Reading for Life Part 2 - Books that Promote Empowerment


1. Officer Buckle and Gloria, by Peggy Rathmann. Officer Buckle has a passion for keeping children safe. He discovers that with the help of Gloria, children are listening and that by working together, two can do more than one.
• What safety messages can you think of to share with friends?
• Have you ever worked on a project with a friend – what was it and what did you both do?

2. Let’s Get a Pup, Said Kate; by Bob Graham. Kate missed her old cat, until she thought of an idea. She asked her parents for a new puppy, and they went to find one at the animal shelter. They fell in love with not one pup, but two!
• It’s important to take good care of our pets – how can you help take care of your pets?

3. Anansi the Spider: a tale from the Ashanti, by Gerald McDermott. A family of spiders discovers that we are each created with unique skills and talents, for a special purpose in life.
• What things can you do really well? What things can your friends and family members do really well?
• How do you help out in your family?

4. Queen of the Class by Mary Engelbreit. The class is putting on a play and Ann Estelle knows exactly the part she wants. Things don’t quite work out as planned but with the insights of a wise teacher, she discovers gifts, talents and interests she never knew she had. She finds she has lots to offer.
• Who has someone entrusted you with responsibility? What was it? What did you do?
• When do you feel like a “Queen” or “King?”

5. The Best Pet of All by David LaRochelle. When a family gets a dragon for a pet instead of a dog, their lives are changed! Realizing the mistake, they try to get rid of the dragon, but he won’t leave until the boy comes up with a plan. The boy used his imagination and came up with a good plan.
• Have you ever been the hero and saved the day? What did you do?

6. City Green, by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Marcy and Miss Rosa transform an abandoned lot into a beautiful city garden, and bring a whole new sense of life to everyone in the neighborhood.
• Have you ever planted a seed and watched it grow?
• How can you make your neighborhood a better place?

7. The Bravest of Us All, by Marsha Diane Arnold. The family of seven thought their sister Velma Jean was afraid of nothing, until a tornado came through town. When Velma Jean refused to go into the storm cellar, Ruby Jane emerged as the brave sister, giving Velma Jean the courage to face her fear.
• How have you been brave?
• How can you help others be brave?

8. The Stray Dog, by Marc Simont. During a Saturday picnic, a family falls in love with a dog they named Willy. The children rise to the occasion to care for the dog when he is in trouble.
• Have you ever taken care of someone in trouble? How did it feel to be so responsible?