Children's Books

Reading Program 1999

Education for Mission

STAR OF FEAR, STAR OF HOPE

Walker and Company, 1993
Jo Hoestlandt
Hardcover/#4962/$15.95

A child in France during World War II cannot understand why her best friend must wear a yellow star identifying her as a Jew. Honestly and gently, the story reminds us of people’s capacity for love and hate, courage and betrayal. For ages 9-12.

Nurturing for Community

BLACK, WHITE, JUST RIGHT!

Albert Whitman & Co., 1993
Marguerite W. Davol
Hardcover/#4906/$14.95

To help children celebrate differences, this is the story of a little girl whose mother loves kittens while her dad loves dogs. Mama is short and Papa is tall; Mama is Black, Papa is White. Beautifully illustrated, the book is about self-acceptance and affirmation. For ages 4-8.

WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN

Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1996
Kathleen Krull
Hardcover/#4973/$16.00

This is the story of Wilma Rudolph, the African-American track star and first U.S. athlete to win three gold medals at the Olympics. At the age of five, Ms. Rudolph had polio and was told she would never walk again. With faith and determination, she proved them wrong. For ages 9-12.

Social Action

DEAR WILLIE RUDD

Simon and Schuster, 1993
Libba Moore Gray
Hardcover/#4917/$14.00

A woman looks back and remembers Willie Rudd, the African-American housekeeper she loved. She reflects on what she would do differently if Willie Rudd were still alive. A bittersweet story of one person’s efforts to come to terms with the past. For ages 4-8.

MAKE SOMEONE SMILE: 40 MORE WAYS TO BE A PEACEFUL PERSON

Free Spirit Publishing, 1996
71 pages
Judy Lalli
#4945/$8.95

Using black-and-white photographs and a simple text, the author shows children how to use the skills of peacemaking and conflict resolution. A wonderful discussion-starter on ways to be more peaceful. For ages 9-12.

Spiritual Growth

IN GOD’S NAME

Jewish Lights Publishing, 1994
32 pages
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Hardcover/#4937/$16.95

In this exquisitely illustrated book, children learn of the many wonderful names for God. Grandfather calls God "Ancient One," while grandmother calls on the "Comforter." The lesson is that many names for God are good. Children will find the book a joy. Adults can use it for devotions. For ages 4-8.

Mission Study for Children

ISLANDS OF THE RAINBOW: AN INDONESIAN ADVENTURE

Friendship Press, 1998
Diana Marie Bohn, illustrated by Elizabeth E. Howard
#2711/$5.95

Using folk tales and activities to present the five principles that unite all Indonesians, this book introduces North American children to plants, animals, food, houses, languages, beliefs and ways of living from this tropical-island nation. For ages 8-12.