Most of these books are available for loan at the Peace Study Center.

Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire by Claudia Friddell. Goliath was a huge horse with a huge job. He pulled the wagon that carried water and firefighters to fires. This true story engages young readers in history and love as they see Goliath bravely helping to save lives in the 1904 fire that destroyed much of the city. Troy Howell’s large, detailed paintings express emotion and historical detail for readers of all ages. The author lives in Baltimore and visits schools and libraries.

The Chimpanzees I Love by Jane Goodall. Jane Goodall grew up with the dream of living with African wild animals. As a young woman, she amazed the world with her new discoveries about chimpanzees, which later were shown via National Geographic television specials. Now, Dr. Goodall has a foundation to help protect endangered chimpanzees. This personal account may inspire children in your world to join in Goodall’s astounding work.

For younger readers and listeners, try The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with Chimps by Jeanette Winter.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter. When Wangari Maathai was growing up in Kenya, the land was covered with trees. But on returning from school in America, she discovered a hot, barren land and few trees. ”Starting in her own backyard, Maathai planted trees and encouraged other women to do the same. More than 30 million trees have since been planted by the members of her Green Belt Movement. Maathai was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2004 in recognition of her work. The acrylic illustrations have a warm folk-art influence. The pictures are both literal and symbolic, and framed in complementary lines of color. An author’s note and a quote from Maathai are included.” School Library Journal starred review. This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer waste.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni. This award-winning picture-book biography (for older readers and listeners) introduces Rosa Parks as a strong woman, happy at home and at work, and politically aware (“not tired from work, but tired of . . . eating at separate lunch counters and learning at separate schools”). “Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus inspires her friend Jo Ann Robinson, president of the Women’s Political Council, and the 25 council members to make posters calling for the bus boycott, and they organize a mass meeting where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. speaks for them. Paired very effectively with Giovanni’s passionate, direct words, Collier’s large watercolor-and-collage illustrations depict Parks as an inspiring force that radiates golden light, and also as part of a dynamic activist community. In the unforgettable close-up that was used for the cover, Parks sits quietly waiting for the police as a white bus driver demands that she give up her seat. In contrast, the final picture opens out to four pages showing women, men, and children marching for equal rights at the bus boycott and in the years of struggle yet to come. The history comes clear in the astonishing combination of the personal and the political.”

Wilma Unlimited  by Kathleen Krull. As a young child, Wilma Rudolph was struck with polio. Everyone said she would never walk again. Wilma refused to accept that fact. Not only would she walk again, she was determined to run. And she did run–all the way to the Olympic Games, where she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals in these Games. This dramatic and inspiring true story is told simply for young listeners and illustrated in bold watercolor and acrylic paintings by Caldecott Medal-winning artist David Diaz. Your listeners will remember Wilma when they feel like giving up.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne. This book is an example of the beautiful picture book biographies available to younger audiences. It is about a boy who grew up to be one of the world’s most dedicated conservationists. An important message about ecology and water conservation is shared in a simple text for young listeners and readers. The unusual perspective of the illustrations and the surprise foldout plunge you even deeper into an ocean world. This is only an introduction to a famous French explorer who is now a legend in the world of oceanography. Try pairing this book with:

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire Nivola. Then take a trip to an aquarium or do a virtual tour to see this world with new eyes.

Mary Walker Wears the Pants by Cheryl Harness. Travel back in time to meet Mary Edwards Walker, one of the first female doctors and a strong supporter of women’s rights. She is also was the only woman to earn the Medal of Honor for her role as a battlefield doctor during the Civil War. The fact that she wore pants suits in a time when it was unacceptable is only one of her courageous traits. See the author’s note and quotes for more bits of history.

People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up  by Joe Rhatigan. It doesn’t have to be a celebrity; it doesn’t have to be a famous athlete. Some of the most important and exciting people we meet live in our own towns and neighborhoods. These are the folks who quietly help keep us safe, grow our food, and inspire us. This engaging book explains who these world-changers are, what they do, why they’re important, and how to make contact with them.

