2005-2006 Selections
FMC - First Mennonite Church Shalom Reader's Collection
LCL - Available to borrow at Lincoln City Libraries
CBD - Available for purchase at ChristianBook.com
AMZ - Available for purchase at Amazon.com
Jake Drake, Bully Buster - FMC - LCL - AMZ
by Andrew Clements; illustrated by Amanda Harvey. Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers, 2001. Jake faces the challenge of cooperating
with the school bully on a class project.
Peaceful protest: the life of Nelson Mandela - FMC - LCL - AMZ
by Yona Zeldis McDonough; illustrations by Malcah Zeldis. Walker, 2002.
A biography of the black South African leader who became a civil rights
activist, political prisoner, and president of South Africa.
Remember: the journey to school integration - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Toni Morrison. Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Photographs from the 1950s
bring to life the experiences and emotions of the African-American
students who were at the center of school integration. The author
imagines the thoughts and feelings of some of the people in the
pictures to help us understand this time in history.
Previous Selections
An Angel for Salomon Singer - LCL - AMZ
by Cynthia Rylant. Orchard Books, 1992. A sensitive treatment of loneliness
Baseball Saved Us - LCL - AMZ
by Ken Mochizuki. Lee & Low Books, NY 1993. A Japanese-American boy
in an internment camp during WW II learns to funnel his anger into a
baseball game.
The Bracelet - LCL - AMZ
by Yoshiko Uchida. Philomel Books, NY, 1976. A Japanese-American girl
remembers her friends as she leaves home to live in an internment camp
during WW II.
The Bully of Barkham Street - AMZ
by Mary Stolz. Harper and Row, 1963. School bully, Martin, struggles
with his reputation - wanting to change but not knowing how.
The Butterfly - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Patricia Polacco: Philomel, 2000. During the Nazi occupation of
France, a French girl discovers that a young Jewish girl has been
hiding in her cellar.
Cecil's Story - LCL - AMZ
by George Ella Lyon. Orchard Books, NY, 1991. A young farm boy faces his fears as his father goes to fight in the Civil War.
Chicken Sunday - LCL - AMZ
by Patricia Polacco. Philomel Books, 1992. A Jewish girl and 2
Afro-American friends win over a shopkeeper and get a sunbonnet for the
boy's grandmother.
Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate - LCL - AMZ
by Janice Cohn. Albert Whitman & Co, 1995. Two families - one
Jewish, one Christian - and a community resolve to stand together
against hate filled actions in their community. The story is based on
real events in Billings, Montana in 1993.
Coals of Fire - CBD - AMZ
by Elizabeth Hershberger Bauman. Herald Press, 1954. Seventeen stories
from various geographic locations and faiths in which people overcome
evil with good.
Dad, Why'd You Leave Me? - FMC - CBD - AMZ
by Dorothy Frost. Herald Press, 1992. When Ronnie's father dies, he is confused and lonely, and he slowly learns to cope.
Fire on the Mountain - LCL - AMZ
by Jane Kurtz. Simon & Schuster, 1994. A clever young shepherd boy
uses his wits to gain a fortune for himself and his sister from a
boastful rich man.
Freedom Train - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Dorothy Sterling. Scholastic, 1970. A biography of Harriet Tubman,
who escaped from slavery then led others along the same underground
railroad.
Gleam and Glow - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Eve Bunting. Harcourt Press, 2001. When Viktor's family has to flee
their home he puts his pet goldfish in their backyard pond hoping they
will somehow survive until he can return to dare for them.
Goin' Someplace Special - LCL - AMZ
by Patricia McKissack: Atheneum 2001. A young girl visits a ``special
place'' where all are welcome, regardless of their skin color.
The Great Shalom - AMZ
by Peter J. Dyck. Herald Press, 1990. Another one of Peter's delightful
stories shared for young lives growing in the Christian faith.
The Hundred Dresses - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Eleanor Estes. Harcourt Brace, 1994. A story about friendships and hurtful teasing.
If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World's People - LCL - AMZ
by David J. Smith. Kids Can Press, 2002. Imagine the world as a village
of just 100 people. This book tells us who we are, where we live, what
languages we speak, what religions we practice.
I'm Sorry Almira Ann - LCL - AMZ
by Jane Kurtz. Henry Holt & Co., 1999. 8 -year old Sarah's lively
spirit help make her family's long journey from Missouri to Oregon by
covered wagon more bearable. But her impulsiveness also causes major
trouble for her best friend. Sara finds a way to make it up to her.
