Children's Books

Reading Program 2004

Education For Mission

BEATRICE’S GOAT
Page McBrier                           Hardcover/30 pages
Simon & Schuster, 2001                               (#03513) $16.00

More than anything, Beatrice wants to go to school, but in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go, and with six children to care for, her family is too poor. Then she receives a gift, and it looks like her dream may come true.

SNOW IN JERUSALEM
Deborah da Costa Hardcover/30 pages
Albert Whitman & Co., 2001 (#03569) $15.95

Avi and Hamudi are boys who live in Jerusalem’s Old City—Avi in the Jewish Quarter and Hamudi in the Muslim Quarter. To each boy, the other’s neighborhood is an alien land. Then they follow a white cat on a journey and something wonderful happens—there is an unexpected snowfall in Jerusalem. This illustrated story of peace and friendship is a parable for today.

Nurturing For Community

BECKY THE BRAVE: A STORY ABOUT EPILEPSY
Laurie Lears Hardcover/28 pages
Albert Whitman & Co., 2002 (#03514) $14.95

This story corrects misconceptions about epilepsy. In Sarah’s eyes, her older sister Becky is brave even during her occasional epileptic seizures. Becky confides to Sarah that although her teacher and school nurse know about her condition, she has not told her new classmates and worries she will have a seizure in school. When her fears are realized, Sarah comes to Becky’s rescue, recognizing her own bravery.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH TIMMY?
Maria Shriver Hardcover/41 pages
Warner Books, 2001 (#03584) $14.95

This book provides ideas on how parents can respond when children point out that disabled people look and act differently than other people. Parents can learn how to talk about differences while emphasizing the things all people have in common. Author Maria Shriver uses her storytelling art to provide answers.

Social Action

HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING
Martine Agassi, Ph.D.                               35 pages
Free Spirit, 2000                               (#03530) $11.95

There are so many good things hands can do, and so many ways to handle strong feelings without hitting. This read-aloud book’s simple words and inviting illustrations reinforce two themes: violence is never okay, and every child is capable of positive, loving actions. Children learn and practice fun and constructive things their hands can do. This book includes a section for adults, with ideas for things to talk about and activities to do with children.

UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT
Deborah Hopkinson                  Hardcover/31 pages
Simon & Schuster, 2001                (#03580) $16.00

When night falls and all is quiet, a slave girl starts to run. So starts this story of the Underground Railroad and freedom. Beautiful illustrations bring out the emotion and suspense of the story.

Spiritual Growth

WHERE DOES GOD LIVE?
August Gold and Matthew J. Perlman 30 pages
Skylight Paths Publishing, 2001 (#03585) $7.95

Using simple, everyday examples to which children can relate, this colorful book helps young readers develop an understanding of God. Where Does God Live? playfully guides children toward spiritual discovery and reminds readers of all ages that this world is full of wonder.

THE WING
Ray Buckley Hardcover/32 pages
Abingdon Press, 2002 (#03587) $18.00

The beautiful bird known as “She Who Flies Swiftly” delighted the people of the forest as she darted from tree to tree until she was left wounded on the forest floor. Then something wonderful happens – a change that delights and amazes everyone.