Using a notebook-style format filled with lighthearted illustrations, it identifies individuals who might be cool to meet—from farmers and travelers to local entrepreneurs, politicians, and artists. Plus, it gives inquisitive strategies, interview questions, and research ideas, along with plenty of interesting tidbits, great quotes, intriguing profiles, blogs to check out, and more. Who knows how a book like this one will inspire a young person be a hero or heroine in their town?

Cindy Woodruff is the co-founder of the Center with a 35 year career in school and public libraries. She currently works at Mercy High School in Baltimore, MD. Previously, Cindy was the director of Libraries and Archives at the Gilman School in Baltimore for many years and she currently lives and works in Delaware. Cindy has a B.A. in English from SUNY Geneseo and a MLS from UNC Chapel Hill. She also studied at the University of Nottingham for one year. Cindy supports the goals of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) and served on the USBBY Bridges to Understanding Award Committee in 2011. She served on the Caldecott Award Committee and the Geisel Award Committee of the American Library Association. 

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It’s true that people have been saying it for years, “winter is for the birds!”   Winter is for all of us, really, as it reminds us to slow down, bundle up and enjoy the quietness of a fresh snowfall. Take these short days and long evenings to share some peace-focused books with your children. All of these titles are available for loan from the Peace Study Center.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen is a Caldecott Award-winning book that gives readers and listeners a sense of the quiet that winter provides in the northern parts of the world. A child and his/her dad bundle up and go out in search of an owl. They move slowly and quietly into the woods. The dad sends out an owl call and then they wait. The beauty of the night is accented with the owl who visits them briefly. This book inspires watercolor artists of all ages to capture the colors of winter. It also reminds readers of the bonds that we treasure between adults and young explorers.

One Winter’s Day by M. Christina Butler is a story of sharing told with gentleness and colorful illustrations that assure young listeners that all will be well in the end. When a strong wind blows away Little Hedgehog’s nest, he trundles off for Badger’s warm house. On his way, Hedgehog meets his friends, all shivering in the winter bluster. One by one, Hedgehog gives away his warm mittens, hat, and scarf. But will Little Hedgehog make it through the storm to safety without his warm clothes? This book is about sharing with the added treasure of soft flocking wherever Little Hedgehog’s mittens, hat and scarf appear.

Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joose takes readers to the Arctic region to meet an Inuit mother and child. The timeless question by the child is answered by a loving and wise mother: (“I love you more than the raven loves his treasure, more than the dog loves his tail, more than the whale loves his spout”) The setting brings a richness to a simple concept that is knows no boundaries. The beautiful colors, folk like perspective and gentle language make this a book to own and cherish. It is available as a picture book and a board book.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost is the text for this graphically powerful picture book with illustrations by Susan Jeffers that extend and complement this classic poem. Explore the frosty New England landscape as the poem slowly moves along on the reader’s tongue. The art includes animals that children will enjoy finding in the scenes. Try it out with different age groups and see how they respond to the theme by one of America’s most beloved poets.

Under My Hood I have a Hat by Karla Kuskin is for very young listeners who love to hear rhyming words and join in with a familiar theme- dressing up to go out in the winter weather. Simple and colorful illustrations create a cheerful book with plenty of repetition and humor. This author has many poems for a wide range of ages. Check her out!

Six Snowy Sheep is another action-oriented picture book by Judith R. Enderle. What a simple way to teach alliteration to young children as six sheep head outside to try out their Christmas presents. Five “snowy sheep, snug in woolly warm fleece,” in turn, sled, skate, ski, snowshoe, and saucer down a hill and all end up going “…Shmoosh! into a snowbank.” Luckily, the last sheep received a handy gift and comes to the rescue. This counting story with sound effects and plenty of repletion will have children chanting along! The whimsical watercolor cartoons with pen-and-ink crosshatching are both clever and charming for the 3 to 7 year old listener or reader.

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Thanksgiving comes in the midst of the fall season, when we can easily see the bounty of blessings in the beauty around us and in the food piled on the table at Thanksgiving. As we teach our children the art of being thankful, we must remember that this is not often an easy task for grown-ups, so why should we expect children to master this? I think often of the meme I saw on Facebook:

Being grateful takes mindfulness and helping children, especially children in 21st century America, who are abundantly blessed, to count their blessings is one of the greatest things we can do for this younger generation.