The Jacket - LCL - AMZ
by Andrew Clements: Simon and Schuster, 2002. Sixth-grader Phil comes
to an awareness of his own racial prejudice after he sees Daniel, an
African-American boy, wearing his brother's one-of-a-kind jacket and
leaps to the conclusion that Daniel has stolen the coat.
Just A Dream - LCL - CBD - AMZ
by Chris Van Allsburg. Houghton Mifflin, 1990. A young boy dreams about
a future earth devastated by pollution and then understands the
importance of caring for the earth now.
The Land I Lost; Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam - LCL - AMZ
Huynh Quang Nhuong. Harper Collins, 1982. The true story of a Vietnamese boy describes the tragedy caused by conflict.
Leagues Apart: The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball League - AMZ
by Lawrence S. Ritter. Morrow Jr. Books, 1995. A story of the players in the league and the racism they faced.
A Leap of Faith, True Stories for Young and Old - LCL - AMZ
by Peter J. Dyck. Herald Press, 1990. A collection of true stories that are written to inform, motivate and educate.
The Lotus Seed - LCL - AMZ
by Sherry Garland. Harcourt Brace & Co., 1993. A grandmother
recalls life in Vietnam and passes along her family's rich heritage to
her grandchildren in America.
Martha Berry: A Woman of Courageous Spirit & Bold Dreams
by Joyce Blackburn. Peachtree, 1992. A farsighted pioneer in education
who started a school in a tiny log cabin for underprivileged children
in the
mountains of Georgia.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
by Dorreen Rappaport. Jump Sun, 2001. Provides information about King
and his crusade for civil rights, as well as a powerful sample of his
own words.
Martin Luther King: the Peaceful Warrior
by Ed Clayton. Prentice Hall, 1967. The story of the life and ideas of this famous civil rights worker.
Mayfield Crossing
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Putnam Publishing, 1993. This is a story
about baseball and school and friendships and overcoming racial
differences.
Molly's Pilgrim
by Barbara
Cohen. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1983. Molly brings her Pilgrim
doll to school and the whole 3rd grade learns that it takes all kinds
of Pilgrims to make a Thanksgiving.
Mother Teresa, Sister to the Poor
by Patricia Reilly Giff. Puffin Books, 1986. A profile of the saint of
Calcutta who cared for the starving and homeless whom others had
abandoned.
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
by John Steptoe. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1987. One sister is
rewarded for her kindness to the people and animals she meets on her
journey.
Nathan's Secret
by N. Geraldine
Plunkett. Brethren Press, 2000. Nathan's father's commitment to God
does not allow him to fight in the Civil War. Although he is in hiding
from conscriptors, he risks his life to save a wounded soldier.
Navajo Long Walk
by Nancy M. Armstrong. Scholastic, 1994. A young Navajo boy, Kee, must
travel 300 miles with his family by order of the US cavalry. He makes
friends with the Captains son, but still hopes they will be able to
return to their beloved land and way of life.
One Grain of Rice
by Demi. Scholastic, 1997. A mathematical tale that has a young peasant
girl reminding the Ruler of the benefits of caring for and feeding the
people around him.
Peace Be With You
by
Cornelia Lehn. Faith and Life Press, 1980. But what of peace heroes?
This book is filled with stories of heroes from biblical to present day
warriors who have lived the Christian way of peace.
Peace Tales: World Folklore to Talk About
by Margaret Read McDonald. Linnet Books, 1992. Stories of peace from around the world.
A Penny & Two Fried Eggs
by Geraldine Gross Harder. Herald Press, 1991. Exciting stories about
Christopher Dock, Christian Krehbeil and others. They had dreams to
become leaders in early America.
People
by
Peter Spier. Double Day, 1980. Delightful illustrations with words
celebrating the many differences of people around the world.
A Picture Book of Anne Frank
by David A. Adler. Holiday House, 1994. An introduction to Anne Frank's
life story in pictures and an outline of events in her life.
Pink and Say
by Patricia Polacco. Philomel Books, 1994. Two young boys, one black
one white, desert the army during the Civil War. Only one lives to tell
of their friendship and dangerous journey.
Pink Paper Swans
by Virginia Kroll. William B. Erdman's Publishing Co., 1994. A young
girl learns Japanese paper folding from a woman whose arthritic hands
prevent her from doing the work.
The Poppy Seeds
by Clyde Robert Bulla. Puffin Books, 1994. A young boy plants flowers
which softens the heart of a grouchy old man who has the village's only
spring water in his back yard.
The Pushcart War
by Jean Merrill. Dell, 1987. A light hearted but perceptive satire on
war; Pushcarts and giant trucks engage in the streets of New York.
