Teaching Responsibility through Literature

Last year on the blog, we looked at ways to use literature to reinforce character growth. It was such a great resource for our parents that we decided to continue it this year with the help of one of our librarians, Dr. Pamela Bleisch. Dr. Bleisch carries a rich knowledge of the classics and we are excited to have her join us this year as we delve into our monthly character traits.

September highlights Responsibility. As we learned last week:

Responsibility means basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense, being dependable in carrying out commitment and duties, and being accountable for one’s words, behavior, and actions. Our catch phrase: Think before you act; finish what you begin; take responsibility for yourself. 

Dr. Bleisch (or Ms. Pamela to our littles) has compiled a list of books that would make great additions to your child’s collection this month. Take a look and enjoy!

Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham (J PB BUR)

When Mr. Gumpy decides to go for a ride in his bright-red car, everyone wants to come along — a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a sheep, chickens, a calf, a goat, and a boy and girl. They all squash in and chug along happily—for a while. Then it starts to rain, and the car becomes stuck in the mud. Who will help Mr. Gumpy push the car out? “Not me,” says each passenger. In the end, however, they all must pitch in, and a wonderful time is had by all. [Picture book, ages 3 and up]

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone (J PB GAL), or by Jerry Pinkney (J PB PINK)

The classic fable of the industrious hen and the indolent barnyard animals. These two picture books provide different takes on the story, and lively illustrations. [Picture book, ages 3 and up]

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola (J PB DEP)

Big Anthony is supposed to take care of Strega Nona’s house while she’s gone. But will he be able to do as he’s told, and can he remember simple instructions? This funny story shows what not to do when it comes to being responsible. [Caldecott honor picture book, ages 3 and up]

The Talking Eggs by Robert D. San Souci (J 398.21 S15 T15)

A colorful folktale of the American South, illustrated by the award winning artist Jerry Pinkney. Sweet Blanche is forced to do all the hard work for her lazy mother and sister, until one day her kindness to an old witch-woman brings her into a miraculous world of two-headed cows, dancing rabbits, and talking eggs. Blanche’s kindness, and her ability to follow directions, turns her life from misery to joy. [Picture book, ages 4 and up]

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly distracts her classmates with her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly’s anger leads to vengeance, and then bitter remorse, and she sets out to make amends. This charming picture book shows how one young student learns to take responsibility for her actions. [Picture book, ages 4 and up]

Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Saturday by Judith Viorst (J PB VIORST)

Alexander gets a dollar from his grandparents last Sunday and suddenly he’s rich. But that dollar is burning a hole in his pocket. A dollar can buy a lot of things! What happens to Alexander’s fortune? A delightful and hilarious picture book on personal finance for kids. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner (J FIC WAR)

It’s hard to imagine four kids living on their own but the newly orphaned Alden children cope by running away from a grandfather they’ve never met and believe to be cruel to live on their own in a boxcar. Henry, the oldest at 14, gets odd jobs to earn money to buy them food. Jessie, 12, is the mother hen. Violet, 10, paints and sews. Benny, just 6, is the baby. Thankfully, the grandfather turns out to be kind and takes the kids home to live with him, but they do manage to cope on their own. [Chapter book, ages 7 and up]

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (J FIC BRI)

Whether she is crossing the lake on a raft, visiting an Indian camp, or listening to the tales of the circuit rider, the adventures of this eleven-year old redhead provide an exciting and authentic picture of life on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. Scarcely out of one scrape before she is into another, Caddie refuses to be a “lady,” preferring instead to run the woods and play pranks with her brothers. But Caddie learns that accepting responsibility for the welfare of others means you must be kind, as well as brave. [Chapter book, ages 9 and up]

The Secret School, by Avi (J FIC AVI)

More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to the high school. When the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down, her only hope is to keep the school open without any adults finding out. The students are game, but their secret school needs a teacher. Although Ida is only fourteen, she is willing to tackle the job. But she has taken on a lot of responsibility, helping her parents work the farm, while teaching seven students of different ages—and what about her own studies? [Chapter book, ages 9 and up. On the list for this year’s Battle of the Books]

Slacker, by Gordon Korman (J FIC KOR)

When eighth-grader Cameron Boxer creates the Positive Action Group at school he intends it as a diversion to fool his parents, teachers, and sister into letting him continue to concentrate on his video-gaming. But before he knows it other kids are taking it seriously, and soon he finds himself president of the P.A.G., and involved in community service. The boy who never cared about anything is now the center of everything, whether he likes it or not. [Chapter book, ages 9 and up. On the list for this year’s Battle of the Books]

The Red Pony, by John Steinbeck (FIC STE)

A poignant, episodic novella, comprised of four different stories about ten-year old Jody and his life on his father’s ranch in northern California. Jody is well-schooled in the hard work and demands of a rancher’s life, and in these stories, he learns the value of life, the importance of keeping promises, and the bitterness of loss. [Chapter book, ages 12 and up]

Thank you, Dr. Bleisch, for your guidance in our literature selection this month! We look forward to our next set of character trait books!

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