
January people scrape their cars or rush to the subway in the dark mornings. In
June the sound of hedge-clippers and lawn mowers fills the air. In December
shoppers crowd the sidewalks by the big stores. There is always hustle and bustle
but no two months are the same in a year in the city.
Isadora, Rachel. Listen to the City (1999)
This is a colourful look at the sights (and sounds) of the big city.
Johnson, Stephen T. Alphabet City (1995)
Johnson has captured each letter of the alphabet as it appears in an urban
landscape. He also has a book that features numbers in urban landscapes.
Kalman, Bobbie. Community Helpers from A to Z (1997)
What is a Community from A to Z? (2000)
Alphabet books introducing the concept of community and occupations oriented
to the community, including emergency workers, medical workers, the service
industry, and business.
Lenski, Lois. Sing a Song of People (1965)
Lenski’s rhyming text celebrates the activity and diversity of people in the heart
of the city.
Milich, Z. The City of ABC (2001)
Like Johnson’s Alphabet City, Milich has captured the letters of the alphabet in an
urban landscape, but also outlined them in red to make it obvious.
Moak, Allan. A Big City ABC (1984; 2002)
This is an alphabet book that features the attractions of Toronto.
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Rylant, Cynthia. A Night in the Country (1986)
This book has poetic text and beautiful illustrations bring the sights and sounds of
a night in the country to life.
Sayre, April Pulley. It’s My City: A Singing Map (2001)
A girl takes her brother on a tour of the city while his family prepares his birthday
party. This is a terrific introduction to soundscapes and mapping.
Stevenson, James. Mud Flat Spring (1999)
The Mud Flat stories introduce children to a charming community of animals they
can compare and contrast with their own community.
Wegman, William. My Town (1998)
Chip the Weimaraner dog roams around his town in order to take pictures for a
school report about his community.
Wellington, Monica. Night City (1998)
Every hour on the hour there’s something going at night in the city.
Williams, Suzanne. Library Lil (1997)
A formidable librarian makes readers not only out of the once resistant residents
of her small town, but out of a tough-talking, television-watching motorcycle
gang as well.
Woodruff, Elvira. Can You Guess Where We’re Going (1998)
Jack and his grandfather set out on a journey. Grandfather gives Jack lots of hints
and asks him to guess where they are going. They end up at the library!
1.2 Moving Forward with the Past: My Family, My History and My Community
Appreciate how stories of their families contribute to their sense of identity and
belonging
Bahr, Mary. The Memory Box (1992)
Zach is looking forward to a wonderful summer with his grandparents at the lake. But
as he fishes and spends time with Gramps, he begins to suspect that something is
wrong. When he discovers that Gramps has Alzheimer’s he creates a memory box to
capture all the special times they have spent together.
Blumenthal, Deborah. Aunt Claire’s Yellow Beehive Hair (2001)
When the extended family gathers for celebrations, Annie hears all about the people
in the photographs on her grandmother’s mantel. This piques her interest, so on rainy
day sits down with her grandmother and makes a family album, complete with
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artifacts, photos and stories – good and not so good –about family members. This is a
nice introduction to the use of family photos and artifacts and also makes the point
that we remember the past in order to make our way into the future.
Bourgeois, Paulette. Oma’s Quilt (2001)
Emily’s grandmother must leave her home on Maple Street. All the retirement home
she complains about everything. When Emily and her mother begin to sort through
Oma’s possessions, they think of a wonderful way to preserve all the memories she is
afraid of losing.
Bunting, Eve. The Memory String (2000)
Each button on Laura’s memory string represents a piece of her family’s history. The
buttons she cherishes the most are those that belonged to her mother, especially the
one from the nightgown she was wearing on the night she died. When the string
breaks and the buttons lost, Laura’s new stepmother consoles her and helps her look
for the buttons, just like her mother would have. But Jane isn’t her mother. Can Jane
help Laura understand that buttons can be added to the string and that the family will
make new memories?
Fox, Mem. Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (1985)
A small boy tries to discover the meaning of “memory” so he can restore that of an
elderly friend.
Galbraith, Kathryn O. Laura Charlotte (1997)
A mother tells her daughter the story about the gray flannel elephant she played with
as a child – the one that the daughter now loves. A well-illustrated book that
emphasizes the importance of family story telling and the way objects can spark those
stories.
Johnson, Angela. Tell Me a Story, Mama (1989)
A young girl and her mother remember together all the girl’s favourite stories about
her mother’s childhood. This book is a natural introduction to an interview with
parents.