The Queen's Smuggler
by Dave and Neta Jackson, Bethany House, 1991. A thrilling adventure
story involving William Tyndale, a Christian hero of the past.
A Quiet Strength
by Amelia Mueller. Faith and Life Press, 1992. The true story of Susanna Ruth Krehbiel, a strong and brave woman.
The Quiltmaker's Gift
by Jeff Brumbeau. Pfeifer-Hamilton, 2000. A generous quiltmaker gives
only to the poor so how will the greedy king get one of her quilts?
Through a change of heart, of course!
Race for Land
by Esther Lowen Vogt. Herald Press, 1992. Arriving from Russia, a
Mennonite family participates in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
by Eleanor Coerr. Putnam, 1977. Sadako is a Japanese heroine who died
at age 12 from Leukemia as a result of radioactivity when an atom bomb
was dropped on Hiroshima.
Sara, Plain and Tall
by Patricia MacLachlan, Harper Collins, 1985. Sara answers an ad in the
newspaper and moves from Maine to a prairie home. Happiness comes with
hope and a loving family.
Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt
by Barbara Smucker. Crown Publishers, 1996. Selina's family's Mennonite
religion forbids them to go to war so they must leave their home in
Pennsylvania and flee to Canada.
Shalom At Last
by Peter J. Dyck. Herald Press, 1992. Sequel to Great Shalom in which
the forest animals make a real peace with Mr. Farmer and a happy ending
results.
Shiloh
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Dell, 1992. A heartwarming story about a lost beagle and his search for a good home.
Shiloh Season
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Simon and Schuster, 1996. A sequel to
Shiloh . The boy uses Shiloh, his dog, to begin a friendship with Jeb
who had mistreated Shiloh.
Saving Shiloh
by
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Simon and Schuster, 1999. The last in the
trilogy. The boy and Shiloh help Jeb through compassionate caring and
receive help from Jeb in return.
Smoky Night
by Eve Bunting. Harcourt Brace, 1994. When the Los Angeles riots break
out in the streets of their neighborhood, a young boy and his mother
learn the value of getting along with others no matter what their
nationality.
Spy for the Night Rider
by
David and Neta Jackson. Bethany House Publisher, 1992. A biography of
Martin Luther written through the eyes of a young person.
Storytime Jamboree
by Peter J. Dyck. Herald Press, 1994. Bible stories of peace, fairness and living out faith portrayed by animals.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
by Deborah Hopkinson. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1993. A young slave girl
stitches a quilt with a map pattern which guides her to freedom in the
north.
The Table Where Rich People Sit
by
Byrd Baylor. Macmillan Publ., 1994. Mountain Girl's parents help her
understand that although they do not have lots of money they are rich
in the things that matter, like seeing sunsets everyday and hearing
coyotes.
Talking Walls
by Margy Burns
Knight. Tilbury House Publishers, 1992. An illustrated description of
walls around the world and their significance. Includes information
from the Great Wall of China to the Berlin Wall.
A Toad For Tuesday
by Russel Erickson. Beech Tree Books, 1974. An owl plans to keep a toad
he caught for a special birthday meal, but then a wonderful thing
happens.
Uncle Jed's Barbershop
by Marjorie
King Mitchel. Simon & Schuster, 1993. Despite some serious
obstacles and setbacks Sara Jean's Uncle Jed, the only black barber in
the county, pursues his dream of opening his own barbershop.
Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen
by Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan. Morrow Junior Books, 1991. A boy spends a day
with Uncle Willie at the soup kitchen where he works preparing food for
the hungry.
Walking With Jesus - Stories About Real People Who Return Good For Evil
by Mary Clemens Meyer. Herald Press, 1992. A collection of twenty short stories.
The Wall
by Eve Bunting. Clarion Books, 1990. A boy and his father visit the Vietnam War Memorial to find the boy's grandfather's name.
The War: Reds and Blues
by Anais Vaugelade. Carolrhoda Boos, Inc, 2001. Prince Favian does not
want to fight his fathers war so is sent into exile where he devises a
clever plan to trick the Reds and Blues into stopping their war.
The White Feather
by Ruth Eitzen. Herald Press, 1995. Based on a true story experience
near Cincinnati, Ohio, in the early 1800's, this is the story of a
Quaker family who lived their peace convictions by treating the Indians
as friends and equals.
The Yellow Star
by
Carmen Agra. Peachtree Publishers, 2000. The story of how King
Christian of Denmark led his people in civil disobedience by wearing
the yellow star so that the occupying Nazi army could not tell who was
a Jew and who was not.
Selections and notes courtesy of Central Plains Mennonite Conference Shalom Readers Club .
