STORIES, MUSIC & DRAMA, GAMES

Stories
Music & Drama
Games

Peaceful storybooks – suggested grade levels are in bold.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Bantam, 1981, "is not only beautifully written but it deals with the psychological inner wars which develop into external wars, and it does so in a very readable manner, easily understood by anyone from the early teens up." A wonderful book. Secondary

Over the Deep Blue Sea, by Daisaku Ikeda. Oxford University Press, 1992. (available Ottawa Public Library, children’s picture books.)
A picture book that tells the story of friendship overcoming prejudice. Three children learn that they are brothers and sisters in spirit. K-4

At the Crossroads by Rachel Isadora, Greenwillow Books 1991, 105 Madison Ave New York NY 10016. (available at the Ottawa Public Library, children’s picture books).
A picture book in which South African children gather to welcome home their fathers who have been away for several months working in the mines. K-3

The Cherry Tree, by Daisaku Ikeda, Oxford University Press, 1991. (available at the Ottawa Public Library, children’s picture books).
A picture book about two children who join with an old man to heal a cherry tree damaged in war. A story about the evil of war and the power of hope and cooperation. K-4

The Drums of Noto Hanto, by J. Allison James, illus. Tsukushi, 36 pages, 1999. Dorling Kindersley, $16.95US. Available at Friends General Conference* bookstore, 1-800-966-4556 or on the web at www.quakerbooks.org.
This picture book is an excellent means of teaching children how to deal creatively with violence. A Japanese village in the 16th century is over-run by greedy warlords. K-4

Freedom Child of the Sea by Richardo Keens-Douglas, Annick Press, Toronto 1994, $5.95.
This picture book, beautifully illustrated by Julia Gukova, tells the story of a mythical boy born of a drowning woman from a slave ship. He carries the pain and the hopes of all people. 1-6

People by Peter Spier, Bantam Doubleday Dell, New York 1980
A picture book that celebrates diversity and tolerance. Available at the Ottawa Public Library, Cat No. (Juv. 155.2 S755). K-4

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr, Dell Publishing New York 1977.
This classic is the story of a child who died of leukemia after the Hiroshima bomb; a beautifully told plea for peace. 3-9

Irene - Peace by Sofia Zarambouka, Tee Loftin Publishers, 3100 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20007.
An Aristophanes play, rewritten for young children. Includes a short play with parts for the whole class. K-3

Metropolitan Cow by Tim Egan, Houghton 1996. 32p. illus. $14.95.
A sly look at the tensions caused by class and race.Young Bennett Gibbons comes from a prominent cow family and enjoys all the advantages that come with his position. Young Webster, a pig who is just Bennett's age, moves into their building. The Gibbons parents can't condone the friendship and Bennett runs away. Webster helps find him and eventually reasonableness reigns. Children will catch on that animosity comes from the head, not from real differences. K-3

Rain of fire by Marion Dane Bauer, Clarion Books 1983, $10.95 US.
This novel, set during WWII features a young boy who romanticizes war and his brother's role in it until a near fatal incident makes him realize the consequences of hate. 5-8

Strange tomorrow by Jean Karl, Dutton, 1986 $12.95US.
Separate times are linked by two young teenagers, one a descendant of the other. The contemporary Janie assumes leadership in an underground bomb shelter; the future Janie works to create a new civilization's survival. 6-8

The butter battle book by Dr. Seuss, Random House 1984, $6.95US.
The question of which side of the bread to butter eventually escalates into an arms race between the Yooks and the Zooks in an open-ended allegorical fantasy filled with Seuss' sprawling illustrations.1-3

Wolf of Shadows by Whitley Strieber, Knopf 1985, $9.95US.
The aftermath of a nuclear war brings together a mother and daughter and a wolf pack who come to depend on each other for mutual survival during a long nuclear winter.7-9

The kestrel by Lloyd Alexander, Dutton 1982, $10.95US.
The cruelties of war transform Theo into an uncharacteristically aggressive fighter whose soul is in profound despair at the conflict's end; a complex novel that follows Westmark and precedes The Beggar Queen by the same author. 7-9

