Communication
Caseley, Judith. Greenwillow Books (William Morrow & Company), 1991.
1st – 2nd grade
Presents a series of postcards and letters Annie sends to and receives from her loving grandfather from the time she is born. She brings her postcard collection to school for show and tell. Her presentation inspires each child in her class to begin a “pen pal” correspondence with relatives. They create a bulletin board with letters and postcards from all over the world.
Banks, Kate. Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2006.
K - 2nd grade
Max’s two older brothers collect stamps and coins. Max wants a collection, too, so he begins to collect words. He selects them from newspapers and magazines and sorts them into categories. He realizes that they can be rearranged to create stories. And, unlike his brothers who won’t give away coins or stamps, Max shares his words.
Aliki. Greenwillow books, New York, 1993.
k – 5th grade
Discusses the many different kinds of communication and the purposes they serve. Among the means of communication, the author mentions pictures, symbols, body language, dance, art forms, print material, telephone, words, emotions, sign language, etc.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Alladin Paperback (Simon & Schuster), 1993.
k – 2nd grade
With the help of his father, Kevin learns to deal with the playground bully and his threats by realizing that what the bully is saying can’t possibly happen. Kevin uses words and his wits, rather than physical force, to overcome the stand off and work at becoming friends through cooperative play.
Castle, Sue. Doubleday & Company, New York, 1977.
k –1st grade
Through a series of photographs of young children, various aspects of communicating through body language are explored. General suggestions for games and activities that focus on body language are included. This book is out of print but can be obtained through Amazon.com)
Marzollo, Jean, Dan, and Dave. Scholastic Inc., 1997.
2nd – 3rd grade
Freddy gets into fights when he plays football at school. With the help of his teammates, friends, and with the support of his principal, Freddy learns one way to deal with teasing and provocative situations.
Bunting, Eve. Clarion Books, 2006.
3rd – 5th grade
Farah, a young immigrant who does not speak English, goes with her class on an apple picking field trip. Initially, Farah is overwhelmed and timid. Slowly, as her classmates begin to communicate with her, she gains self –confidence and joins in the apple picking fun.
Fox, Mem. Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 1989.
grades k – 5th grade
A small boy tries to discover the meaning of “memory” so he can help his elderly friend find her lost memories. He does so by gathering together a box full of objects that bring back memories and stories she tells her young friend. The story, though simple and seemingly straight - forward, has many layers of meaning.
Brown, Anthony. DK Publishing, Inc., 1998.
3rd – 5th grade
Lives briefly intertwine when two children meet in the park. The story is told four times from four different points of view. Each of the four character’s perceptions and “voice” is very different (as are the fonts and illustrations).
Aliki. Greenwillow Books, 1990
1st – 3rd grade
Discusses manners and gives examples/scenarios of both good and bad manners.
Baylor, Byrd. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1978.
An old man teaches or models listening to nature for the narrator. After hoping and trying, the narrator finally is able to hear nature communicating.
Rylant, Cynthia . Orchard Books, 1988.
2nd – 4th or 5th grade
Gregory, though shy, becomes friends with and paints along side of an artist who only paints whales. Gregory comes to understand what the artist means when he says he paints “…All I see.”
Bradby, Marie . Orchard Books, 1995.
2nd – 4th grade
Nine –year- old Booker (Booker T. Washington) works with his father and brother at the salt works but dreams of the day when he will be able to read. He befriends a “newspaper man” who teaches Booker the basics.
Creech, Sharon . Harper Trophy, 2003.
3rd – 5th grade
With the help of her wise old grandmother, twelve-year-old Rosie manages to work out some problems she is having with her best friend, Bailey, the boy next door.
Moss, Peggy. Tilbury House Publishers, 2004.
2nd – 5th grade
A child who never says anything when other children are being teased or bullied finds herself in their position one day when jokes are made at her expense and no one speaks up.
Reynolds, Peter H. Cambridge , Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2003.
All Grades
"Just make a mark and see where it takes you." Is what Vashti’s teacher says when Vashti declares that she can’t draw. Once the child takes that very first stab at art, there's no stopping her. Best of all, with her accomplishment comes an invaluable bonus: the ability and the willingness to encourage others.
*** See Also Respect for Others
Ut, a Vietnamese child, is teased and dreams of home. When Ut and her main tormentor get into a fight and are left together in the principal's office to work it out, things take a turn for the better.
When bunny is sent to the store several times to buy cake ingredients he struggles to let the store clerk know that what he really wants is “Red-Hot Marshmallow Squirters”.
Dolores works her way around her disappointment at not making the chorus.
(Chosen by Grade 3, Spring 2007)
Rhyming text and a bright array of emotional produce make this a perfect introduction to the complex world of feelings.
A how-to book about social etiquette.
(Chosen by Grade 5, Spring 2007)
Billy learns to share his birthday presents after learning it's no fun to play alone.
Jamaica and Brianna have a misunderstanding over whose snow boots are more fashionable until they discuss what has happened and realize they both were mistaken.
When Jamaica becomes angry because she is forced to share her blue marker with Russell, who in return ruins her picture, Jamaica learns that Russell’s behavior resulted from his family’s imminent move.
How can Mr. Lincoln, the school principal, show Mean Gene, the bully, that differences between people are what make them special.
A story about the irreparable consequences that can result when we speak badly about others.
A 6-year-old (the Pain) and his 8-year-old sister (the Great One) see each other as troublemakers and the best-loved in the family.
When Mr. James forgets to kiss his wife goodbye, it sets off a chain reaction of grumpy moods, until the dog sets off a positive chain reaction that improves everyone's mood.
Rosie needs to find a way to let the children in her school know that teasing her about her hair and freckles hurts her feelings.
In this classic tale told from the wolf’s perspective, wolf explains how he has been misunderstood.