A few books that can help both parents and children to be mindful of gratitude are listed below. Take time to read some of these to your children, but also take time to enjoy the beauty of nature, the falling leaves, the crisp apples fresh from the trees and even the snow, piled to the rooftops, or just sprinkled around the yard. We are blessed and when we pause in our busy lives to look around us, those blessings are abundantly apparent.

The Greatest Table: A Banquet to Fight Against Hunger
by Michael J. Rosen
Beautiful illustrations of food being shared in a multitude of settings. Accompanied by a simple poem extolling the virtues of sharing food and ensuring that no one goes hungry.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup
For those who want to explore the role played by Native Americans in our Thanksgiving celebration, this book is a perfect place to start, especially for young ones. A simple message, taken from the Iroquois tradition of thanking all of nature around us. While especially appropriate for November, this book could start a classroom or family tradition of being mindful of the world around us all year long.

The Thankful Book
by Todd Parr
And one more that helps us to be thankful for all that is around us, even underwear that can be worn on the head. Sharing this book with children will get a laugh, but will also remind children, and adults, that there is so much all around us every day for which we can be thankful.

As many are doing on Facebook this month, why not start a thankfulness chart in your home or classroom? Think carefully of at least one thing you are thankful for each day, encourage your children to do the same. Make it more than a pedantic exercise; make it joyful, upbeat and mindful. For a few minutes each day, stop and think of all we have to be grateful for. Even the snow!

(All books mentioned in this blog are available at the Peace Study Center Library. Feel free to explore!)

Written by Wendy M. Smith
Wendy M. Smith, PhD, joined the PSC Board in 2012 and is also the PSC Board President. Wendy is currently the chair of the Teacher Education Department within the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. She teaches classes in literacy education for elementary education majors and graduate students in the Reading Specialist Degree Program. She has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, an executive director of a non-profit advocating for people with cognitive disabilities, an elementary special education teacher and a certified Lamaze instructor. Wendy’s area of expertise is children’s literature and she has written numerous papers on the use of books that contain characters that are marginalized by society; these include books with children who have cognitive and other disabilities, children who are abused, children who live in war zones and African American children.

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The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also be an anxious time for children returning to school or beginning the school year in a new environment. Scholastic.com published tips for starting the new year off the right way! Below are a few of the tips and ideas for books to read together for a peaceful transition to starting school.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep.  Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routine before school starts is a crucial step to prepare your child for class and a practical way to cut down on first-day stress.

Accentuate the positive. If your child is feeling a bit anxious about going back to school, keep a positive attitude. Recall the fun and exciting events, field trips, projects, and so on from years past, and show excitement about the opportunities for learning new things in the upcoming year.

Talk it out. Asking your child about school is important. It shows her that you value her education. Try to avoid general questions, like “How was your day?” These will most likely produce one-word answers. Be specific about your questions so that the answers can be the stepping stone to a deeper conversation.

Read, read, read! Reading with your child is an invaluable way to spend quality time together on a daily basis. In addition to other long-term academic benefits of reading together, this simple activity can also be a practical way to start conversations about your child’s life at school and with friends.

Books for a Peaceful Transition to School

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

This is a great book for parents to read to their children before that sometimes terrifying first day of school, or by the teacher. Most young students can relate to Wemberly’s worries and knowing that they are not the only ones at school who are anxious is helpful! In this story, Wemberly, a young mouse, worries about everything! Kevin Henkes capably takes the readers through Wemberly’s list of worries – big ones and small ones. Wemberly worries constantly despite her grandmother telling her she worries too much. The source of her biggest worry is her first day of school. When she arrives however, her teacher introduces her to another student who also is carrying a doll and seems a bit shy. The two become instant friends and enjoy their first day of school together. As Wemberly leaves in the afternoon, she tells her teacher not to worry, that she will be back tomorrow!