Rylant, Cynthia. The Relatives Came (1993)
The relatives come to visit from Virginia and everyone has a wonderful time.
Scrimger, Richard. Bun Bun’s Birthday (2001)
Winifred is delighted to see the house decorated and all the preparations made for a
birthday celebration, until she realizes that it is not her birthday that the family is
celebrating today. Her baby sister, Bun Bun, is turning one and all the fuss is for her.
Winifred says, “That’s not fair,” until her mother explains what her special role in the
celebration will be: remembering all the details so she can tell Bun Bun about her first
birthday in the years to come. For another perspective on the same family, see
Eugenen’s Story (2003), told by the second child in the family.
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Family Changes
Ballard, Robin. I Used to be the Baby (2002)
Written in very simple language that some children would be able to read themselves,
this picture book shows how a young boy adjusts to being a big brother. It is useful to
illustrate how older siblings can help.
Barron, T.A. Where is Grandpa? (2000)
Grandpa has just died and his family is in shock. They talk about their personal
memories. When the narrator asks where Grandpa-heaven is, the answer is “anyplace
where people who love each other have shared some time together.” This is a
sensitive treatment of a difficult issue, but use with caution.
Best, Cari. Getting Used to Harry (1996)
When her mother marries Harry, Cynthia finds that she has to adjust to changes in her
life at home. This is an effective and humorous look at stepfamilies.
Bogart, Jo Ellen. Daniel’s Dog (1990)
When Daniel’s baby sister comes home from the hospital, he feels left out. With the
help of an imaginary dog, however, he comes to accept this change in the family and
his new responsibilities.
Bourgeois, Paulette. Franklin and Harriet (2001)
Everybody’s favourite turtle has some hard lessons to learn about being an older
brother, like the importance of sharing.
Boyden, Linda. The Blue Roses (2002)
On the day Rosalie is born, Papa (her grandfather) plants a rose bush under her
bedroom window. Over the years Papa teaches her about gardening, nurturing plants
and about accepting change. When Papa dies, Rosalie discovers how hard, and how
rewarding, those lessons can be. This story won a New Voices Award for its lovely
portrayal of the close relationship between a Native American girl and her
grandfather.
Brown, Marc. Arthur’s Baby (1987)
Arthur isn’t sure he is happy about the new baby in the family, but when his mother
asks for his help in handling the baby, Arthur feels much better.
Browne, Anthony. Changes (1990)
As he waits at home for his parents to return, a young boy ponders his father’s remark
“Things are going to change around here” and begins to imagine all kinds of changes
in the world around him.
Bunting, Eve. Jin Woo (2001)
A family as adopting a Korean boy, but this story, told from the point of view of the
soon-to-be older brother, focuses on the range of emotions the members of the family
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feel. Chris Soentpiet’s illustrations capture the body language and expressions of the
family expertly.
Cooke, Trish. The Grandad Tree (2000)
An apple tree is the inspiration for a young child’s memories about her grandfather.
The message of the book is that even though her grandfather has died, he lives on in
his children and grandchildren and in the memories they share.
Cooper, Helen. Little Monster Did it! (1999)
Amy was a sweet child and well-behaved, but that was before her baby brother was
born. Now all sorts of bizarre things start happening around the house, all the work of
a little monster – at least that’s what Amy tells her parents.
Greenfield, Eloise. She Come Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl (1993)
Kevin asks for a baby brother from the hospital but his mother brings a girl instead.
This is a touching story about an African-American family.
Henkes, Kevin. Julius, the Baby of the World (1990)
Lily is convince that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has
happened in their house, until Cousin Garland comes to visit.
Hutchins, Pat. The Very Worst Monster (1985)
Hazel sets out to prove that she, not her baby brother, is the worst monster anywhere.
Johnson, Gillian. My Sister Gracie (2000)
Fabio the dog really wants a little brother to play with. Instead the new addition to the
family is an old, smelly, female dog from the pound! Fabio, however, soon learns that
families and love come in many different shapes and sizes.
Kraus, Robert. Little Louie the Baby Bloomer (1998)
Leo the tiger wonders why his baby brother can’t d anything right. His parents
encourage him to be patient.
Levy, Janice. Totally Uncool (1999)
A girl comes to realize that her father’s new girlfriend isn’t totally uncool.
L’Engle, Madeleine. The Other Dog (2001)
A family poodle wonders why his master and mistress brought home a new “dog”
(i.e. baby). This is a clever take on sibling rivalry with charming illustrations.
McPhail, David. Pig Pig Grows Up (1980)
Only when faced with a dire emergency does Pig Pig finally react like a grown-up
and admit he is not a baby anymore.
