Youths4Peace Literature

Walker, Alice. Illustrated by Stefano Vitale  Why War Is Never a Good Idea Harper Collins Publishers, 2007.  ISBN:  0060753856.

Using compelling paintings, poet and activist, Alice Walker, personifies the horror of war through her poetry. All ages.

Werlin, Nancy. The Rules of Survival. Dial Books, Penquin Group, Inc., 2006. ISBN: 0803730012.

Matthew has worked long and hard to protect his sisters from their enemy: their mother. Written in the form of a letter to his youngest sister, Emmy, The Rules of Survival unfolds a story about living with a problem-parent and the sacrifices made in order to survive.  Gr. 7-12.

Whelan, Gloria. Illustrated by Peter Sylvada. Yatandou.  Tales of the World from Sleeping Bear Press, 2007.  ISBN: 1585362115.

Eight-year-old Yatandou works with his family and community to raise money so they can purchase a milling machine.  A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to Building with Books (BwB), which is a not-for-profit organization that engages primarily urban youth through classroom and after-school programs. Gr. 2 and up.

Williams, Karen Lynn and Khadra Mohammed.  Illustrated by Doug Chayka.  Four Feet, Two Sandals.  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2007. ISBN: 0802852960.

When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, everyone scrambles to grab whatever they can. Ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. Four Feet, Two Sandals portrays the strength courage, and hope of refugees around the world, whose daily lives are marked by uncertainty and fear. This story was inspired by a refugee girl who asked the authors why there were no books about children like her.          Gr. 3 & up.

Woodson, Jacqueline.  Feathers.  G. P. Putnam's Sons,2007. ISBN: 0399239892.

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune - without words, and never stops at all." These words of Emily Dickinson are a recurring theme about a new boy who comes to Price School - a boy that was considered by some of the classmates as coming from "the other side of the bridge." Set in the 1970s, Woodson spins a journey of hope "into a young girl's heart and reveals the pain and the joy of learning to look beneath the surface." 2008 Newbery Honor Award. Gr. 7 and up.

Zei, Alki.  Petros' War.  E. P. Dutton,1972. ISBN: 0575015632.

Petros’ best friend is shot during a demonstration, making his own resistance to the Fascists more personal.

Zemach, Kaethe.  Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw.  Arthur A. Levine Books/ An Imprint of Scholastic,2008. ISBN: 0439829144.

Dudley Ellington struggles to learn anything at school. One day when his very patient teacher, Ms. McCaw, is unable to draw a face on the board, he helps her figure out how to do it. Funny yet tender picture book about providing opportunities to nurture potential in others. Preschool and up.

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