Just Because

by Rebecca Elliott

Summary: A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much—just because— in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what.

This is a very heart-warming story. I really appreciate this book because I was a special education teacher. The book challenges children who ask, “Why are they different?” to consider “why do I like certain things?” The younger brother’s reason to why his sister is different and why he loves her is “just because.” I love the message of this story and recommend it to parents and educators of children who are curious about disabilities. I also recommend it for class discussions on disabilities, especially when a new student has a disability.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Books to Discuss Values for grades 3-8

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons

by Il Sung Na

Summary: While other animals migrate, hibernate, or stay busy all winter, a little white rabbit watches.

This is a cute book. It is appropriate to read this book when discussing seasons and how animals behave during the winter.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

Animals Home Alone

by Loes Riphagen

Summary: After a young girl and her father leave, the animals left in the house engage in all sorts of antics, with the fish leaving his bowl, the cat calling his friends, and the dog trying on shoes.

This is a funny book with very detailed illustrations. As with all wordless book, the reader should ask children what they think is happening and to tell a story from the pictures. When reading with a young child one on one, it is appropriate to play a “find and point” game which entails asking a child if they can point out certain details in the illustrations.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Summary: The adventures of the three Darling children in Neverland with Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up.

It is interesting going back to read the original classic after seeing many of its offspring. Growing up I watched the Disney cartoon and Hook over and over again. In high school, I performed in the musical. The movie Peter Pan from 2003 claimed to stay true to the story, but it really did not. Personally, I think it is great to have children read books if they have seen the movie version, especially with recent movies, because today’s movies often do not follow the book closely. A good follow up is to compare and contrast the two. This is an important academic skill, such as in research papers.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 5

The Sunflower Sword

by Mark Sperring

In a land marked by endless fighting between knights and dragons, a mother gives her eager little boy a sunflower rather than the sword he requests, and when he wields it against a real dragon, new understanding begins.

Children may find the boy’s dilemma amusing. I enjoyed the ending that changes the tone from comical to sweet.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match

by Kimberly Marcus

Summary: When a flea lands on a stray dog, it starts a chain of events that ends happily when the dog is adopted by a pet-loving man.

This comical tale is sure to entertain young children.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3