Search for delicious by Natalie Babbitt, Farrar 1969, $10.95US.
Disagreement over the definition of the word delicious sends a young lad into the countryside where he discovers the beginnings of a civil war and finds an imaginative way to stop it. 3-5

Harald and the giant by Donald Carrick, Clarion Books 1982, $10.95US.
Young Harald has looked up to the knights who live in the baron's castle, but when their practice jousts nearly destroy his family's small garden, he is disillusioned and finds a way to outwit the warriors.K-3

Conrad's war by Andrew Davies, Dell 1986 paper $2.25US.
In this powerful fantasy, a young boy's infatuation with war games takes on a nightmarish quality when he finds himself back in time piloting a plane during the Nuremberg raids. 5-9

The mysterious giant of Barletta by Tomie dePaola, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich 1984 $13.95.
A giant statue comes alive to play a trick on some advancing marauders, saving a small Italian town from looting and plunder. 1-3

Drummer Hoff by Barbara and Ed Emberley, Prentice-Hall 1967, $9.95US.
The Emberleys cleverly adapt an old cumulative folktale about the firing of a cannon; the final spread, showing the unused cannon surrounded by flowers, offers an intriguing springboard for discussion with young children. K-3

A Handful of Seeds by Monica Hughes, Lester Publishing, UNICEF Canada 1983, $16.95.
After her grandmother dies, a young girl is forced to leave for the city. She has taken seeds from her grandmother's garden with her and plants a garden in the city. The girl faces huge challenges in her efforts to nurture her garden, including its destruction. She meets other children who are homeless and struggling. The story is one of hope and perseverance in spite of hardship. K-5

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel, Harper Row 1970.
Tales of friendship, mutual support and understanding. JK-2

Annie…Anya - A Month in Moscow by Irene Trivas, Orchard Books, New York 1992, $19.95.
A young girl visits Moscow with her parents, who, as doctors, have signed up to work in Moscow for a month. Annie finds everything strange and unfamiliar. A Russian girl, Anya, she meets at a daycare helps her learn Russian and discover the good in the strangeness. A story of friendship and generosity. 2-5

Amos and Boris by William Steig, Doubleday Canada 1971.
A mouse who loves the sea falls off his boat and is saved by a whale. Years later, the whale is beached in a storm and the mouse can return the favour. K-4

Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco, Bantam Books 1992, $18.
A young black boy becomes friends with a elderly Jewish widowed neighbour as they help each other care for a cat named Tush. As their friendship deepens, he learns of her childhood in Poland, her life as an immigrant, and of the deep sense of loss she feels for her husband. The boy overcomes his initial feelings of strangeness toward her and comes to love her. K-4

The Day Gogo Went to Vote, by Elinor Batezat Sisulu, Little, Brown and Co., 1996.
The year 1994 was a milestone year in South Africa because for the first time blacks were able to vote. This historic day is seen through the eyes of a girl as she accompanies her great-grandmother to the polling station. 3-6

Gifts by Jo Ellen Bogart, illus. by Barbara Reid, North Winds Press / Scholastic 1994.
A girl's grandmother travels the world and sends gifts of originality and whimsy from the places she visits. The gifts demonstrate her grandmother's enthusiasm and respect for the variety of peoples and places around the world. 1-6

It’s so nice to have a wolf around the house by Harry Allard, Doubleday &Co., New York 1977.
An old man and his old pets need a companion to take care of them. A wolf with a secret answers an ad. He is a wonderful companion, but when his secret is found out, the old man turns on him. The wolf faints, heartsick, and the old man and his pets realise their error, and find the energy to nurse the wolf that had taken such good care of them. 2-6

Effie by Beverley Allinson, Summerhill Press 1990.
Effie, an ant, has a loud voice that irritates her fellow ants. She sets out to seek some other creature who will listen to her, but everyone runs. Her voice comes in handy when an elephant walks through the neighbourhood. She becomes friends with the elephant and soon elephants from all over are taking care where they step. K-4

