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A classic story about a small engine that shows great determination and courage.

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Author

Watty Piper

Link

https://youtu.be/4jadHQ_sCHo?feature=shared

Summary

The Little Engine That Could is a children's book by Watty Piper about a small blue engine that helps a train of toys and gifts reach children on the other side of a mountain:

The story

The train breaks down before reaching the children, and the toys ask several larger engines for help. However, each engine refuses for various reasons. The toys are eventually helped by the little blue engine, who repeats the mantra "I think I can, I think I can" while pulling the train over the mountain.

The theme

The story's theme is that success is about the willingness to try, not just capability. Despite the steep climb and heavy load, the little engine's determination saves the day.

Credibility

National Education Association listed the book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children"

Genre

Children's Literature l Fiction

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RL.KID.3 Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

Activity

Begin by reading "The Little Engine That Could." Pause at key moments to discuss the challenges faced by the Little Blue Engine and other characters. After reading, lead a group discussion. TTW ask questions like:

What challenges did the Little Blue Engine face?

How did the characters respond to the train's need for help?

How did the Little Blue Engine feel when faced with the big hill?

After all students have had the opportunity to answer, create a character response chart.on the board. Two columns: "Character" and "Response to Challenge." Allow students to share their observations. Write down the student responses on the board. When all students have shared, lead a quick discussion going over the responses. Let this be a student-led discussion. Sharing their ideas and building off of them. After, give each student a sticky note. Ask them to write or draw how they would respond to a challenge, as the Little Blue Engine did. Have them place their sticky notes on a designated area of the board or wall. To wrap up, discuss the student's reflections and how their responds compare to those of the characters in the story. Highlight the importance of perseverance and teamwork.

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This book explores different types of courage, from the extraordinary to the everyday.

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Author

Bernard Waber

Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVvsKFTmh3Y

Summary

The book includes examples of courage from children, adults, and animals, such as a young boy conquering his nerves on the diving board, a big sister protecting her little brother, and a dog investigating strange nighttime noises. The book encourages children to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. It can also be a good read for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.

Credibility

Award-winning writer and illustrator

Parent’s Choice Gold Award, 2002

Genre

Children's Literature

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RI.CS.6 Identify the main purpose of a text, including what an author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

Activity

Read the Book: Read Courage aloud to the class, discussing key examples of courage along the way.

Class Discussion: After finishing the book, ask:

What do you think the main purpose of this book is?

What messages about courage do you think the author wants us to understand?

Brainstorming Session: On the board, create two columns: "Examples of Courage" and "Main Purpose." Have students share their thoughts, filling in the chart with examples from the book and ideas about the author's purpose.

Create a Poster:

Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students each).

Each group will create a poster that illustrates what they believe is the book's main purpose.

They should include:

A title (e.g., "What Courage Means")

Illustrations of at least two examples of courage from the book.

A few sentences explain the text's main purpose (e.g., "The author wants us to understand that everyone can be brave in different ways.").

Gallery Walk: Once the posters are complete, have groups display their work around the classroom. Allow students to walk around, look at each poster, and read the explanations.

Reflection: After the gallery walk, gather the class and discuss:

What did you notice about the different interpretations of the main purpose?

How do these examples of courage help us understand the author’s message?

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Jack and Annie courageously travel through time to the age of dinosaurs.

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Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, No. 1)

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Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, No. 1)

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Author

Mary Pope Osborne

Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjEsEdrkb6o

Summary

In "Dinosaurs Before Dark," part of the Magic Tree House series, courage and adventure are central themes that resonate with young readers. Here are some ways the book inspires them:

1. Facing the Unknown: Jack and Annie enter a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs. Their willingness to explore despite the danger encourages readers to embrace the unknown and confront their fears.

2. Curiosity and Learning: The story is filled with fascinating facts about dinosaurs, sparking curiosity and a love for learning. This encourages young readers to seek knowledge and adventure in their own lives.