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford

The Story of Ruby Bridges is a classic example of how courageous, non-violent people and acts helped end the civil rights movement. This book is an incredibly powerful read-aloud for any elementary class for highlighting the power a young school girl had just through her actions. The story begins by introducing Ruby, a young African-American girl growing up in New Orleans during the Civil Rights movement. When Ruby is ordered by the court to attend an all white school, angry protests break out. Although Ruby is threatened every day when she enters and exits school, she never gets discouraged. When her teacher asks Ruby how she manages to stay so calm in the face of such anger, Ruby answers that in fact she prays for the angry protestors to change their ways. The brave steps Ruby took to school made a big difference and eventually her actions were a factor which contributed into the end of Civil Rights movement. George Ford, the illustrator of this book, uses watercolor paintings to depict the uneasy atmosphere of the books setting.

The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill and illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

The Recess Queen is a story about a bully named Mean Jean that terrorizes kids on the playground. When it comes to recess time, Mean Jean dominates the playground! “Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked.” A new student Katie Sue doesn’t know about Mean Jean’s rules and as a result she enjoys her time at recess doing whatever she wants. When Mean Jean confronts Katie Sue, she stands up for herself in the face of Mean Jean, the bully. Mean Jean learns to change her behavior from Katie Sue and all of the students benefit from this! Unfortunately, bullying can be a major problem in schools. This book help facilitate a meaningful discussion about bullying in both simple and complex ways at school. This is a great read aloud for the start of school and elementary teachers can benefit from sharing this book in their class.

Faith Ward is a Librarian at Garrison Forest School. Ms. Ward has an MLS from the Catholic University of America and holds an MA Ed in Literacy from Loyola University Maryland.  She is currently a member of the Maryland Association of School Librarian’s Black Eyed Susan Award Committee.

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Peace education is often taught through language arts, social studies, and character education classes. Guidance counselors, social workers and librarians share resources and offer classes to help young people learn friendship, kindness and conflict resolution skills. But through athletics and physical fitness programs children also learn successful team building skills, the value of honesty and hard work, as well as the ability to work together and support fellow athletes from different cultures and ethnicities.

I would like to share with you a few of the many organizations that are supporting peace in sports. The first group is the Peace Players International organization. Peace Players International was founded in 2001 by two brothers, who decided that they wanted to make a difference in the world through peace education. Over the past 13 years, Brendan and Sean Tuohey have been strong advocates of the idea that children who are able to play together will be better able to live together. Peace Players International (PPI) utilizes the sport of basketball to bring children together to teach them methods for improving their community and to explore alternative ways of managing conflicts. PPI is essential to the children who reside in conflict zones because they are educating these children on concepts of acceptance and harmony and transforming the way they handle conflict.

Another group doing important work in this area is Coaches across Continents. Coaches across Continents was founded in 2008 by Nick Gates, a former soccer coach and executive. It is a social movement that stresses the importance of female empowerment, health and wellness, and positive conflict resolution techniques. They are providing young girls with the confidence to address gender inequalities and to create equal opportunities for all women throughout the world.

Peace educators know that there are many avenues open to teaching the necessary skills to be accepting of the rights of others as well as the various non-violent methods of conflict resolution. Peace Players International and Coaches across Continents are two examples of groups that are working for peace education and human security awareness through athletics and teamwork.

Some books for adults and children to share:

Good Sports (Cork and Fuzz)Cork is a short muskrat who likes to win at games. Fuzz is a tall possum who also likes to win at games. These best friends both like to win. What will happen when they play games against each other? This book works well as a read-alone or a read together book for pre-readers and young readers. The humorous illustrations and human-like dialogue will capture the imagination of reader and listener. Check out other Cork & Fuzz titles, too.

Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way.  On April 8, 1974, America watched as Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate and hit home run number 715! With that hit, he surpassed Babe Ruth’s legendary baseball record and realized a lifelong dream. Before blacks were allowed in the major leagues, Hank was determined to play. This picture book biography tells his story of perseverance during a time of great social unrest and racial tension in the United States.

Players In Pigtails. This fictional story is about one determined girl who made her way to the big leagues and found a sisterhood of players in pigtails. Reflecting the determined spirit that led to the formation of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, this dramatic and humorous picture book celebrates girls who loved the game of baseball. Set in 1942, the story and illustrations will open discussions about life in this era and the impact of World War II on American women.