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Okimoto, Jean Davies. White Swan Express: A Story about Adoption (2002)
Four North American families wait to meet their new daughters who are in an
orphanage in Guangzhou. The four families, which include a lesbian couple and a
single mother, all wait anxiously through long flights but the message that all families
will welcome and love these girls is clear.
Pearson, Debora. Leo’s Tree (2004)
When Leo was small, his father planted a tree. As time passes and as seasons change,
Leo and his tree grow and change. Soon the family is planting another tree, and
adapting to another change in his family.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. A Box of Friends (2003)
When Annie’s family moves to a new community, she misses her friends and worries
that she won’t make new ones. Her grandmother shows her a special way to make
sure her friends are always with her, and gives her the confidence to move on and
meet new ones.
Santucci, Barbara. Loon Summer (2001)
Rainie and her father are spending their first summer together at the lake without her
mother. Their recent separation is confusing and disappointing for Rainie who has
trouble understanding why they can’t still be a family. Her father helps her see that
some things stay the same and that we can find the strength to cope with changes. It is
sensitively done with delicate illustrations.
Trottier, Maxine. Alison’s House (1993)
When yet another baby is born into Alison’s family her parents decided it’s time to
move to a new house. But Alison doesn’t want to move and decides to stay with the
family that buys the house.
Viorst, Judith. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney (1971)
When his cat Barney dies, a little boy thinks of the ten best things about him to
overcome his sadness.
Waddell, Martin. Once There Were Giants (1989)
This book depicts the growth of a girl from infancy to adulthood.
Woodson, Jacqueline. Sweet, Sweet Memory (2000)
When her grandfather dies, a girl is comforted by the memories that members of the
family share.
Zolotow, Charlotte. The Sky Was Blue (1963)
A girl and her mother turn the pages of a family album and discuss how life has
changed and how it has stayed the same for generations of members of the family.
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Community Change Over Time
Baker, Jeannie. Home (2004)
Like Window (see below), this is a wordless picture book that illustrates how an urban
community is renewed through the efforts of its citizens.
Baker, Jeannie, Window (1991)
This is a wordless picture book that shows how the view outside a window changes
over the course of a generation.
Burton, Virginia Lee. The Little House (1942)
A country house is unhappy when the city, with all its buildings and traffic, grows up
around her. Despite its age, this book is still applicable to our society today.
Cross, Verda. Great-Grandma Tells of Threshing Day (1992)
A little girl and her brother help out on threshing day in the early 1900s as the
neighbour men arrive to thresh the family’s wheat and bring it to the mill, and the
neighbour women assist with the huge midday meal.
Fitz-Gibbon, Sally. The Patchwork House (1996)
A house changes over time as various families make it their home.
Fleming, Denise. Where Once There Was a Wood (1996)
With striking fabric collages this book illustrates how natural habitants that once
provided shelter for wildlife have given way to the cities we live in.
Flournoy, Valerie. The Patchwork Quilt (1985)
Using scraps cut from the family’s old clothing, Tanya helps her grandmother and
mother make a beautiful quilt that tells the story of her family’s life.
Igus, Toyomi. When I Was Little (1991)
When Noel and his grandfather go fishing, Noel learns what things were like when
his grandfather was a boy. Features an African-American family.
MacLachlan, Patricia. Three Names (1991)
Great-grandfather tells the story of his dog, Three Names, and what it was like to go
to school a hundred years ago.
Morck, Irene. Old Bird (2003)
Set in the 1920s in central Alberta, Old Bird is the story of the old mare brothers
Archie and Arnfeld ride to school every day.
Reynolds, Marilynn. Belle’s Journey (1993)
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A young pioneer girl must cross the prairie during a snowstorm. Also by the same
author, see The Prairie Fire (1999), A Dog for a Friend (1994), The New Land
(1994), The Name of the Child (2002).
Reynolds, Marilynn. A Dog for a Friend (1994)
Jessie desperately wants a dog but might have to make do with a different kind of pet.
The book illustrates all the work that needed to be done on pioneer homestead.
Reynolds, Marilynn. The Prairie Fire (1999)
Percy must prove that he is old enough to help the family when a crisis hits their
homestead.
Schaefer, Carole Lexa. The Copper Tin Cup (2000)
Beautiful watercolour illustrations blend with simple text in a touching story that
traces the ownership of an heirloom cup lovingly made and handed down through
four generations.
Shannon, George. This is the Bird (1997)
A small carved bird is a symbol of strength for generations of women from the same
family.