3. Teamwork: Jack and Annie use each other’s strengths to navigate challenges. Their friendship teaches the importance of collaboration and support in overcoming obstacles.

4. Imagination and Creativity: The magical elements of the treehouse and the journey through time highlight the power of imagination, inspiring readers to dream big and explore their ideas.

Through their exciting adventure, Jack and Annie demonstrate that courage and curiosity can lead to incredible discoveries, motivating young readers to be brave and adventurous themselves.

Credibility

New York Times Best Seller

Genre

Fantasy-Fiction

Grade

2nd

Standard

2. RL.IKI.7 Use information gained from illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate an understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

Activity

1. Read the selected chapter aloud to the class. Stop occasionally to discuss illustrations and key points, asking students to share their thoughts on the characters' feelings and actions.

2. Group Discussion:
After reading, lead a discussion using guiding questions:

What challenges did Jack and Annie face in this chapter?

How did they feel at different points?

What actions did they take that showed courage?
Write students' responses on the whiteboard.

3. Illustration Analysis:
Show illustrations from the chapter. Ask students to describe what they see and how the illustrations help them understand the characters’ emotions and actions.

How do the images depict courage?

What details stand out?

4. Create a Courage Chart:
On chart paper, create a “Courage Chart.” Divide it into sections for Jack and Annie. Under each name, describe examples of how they showed courage during the chapter. Encourage students to contribute ideas.

5. Art Activity:
Have students draw a scene from the chapter that illustrates a moment of courage. They should label their drawing with a sentence explaining how the character shows courage.

6. Share and Reflect:
Allow students to share their drawings with the class. Discuss how courage is important in adventures and in their own lives.

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Malala's true story of courage and perseverance is told in a way accessible to young readers.

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Author

Malala Yousafzai

Link

https://youtu.be/zVgtqDDXWVg

Summary

In Malala Yousafzai: The Magic Pencil, Malala shares her story of growing up in Pakistan and her passion for education. The book is illustrated beautifully and conveys how, as a young girl, she dreamed of a world where everyone could go to school and learn. Malala describes her love for writing and how she wished for a magic pencil that could change the world—helping those in need, creating schools, and spreading peace.

As the story unfolds, Malala faces challenges when the Taliban begins to restrict education for girls in her community. Despite the dangers, she bravely speaks out for the right to education, using her voice as her most powerful tool. Her courage and determination shine through as she continues to advocate for herself and other girls, emphasizing the importance of education and the belief that one voice can make a difference.

Credibility

Noble Peace Prize winner (2014)

Genre

Children's nonfiction (biography & memoir)

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RL.IKI.7 Use information gained from illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

Activity

Read the Book: Read Malala Yousafzai: The Magic Pencil aloud to the class, prompting students to focus on the characters and settings as they go.

Discuss Key Elements:

After reading, discuss the main characters and settings in the story.

Ask questions like:

What are some important places in Malala’s life?

Who are the key characters, and what do they represent?

Introduce Storyboards:

Explain to students that they will create storyboards to illustrate what they learned about the characters and settings. Each storyboard will consist of a few panels.

Storyboard Creation:

Distribute storyboard templates to each student or have them draw their own.

Instruct students to fill in their storyboards with:

Panel 1: An illustration of Malala and a brief description of her character.

Panel 2: An illustration of a significant setting (like her school) with a description of why it’s important.

Panel 3: An illustration of another character (like her parents or friends) and a brief description of their role in the story.

Sharing and Discussion:

Once students have completed their storyboards, arrange them on a bulletin board or in a designated area of the classroom.

Have students walk around and view each other’s work, encouraging them to read the descriptions and understand the connections between illustrations and text.

Reflection:

Conclude with a class discussion about how the illustrations helped them understand the characters and settings better. Ask questions like:

How did the pictures support your understanding of the text?

Which character or setting was your favorite and why?

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A non-fiction book that showcases real-life examples of courage in children.