Sloan and Philomena, or how to make friends with your lunch by Patti Stern, E. P. Dutton 1979.
An ant and an anteater become friends as the anteater is about to eat the ant for lunch. As their friendship grows, their communities disapprove, but the two friends overcome the situation with optimism and creativity. K-4

The Bridge Across by Max Bolliger, Andersen Press 1980.
A story from Germany about how neighbours who live on opposite banks of a river overcome their feuding through their children. K-4

The Short Tree and the Bird who could not sing by Dennis Foon, illus. John Bianchi, Groundwood/Douglas&McIntyre,1986.
A tree and a bird become friends and in spite of their eccentricities and differences are able to offer each other something. They experience the hardship of parting and the joy of reunion. K-4

Peace Talks by Margaret Read MacDonald, Linnet Books 1992.
Thirty-four folktales and many proverbs from around the world about peace. 3-8

Gandhi by Kathryn Spink, Hamish Hamilton 1984.
A children's biography. 3-6

The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie de Paola, G.P. Putnam and Sons 1980, $21.50.
A timid knight and a timid dragon have to fight each other for the first time. They overcome expectations and find a way to work together. 2-6

Just not the Same by Addie Lacoe, Houghton Mifflin 1993
Three sisters who won't share find they have to find a way when a new puppy enters the household. They learn that by sharing life becomes more fun. 1-5

It's Mine! by Leo Lionni, Alfred Knopf 1986.
Three frogs overcome their possessiveness and suspicion to cooperate. K-4

Salina and the Bear Paw Quilt by Barbara Smucker, Stoddart 1996. $16.95.
A family of Mennonites come to Canada as conscientious objectors to avoid the American Civil War. 2-6

Stand Up for your Rights by Peace Child International, 1998.
A Peace Child book, celebrating 50 years of Human Rights. Children from around the world express their views on human rights and the impact on their lives and aspirations.

…and now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold, Harper Trophy 1953 $3.50.
This Newbery Medal winning novel tells the story of a young boy who desperately wants to join in the shepherding work of the older men and brothers in his family. His wish is granted when his older brother is drafted into the army, introducing him to the conflicted, ambiguous adult world. 2-7

I am David by Anne Holm, Irwin Publishing Ltd. 1965 $11.85.
This powerful, haunting novel tells the story of a refugee boy travelling alone through Europe during the Second World War. His isolation and anguish are palpable, but through the love of a family and an old man this traumatized boy is nurtured back from despair. 8-11

Blue and Beautiful: Planet Earth, Our Home by Ruth Rocha and Otavio Roth UNAC* 1990, 48 pages $14.95.
A beautifully illustrated children's book about our planet Earth and protecting the environment. It
describes the role each person must play to keep the planet Earth "blue and beautiful".

Pepito's Speech at the United Nations by Margaret & John Travers Moore, UNAC* 1985, 41 pages $5.00.
An illustrated book for children about a small boy's dream of speaking before the General Assembly of the United Nations. The first book in the Pepito trilogy

Pepito's Journey by John Travers Moore, UNAC* 1987, 47 pages $5.00
This illustrated children's book is about Pepito's adventures and travels in Latin America. The second book in the Pepito trilogy.

Pepito's World by John Travers Moore, UNAC* 1988, 45 pages) E $5.00
Pepito believes that differences between people and nations can be resolved through negotiation, not bullets. An illustrated children's book about peace, the final book in the Pepito trilogy.

Jip, His Story by Katherine Paterson, Lodestar Books 1996, $21.95.
In this novel set in pre-Civil War Vermont a boy falls off a wagon. When he is found he is put into an orphan camp. A Quaker teacher uncovers the boy's past, that he was born to a slave woman and his father is a slave owner. When the slave owner comes looking for the boy the Quaker woman and her husband help him escape to Canada and freedom. He grows up and as a free man he feels obliges to return to fight slavery during the Civil War.