Vizurrage, Susan. Our Old House (1997)
A girl living in an old house finds clues inside and out about its history and former
occupants.
Zolotow, Charlotte. This Quiet Lady (1992)
A daughter looks through her mother’s photo album and discovers how much she has
changed over the years.
Traditions, Celebrations and Stories
Badoe, Adwoa. Crabs for Dinner (1995)
While the adults eat traditional Ghanaian foods like crab and palm nut soup, the
children only want hamburgers or pizza. But when their grandmother comes to visit
from Ghana, the children learn to value many elements of their culture: her stories,
the special clothes she brings, and most of all, the delicious food she makes.
Bouchard, David. The Song Within My Heart (2002)
A young First Nations boy is preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy’s
Nokum – his beloved grandmother – guides him through the events of the day and
helps him to understand what the singing and dancing are about. With Kokum by his
side, the boy learns that he must find his own song – the song within his heart.
Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar (2001)
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Unhei has just arrived from Korea and her classmates at her new school are having
trouble pronouncing her name. She decides to pick a new name, one that will be
easier for her new life in American, and her classmates put their suggestions in a glass
jar. When the time comes to introduce herself to the class with her new name, she
surprises herself as well as them with her choice.
Dooley, Norah. Everybody Cooks Rice (1991)
A child is sent to find a younger brother at dinnertime and is introduced to a variety
of cultures through encountering the many different ways rice is prepared at the
different households visited. See also Everybody Bakes Bread (1996), Everybody
Serves Soup (2000), and Everybody Brings Noodles (2000).
English, Karen. Nadia’s Hand (1999)
A young Pakistani girl has mixed feelings about being the flower girl at a relative’s
wedding. She is afraid that her friends will notice the designs drawn on her hands
with henna – a tradition in her culture.
Eyvindson, Peter. Red Parka Mary (1995)
This is story about the growing friendship between a seven-year-old boy and a native
elder who shares some important traditions with him.
Ford, Juwanda G. A Kente Dress for Kenya (1996)
As her show-and-tell contribution to Parents’ Night, Kenya, in a storyteller’s kente
cloth outfit, explains about and tells an Anansi story from West Africa.
Gilmore, Rachna. Lights for Gita (1994)
Gita doesn’t know how she will be able to celebrate the Hindu festival of Divali in
her new home in Canada. See also Roses for Gita and A Gift for Gita.
Kellerhals-Stewart, Heather. Brave Highland Heart (1999)
Ceilidh celebrations bagpipe playing, dancing till dawn; the mere prospect of so much
revelry has the youngest member of the clan oozing with excitement. But being the
youngest may just hinder her fun.
Lin, Grace. Dim Sum for Everyone! (2001)
Simple text and brightly coloured illustrations explain the Chinese tradition of dim
sum. See Kite Flying (2002) for a story about the same family and one of their
favourite family activities.
Loewen, Iris. My Kokum Called Today (1993)
A Cree girl living in the city is excited when her Kokum, or grandmother, calls to
invite her to a dance at the reserve. As she prepares for her trip, she remembers the
special times she has shared with her grandmother and anticipates the fun she will
have.
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London, Jonathan. The Sugaring-off Party (1995)
Paul asks his grandmere to tell him about her first sugaring-off party.
Look, Lenore. Henry’s First-Moon Birthday (2001)
A young girl helps her grandmother with preparations for the Chinese celebration to
welcome her new baby brother. It describes the food, clothing and other traditions
associated with the celebration.
Miller, Gloria. The Slapshot Star (2001)
Metis boy visits his grandparents and must adjust to a traditional life without his
Nintendo.
Nanji, Shenaaz. Treasure for Lunch (2000)
Shaira hides the food her Grandmother packs from her friends. But to her surprise,
they don’t find Indian food strange! This is a nice book about celebrating and sharing
your heritage.
Spalding, Andrea. Solomon’s Tree (2002)
Solomon’s favourite maple tree is toppled in a fierce storm. His uncle helps him
capture the essence of the tree and of his memories in a traditional Tsimpshian mask
made form the wood of the tree.
Tran, Truong. Going Home, Coming Home (2003)
Ami Chi takes her first trip to Vietnam, a country her parents left years ago but still
consider home. At first, Ami Chi is overwhelmed and intimated by the unfamiliar
sights and sounds, but with the help of a new friend she begins to understand how two
places can feel like home. The text is in English and Vietnamese.
Umezawa, Rui. Aiko’s Flowers (1999)
Aiko doesn’t want to learn how to arrange flowers in the old Japanese way just
because her mother did, and her mother before her. It takes a chance meeting with an
old woman for Aiko to understand the precious gift of tradition passed from
generation to generation.
