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Literature Guides

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Reading to a child is an act of love.

Learning to Give picture book and teen novel guides combine selected literature with thought-provoking discussions and activities that teach about giving and civic engagement. The books we selected for our literature guides have themes of empathy, respect, kindness, inclusion, perseverance, responsibility, generosity, and citizenship. 

The shared experience of reading a book is powerful in many ways. Children learn reading, listening, and comprehension skills, while together you celebrate the joys and sorrows that good literature presents. Literature brings us closer and introduces real issues and broadens experience in a safe environment. Reading with someone younger or older is an opportunity for developing relationships and respect across generations or grade levels!  Reading Tutor Guide    

Searchable Literature Guide Lists

Begin with one of the categories below and add keywords to narrow to titles that fit your interests. Search the full set of guides by specific title or keyword here.

Literature for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Literature for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

These books and discussion guides feature people with Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. Through literature and discussion, we explore themes of cultural representation, generosity, justice, and community, while we build awareness of the strength and beauty in differences.

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Literature Featuring Diverse People

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Literature Featuring Diverse People

These books include characters that come from many different backgrounds and help children grow their experience. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

For building inclusive attitudes, we highly recommend the book lists in The Conscious Kid as well as on this PDF from The Conscious Kid and the site We Need Diverse Books.

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Literature about Community

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Literature about Community

These selected books have community themes related to our roles and responsibilites as part of a civil society. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

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Literature about Kindness

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Literature about Kindness

These selected books have themes related to kindness and using our gifts for the good of others. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

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Literature about Self-Awareness and Using Our Voice for Good

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Literature about Self-Awareness and Using Our Voice for Good

These selected books help listeners identify their gifts or voice and use it for good. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

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Literature about the Environment and Animals

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Literature about the Environment and Animals

These selected books have themes related to environmental stewardship and caring for animals. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

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Literature about Resilience and the Common Good

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Literature about Resilience and the Common Good

These selected young adult novels have themes related to challenges and perseverance. The characters make choices that impact themselves and their community. Narrow the search by grade level or topic.

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Social Awareness

We are a global community of diverse stories - past, present, and future. Valuing our communities and sharing our unique stories contribute to a more inclusive world. The following three resources were written by educators and youth facilitators across the country to guide empathy, decision making, community building, and social justice. 

Lessons

Teacher-created philanthropy education lessons magnify the impact of any academic content with themes of generosity, community, and civic and social responsibility. Perfect base for PBL, service-learning, and student-centered instruction. Lessons align to state standards, including Common Core State Standards, and some international standards.