Stealing Home: The Story Of Jackie Robinson (Scholastic Biography)Man on third. Two outs. The pitcher eyes the base runner, checks for the sign. The fans in the jammed stadium hold their breath. It is September 1955, game one of the World Series, the Yankees versus the Dodgers, and Jackie Robinson is about to do the unbelievable. Attempt to steal home. In a World Series game. To race a baseball thrown from the pitcher’s mound and win! Is it possible? This picture book offers and exciting story and plenty of historical detail for all ages.

You’re a Good Sport, Miss Malarkey
Miss Malarkey has always been a team player. That’s why she’s been recruited to be one of the coaches for the new soccer league. While her motto is, “Let’s have fun!” the parents have other goals in mind. Forget sportsmanship and doing your best, winning is everything to these grown-ups. It’s up to Miss Malarkey to set the spectators straight. This is the fourth book in the Miss Malarkey series. Humorous illustrations by Baltimore artist, Kevin O’Malley will keep the youngest listener engaged and chuckling as they learn an important message about good sportsmanship.

Finklehopper FrogWhen Finklehopper Frog decides to give jogging a try, everyone laughs at his efforts. But Finklehopper learns that it’s best to be himself and do what he loves–because that’s the perfect way for him! Using rhyming verse, Livingston explores the peace concepts of individuality and diversity.

These books are available for loan from the Peace Study Center.

AJ Robinson is a fitness professional and Program Director at the Catonsville Y of Central Maryland.  He has a B.S. in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Baltimore and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Global Affairs and Human Security.

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“We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our wounds – indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder.”

-Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, 2004

Born in rural Kenya in 1940, Wangari Maathai became the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree. She then became a professor at the University of Nairobi. Additionally, she served as a member of Kenya’s parliament. In 1976, while serving on the National Council of Women, she first introduced the idea of community-based tree planting. She continued to develop this idea by creating the Green Belt Movement which fought to reduce poverty and foster environmental conservation through tree planting. Wangari Maathai’s initiative and the subsequent planting of trees by many in Africa have resulted in an estimated 30 million trees where there were none.  In recognition of her commitment to the environment she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was also named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2009. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to highlight the work of Wangari Maathai and the picture books described below from the Peace Study Center’s collection are excellent resources for introducing her life and work to children.

Each of the following titles encourage readers to think about how they may change their environment and the world, peacefully. They could also be used in a unit on biography, science, conservation, or African history.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter (Harcourt, 2008)
The simple text and colorful illustrations make this book an inviting read for young children. In the beginning of the book we learn about Wangari Maathai’s early life and hear her questions about the deteriorating environment she observes around her. “Where are the trees? Where are the birds?” Ms. Winter draws us into this remarkable woman’s life story, leaving a lasting impression of how her determination and peaceful response changed the landscape of our world.

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli and illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Simon & Schuster, 2010)
Told using sparse text and repeated use of the phrase “Thayu Nyumba – Peace, my people” this is a richly illustrated introduction to Wangari Maathai’s work. Caldecott winning illustrator Kadir Nelson rendered the artwork for this book using oil paint and printed fabrics on gessoed board. The artist states that his inspiration to use these materials came from African culture, rich with textiles and color.

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai (Frances Foster Books)
by Clare Nivola (Farrar, Straus, and Giraux, 2008)
This story provides wonderful detail on the environmental degradation Wangari Maathai witnessed in the short time she spent out of Kenya studying in the United States. The book also details the educational work she did with inmates in prison and with soldiers to teach them to plant seedlings.

Many of the authors used primary sources in accomplishing their research about Wangari Maathai’s life and work in order to write their books. These resources are documented in the afterword and author’s notes. Many of the noted resources can be accessed using the web. They provide a pathway for students to do further research on their own about this remarkable woman.

For further reading access the Green Belt Movement web site at www.greenbeltmovement.org

Faith Ward is a Librarian at Garrison Forest School. Ms. Ward has an MLS from the Catholic University of America and holds an MA Ed in Literacy from Loyola University Maryland.  She is currently a member of the Maryland Association of School Librarian’s Black Eyed Susan Award Committee.

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For young children, it is helpful to have a concrete concept in mind when teaching about an important event or person in history. Begin your planning your lessons on Dr. King by thinking about what you want the children to remember. Is it that MLK was a black man who gave a speech in Washington DC, or do we want children to remember that Dr. King stood for the rights of people in a peaceful way?

