Teaching peace through literature:

Because of You. Written by B.G. Hennessy. Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. Candlewick Press, 2005. 24 pages. An appealing book that introduces young children to the concepts of kindness, understanding and peace. Most importantly, the author emphasizes how each child can make a difference in the world. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. PreS-1.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa. Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Harcourt, 2008. 32 pages. The inspirational story of environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai's Green Belt Movement in which an army of women replanted 30 million trees in Africa, one tree at a time. Picture book biography. Interest level: Gr. PreS-2.

Whoever You Are. Written by Mem Fox. Illustrated by Leslie Staub. Harcourt Children's Books, 1997. 32 pages. An essential primer in embracing diversity that takes children across cultures through the use of ornate illustrations and uncomplicated text. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. PreS-1.

See Also Violence Prevention

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