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Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf Publishers.

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Palacio, R.J. (2012). Wonder. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf Publishers.

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly.
Auggie Pullman faces public school for the first time after being homeschooled until fifth grade. As hard as making friends is for anyone, Auggie also has a severe facial deformity that makes him the center of attention-- and that's not a good thing in most cases. However, he bravely pushes through and shows that there is more to him than just his face.
How to use in the classroom/library:

1. Teach the theme: bravery (5th RL 6.1) and how Auggie demonstrates it in the story.

2. Discuss how our social contexts (school, in this case) influence characters and us as humans (5th RL 8.1B).

3. Analyze varying points-of-view from the story and how our 1st person narrative of Auggie changes the way we see him (5th RL 11.1).

Extended Student Learning:

Have students create narratives similar to Auggie about a time he/she showed bravery.

Lead discussion on the importance of bravery and empathy.

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Craft, J. (2019). New Kid. (J. Del Orden, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Apple Audio.

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Craft, J. (2019). New Kid. (J. Del Orden, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Apple Audio.

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Selection Tool: Booklist
Jordan is starting seventh grade at a new private school where he is one of the only black students who attends this predominately white school. It is clear he is different as soon as he meets his first new classmate. Jordan navigates this world by expressing his feelings and experiences in his sketchbook where he humors us and saddens us with his realistic experiences of what it is like to be him. [You can find this book in graphic novel form or Audiobook.]
How to use in the classroom/library:

1. Teach the theme: bravery (5th RL 6.1) and how Jordan demonstrates it in the story.

2. Discuss how varying contexts (cultural, in this case) influence characters' feelings and experiences (5th RL 8.1B) and make connections with characters who are like us.

3. Analyze varying points-of-view from the story and how our 1st person narrative of Jordan shows us his internal thinking (5th RL 11.1).

Extended Student Learning

Create personal sketchbooks that show our own internal thinking about who we are and where we stand in society. Have students write and/or sketch these thoughts like Jordan.

Offer additional audiobooks that enhance the stories through dialect that reflects its characters.

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Javaherbin, Mina. (2010). Goal! Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

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Javaherbin, Mina. (2010). Goal! Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

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Selection Tool: School Library Journal
A group of friends in South Africa cope with the hardships of poverty, bullying, and danger with their favorite game-- soccer.  The boys create their own ball from the resources they have available and play happily regardless of the issues that arise or haunt them from the streets.
How to use in the classroom/library:

1. Teach the theme: bravery (5th RL 6.1) and how the boys demonstrate it in the story.

2. Discuss how varying contexts (cultural, social, and political) influence the characters' feelings and experiences (5th RL 8.1B). Make comparisons to our own experiences.

3. Guide discussion of how the author's choice of point-of-view shapes the story's plot. (5th RL 11.1). Writing prompt: How would changing the setting or age/ethnicity of the boys change the plot?

Extended Student Learning:

Draw pictures that represent the different types of bravery (hero saves the day, overcoming a personal struggle, facing adversity, standing up for others, accepting yourself, etc.).

Choose another picture book you've read and rewrite it from a different character's perspective. Evaluate how the story had to change in order for you to do this.

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Stoddard, L. (2020). Brave Like That. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishing.

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Stoddard, L. (2020). Brave Like That. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishing.

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Selection Tool: Kirkus.
Cyrus is a sixth grader who struggles to impress his father. He hides his true interests from his father and feels like a failure with his reading and no longer enjoys the football field. He debates on whether he will be brave and stand up for the new friend who he feels understands him better than anyone.
How to use in the classroom/library:

1. Teach the theme: bravery (5th RL 6.1) and discuss how Cyrus and Eduardo demonstrate it in the story.

2. Discuss how varying contexts (social, in this case) influence the characters' feelings and experiences (5th RL 8.1B). Make comparisons to our own experiences.

3. Guide discussion of how the author's choice of point-of-view shapes the story's plot. (5th RL 11.1).

Extended Student Learning:

Make text-to-world connections by describing times when we have witnessed bullying or been bullied. Discuss how we can be brave in future scenarios like these.

Make an anti-bullying plan for our school that lists how we can identify, prevent, and stop bullying.

Discuss what BRAVERY is and the many ways we can be brave using the video below as a resource.

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PBS KIDS Talk About | BRAVERY & COURAGE | PBS KIDS

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Bradley, K. (2015). The War That Saved My Life. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books.

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Bradley, K. (2015). The War That Saved My Life. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books.