You can introduce the concept of peace by having children pair off. In each pair one person makes a fist and tries to keep that fist closed. The other child is instructed to try to get the fist opened. The key, that only a very few children will get on their own, is that they can ask their friend to open their fist. No physical pressure is needed and if they ask, most likely, the other child will open his/her fist.

Once you have introduced peaceful methods in this concrete way, you can begin to tell or read stories to children about MLK.

The Peace Study Center has a number of books that help to tell this story. Because MLK was known for oratory and his use of language, Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport is a good place to start. You can share this book or check out the DVD. Talk to children about the words that Dr. King uses and how he chooses his words. This can lead to a number of activities in writing and public speaking. Listen to Dr. King use his words, and encourage children to practice speaking with full, rounded voices.

You could also use part of King’s most famous speeches for choral reading activities throughout the week, leading to lessons in vocabulary, and more public speaking.

For young children, reading My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris can introduce King as a real person, which can lead to class discussions on fairness and sharing, as you think and talk about what he stood for. And always remember to bring the discussion back to what the children understand in a very real way by reminding them of their own fists and the easiest way to get the fists to open.

Another way to honor MLK is to enter your students in the Scholastic Student Art Contest, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King’s call to service. Details available at www.scholastic.com/MLKDay

The Peace Study Center has these books, a complete curriculum kit, and many more resources to use when teaching about MLK, either on his birthday or throughout the year. Come check us out!

Wendy M. Smith, PhD, joined the PSC Board in 2012. Wendy is currently the chair of the Teacher Education Department within the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. She teaches classes in literacy education for elementary education majors and graduate students in the Reading Specialist Degree Program. She has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, an executive director of a non-profit advocating for people with cognitive disabilities, an elementary special education teacher and a certified Lamaze instructor. Wendy’s area of expertise is children’s literature and she has written numerous papers on the use of books that contain characters that are marginalized by society; these include books with children who have cognitive and other disabilities, children who are abused, children who live in war zones and African American children.

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Several months ago a friend said to me, “I want to write a book for our children about a little girl with two moms…Because there just don’t seem to be any books about children of lesbian partners.”  Several weeks before this comment, I had shared a cart of picture books featuring gays and lesbians at a SAFE SCHOOL conference, but when I asked participants to share books that had been important to them featuring gay and lesbian families and people, only a couple of books were recalled.

While there aren’t mountains of picture books, also known as “rainbow books,” featuring people from the LGBT community, there are some and I wondered why people who support LGBT rights didn’t know about these books.  Hadn’t they looked for them in the public library, their child’s school library, or their local bookstore?  Why was this genre under the radar for people who were obviously searching for these books?  Here are a few answers to these questions:

1.  There just aren’t many rainbow books (for our conversation, we mean inclusive of all gender and sexual orientations) in the public or school library or in bookstores to borrow or to buy.

2.  Many of these books are out-of-print.

3. Many of these books are from small publishers whose books aren’t reviewed in the mainstream review literature. Therefore, librarians don’t know about them and if librarians do know about them, they may not be reviewed in approved review literature such as School Library Journal, Booklist, or Hornbook – three of the main library selection tools.

4. They are not written by well-known or award winning children’s authors.

5a.  They are not illustrated by well-known or  award winning children’s illustrators.

5b. Many of these books (by my observations) have little “curb” appeal and libraries and bookstores are reluctant to display titles that won’t “move.”  Libraries and bookstores want to carry books that visually grab the audience  and that the audience  wants to pick up immediately because of either the title or  the cover design.  For young non-readers, it’s all about the cover design and our best illustrators know how to grab young readers with a great cover.  It goes without saying that our finest authors and illustrators usually work for mainstream major publishers and lesser-known  authors and illustrators are used by smaller presses with fewer resources to market their books.

6.   The call for rainbow books is not part of our curriculum; therefore, schools and libraries are buying mostly books that fit into a curriculum unit.

7. Many rainbow books are only published in paperback and some schools and libraries have a policy of buying only hardback books which hold up better than paperbacks.

8.  Many communities fear censorship and don’t want to buy materials they will have to fight for  and then may have to remove from the shelves at a later time.

