First Book: Books to Learn about Helping
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.
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes — big or small — in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Empathy, Helping
Discussion Questions
- The author of the book, Amanda Gorman, said she wrote it because she believes every child has the ability to make a difference. What do YOU want to do to change the world for the better?
- Pick your five favorite rhymes in the book. What do you like about the rhyming words.
- The narrator says, "Change sings where? There! Inside me. Because I'm the change I want to see." What does that statement mean to you?
- There are musical instruments throughout the book. What's the significance of music and musical instruments in the story?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
The One Day House
Wilson dreams of all the ways he can help improve his friend Gigi's house so that she'll be warm, comfortable, and happy. One day, friends and neighbors from all over come to help make Wilson's plans come true. Everyone volunteers to pitch in to make Gigi's house safe, clean, and pretty. Inspired by a friend's volunteerism, author Julia Durango tells a story of community and togetherness, showing that by helping others we help ourselves. Further information about Labor of Love, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity is included at the end of the book.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Empathy, Helping
Discussion Questions
- Why does Wilson want to help Gigi?
- How does the community help Gigi?
- What impact does the community have when it comes together to help?
- What are some ways YOU could help a friend or other person you care about?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
My Two Border Towns
Early one Saturday morning, a boy prepares for a trip to The Other Side/El Otro Lado. It's close—just down the street from his school — and it's a twin of where he lives. To get there, his father drives their truck along the Rio Grande and over a bridge, where they're greeted by a giant statue of an eagle. Their outings always include a meal at their favorite restaurant, a visit with Tío Mateo at his jewelry store, a cold treat from the paletero, and a pharmacy pickup. On their final and most important stop, they check in with friends seeking asylum and drop off much-needed supplies. My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son's weekend ritual, a demonstration of community care, and a tribute to the fluidity, complexity, and vibrancy of life on the United States-Mexico border.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Helping
Discussion Questions
- Who do the boy and his father help on the United States side of the border?
- Who do the boy and his father help on the Mexico side of the border?
- What are some similarities and differences you notice in the two border towns in the story?
- What surprised you about the story?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
Dear Earth…From Your Friends in Room 5
When the kids in Room 5 decide to write Earth a letter asking how they can help protect the planet, they are thrilled to get a reply. Over the course of the year, the kids in Room 5 put their newfound knowledge into practice. In this uplifting book with a strong message about caring for the planet, young readers will learn about environmental conservation, along with simple things they can do to help. Everyone can be an Earth Hero! The inside jacket includes an activity poster.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Empathy, Helping
Discussion Questions
- Describe what the children ask the Earth.
- What do the children learn FROM the Earth when she responds?
- What could YOU learn from nature if you could talk or correspond?
- How could YOU help protect the Earth?
More
Eligible Teachers: Find it on the First Book Marketplace.
Parents/Caregivers: Find it at First Book's Bookshop.org shop.
Sharing a Smile
In a changing world, little Sophie is feeling a bit worried. She loves being outside and playing with her friends in her neighborhood. But going outside lately means wearing a mask — something Sophie is still trying to understand. It makes her nervous when she wants to be brave. And after taking a closer look outside her window, watching her neighbors adjusting to this new normal, she realizes she isn't the only one who feels a little scared. This gives Sophie an idea. With her grandpa's help, she does something special for the people in her neighborhood. When Sophie sees her small acts of kindness spread, she realizes that with the help of friends in our communities, anyone can find their courage — and their smile.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: Empathy, Helping
Discussion Questions
- What worries Sophie at the start of the story?
- Do you share Sophie's worries? What other worries do YOU Have?
- What does Sophie do to help?
- What is the impact of Sophie's help on her community?
- What lessons do you learn from the story?
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.