Today, we’re looking at books that show kids ways they can help solve a problem and make a difference. They’ll help you start a discussion—either in the classroom or at home—about what it means to be a citizen and how even a young child can make an impact on the world around them.
For Ages 3-8
These two books are very different, but they certainly share a common theme. One offers lots of ideas while the other offers one example of a child demonstrating citizenship, as defined by Dave Eggars.
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers
“A citizen can right a wrong.”
“A citizen can write a letter.”
Don’t be fooled by the simple sentences—the content is rich and is a fantastic conversation starter!
Carl the Complainer by Michelle Knudsen
Carl complains. A LOT. In this story, Carl complains that 5pm is way too early for the town park to close. However, when he sees a pop-up ad online about signing a petition to save a TV show, Carl has an idea about how he might be able to get the city council to extend the hours at the park.
This story has fun illustrations and offers a great message about how even one person with a great idea can make a big difference, even at the local level!
For Ages 4 & Up
These two books offer myriad ideas on ways kids can make a difference: plant a tree, clean up litter, raise money for a cause, leave a nice note for someone, etc. So many possibilities! There is no linear thread, so readers can jump around throughout the text.
Sure to inspire individual, classroom, or family projects!
National Geographic Kids: 100 Ways to Make the World Better! By Lisa M. Gerry
Filled with appealing imagery, this book is sure to have kids itching to employ some (or many) of the suggestions found here.
How to Make a Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants to Make a Difference by Keilly Swift
Taking a bit of a different approach, this book begins with commentary on the importance of taking care of oneself to be more able to do for others. Although, I would add that sometimes, doing something for others gives purpose and is a great way to look after oneself.
Each spread features a category and suggestions for actions to take. Putting a stop to bullying and how to be a good friend are a couple of examples.
For Ages 8 & up
This book is a great conversation starter for the classroom or home with more sophisticated examples of citizenship that may just inspire a young person to take up their own cause!
Never Too Young! 50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference by Aileen Weintraub
This book is different from the others in that readers aren’t given the direct message “here are things you can do to make a difference.” Instead, it offers a look at the ways fifty kids made a difference. Of course, there are people included here that everyone knows. Louis Braille, Louis Armstrong, and Ruby Bridges, are just some of the notables. But there are many more that readers will meet for the first time. For example, Adele Ann Taylor who started Adele’s Literacy Library in 2008 at the age of 13 and Katie Stagliano whose organization Katie’s Krops donates food (grown in gardens across 33 states) to help the hungry.
Every person in this book is an inspiration and the stories show kids that nobody is ever too young to make a difference!
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