The Read Aloud Project was created by Priscilla Weddle and Marie Benner-Rhoades to provide homeschooling resources in peace and justice during the pandemic. For the project, members of the community record themselves reading children’s books about peace, courage and justice. The response from the community has been great and we appreciate those who have participated. We have decided to extend the project through June. If you are interested in recording a video for the project, please email [email protected]. Here are the books that have been read for the project so far:

APRIL BOOKS

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper

Summary: This book tells us about the Golden Rule, which is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” A grandfather explains to his grandson what the Golden Rule means and answers all his questions about the rule.
Reflective Question: How have you practiced the Golden Rule?

We Are A Rainbow by Nancy Tabor

Summary: We Are A Rainbow talks about unity and diversity. The story follows a family who has moved to a new country and compares their culture to the culture of their new home.
Reflective Questions: What makes you and your family unique? What language do you speak? Do you make special food? What things from other cultures do you enjoy?

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

Summary: "Where are the girls?" Grace asked after seeing all the male presidents. This leads Grace to want to become the first female president. Her teacher decides to hold an election at Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Grace runs for president against one other boy in the school. This book goes into detail about campaigns, elections and the electoral college.
Reflective Questions: If you were president, what would you have the courage to do? What are some of the changes you would make?

Talk Peace by Sam Williams

Summary: Talk Peace shows how peace starts with individual actions. We should try to talk peace in our daily lives because it is the best form of communication.
Reflective Question: What was your favorite part of the story?

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

Summary: Little Leaders is about powerful African American women in history. There are mini summaries of 40 powerful women, including Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges, and their accomplishments.
Reflective Questions: What did you learn about Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges? How were they courageous?

Refugees and Migrants (Children in Our World) by Ceri Roberts

Summary: Refugees and Migrants defines what migrants and refugees are. It also covers how someone can become a migrant or refugee and what you can do to help them.
Reflective Question: What is one thing you learned about refugees and migrants?

The Seagoing Cowboy by Peggy Reiff Miller

Summary: This book tells the story of a young man who is a seagoing cowboy. He talks about his adventures of sailing to Poland and helping the people recover after World War II.
Reflective Question: In what ways did the seagoing cowboys display courage?

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

Summary: This story asks children from around the world to imagine and explain what peace smells, looks, sounds, tastes, and feels like.
Reflective Question: What does peace feel, smell, taste, look, and sound like to you?

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Summary: This book tells the story of female education activist Malala Yousafzai. It explains to children the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times.
Reflective Questions: What would you do with a magic pencil? What would you draw? What would you say?

Stellaluna by Janell Canon

Summary: A baby bat named Stellaluna gets separated from her mother during an owl attack. She stumbles upon a group of birds that take care of her. The birds and Stellaluna realize that they are different but are also similar.
Reflective Question: What does Stellaluna’s experience with the birds teach you about friendship?