Waboose, Jan Bourdeau. Firedancers (1999)
A girl is initiated into the timeless fire dance by her Ojibway grandmother.
Waboose, Jan Bourdeau. Morning on the Lake (1997)
An Ojibway boy and his grandfather set out in a birch bark canoe to visit
grandfather’s special places in the wilderness.
Wheeler, Bernelda. Where Did You Get Your Moccasins? (1992)
In this simple story for very young children, Jody explains to his classmates how his
Kokum, or grandmother, made his moccasins using traditional and modern ways.
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Yarbrough, Camille. Cornrows (1996)
This book explains how a little girl’s cornrows are a symbol of an ancient culture and
now represent the courage of outstanding African-Americans.
GRADE TWO: COMMUNITIES IN CANADA
2.1 Canada’s Dynamic Communities
An Inuit Community
Andrew, Jan. Very Last First Time (1985)
Eva Padlyat, an Inuit girl from Ungava Bay, walks on the bottom of the sea
collecting mussels. For the first time, she goes alone. As the tide comes in she
becomes lost and disoriented, but she overcomes her fright and rejoins her
mother.
Edmonds, Yvette. Yuit (1993)
Suitable for a teacher read – aloud novel study, this book tells the story of an Inuit
girl named Liak who adopts a seal pup.
Ekoomiak, Normee. Arctic Memories (1988)
The story, told in both English and Inuktitut, describes the author’s traditional
Inuit childhood on the coast of James Bay, a way of life now vanishing.
Harrison, Ted. A Northern Alphabet (1999)
An alphabet book that features flora, fauna and other information about the North,
illustrated with the artist’s distinctive paintings.
Kusugak, Michael A. Arctic Stories (1998)
The three stories about ten-year-old Agatha are set in the late 1950s but address
themes that are still relevant today: the relationship between the Inuit and the
natural world; the misunderstandings that occur and the adjustments that must be
made when traditional peoples come into contact with the modern world. See also
My Arctic 1, 2, 3 (1996), Hid and Sneak (1992), and Northern Lights: the Soccer
Trails (1993).
Kusugak, Michael A. Baseball Bats for Christmas (1990)
This story about Christmas, trees and baseball bats is set in Repulse Bay,
Northwest Territories. This is a particularly good discussion starter about the
impact of environment on culture.
Munsch, Robert. A Promise is a Promise (1988)
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This children’s story about a traditional Inuit creature, the Qallupilluq, is based on
lengends told in the Hudson Bay area about a creature that grabs children who go
too near cracks in the sea ice. It is coauthored by Michael Kusugak.
Tookoome, Simon and Oberman, Sheldon. The Shaman’s Nephew (1999)
The amount of text in this book makes it more suitable for information for the
teacher rather than for use as a read-aloud with children, but the book features
extraordinary Inuit art and contains an enormous amount of useful information on
Inuit culture.
An Acadian Community
Aucoin, Rejean. The Magic Rug of Grand Pre (1990; 1999)
Published in English and French and reissued for the 400th anniversary of the
founding of Acadia, this is a Christmas story about two children who travel all
over Acadia in search of the missing strands of wool from their grandmother’s
rug. During their journey, they learn about Acadian traditions, culture and the
deportation of 1755.
Trottier, Maxine. Claire’s Gift (1999)
This is a picture book that celebrates the arts of the Acadian community of Nova
Scotia.
A Prairie Community
Bannatyne-Cugnet, Jo. A Prairie Alphabet (1992)
Rural prairie life is portrayed through the illustrations of Yvette Moore. The text
highlights elements of prairie life for each letter of the alphabet.
Bannatyne-Cugnet, Jo. A Prairie Year (1994)
There is a special rhythm about life on a farm on the prairies. Every month brings
new chores and special community activities. From planting gardens in the spring
to hockey games in the winter, there are always things to do in a rural community
during a prairie year. See also Heartland: A Prairie Sampler (2002).
Geisert, Bonnie. Prairie Town (1998)
Readers visit a small prairie town as it appears at different points in the year. The
illustrations tell most of the story and close examination will clarify many
geographical concepts. It is an interesting resource to examine services in rural
towns.
Hundal, Nancy. Prairie Summer (1999)
Two cousins from the city spend summers on their Grandma’s farm on the
prairies. There are nice comparisons of city and rural prairie life included and the
illustrations are evocative of summers gone by.