9.  Some of these rainbow titles are more expensive than the “general” trade books.

10.  Some of the titles have not been translated into English.

11.  Some of these titles are available in only print or only electronically – seldom both formats are available.

So what’s the solution?

1.  Ask your school and public librarians to start or expand  the rainbow collection with well-reviewed books.  Request titles for purchase if you know of titles that are not already in the collection.  Don’t forget that some of these books are e-books.

2.  Buy and give these titles as gifts for holidays and birthdays and not just to children of gay and lesbian families but children of all types of families.  (Many are available on Amazon.com if not in your local bookstore.)

3.  Read as many of these titles yourself as you can.  Discuss with others the strong and weak points of the book.

4.  Insist that rainbow families and gender non-conforming lifestyles become part of the curriculum in your school.

5.  Support groups that make lists of rainbow books available to organizations and on the internet.

Below are my top favorite rainbow titles:

Rainbow Family Collection by Jaimie Nardoo. This is an excellent reference book with all you need to know about rainbow books.

It’s OK to be Different by Todd Paar. Any books by Todd Parr are sure to be great and will all advocate for caring and inclusion.

Free to Be You and Me by Marlo Thomas.  Collection of stories, poems, music and illustrations that affirm the value of all lifestyles.

Gender non-conforming books

Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie DePaola. Based on the author’s childhood with a father who wants him not to do “girl things” but to do “boy things” like playing ball.

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Feirstein. Elmer is terribly hurt after overhearing his father’s disappointment at his not being more like the other boy ducks.  When the other ducks abandon Elmer’s father, it is Elmer who stands by his father.

William’s Doll by Charlotte Zolotow.  William wants a doll but his father thinks he would be happier with a train and balls and bats.  But William’s wise grandmother knows best!

Books with two mothers

Antonio’s Card by Rigoberto Gonzalez.  At school, Antonio is to make a card for his mother, but with two mothers, how will he decide who receives the card without hurting the feelings of the other mother?

Mommy, Mama and Me by Leslea Newman.  Simple story of a young girl showing activities she and her two mothers enjoy doing together.

Heather has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman.  This was one of the very first books about same sex parents – probably not for the youngest reader.

In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco. Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. They all love each other and have fun while growing up.

Books with two fathers

Daddy, Papa and Me by Leslea Newman. A board book showing the fun things a young boy and his two daddies enjoy doing together.

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlanger.  Two friends are playing and one asks the other which of her daddies is responsible for which family activities.

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell.  Penguins Silo and Roy meet at the Central Park Zoo in New York and work together to raise an abandoned egg that hatches into Tango.   Based on a true incident.

Biographies 

The Harvey Milk Story by Kari Krakow. A story about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay public official in California.

Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude by Jonah Winter about Gertrude Stein

Uncle Andy’s: A Fabulous Visit with Andy Warhol  and Uncle Andy’s Cats by James Warhol.  Meet famous artist Andy Warhol

Rough Tough Charley by Verla Kay.  Charley Parkhurst was a stagecoach driver -only Charley was a stagecoach driverette -proving that in the 1800’s a woman could do anything a man could do.

Award book lists

Rainbow Books from American Library Association’s Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Round Table listing commendable fiction and non-fiction for children and young adults (very few picture books).

Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Awards – Children and young adults are now included in the Stonewall Literature Awards lists which previously included only adult books. Award given by the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Round Table of America.

The post LGBT Books Are For Everyone! appeared first on Peace Study Center.

Last week we hosted our annual Peace Camp at Woodberry Crossing where 37 children spent their days swimming, learning about their interconnectedness with the environment, making new friends, enjoying snacks, laughing, running, and practicing how to be peacemakers.

Yet, children are not necessarily born knowing how to be peaceful and kind with each other. So, being at Peace Camp is one of the ways we can show them through words, deeds and stories how to be peacemakers.

