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Onward- Book recommendations
Children’s literature is one great way to explore the themes of Pike’s motto, Non Sibi Solum. Here is a selection of librarian-recommended titles that are thematically grouped and relevant to a wide range of readers, from PreK through grade 7. All titles are available at the Pike Library and throughout the Merrimack Valley public library system.
- Generosity is Contagious
- Perspective Develops Empathy
- Making a Difference for Others
- Exploring Non Sibi Solum With Tweens and Teens
Generosity is Contagious
Extra Yarn, written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen (2012).
One dreary winter day, Annabelle comes upon a box of yarn. She knits colorful sweaters for her friends, her grumpy teacher, and even the trees! Mysteriously, there is always extra yarn. Even an evil archduke can’t thwart Annabelle’s generosity in this modern fable. A Caldecott Honor Book.
Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya, written by Mary and Rich Chamberlin, illustrated by Julia Cairns (2005).
While visiting the village market, Adika invites everyone to share in the pancake meal that his mother has planned. Mama Panya is worried that there won’t be enough to feed everyone, but their guests repay Adika’s generosity. A Birthday Book donation from the Gagnon family.
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, written by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long (2021).
“I’m the change I want to see.” The young narrator of this rhyming picture book describes how she makes a difference in her community. Loren Long’s expansive illustrations show our narrator and her friends picking up trash in a playground, delivering groceries to an elderly woman, and many other acts of generosity. A Birthday Book donation from the Murray family.
The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle, written by Jude Isabella, illustrated by Simone Shin (2015).
This picture book for older readers follows the journey of a bicycle from a donation center to several new owners, told through the eyes of young donors and receivers. Includes information about how to get involved in bicycle donation programs.
Dumplings for Lili, written and illustrated by Melissa Iwai (2021).
Lili is helping Nai Nai make baos, but they are missing a key ingredient for the flavorful dumplings. When she asks Babcia on the sixth floor for cabbage, she finds herself going all over their apartment building, delivering missing ingredients for pierogi, tamales, fatayer, and other delicious dumplings. Recipe included.
The Power of One, written by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Mike Curato (2020).
All it takes is one person - to notice a friend’s tears, to plant seeds, to apologize - and change can happen. Includes recommended resources for spreading kindness.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee, written by Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead (2010).
Amos McGee loves his job at the zoo and makes sure that he takes care of the animals in the way they need. One day, Amos is too sick to go to work, so the animals decide to take care of him. Erin Stead’s delicate woodblock and pencil illustrations match the mood of this quiet, caring story. Winner of the Caldecott Medal.
Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein (2012).
Amelia’s smile is contagious and starts a lighted-hearted chain reaction that travels around the globe, with surprising results. Stein’s buoyant illustrations mirror the joy of a shared smile.
Perspective Develops Empathy
Sam and the Lucky Money, written by Karen Chinn, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu (1995).
Sam is frustrated that his New Year’s money is not enough to buy a toy, but after meeting a man in need of shoes, he realizes how much his gift can mean to someone else.
Shelter, written by Céline Claire and illustrated by Qin Leng (2016).
The woodland animals are busy preparing for a winter storm when two strangers arrive, asking for warmth by the fire in exchange for tea. No one will welcome them, but as the storm intensifies, the tables are turned.
Snow In Jerusalem, written by Deborah Da Costa, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu (2001).
Unknowingly, Avi and Hamudi each take care of the same stray cat in different sections of Jerusalem’s Old City. Sparks fly when they finally meet, but concern for “their” cat ultimately brings them together.
Last Stop on Market Street, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (2015).
CJ feels sorry for himself as he and his grandmother ride the bus toward their volunteer shift at the soup kitchen. Once he starts to adopt his grandmother’s outlook, however, his mood brightens. A Birthday Book donation from the Garcia family. Also a Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor book as well as winner of the Newbery Medal.
Big Red Lollipop, written by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (2010).
Rubina is excited about going to a birthday party with her friends, but her younger sister insists on tagging along, and creates awkward moments at the party. This frustrating experience gives Rubina an important perspective and helps her advocate for others.
Zen Ties, written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth (2008).
Stillwater the panda convinces Michael, Karl, and Addy to help their grouchy neighbor, Miss Whitaker. As they spend time with her, the children start to understand and appreciate her more.
Each Kindness, written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (2012).