"Dougy", "Gracey","Angela" by James Moloney, Penguin 1988.
These are three linked novels which take an uncompromising look at racism and racial identity in contemporary Australia. The first two won literary awards and were commended by the Australian Human Right Commission. A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove, also by James Moloney, won the Children's Literature Peace Prize and the Family Award.

No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War by Anita Lobel, Greenwillow Books 1998, $16US.
The author, an illustrator of children's books, describes her experiences as a Polish Jew during World War II and for years in Sweden afterwards. She has also written the anti-war book Potatoes, Potatoes (HarperCollins, 1984 ISBN 0-685-02068-1).

Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura Williams, Milkweed Editions, 1996 ISBN 1 57131 606 X.
This novel is about the hiding of Jews during World War II. Korinna is a loyal German child, part of the Hitler Jungmadel, who discovers that her parents have been hiding Jews behind her bedroom wall. The story brings home the tragedy of the Jews in Europe.

Autumn Street by Lois Lowry, Dell 1980, ISBN 0 440 40344 8.
This novel is the partially autobiographical tale of life in a small town in central Pennsylvania during the war years. It's also a story about racism and the death of an innocent child. 4-8

Dawn of Fear by Susan Cooper, Aladdin, 1989 ISBN 0 689 71327 4. Paperback.
A family elects to stay in London during the World War II bombing and their air raid shelter becomes a second home for the children. A mock war between kids erupts and escalates. But the devastating effects of the real war shakes them out of the previous acceptance of things as they are. This is not a difficult book to read but it's a compelling story. 5-9

Rose Blanche, by Roberto Innocenti, Creative Editions 1986 ISBN 0 87191 994 X.
This picture book is not for the faint hearted. Very realistic pictures show a German child who discovers the concentration camp near her home. She brings food daily to the children imprisoned there until, near the end of the war, she is killed in a last crossfire. The effects of war on the innocent are graphically illustrated here. 5-9

Hiroshima No Pika by Toshi Maruki, Lothrop 1982, ISBN 0 688 02197 3.
This is a disturbing picture book. It deals with the moments after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. 5-9

On the Wings of Peace: In Memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by Sheila Hamanaka, Clarion, 1995 ISBN 0 395 72619 0.
This is an anthology of stories, poems, personal narratives and illustrations which concern the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan.

The Ring and the Window Seat by Amy Hest, Scholastic 1995, ISBN 0 590 41350 3.
This is a brief novel that concerns two people's separate goals during the war. The carpenter fixing Stella's window seat is saving his money to bring his daughter from the war in Europe to America. Stella is saving for a ring. She decides his is the most worthwhile cause and gives her savings to him.4-8

Planet Champions : Adventures in Saving the World by Jack Yost, Bridgecity Books 1999, pp 224, $14.95, 224 pages.
Jack Yost has wide experience in the area of peace studies and international relations. His book focuses on people who have the kinds of ideas that could shape the 21st century. The book is very well written and should be an inspiration for all levels, including high school students. It would make an excellent gift for young people who might identify with exceptional people who have been involved in the kinds of ideas that could give direction to the 21st century and provide a basis for a better future. 8-12

Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope (new edition), edited by Ed Brody, Jay Goldspinner, Katie Green, Rona Leventhal and John Porcino, New Society Publishers 2002, 296 pp, NSP* or CRN*, $33.95.
These are stories for young people, organized under four themes, Living With Ourselves, Living With Each Other, Working Together and Living with the Earth. Each story is followed by suggested follow-up activities.

How to Deal with Bullies: pre-school to grade 3:

Rebel by Allan Baillie, Ticknor & Fields 1994.
Set in Rangoon, Burma, a small child raises a symbolic gesture of defiance against a general and his troops who are persecuting villagers. Everyone joins in, and the military action is stopped.

Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner, Putnam 1992.
A little girl finds her life made miserable by the torments devised by the nasty, mischievous Bootsie Barker, until terrible Bootsie receives her just punishment.