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McFarlane, Sheryl. Going to the Fair (1996)
A lively day at a rural exhibition fair is seen through the eyes of several children.
Trottier, Maxine. Prairie Willow (1998)
This is a lovely picture book that illustrates one family’s history on the prairies
over several generations.
2.2 A Community in the Past
Changes in the Community
Baker, Jeannie. Home (2004)
Like Window (see below), this is a wordless picture book that illustrates how an
urban community is renewed through the efforts of its citizens.
Baker, Jeannie. Window (1991)
This is a wordless picture book that shows how the view outside a window
changes over the course of a generation.
Burton, Virgina Lee. The Little House (1942)
A country house is unhappy when the city, with all its buildings and traffic, grown
up around her.
Fleming, Denise. Where Once There Was a Wood (1996)
With striking fabric collages this book illustrates how natural habitats that once
provide shelter for wildlife have given way to the cities we live in.
Hefferman, Colleen. Mill Creek Kids (1997)
A time travel adventure that is set in Edmonton. It doesn’t have much specific
historical information, but it does mention landmarks familiar to most area
children. There is a teacher guide available.
People Who Made a Difference
Brisson, Pat. Wanda’s Roses (1994)
Wanda is convinced that an old thorn bush in an abandoned lot is a rose bush just
waiting to bloom. Her neighbours aren’t so convinced, but her hard work and the
lot’s transformation convince all of them to lend a hand to make her dream come
true.
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius (1982)
Miss Rumphius promises her grandfather she will do three things: travel to
faraway places, live by the sea and make the world more beautiful. She keeps the
third promise by scattering flower seeds over the countryside. This is a wonderful
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companion to Something Beautiful that allows students to discuss how to make a
difference.
Evans, Richard Paul. The Tower (2001)
This story spotlights humility. Determining that greatness means having everyone
look up to him literally a proud young man in long-ago China builds a tower and
isolates himself from his fellow villagers. Loneliness is a small price to pay, and
anyway, "Why would he want to associate with those so much lower than
himself?" When a bird questions his choices and tells him of an old woman "even
we birds look up to," the young man sets off to find her. Ultimately her counsel
moves him: "Being seen and being great are not the same thing.... To be great is
not to be seen by, but to truly see, others."
Hest, Amy. Jamaica Louise James (1996)
There is a plaque on the wall in the subway celebrating the good citizenship and
accomplishments of eight-year-old Jamaica Louise James. What did she do to
make her community better?
Wyeth, Sharon Dennis. Something Beautiful (1998)
A wonderful choice for children in urban communities, this book chronicles the
attempts of a little girl to find beauty in the inner city. This book is an excellent
introduction to the concept of good citizenship in a community and the difference
that individual effort can make in creating beautiful communities.
Grade Three
Identity
Chan, Marty. The Mystery of the Frozen Brains (2004)
A boy who comes from the only Chinese family in a small Alberta town gets
caught in the middle of the disputes between his Anglophone and Francophone
neighbours. This novel is terrific exploration of the concept of ethnic and racial
identity in an Alberta context many young children can appreciate.
Marsden, Carolyn. The Gold-Threaded Dress (2002)
When Oy and her Thai American family move to a new neighbourhood, her third
grade classmates tease and exclude her because she is different. This is a good
short novel that explores the idea of ethnic and racial identity.
3.1 Communities in the World
Appreciate similarities and differences among people
Ajmera, Maya. To Be a Kid (1999)
Text and photographs from countries around the world illustrate activities
children everywhere have in common.
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Anderson, Laurie Halse. Ndito Runs (1996)
Ndito runs for miles across the Kenyan highlands in order to get to school. How
does her journey compare with yours?
Baer, Edith. This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch (1995)
From Doug in Massachusetts to Steve in Queensland, everyone around the world
is eating something different for lunch. A map, recipes and a glossary are
included. The illustrations are detailed enough to offer some information about
housing and creation too. See also This is the Way We Go to School (1990).
Beebler, Selby. B. Throw Your Tooth on the Roof (1998)
This nonfiction book explores the many different traditions children from around
the world practice when they lose a tooth.
Fitch, Sheree. No Two Snowflakes (2001)
When a young Canadian boy wants to describe snow to his African pen pal, he
creates a poetic and “sensational” ode to snow. What other elements of Canadian
life would students need to describe to pen pals in other parts of the world?
Fox, Mem. Whoever You Are (1997)
As this book takes young readers around the world, they will discover that, even
though “their skin may be different from yours” and “their words may be very
different from yours,” there are similarities like love, joy and pain that bring
people together.