Chloe and her classmates think that Maya, the new girl, is strange. No one will play with her, even when she tries to make friends. One day, she is gone and Chloe must wrestle with the impact of their cruelty. A Birthday Book donation from the Piantidosi family. Also a Coretta Scott King Honor book.
Making a Difference for Others
Can We Help? Kids Volunteering to Help Their Communities, written and illustrated by George Ancona (2015).
Engaging photos and short text show children volunteering in a wide array of settings.
We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade (2020).
An Ojibwe girl, understanding the importance of clean water to all life, shares her message and calls others to action at Standing Rock. Aspects of Anishinaabe and Ojibwe culture are included in the stunning watercolor illustrations. Winner of the Caldecott Medal.
The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come, written by Sue Macy, illustrated by Stacy Innerst (2019).
Learn about the life of Aaron Lansky, the founder of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. He has made it his mission to collect books printed in Yiddish and to make learning Yiddish more accessible. “Books are big enough and powerful enough to define and contain identity.” A Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner.
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, written by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (2015).
In this touching story within a story, we meet Henry Colebourn, a veterinarian going to serve in World War I, an adventurous bear cub whom he rescues, and young Christopher Robin Milne. Because of Henry’s love for “Winnipeg,” Christopher’s father was inspired to write stories featuring a boy, a bear, and a certain Hundred Acre Wood. Winner of the Caldecott Medal.
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table, written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Eric-Shabazz Larkin (2013).
A true story about an urban farmer. Will Allen believes that everyone has the right to good food - so he transformed a city lot in Milwaukee into a thriving urban garden, and founded Growing Power, Inc., an organization that teaches others how to farm in cities.
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice, written by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca, illustrated by Terry Ybáñez (2008).
At a young age, Emma became aware of injustice against Mexican-American workers. Throughout the 20th century, she led protests and worked to improve many lives. Presented in English and in Spanish.
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom, written by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges (2006).
Based on true events from the early 1800s, this picture book for older readers is the story of how people of the Choctaw Indian nation helped slaves cross the “Big Water” river to freedom.
Exploring Non Sibi Solum With Tweens and Teens
Create a family book group to explore perspectives, compassion, and other aspects of Non Sibi Solum through novels. The recommended titles below may be borrowed from the library’s Lit Kit collection, which contain multiple copies of each title.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed (2018) 226 pages. Grade 4 and up.
Amal sets off to market in her Pakistani village - and her life turns upside down. She stands up to a rude stranger, who is the son of the town's villainous landlord, and is forced into indentured servitude to pay back her family’s debts.
Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins (2012) 264 pages. Grade 6/7 and up.
Set in Burma (Myanmar) during the early 2000s, this intense novel explores two different sides of brutal hostilities between the Burmese army and the minority Karenni ethnic group. Chiko, thinking he is taking a teacher’s exam, is kidnapped by the army and forced to become a soldier. Tu Reh, forced out of his village by Burmese soldiers, lives in a refugee camp. When Chiko is badly hurt in an explosion, Tu Reh must decide whether to help his enemy.
Before the Sword by Grace Lin (2020) 374 pages. Grade 3 and up.
This epic fantasy imagines Mulan as a young girl. When her younger sister is bitten by a mysterious spider and is in danger of dying, Mulan undertakes a dangerous quest to Kunlun Mountain to find Essence of Heavenly Majesty.
I’m Ok by Patti Kim (2018) 279 pages. Grade 5 and up.
Twelve-year-old Ok is constantly teased about his name, but that’s not the worst of his problems. After the death of his father, money is tighter than ever and he is desperate to help his mom, who already works three jobs. Could he enter the school talent show? Braid hair? Help his mom with her sewing? Told in a humorous and authentic voice. An American Pacific American Literature Award Honor book.
Rules by Cynthia Lord (2006) 200 pages. Grade 4 and up.
Catherine helps her autistic brother David know how to behave with lists of rules - and she makes a few of her own to cope with her conflicting feelings. As she slowly makes friends with Jason, who uses a wheelchair, she starts to gain perspective. A Newbery Honor book and a Schneider Family Book Award winner.
“No act of kindness goes unrewarded.” Author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney
Telling stories about how philanthropy is transforming teaching and learning at The Pike School.
Onward! is a four-part series examining how Pike is paving the way for student learning and growth, all through the power of philanthropy! We interview faculty and school leadership, bring you stories of student success, and highlight Pike's positive energy. Brought to you by The Pike School's Advancement Office.