The Big Bully by Lizi Boyd, Puffin Books 1991.
Bailey the bully is used to getting his way. A new boy named Max moves into town and upsets the balance of power.

The Meanest Thing to Say by Bill Cosby (A Little Bill Book), Scholastic 1997.
To win a game Little Bill must say the meanest thing. Is there a choice? Can he say nice things and win the game ?

Pinky and Rex and the Bully by James Howe, ready to read level 3, Aladdin 1996.
Pinky, a boy, must deal with a bully who calls him names and creates a situation where Pinky must develop more confidence in himself.

Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester, Houghton Mifflin 1999.
A timid rat who can't pronounce his Rs is a role model for any child who has been bullied or teased, by outwitting his tormentor with a very light touch. He will encourage children to have the spirit to stand up for themselves.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Lemon by P. Lovell,, Putname 2001.
Molly Lou Lemon is a girl who doesn't let anyone or anything shake her belief in herself -- even when she encounters the school bully, Ronald Durkin.

Fighting Words by Eve Merriam, William Morrow 1992
When best friends Dale and Leda decide they really hate each other, they roll up their sleeves and engage in a whimsical battle of fighting words.

Secret of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, Kramer 1991.
A story of courage and love. Danny is confronted by a frightening bully when he moves to a new neighbourhood. In a dream he meets a man with shining white hair - a man who will soon appear in real life and share a wonderful secret.

Ant Bully by John Nickle, Scholastic 1999.
A story about different perspectives. Ant hills become mountains and children turn into giants as Lucas's own attitudes change.

The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill, Scholastic 2002.
Mean Jean meets little Katie Sue, a new girl who doesn't know Jean is a bully and just asks her to jump rope with her. The atmosphere in the playground changes for everyone.

Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books 2001.
Mr. Lincoln is the principal and everyone loves him - except for mean Gene who hates everyone who's different. He's a bully. Can the principal get through to Gene and show him that differences between people are what make them special?

Angel Child, Dragon Child by Michelle Surat, Scholastic 1989
Ut, a Vietnamese child, is trying to adjust to life in the USA. She has trouble with children at school because she is different.

Stop Picking on Me by Pat Thomas, a First Look At series, Barrons 2001.
Helps children to accept the fears and worries that accompany bullying and suggest ways to resolve such an experience.

Crow Boy by Taro Yashima, Penguin 1976
Chibi is taunted by others because he is different. What should other students do when one of them is excluded? What is the teacher's role? This story is set in Japan and shows how Chibi has an extraordinary sense of nature, using all his five senses.

Additional books to consider:

Abells, Chana Byers. The Children We Remember. New York, Greenwillow Books, 1986.

Buntin, Eve. The Wall. New York, Clarion Books, 1990.

Daringer, Helen. The Poet's Craft: "In Flanders Fields" by J. McCrae. Harcourt, Brace &
World, Inc., 1935.

Davis, William C. Brother Against Brother. Alexandria, Time-Life Books, 1983.

Dragonwagon, Crescent. I Hate My Brother Harry. New York, Harper & Row, 1983.

Dragonwagon, Crescent. I Hate My Sister Maggie. New York, Macmillan, 1989.

Durell, Ann. The Big Book for Peace. New York, Dutton Children's Books, 1990.

Fox, Laura. I Am So Angry, I Could Scream! New Horizons Small Press 2000 48 pages

Houston, Gloria. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. New York, Dial Books, 1988.

Jordan, Robert Paul. The Civil War. Washington, The Society, 1982 printing, 1969.

Josephs, Anna Catherine. Mountain Boy. Milwaukee, Raintree Publishers Inc., 1985.

May, Robin. How They Lived - A Plantation Slave. East Sussex, Wayland, 1986.

Takashima, Shizuye. A Child In Prison Camp. New York, William Morrow & Co., 1974.

Zolotow, Charlotte. The Hating Book. New York, Harper & Row, 1969.

Zolotow, Charlotte. The Quarreling Book. New York, Harper & Row, 1963.

