Character Counts Bibliography
Books that Support the Development of Character in Young People

Citizenship:

• Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse  (K-1)
• The Story of Ruby Bridges - R. Coles  (Prejudice)
• The Gardener - S. Stewart  (Depression era, make world better)
• Old Henry - J. Blas  (Person who does not fit in the community)
• Miss Rumphius - B. Cooney  (Leaving the world a better place)
• Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express - M. Wetterer
• Rosa Parks - E. Greenfield (For teachers to share, not guidance)

• Pig Pig Grows Up - D. Mcphail  (Primary)
• I Want a Dog - D. Kahlsa  (Takes care of roller skate as pet and shows parent can take care of dog)
• The Biggest Bear - L. Ward  (Classic)
• Brave Irene - W. Steig  (Mother is sick, girl delivers dress mother made)
• Keep the Lights Burning Abbie - P. Roop  (True story, older elementary)
• Stone Fox - J. Gardiner
• Shoeshine Girl - C. Bulla  (Classic)
• The Summer of the Swans - B. Byars  (classic)
• The Sign of the Beaver - E. Speare

• Swimmy - L. Lionni  (Fable about trust - all grades)
• Arthur's Computer Disaster - M. Brown  (primary)
• John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat - J. Wagner  (Jealousy)
• The Great White Man - Eating Shark - M. Mahy M. Mahy  (Attention seeking)
• Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine - E. Ness  (Primary, Truthfulness)
• The Courage of Sarah Noble - A. Dalgleish  (Classic, older)
• Striped Ice Cream - J. Lexau (older elementary, gossip)
• Charlotte's Web - E.B. White  (Classic)

• A Playhouse for Monster - V. Mueller  (K-1st)
• Nice New Neighbors - F. Brandenberg  (Primary)
• A Weekend with Wendell - K. Henkes  (Primary - excellent author covers many values)
• The Story of Ruby Bridges - R. Coles
• Frog and Toad Book series - Fit many character pillars
• Seed Folks - By Paul Fleishman excellent for older kids!

• I Like Me - N. Carlson  (Primary, self respect)
• I Wish I Could Fly - R. Marris  (Primary, self respect)
• The Important Book - M. Brown  (Primary, self respect)
• The Two of  Them - Aliki
• The Big Orange Splot - D. Pinkwater  (Individul dif. Middle elementary)
• Best Friends for Frances - R. Hoban
• Sisters - D. Mcphail
• Ferdinand - M. Leaf  (Classic, self respect, middle elementary)
• Daniel's Duck - C. Bulla  (Tender story, boy carved duck out of wood for craft fair)
• Six Crows - L. Lionni
• The Day of Ahmed's Secret - F. Heide
• George and Martha (series) - J. Marshall  (3rd to discuss)
• Elizabeth and Larry - M. Sadler
• Amazing Grace - M. Hoffman
• The Balancing Girl - B. Rabe
• Chrysanthemum - K. Henkes
• Chester's Way - K. Henkes

  Upper Elementary/Middle

  • The Island of Skog - S. Kellogg  (4th, 5th, - Fearful of difference)
  • The Araboolies of Liberty Street - S. Swope  (4th, 5th - respect for difference)
  • Amos and Boris - W. Steig
  • Teammates - P. Golenbock  (Real events, Powerful story - 4th, 5th)
    
    

  Middle

  • Cassie Binegar - P. Maclachlan
  • The Bully of Barkham Street - M. Stolz
  • The Gift Giver - J. Hansen
  • The Pinballs - B. Buars

• The Three Robbers - T. Ungerer  (K-2 primary)
• Two Good Friends - J. Delton
• The Dog Who had Kittens - P. Robertus
• The Fish in His Pocket - D. Cazer
• Big Al - A. Clements
• Alexander and the Windup Mouse - L. Lionni
• Tico and the Golden Wings - L. Lionni
• Let's Be Friends Again - H. Wilhelm
• Arnold of the Ducks - M. Gerstein  (Tear jerker, caring)
• A Chair for My Mother - V. Williams
• Chicken Sunday - P. Polacco  (Excellent true story, family adopts child)
• The Wednesday Surprise - E. Buntingg
• Captain Snap and the Children of Vinegar Lane - R. Schotter  (Needs of elderly)
• Molly's Pilgrim - B. Cohen
• The Lily Cupboard - S. Oppenheim  (Hiding Jewish people in Holland)
• Leah's Pony - E. Frederich  (Good pictures, powerful story)
• Uncle Jed's Barber Shop - M. Mitchell  (Powerful)
• Star of Fear Star of Hope - J. Hoestlandt  (Powerful)
• An Angel for Solomon Singer - C. Rylant  (middle, upper elementary)
• December - E. Bunting  (Boy and mother live in a cardboard box, powerful story)
• Knee-Knock Rise - N. Babbitt  (Touching)