Youths4Peace Literature

Brody, Ed, Jay Goldspinner, Katie Green, Rona Lenenthal, and John Porcino.  Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories, Storytelling And Activities For Peace, Justice And The Environment.  New Society Press, 2002.  ISBN: 0865714479.

The second edition of this much-loved storytelling sourcebooks features 29 wondrous children's stories from around the world. From the mythic and the fantastic, to the silly and the serious, these timeless tales encourage conflict resolution, compassion, and sensitivity to the Earth and all living things. An incredible sourcebook for storytellers, teachers, parents and healers, each story is followed by suggested activiities and exercises, storytelling tips, and resources, all designed to deepen the storytelling experience.  Gr. Highschool and up.

Demi.  The Greatest Power.  Simon & Schuster, 2004.  ISBN-100689845030.

Emperor Ping, the boy emperor known for his love of harmony, sets a challenge to the children of his kingdom: show him the greatest power in the world. "To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace," Emperor Ping announces. "Whoever knows this harmony will become the new prime minister." The children get to work right away and have many bright ideas. But as a young girl named Sing reflects upon the challenge, she wonders how any of those things, which cannot last forever, could be the greatest power in the world. She is certain there is something even more powerful, and the source of this power will surprise and delight her.

de Paola, Tomie.  The mysterious giant of Barletta:  an Italian folktale.  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1984.  ISBN:  0152307761.

An eleventh century tale about a giant statue that comes to life to help the townspeople.  Gr. Pre-K-2.

Fox, Mem.  Illustrated by Nicholas Wilton.  Feathers And Fools.  Harcourt, 2000.  ISBN: 0152023658.

A story of two flocks of birds who begin to fear each other because of their differences. The fear grows, and soon the birds become enemies, hoarding weapons to protect themselves - until panic strikes and the chance for peace is lost forever. This book is a powerful cautionary tale.

Gantschev, Ivan.  Adapted by Andrew Clements.  Good Morning, Good Night..  Picture Book Studio, 1991. ISBN:  0887081835.

Relates how the bragging sun and the quiet moon come to be friends and to respect and value their differences.

Gantschev, Ivan.  Translated by Marianne Martens.  Moon lake.  North-South Books, 1996.  ISBN:  1558585982.

A shepherd boy follows a lost sheep to the secret lake in which the moon bathes, but greedy townspeople soon learn that its banks are encrusted with silver, gold, and precious jewels.

Gantschev, Ivan.  Translated by J. Alison James.  The three little rabbits: a Balkan folktale.  North-South Books, 2002.  ISBN:  0735814740.

A Balkan variation on the tale of "The Three Little Pigs," in which three young rabbits set out on their own, but only one of them follows her father's advice on how to be safe from a hungry fox.

Gantschev, Ivan.  The Volcano.  Neugebauer Press, 1981.  ISBN:  0907234038.

Trouble comes to a beautiful island when an evil giant crab tries to destroy a volcano.

Gantschev, Ivan.  Translated by Andrew Clements.  Where the moon lives.  South Books, 1998.  ISBN:  155858921X.

A young duck asks his father about all the wonders of the world, but he has to go see the wise old swan to answer his questions about the beautiful moon.

Hoberman, Mary Ann.  Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.  And To Think That We Thought We'd Never Be Friends.  Dragonfly Books, 2003.  ISNB:  9780440417767.

This utopian tale begins with passing discord between siblings and progresses to a vision of world peace through an enormous parade. Inspired by Dr. Seuss's And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, the light-footed rhythms of Hoberman's text skip blithely from easily resolved family squabbles to a quarrel with a neighbor that begins the burgeoning parade joined by townsfolk, police officers and zoo animals. The lion may not lie down with the lamb, but according to Hawkes's pulsing and swaying spreads, they will cavort together to band music.  Youngsters will want to jump in before this parade can pass them by.

Literature

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