Hamanaka, Sheila. All the Colors of the Earth (1994)
Reveals in verse that despite outward difference children everywhere are
essentially the same and all are lovable.
Lankford, Mary D. Hopscotch Around the World (1996)
This book describes nineteen different ways to play the game from different
countries around the world.
Lewin, Ted. Market! (1996)
All over the world, people come to market to buy and sell. From Ecuador to
Ireland, from Uganda to New York, experience the sights and sounds of the
market.
Montanari, Donata. Children Around the World (2001)
This book introduces twelve children from around the world – their differences
and their similarities. The multimedia artwork is bright and appealing.
Morris, Ann. Bread, Bread, Bread (1989)
Lots of colourful photographs show how people from different parts of the world
make, eat and share the same basic food. See the other titles by the same author:
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Hats, Hats, Hats; Shoes, Shoes, Shoes; Houses and Homes; Families; Loving; On
the Go; Play; Tools; Work.
Simon, Norma. All Kinds of Children (1999)
This book will help children see that, although people may be different in many
ways, they also have many things in common – like the need for food, clothes,
and people to love them.
Tabor, Nancy. We Are a Rainbow (1997)
This is a simple comparison of world cultures – from breakfast foods to legends –
for young children.
Quality of Life
Estes, K. Manuela’s Gift (1999)
A young Mexican girl wants a new dress for her birthday, but her family is going
through hard times and can only afford to resize a dress that belongs to her
mother. At first she is disappointed, but she quickly comes to appreciate the love
and hard work her mother and grandmother have put into this gift. This is a lovely
story to spark some discussion about the role of wealth versus family ties in a
child’s quality of life.
Gilliland, J. & Heide F. The Day of Ahmed’s Secret (1990)
A boy living in Cairo must work delivering butane gas. On this day, however, as
he completes his rounds he imagines his family’s surprise when he reveals his
secret to them: he has learned how to write his name. This is a very touching story
that will provoke interesting conversations about quality of life and the
importance of education.
Van Lieshout, E. & Van Os, E. The Nothing King (2004)
When King Bear moves out of the lavish palace and into a simply furnished
apartment, his subjects laugh and call him a “nothing king.” But King Bear
discovers that his needs are simple, and that he is quite happy with “nothing.”
Wyeth, Sharon Dennis. Something Beautiful (1998)
A wonderful choice for children in urban communities, this book chronicles the
attempts of a little girl to find beauty in the inner city. This book is an excellent
introduction to the concept of good citizenship in a community and the difference
that individual effort can make in creating beautiful communities.
India
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Atkins, Jeannine. Aani and the Tree Huggers 1995)
Based on true events in the 1970s, this book tells the story of a group of women in
northern India who went to extraordinary lengths to save their trees from
developers.
Bash, Barbara. In the Heart of the Village (1996)
As much an ecological take as a cultural one, this story emphasizes the
importance of a banyan tree located in the centre of a village in India.
Krishnaswami, Uma. Monsoon (2003)
Two young children watch for the long-awaited monsoon in their northern Indian
city.
Tunisia
Knight, Margy Burns and Melnicove, Mark. Africa is Not a Country (2000)
Passing a day with children in various African countries introduces the reader to
the diversity of cultures, lifestyles and environments in Africa.
Ukraine
Brett, Jan. The Mitten (1989)
This is a Ukrainian folktale that features many Ukrainian motifs and artifacts in
the illustrations.
Kimmel, Eric. The Birds’ Gift (1999)
This is a lovely folktale about the origin of pysanky.
Palacco, Patricia. Rechenka’s Eggs (1988)
An injured goose, rescued by Babuschka, breaks the eggs she has carefully
painted for the Easter Festival in Moscva, but then demonstrates that miracles
happen. There may be some confusion over the fact that the Ukraininan
Babuschka travels to Moscow, but the illustrations feature the intricate and
colourful patterns of traditional pysanky.
Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk. Enough (2000)
This is a picture book that provides an introduction to the horror and tragedy of
the famine in Ukraine engineered by Stalin in the early 1930s. Michael
Marchenko’s cartoon-like illustrations lighten the tone if not the message.
Peru
Dias, Katacha. Carolina’s Gift (2002)
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Carolina lives in the Andes Mountains. She and her mother travel to the weekly
market in the village to buy the perfect gift for Abuelita’s (grandmother’s)
birthday.
Dorros, Arthur. Tonight is Carnaval (2002)
This is a book about a family in Peru prepares for Carnaval. It is a good
introduction to the art, culture and lifestyle of the rural people of Peru.