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Author

Barbara Kerley

Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAe2_QfaHLg

Summary

Brave Like Me by Barbara Kerley is a book about children whose parents are serving in the military and the emotions they experience when they are separated:

Story

The book explores the feelings of children whose parents are deployed to another country. It tells the story of a boy and a girl and shows how everyone in the family, including the children, must be brave when a parent is serving far away.

Credibility

Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People’s award list

Genre

Non-fiction

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RI.CS.6 Identify the main purpose of a text, including what an author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

Activity

1. Read Aloud:

Begin by reading "Brave Like Me" to the class. Engage students by asking questions as you read, such as:

"What examples of bravery do you notice in the story?"

"How do the characters show they are brave?"

2. Discuss Themes:

After reading, lead a discussion about bravery and heroism in the book. Ask questions like:

"Who are the brave individuals mentioned in the story?"

"What actions make them brave?"

"How do their actions inspire others?"

3. Identify Personal Heroes:

Ask students to think about their own heroes. Prompt them with questions such as:

"Who is a hero in your life?"

"What qualities make them a hero?"

"How do they show bravery in their everyday life?"

4. Hero Purpose Chart:

Create a chart titled “Hero Purpose” on chart paper. Have students share their heroes and what they admire about them, recording their responses on the chart.

Discuss how each hero’s actions reflect a purpose, similar to those in "Brave Like Me."

5. Creative Expression:

Provide students with art supplies to create a drawing or collage of their hero. Encourage them to include:

The hero's name

A few words or phrases that describe their bravery and purpose

Students can illustrate a scene where their hero shows bravery or a moment that inspired them.

6. Reflection:

Ask students to write a short paragraph in their journals about their hero, including:

Who their hero is

What they admire about them

How their hero inspires them to be brave

Extensions:

Create a “Bravery Wall” in the classroom to display students' art and reflections.

Have students write a letter to their hero, expressing their admiration and how the hero inspires them to be brave.

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Brave Like Me [Kerley, Barbara] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Brave Like Me

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Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider demonstrate courage in friendship and sacrifice as they work together to save Wilbur from being slaughtered.

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Author

E.B. White

Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgsD-xdJdoM

Summary

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White tells the story of a young pig named Wilbur who is saved from being slaughtered by a girl named Fern. Fern raises Wilbur as her pet, but when he grows too big, he has to move to her uncle’s farm. There, Wilbur feels lonely and scared about his fate.

One day, Wilbur meets a clever spider named Charlotte, who lives in the barn. When Wilbur learns he might be slaughtered for food, Charlotte devises a plan to save him. She spins words like "Some Pig," "Terrific," and "Radiant" into her web, which draws the attention of the farmers and the media.

Charlotte’s efforts make Wilbur famous, and he wins a special prize at the county fair. Though Charlotte ultimately faces her fate, her friendship and bravery inspire Wilbur to embrace life and remember her lessons. The story beautifully explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life.

Credibility

Genre

Fiction-Fantasy- Children's novel

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RL.CS.5 Describe the overall structure of a story, including how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.

Activity

Introduction:
Begin by discussing the theme of courage in "Charlotte's Web." Ask students:

What does courage mean?

Can anyone give an example of a courageous act from the book?

Group Discussion:
Facilitate a discussion about acts of courage in the story. Write down examples on the whiteboard, focusing on characters like Wilbur and Charlotte. Encourage students to think about:

How does Charlotte show courage in helping Wilbur?

In what ways does Wilbur show bravery throughout the story?

Creative Writing Prompt:
Ask students to write a short paragraph answering the prompt:

"Write about a time when you felt brave, like Wilbur or Charlotte. What did you do, and how did it make you feel?"
Encourage them to illustrate their writing with a small drawing.

Share and Reflect:
Invite a few students to share their paragraphs with the class. Discuss how their experiences relate to the courage shown by characters in "Charlotte's Web."

