Ada, Alma Flor.
The Gold Coin.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1991.
2–5 PB

A thief changes his ways when he is inspired by the generosity and goodness of a humble woman. This story illustrates how leadership by example can be an effective way to change someone’s behavior.

Bogacki, Tomeck.
Circus Girl.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001.
2–5 PB

A new girl in town helps children in a classroom make new friends.

Bunting, Eve.
A Day’s Work.
Clarion, 1994.
2–5 PB

A migrant worker teaches his grandson about honesty after the young boy twists the truth to secure a day’s work for his grandfather.

Cutler, Jane.
Cello of Mr. O. Dutton.
Children’s Books, 1999.
4–5 PB

A famous musician demonstrates great courage when his village is attacked during a war. He bravely attempts to unify the villagers with his music despite the danger that threatens his life.

Demi.
The Empty Pot.
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 1990.
2–5 PB

An Emperor selects his successor by finding out which child in his kingdom is the most honest.

Elliott, Laura Malone.
Hunter’s Best Friend at School.
HarperCollins, 2002.
K–3 PB

Hunter leads his best friend out of trouble at school by modeling good behavior.

Freedman, Russell.
Confucius: The Golden Rule.
Arthur A. Levine Books, 2002.
4–5 CB

A look at the life and teachings of a Chinese philosopher.

Golenbock, Peter.
Teammates.
Gulliver Books, 1990.
4–5 PB

Pee Wee Reese, a member of the 1940’s Brooklyn Dodgers, takes a public stand in support of his teammate, Jackie Robinson.

Lionni, Leo.
Swimmy.
Pantheon Books, 1963.
K–3 PB

A school of red fish has a problem and a little black fish leads the way to finding a solution.

McCully, Emily Arnold.
The Bobbin Girl.
Dial Books for Young Readers, 1996.
4–5 PB

A young girl learns about courage and leadership while she works at a textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts, in the 1830’s.

Park, Linda Sue.
The Firekeeper’s Son.
Clarion Books, 2004.
2–3 PB

An early 19th century father-son team in Korea overcomes a crisis in order to keep an important fire burning.

Parks, Rosa, and Gregory J. Reed.
Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue with Today’s Youth.
Lee & Low Books, 1996.
4–5 CB

A collection of correspondence between children and Rosa Parks.

Reynolds, Peter H.
The Dot.
Candlewick Press, 2003.
K–3 PB

A wise teacher gently encourages a reluctant art student to “make a mark” and see where it leads.

Ryan, Pam Munoz.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson.
Scholastic, Inc., 2002.
4–5 PB

The biography of Marian Anderson, a courageous African-American opera singer.

Smothers, Ethel Footman.
The Hard-Times Jar.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003.
4–5 PB

Emma’s transition to a new school is difficult because of her family’s economic hardships. Her courage helps her face each new challenge.

Soto, Gary.
Too Many Tamales.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1991.
2–3 PB

Maria must admit that she has lost her mother’s wedding ring and then think of a way to find it.

Waber, Bernard.
Courage.
Houghton Mifflin, 2002.
K–5 PB

Children exhibit many kinds of courage, from jumping into a pool from a diving board, to being the first person to make up after an argument.