Linking Up!, by Sarah Pirtle, ESR* 1998, 314 pp, Guide with CD $29.00US, Guide only $22.00US, Audio Cassette Only $12.00US.
By an award-winning songwriter and educator, this CD and teaching guide provides an exciting way to build social and emotional competence in three-to nine-year-olds through music and movement. Hundreds of activities, based on 46 simple songs featured on the accompanying CD, that promote caring, cooperation, and communication. Twenty of the songs are bilingual, with lyrics in English and Spanish. Sheet music, song lyrics, core activities, and inspirational stories. Preschool-Gr 3.

Children's Songs for a Friendly Planet compiled by E.Weiss, P. Prutzman, N.Silben, 1986, CCRC*, 112 pp $13.50.
Over 100 songs and an article on how CCRC uses singing in its classroom activities. The book is produced jointly by CCRC, the Riverside Church Disarmament Program, and Educators for Social Responsibility

Caught in the Middle, by Kathleen C Moyer, 1991, CRN*, Script $8, Music Score $5.
A one-act play, using drama, comedy, music and dance to explore an adolescent school conflict and its resolution. Or Production Kit with music and six copies of script is $45. See also Kids and Conflict (below).

Kids and Conflict: Curriculum for Teaching Creative Conflict Resolution Skills to Grades 7 & 8, CRN*, $8.
Three one-hour lessons based on the play, Caught in the Middle (above).

Everyone Wins: Cooperative Games and Activities, by S. and J.Luvmour, NSP*, $10.95.
An easy to use reference guide.More than 150 cooperative games and activities for encouraging conflict resolution, communication skills and building self-esteem. Tested and graded
according to age level and group size.

Games Manual, Sports Manual, by Jim Deacove, Family Pastimes, $3.75 each plus GST, PST in Ont.
Simply produced booklets: Games Manual has over 100 cooperative games for Pre-school-Gr 9, and Sports Manual has cooperative sports, games and athletics for Gr 6-12.
R.R. 4, Perth, ON K7H 3C6, ph 888-267-4414, fax 888-267-6717, http://www.familypastimes.com

Cooperative Games: For Indoors and Out, by J. Deacove, Family Pastimes, R.R.4, Perth, ON K7H 3C6, ph 888-267-4414, fax:888-267-6717, http://www.familypastimes.com email: fp@superaje.com.

Winning is Everything and Other American Myths, by T. Tutko and W. Burns, Collier Macmillan, Toronto, 1976.

More New Games, by A. Fluegelman, Dolphin Books, NY 1981.
Offers a variety of cooperative games for large and small groups.

Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative Problems, Adventure Games, and Trust Activities, by Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure 1984, ESR*, 188 pages US$35
This guide contains 165 adventure-based activities for building community and breaking down barriers among people. Silver Bullets is used by educators,counselors, camp directors, and others in a variety of contexts, providing an effective and engaging means of bringing people together to build trust. All activities have been field-tested, rated as indoor/outdoor; props/people only; and high/low activity level. The guide also includes many helpful hints for implementation. K-adult.

Cowtails and Cobras II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, & Adventure Education, by Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure 1989, ESR*, 210 pages, US$31.95.
Following an adventure-based learning approach, this guide aims to increase each participant's sense of personal confidence, build mutual support within a group, develop an increased level of agility and physical coordination, and foster an increased joy in one's physical self and in being with others. The guide includes sample curriculum materials and a chapter on leadership and debriefing. K-Adult.

Win-Win Games for All Ages: Co-operative Activities for Building Social Skills, by Sambhava and Josette Luvmour with Debre and Tom Weistar and Amber and Albee Kara, New Society Publishers 2002, NSP* $14.95, CRN* $14.95.
The games are divided into three sections. The first is 40 cooperative games, teaching values such as inclusiveness and valuing the contributions of peers. The second requires more complex social skills through a series of more challenging group problem solving activities. The final section contains advanced exercises in holistic learning adventures and explores trust building. With each activity carries a full description, details of set-up and age appropriateness, along with discussion and debriefing suggestions.