Jendresen, E. & Villoldo, A. The First Story Ever Told (1996)
An explorer hears legends about the city of gold (Vilcabamba) and sets out on a
journey of discovery back in time to the period of the Incas. He discovers
something much more valuable than gold, the story of creation told by
Grandmother Fire.
3.2 Global Citizenship
Respect the equality of all human beings
Fox, Mem. Whoever You Are (1997)
As this book takes young readers around the world, they will discover that, even
Though “their skin may be different from yours” and their words may be very
different from yours,” there are similarities like love, joy and pain, that bring
people together.
Hamanaka, Sheila. All the Colours of the Earth (1994)
Reveals in verse that despite outward difference children everywhere are
essentially the same and all are lovable.
Tabor, Nancy. We are a Rainbow (1997)
This is a simple comparison of world cultures – from breakfast foods to legends –
for young children.
Canadian Citizenship
Bannatyne-Cugnet, Jo. From Far and Wide: A Canadian Citizenship
Scrapbook (2000)
When Xiao Ling Li and her family become citizens of Canada, they participate in
an important ceremony. This book describes the citizenship ceremony and
celebrates the multicultural heritage of Canada.
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Rights and responsibilities of citizens
Environmental concerns
Baker, Jeannie. Where the Forest Meets the Sea (1987)
On a camping trip in an Australian rain forest with his father, a young boy thinks
about the history of the plant and animal life around him and wonders about their
future.
Bash, Barbara. In the Heart of the Village (1996)
As much an ecological tale as a cultural one, this story emphasizes the importance
of a banyan tree located in the centre of a village in India.
Bouchard, David. The Meaning of Respect (1994)
A Cree boy is sent to the reserve to learn the meaning of respect from his
Moshum (grandfather). He is kept busy hunting, fishing and trapping but soon
comes to realize that there are powerful lessons to be learned from his Mushum’s
relationship with the land.
Cherry, Lynn. The Great Kapok Tree (1990)
A logger in the Amazon rain forest falls asleep under a kapok tree. As he sleeps,
the animals of the rain forest come to him and explain the value of the tree to
them and to all living creatures. When he awakes, he understands the value of the
tree and the importance of saving the rain forests.
Cherry, Lynn. The Shaman’s Apprentice (1998)
A Tirio Indian boy dreams of being a healer for his people. He learns about the
healing qualities of the plants of the Amazon rain forests from the shaman.
Kerley, Barbara. A Cool Drink of Water (2002)
Magnificent photographs from National Geographic show people around the
globe collecting, using and drinking water. The minimal poetic text makes the
point that water is basic to human life around the world.
Seattle, Chief. Brother Eagle, Sister Sky (1991)
The paintings by Susan Jeffers accompany the powerful environmental message
delivered by Chief Seattle in the 19th century. This is an effective description of
the aboriginal understanding of the relationship between people and the earth.
Van Allsburg, Chris. Just a Dream (1990)
When he has a dream about the future Earth devastated by pollution, Walter
begins to understand the importance of taking care of the environment.
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Yolen, Jane. Letting Swift River Go (1995)
Like Virginia Lee Burton’s Little House, this story is about modernization and its
impact on a community in western Massachusetts. When Boston needs more
water, a reservoir is built and the Swift River valley flooded. Many towns and
villages were torn down and rebuilt but everyone remembers the communities that
once were there.
Individuals and Groups Changing the World
Fleming, Canadace. Boxes fro Katje (2003)
After World War II, the people of Olst in Holland must go without soap and milk,
and must patch and repair old clothing. One day, however, the postman delivers a
box from America, and inside the people of Olst discover many gifts sent from a
small community in Indiana. So begins a goodwill effort that ties the two
communities together and shows how ordinary people can help each other
through extraordinary times. This story is based on a true story.
McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody Saves the World! (2002)
In this novel suitable for young readers, Judy learns about the destruction of the
rain forest and other environmental problems and decides to save the world.
Things don’t always turn out as well as she expects, but in the end she learns that
one person can make a big difference.
Shea, Pegi Deitz. The Carpet Boy’s Gift (2003)
Nadeem is forced to work in a rug factory to repay a loan his parents received
from the factory owner. Yearning for freedom and the opportunity to go to school,
Nadeem is inspired to fight for justice by Iqbal Masih, a child labourer from
Pakistan. While the character Nadeem is fictional, Iqbal really existed and was
killed at age 12.
Adapt from Dr. Amy Von Heyking’s (2007) original list of children’s literature related to
Alberta Social Studies Curriculum. Full permission has been granted to reproduce for
educational purposes.
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