To do this, our team has identified six developmental concepts to teach peaceful living.  They are:

• I Like Myself
• I’m A Good Friend
• I Help Others In Need
• I Treat Animals Kindly
• I Help Take Care Of The Earth
• I Solve Differences With Words Teamwork, And Patience

Each day at Camp, we used these developmentally appropriate concepts to discuss what it means for the kids to be peaceful with themselves as individuals, with each other, with their natural environment, and with the global community.  As I watched these curious campers learn and interact, I did a private audit of my own life to see if I always follow these concepts too.  After all, how can we expect children to be peacemakers if we adults don’t model liking ourselves through self-care, being helpful and kind to our own friends, being good Samaritans, treating all animals, wild and domestic, kindly, acting as stewards of our Earth, and being progressive and nonviolent conflict resolvers?

I’ve put an electronic sticky note on my laptop with these concepts. Every morning, when I open up my computer, I read this mantra and put it at the center of my intention for the day.  When hectic life events draw you into autopilot responses, it’s helpful to have these peacemaking concepts in your back pocket. This past weekend, my family drove up I-95 to start our family vacation. It was 95F degrees, the kids were cranky, I was mad at myself for not bringing enough snacks, traffic was awful…so I closed my eyes and started at the beginning: “I like myself, I’m a good friend…I help others in need…”

Shelly Clay-Robison has served on the PSC Board since 2010 and is also the Center’s Co-Director.  Shelly’s career has been in international humanitarian and human rights advocacy and activism and much of her work has been in writing, research, and communications.  She also has experience in cross-cultural education work in Australia and Dominica.  Shelly has a B.A. in anthropology from American University and a graduate certificate in Conflict Transformation from the University of North Florida where she researched and co-wrote a paper titled, “Peace Education in Children’s Literature,” presented at the AERA annual conference. She is currently pursuing an M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management from the University of Baltimore.  

The post A Peace Camp Inspired Mantra for Peaceful Living appeared first on Peace Study Center.

Looking for inspiration? We compiled a list of our favorite peaceful activities for the summer months. Check out our suggestions below:

1. Volunteer – Summer is the perfect time to engage in community service with your family and spread peace and compassion:
   1. Reading and bringing ice water to residents of a local nursing home.
   2. Spending time with animals at a shelter is a fun way to teach kids how to be peaceful and kind. The ASPCA has many ways to get involved with animals in need, or for our local friends, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is always in need of volunteers.
   3. Cleaning up a local park, or completing some yard work for an elderly neighbor. Encourage the children in your life to pick up litter. Make it a game to see who can find the most.
   4. Check out idealist.org for more ideas on volunteering.  Talk to your children about how they are interested in helping and then find a way.
2. Enjoy Nature –  Take advantage of the longer hours of sunlight to engage with the outdoors and teach your children to be stewards of our earth:
   1. Garden: Plant sunflower seeds in a sunny spot in a yard or a big pot, or try your hand at growing some tomatoes or other summer veggies for your family. Talk about how things grow and how we can take care of our environment.
   2. Hike! Summer is the perfect time to check out National Parks.  Baltimore suggestions include the Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Gunpowder Falls State Park, and the Gwynns Falls Trail.
   3. Practice peace through the sense of smell: Visit the Druid Hill Botanical Garden, the Sculpture Garden at the Baltimore Museum of Art, US Botanic Garden, or Sherwood Garden.
   4. Walk a Labyrinth: Practice and model peaceful contemplation for your family by walking a Labyrinth. Find one Here or visit one near us at Govans Presbyterian Church.
   5. Visit a local Farmers’ Market. Teach children about local produce and healthy food. Visit the one at Govans Church every Wednesday from 3-7pm, or the Hereford Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9am-12pm.
   6. Walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation rather than a car whenever possible.
3. Read: We publish a list of excellent picture books on peace on our website. You can access the list Here.
   1. Read a peaceful book to your child. Picking out a book on peace is a wonderful activity to do together at your local public library.
   2. Read to your child about a famous peacemaker.
   3. Visit the Peace Studies Center!
4.  Teach Kindness. 
   1.  Spread peace and compassion in your home and community: Teach your children what a “random act of kindness” is, and then challenge your family members to each complete a random act of kindness every week this summer. For younger children, help them plan their acts of kindness, and for older children, give them the resources to plan and execute their own!

We hope that our list of ideas has inspired you to pursue a peaceful summer with your family! We look forward to seeing photos of your peaceful activities and service on our Facebook page very soon!

The post The Challenge: Fostering a Peaceful Summer appeared first on Peace Study Center.