First Book: Books to Learn About Upstanding
Thank you to First Book for generously sharing its book recommendations with the Big Heart World community. Eligible teachers can follow the links to find discounted versions of the books on the First Book Marketplace. Parents and other caregivers can find the book at First Book’s Bookshop.org shop.
Super Manny Stands Up
Zombie bears, evil cloud monsters, and alien robots with laser beam eyes are no match for Super Manny. But when Manny encounters a real-life nemesis in the school cafeteria, will he be able to summon his superhero strength to save the day?
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Upstanding
Discussion Questions
- What is upstanding?
- What does Manny SAY in the story to stand up for someone else?
- What happens after Manny speaks up?
- What can we learn from Super Manny?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
Something Good
This kind of thing won't be tolerated at our school, the principal declares the day the "bad-something" is discovered written on a wall. The incident makes the kids nervous, giggly, and curious at first, but then they're worried, confused, sad, and angry. Everyone is suspicious. Who did it, and why? They miss the days before the bad-something appeared, because everything — and everyone — feels different now. It takes a lot of talking, listening, looking, and creating something good together to find a way to heal. The story acknowledges that while the scars of such incidents remain, it is possible to teach tolerance and feel true community once again.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: friendship, Upstanding
Discussion Questions
- What is the "bad-something"?
- How does the "bad-something" make children feel?
- How does the school come together to move forward?
- Have you ever experienced something like what happens in the story? How did YOU feel?
- What would you do if someone wrote, said, or did something hurtful in YOUR community?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
Right Now! Real Kids Speaking Up for Change
A joyful, inspiring picture book that introduces readers to eleven young people from around the world who didn't wait until they were grown to speak up about things that matter to them and change the world for the better. From climate activist Greta Thunberg to anti-bullying advocate Jaylen Arnold to peace activist Bana Alabed and more, these short profiles of young people and their causes will inspire readers to think about what matters most to them. An author's note, Actions to Make a Difference, and additional resources are also included, providing a roadmap for any kid who wants to make change and help others too.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Upstanding
Discussion Questions
- Which child in the book inspired you the most? Why?
- What inspired the kids in the story to stand up for what they believe?
- What causes do YOU care about the most?
- Can you think of ways YOU could stand up for your beliefs like the kids in the book?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
I Walk with Vanessa
This simple yet powerful picture book tells the story of an elementary school girl named Vanessa who is bullied and a fellow student who witnesses the act and is at first unsure of how to help. I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. With themes of acceptance, kindness, and strength in numbers, this timeless and profound feel-good story will resonate with readers young and old.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Upstanding
Discussion Questions
- What is a bystander?
- What is an upstander?
- What happens in the story?
- What happens after someone stands up for Vanessa?
- What would you do if you noticed bullying happening at the playground or in school?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
My Friend Maggie
Paula and Maggie have been friends forever. Paula thinks Maggie is the best — until mean girl Veronica says otherwise. Suddenly, Paula starts to notice that Maggie is big and clumsy, and her clothes are sort of snuggish. Rather than sticking up for Maggie, Paula ignores her old friend and plays with Veronica instead. Luckily, when Veronica turns on Paula, Maggie's true colors shine through.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: friendship, Upstanding
Discussion Questions
- Who is Veronica, and what's her role in the story?
- How does the relationship between Paula and Maggie change during the story?
- Have you ever felt like Maggie? Paula? What happened? How did the problem get resolved?
- What lesson do you learn from the story?
- What are some ways WE can be good friends and stand up to bullies?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 200 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income communities in all 50 states and provinces in Canada. First Book currently reaches an average of 5 million children every year and supports more than a third of the estimated 1.3 million classrooms and programs serving children in need. First Book members work in classrooms, after school, and summer or early childhood programs, shelters and health clinics, libraries, community programs, military support programs, and other settings serving a majority of children in need.