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Ralph the mouse shows bravery as he embarks on exciting adventures with a toy motorcycle.

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Author

Beverly Cleary

Link

https://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Motorcycle-Beverly-Cleary/dp/0380709244

Summary

In "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" by Beverly Cleary, courage is a central theme illustrated through the character of Ralph, a young mouse. Ralph dreams of adventure and, when he meets a boy named Keith, he steps outside his comfort zone, eager to explore the world beyond his mouse hole. He bravely learns to ride Keith's toy motorcycle, facing his fears and embracing the excitement of new experiences. When Keith gets into trouble, Ralph demonstrates true courage by risking his safety to help his friend, navigating the dangers of the hotel, and avoiding humans along the way. Through his determination and willingness to confront obstacles, Ralph shows that courage comes in many forms—whether it’s trying something new or standing by a friend in need, inspiring readers to be brave in their own lives.

Credibility

Newbery Medal

Genre

Children's literature- chapter book

Grade

2nd

Standard

2.RI.CS.6 Identify the main purpose of a text, including what an author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

Activity

Introduction:
Introduce the chapter and its main events. Explain that today, the focus will be on understanding how Ralph and Keith demonstrate courage and friendship.

Read Aloud:
Read the chapter aloud to the class, pausing at key moments to highlight important actions or emotions. Ask students to think about how the characters feel during these moments.

Guided Discussion:
Ask targeted questions to facilitate discussion:

What is happening in this chapter?

How does Ralph show courage?

How does Keith help Ralph?
Encourage students to share their thoughts, writing key points on the whiteboard.

Character Graphic Organizer:
Distribute graphic organizers that include sections for Ralph and Keith. Have students fill in information about each character’s actions, feelings, and any changes they notice. Guide them to think about how courage is shown.

Theme Exploration:
On chart paper, write down themes from the chapter, such as "friendship," "bravery," and "adventure." Discuss with the class how these themes are illustrated through the characters’ actions. Ask students to give examples from the text.

Creative Reflection:
Have students choose one theme or character they found most interesting. Ask them to create a small poster illustrating their choice, including drawings and a few sentences explaining why it’s important.

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This book teaches children about courage through relatable situations and positive affirmations.

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Author

Suzy Capozzi

Link

https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Rodale-Curious-Readers-Level/dp/1623369541

Summary

"I Am Brave" by Suzy Capozzi is an empowering children's book that encourages young readers to embrace their inner strength and face challenges with courage. Through relatable characters and uplifting messages, the story emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-confidence, and believing in oneself. It inspires children to recognize their bravery in everyday situations, reinforcing the idea that everyone can overcome fears and obstacles. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, making it an engaging read that motivates kids to be courageous in their own lives.

Credibility

Ranked in Early Learning Beginner Readers & Children's Values Books

Genre

Children's Literature- Fiction

Grade

2nd

Standard

2. RL.IKI.7 Use information gained from illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

Activity

Read Aloud:

Read "I Am Brave" aloud to the class. Encourage students to pay attention to both the words and illustrations.

Discussion:

After reading, have a class discussion. Ask questions like:

Who are the main characters in the story?

Where does the story take place (setting)?

What happens in the story (plot)?

Illustration Exploration:

Divide students into small groups. Have each group select one page or illustration from the book.

Ask them to discuss what they see in the illustration and how it connects to the text.

Graphic Organizer:

Provide a simple graphic organizer with three sections: Characters, Setting, and Plot.

In their groups, students will fill out the organizer based on their discussion. They can write down words or phrases from the text and draw connections to the illustrations.

Creative Drawing:

After completing the graphic organizer, ask each student to draw their favorite character or scene from the book. Encourage them to include details from both the illustrations and the text.

Share:

Have each student share their drawing with the class, explaining how it connects to what they learned about the characters, setting, or plot.

Reflection:

Conclude with a reflective discussion. Ask students how the illustrations helped them understand the story better and what they enjoyed about the characters and plot.