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly
Ada, despite her disability, makes the choice to escape emotional abuse from her mother when she evacuates with her younger brother to London during WWII. While living with a Ms. Smith, she begins to love herself even though her disability has caused her to have negative feelings in the past. She learns to walk and begins to see life in a positive way despite the war.
How to use in the classroom/library:

1. Teach the theme: bravery (5th RL 6.1) and discuss how Ada demonstrates it in the story. Brainstorm other themes that often coincide with bravery.

2. Discuss how varying contexts (historical, social) influence the character's feelings and experiences (5th RL 8.1B). Make comparisons to our own experiences.

3. Guide discussion of how the author's choice of point-of-view shapes the story's plot. (5th RL 11.1).

Extended Student Learning:

Conduct research on a disability and share what you learn. Include what steps we can take to make those with disabilities feel included and loved, unlike Ada in the beginning of the story.

Research WWII and find other stories about brave heroes during this time period.

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
Maria, Jin, and Fatima are new here, and they feel very left out in their new environment. The three express all the feelings associated with experiencing a new culture, home, friends, and not knowing the language. Regardless, the three carry on and begin to adjust to their new lives.

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Beard, E. (2019). Bravery Magazine. Retrieved from https://braverymag.com/.

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Beard, E. (2019). Bravery Magazine. Retrieved from https://braverymag.com/.

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Selection Tool: Parents' Choice Awards.
Bravery Magazine covers a myriad of topics that emulate bravery. Although it is not fiction, the interviews and stories included are great supplements for fiction reading. The magazine inspires boys and girls to create and innovate like other known creators who have been brave enough to try new things.

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Selection Tool: Reading Rockets.
Cricket Magazine publishes fiction and nonfiction stories for kids that include culture, history, and many other facets associated with bravery. Cricket Magazine encourages kids to express themselves.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

CRICKET magazine publishes only the highest quality fiction and classic literature and nonfiction stories on culture, history, science, and the arts. Each issue includes a signature cast of rambunctious bug characters who offer humorous commentary on the stories.

The best in award-winning fiction and nonfiction since 1973

Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner in 2020

World-renowned writers and illustrators

Perfect for imaginative readers ages 9 to 14

Published 9 times per year

Like all our magazines, 100% ad-free

CRICKET Magazine has delighted and entertained generations of kids with contemporary stories and classic literature from the world's best writers, paired with illustrations so beautiful they take your breath away. CRICKET's signature cast of rambunctious bug characters offer humorous commentary on the stories, teaching vocabulary and introducing advanced concepts.
The Cricket Media Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied with CRICKET, you may change your subscription to any of our other kids' magazines for free. You also can cancel at any time by contacting 1-800-821-0115.

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS

Print: Shipping is free when mailed to an address in the U.S. (additional $15 USD for Canada). Please allow 4-6 weeks for arrival of the first issue. For more immediate gift delivery, we recommend selecting the optional gift issue above. International issues available in digital form only. For international orders click here.

Digital: Access the magazine on your computer, smartphone and tablet. You will receive download and login instructions via email when we process your order.

Print + Digital: 9 print issues mailed to the young reader in your life PLUS a digital edition of each issue available for computer, smartphone and tablet.

*AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OF SUBSCRIPTION

For your convenience, your new subscription(s) will be automatically renewed at the end of each term at the preferred renewal rate then in effect, unless you have cancelled. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-800-821-0115, as described in the "Cricket Guarantee." Towards the end of the term of your subscription(s) you'll receive a reminder with the upcoming rate(s) then in effect. We (or our order processing service) will automatically charge your credit/debit card or bill you at time of renewal at the rate stated on the reminder. For further details on Automatic Renewals and Cancellations click here.

REFUND POLICY

If you or your child are not completely delighted with your Cricket Media magazine, we'll refund the cost of all issues remaining on your subscription.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. CRICKET magazine publishes only the highest quality fiction and classic literature and nonfiction stories on culture, history, science, and the arts.

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Duff, Z. (2020) JigSpace. Retrieved from https://jig.space/index.html

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Duff, Z. (2020) JigSpace. Retrieved from https://jig.space/index.html

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Selection Tool: Association for Library Service to Children
JigSpace is a website that allows you to create and share 3D presentations. This is a great tool used to try new things, explore, and share what you create. It is user friendly and ultimately, a place for creativity.

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Explore interactive, 3D knowledge for anything. We are on a mission to let anyone share their knowledge with spatial computing.

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Selection Tool: Association for Library Service to Children
Pocketbuild allows kids (or adults) to create their own worlds from scratch. Much like Minecraft, you have free reign to express yourself to the fullest extent through technology. Let's be brave enough to be original.

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Description:

Build & design your own fantasy world using over 600+ items, in this relaxing sandbox game. No missions, no objectives, no timers. Just stress-free building, exploration, and good vibes.

