¡Sí, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! by Diana Cohn

'Everything is sacred between earth and sky.' The author does a wonderful job exploring the concept of 'sacred' in Native American tradition. Chronicle Books, 2005.īetween Earth & Sky, by Joseph Bruchac. The book offers a good introduction to Maasai life.

In this wonderful follow-up to Joosse's original book, unconditional love is the theme and the setting is Africa. This book is also a good introduction to Eskimo or Inuit culture. This is a tender story of a young Eskimo child testing her independence from her mother, and a wonderful mother who constantly reassures the child that nothing could ever change her love for the child.

'On the eve of your birth, word of your coming passed from animal to animal …' are the opening words of this wonderful statement of the importance of each individual person. On the Day You Were Born, by Debra Frasier. Stay tuned for a list of books geared toward older kids. These values are shown in both practical and magical ways. The books reflect themes of respect for self and others, nonviolent communication, dealing with anger and forgiveness, respect for the environment, the importance of play and creativity, our global interdependence, and courage in the face of war and injustice. The following books - for preschoolers to grade 3 - are examples of the kind of children's literature that is rooted in gospel values and has a role in creating a more just world. For those of us who live and breathe social justice or who grab at the edges of social justice whenever we can, children's literature can be visionary, comforting, and challenging as we think about our own role in the peace and justice universe. Children's literature provides one of the most uplifting, energizing, and soul-freeing pursuits for any child-or any adult who cares about children.

¡Sí, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! by Diana Cohn