Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope:
Stories, Storytelling and Activities for Peace, Justice and the Environment
Edited by Ed Brody, Jay Goldspinner, Katie Green, Rona Leventhal & John Porcino of the Stories for World Change Network
  - New Society Press
  - $24.95

A fabulous tool for teachers (of all sorts) to share storytelling as a way to inspire hope, compassion, and justice. The stories are short and followed by ideas for classroom activities and discussion. Provides great evidence that stories can change the world!

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The Butter Battle Book
Dr. Seuss
  - Random House
  - $14.95

In Seuss' contagious rhyme we learn about the longstanding hatred between the Zooks, who butter their bread butter side down, and the Yooks who do it butter side up, "the right, honest way!" "Every Zook must be watched! He has kinks in his soul! That's why, as a youth, I made watching my goal, watching Zooks for the Zook-Watching Border Patrol." The Battle begins with a sling-shot, but escalates to bigger and bigger weapons (accompanied by marching bands to cheer, "Oh, be faithful! Believe in thy butter!")…..until the Zooks and the Yooks come to an impasse, each holding a bomb. "Who's going to drop it? Will you? Or will he?…We'll see. We will see."

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Hands are Not for Hitting
Martine Agassi
  - Free Spirit Press
  - $11.95

A great book for grade schoolers. There's also a version for toddlers. Agassi's book doesn't really discuss governments or military or multi-national corporations, but the beautiful illustrations and accompanying text provide good lessons in learning to be nonviolent.

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Tikvah:
Children's Book Creators Reflect on Human Rights
45 children's author/illustrators
  - Chronicle Books
  - $12.95

Forty five different children's books authors explore various aspects of human rights. Wonderful quotes and stories…but not really for small children.

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I Can Make My World a Safer Place:
A Kid's Book About Stopping Violence
Illustrated by Nancy Gorrell, words by Paul Kivel
  - Hunter House
  - $11.95

This gem of a little book for young children discusses anger, bullies, media, drugs, gangs, and war. It includes great ideas for combating violence and building safer communities.

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Buddha in your backpack:
Everyday Buddhism for Teens
Frank Metcalf
  - Ulysses Press
  - $12.95

For the Teen and Pre-teen set. Metcalf outlines four basic principles of Buddhism, and applies these to situations that teenagers deal with-family, friends, decision making, and more.

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A Pebble for your Pocket
Thich Nhat Hanh
  - Parallax Press
  - $8.00
  - for younger kids

Both of these books explain Buddha, Buddhism, meditation, and give several ways to begin a Buddhist practice in everyday life.

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The Star Houses:
A Story from the Holocaust
Stewart Ross
  - Barron's
  - $4.95

Based on the true memoirs of Andor Guttmann, a 14 year old Hungarian Jew, living in Budapest in 1944. In the face of mindless hatred Andor survives with strength, love and courage.

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The Wall
Eve Bunting
  - Clarion Press
  - $5.95

This book describes the Vietnam War Memorial through the eyes of a little boy with his father visiting his grandfather's name on the Wall. "I'd rather have him here," the boy observes. This story provides an excellent entry point into conversations about the Vietnam War.

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Camel Bells
Janne Carlsson
  - Groundwood Books
  - $18.95

First published in 1987, this story takes place in the 1970's when the Russians invaded Afghanistan. It portrays what it is like to be caught in a war. This story takes place in Kabul and adeptly describes the experienced reality of bombing.

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