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Description: Build & design your own fantasy world using over 600+ items, in this relaxing sandbox game. No missions, no objectives, no timers. Just stress-free building, exploration, and good vibes.

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Chapman, B. (Director). (2012). Brave [Film]. Pixar.

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Chapman, B. (Director). (2012). Brave [Film]. Pixar.

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
The Pixar Disney movie, Brave, tells the story of a courageous girl who defies tradition to carve her own path in life. Despite some mistakes Merida makes in defiance, she soon discovers what the true meaning of bravery is.

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Riordan, R. (2005). Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief [ebook]. Disney Electronic Content. 

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Riordan, R. (2005). Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief [ebook]. Disney Electronic Content. 

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
Percy Jackson feels hopeless about his circumstances and what seem are his disabilities until he discovers he is actually the son of a Greek god. After being accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, Percy and his friends go on a dangerous quest to clear his name and save his mother.

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Bartoletti, S.C. (2008). The Boy Who Dared. New York, NY: Scholastic. 

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Bartoletti, S.C. (2008). The Boy Who Dared. New York, NY: Scholastic. 

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
This historical fiction account based on the true story of Helmuth Hübener tells the story of the youngest person to be sentenced to death by the Nazis during World War II. Sometimes brave acts end in tragedy, but those same acts change the world.

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Barnhill, K. (2016). The Girl Who Drank the Moon. New York, NY: Algonquin Publishing. 

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Barnhill, K. (2016). The Girl Who Drank the Moon. New York, NY: Algonquin Publishing. 

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
The Protectorate sacrifices a baby each year to suppress the witch, Xan, who is not actually evil like they tell the people of the society. This tale has multiple plotlines which show characters with integrity and great courage.

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Larson, H. (2012). A wrinkle in time: The graphic novel. New York, NY: Square Fish Books. 

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Larson, H. (2012). A wrinkle in time: The graphic novel. New York, NY: Square Fish Books. 

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
Meg and Charles Wallace’s scientist father disappeared four years ago after using a tesseract to travel to another planet. The children and three “other-worldlies” help them travel to this alternate universe to rescue their father. Meg must conquer her inner struggles and the outer ones to find herself and her father.

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Reynolds, A. (2010). Back of the Bus. New York, NY: Philomel Books. 

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Reynolds, A. (2010). Back of the Bus. New York, NY: Philomel Books. 

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly.
This fictional story of a boy on the back of the bus where Rosa Parks made her famous "no" witnesses her refusal after rolling a marble down the bus floor that she catches and rolls back. He finds courage in her courage in this inspiring story.

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Lai, T. (2011). Inside Out and Back Again. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishing. 

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Lai, T. (2011). Inside Out and Back Again. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishing. 

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly.
Ha shares her immigration story through free verse poetry. She struggles through the emotions of her father being a POW during the Vietnam war and those that accompany the family's immigration. She eventually regains her academic confidence and finds her place in Alabama.

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Nolen, J. (2017). Calico Girl. United States: Simon & Shuster.

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Nolen, J. (2017). Calico Girl. United States: Simon & Shuster.

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Selection Tool: Booklist.
Callie is a young slave during the Civil War, and she and her family push towards freedom while sharing their accounts of what slavery was like during this time period. Callie also likes to learn and wants to teach despite all that causes her adversity.

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Berger, S. (2018). What If. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

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Berger, S. (2018). What If. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly.
No matter what, our narrator finds a way to create. She uses her imagination no matter where she is, no matter what she has as tools to express herself with. The determination of the narrator is unmatchable in this inspiring story.

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Selection Tool: Publisher's Weekly.
Suzy, sure that her bestfriend's drowning was actually due to a rare jellyfish sting, goes on a trip around the world to prove her theory. She even goes alone.

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Narrated by Sarah Franco

5 hr 20 min

Buy as Gift Add to Wishlist

This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist!

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door.

Oddlot Entertainment has acquired the screen rights to The Thing About Jellyfish, with Gigi Pritzker set to produce with Bruna Papandrea and Reese Witherspoon.

Additional Information

Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Marine Life

Juvenile Fiction / Family / Marriage & Divorce

Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Death & Dying

Eligible for Family Library

Listening information

Laptops and Computers

You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.

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The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin - Audiobooks on Google Play

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The Thing About Jellyfish audiobook written by Ali Benjamin. Narrated by Sarah Franco. Get instant access to all your favorite books. No monthly commitment. Listen online or offline with Android, iOS, web, Chromecast, and Google Assistant. Try Google Play Audiobooks today!

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