Show 58: Excerpt - 4 Books About Giving

TRYING TO TEACH kids the value of giving is one of those abstract issues that can be tricky to talk about. We here at Kids These Days! appreciate the value of good books for helping parents have these discussions with their children, so we asked four youth services librarians at Anchorage’s public library for some suggestions.

1. The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry - Sue Sommers recommends this holiday classic with a surprise twist at the end. First grade and up.  

2. My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult - Mary-Kate Fowee says this novel about two sisters - one sick, one well - is a great read for older kids, illustrating lessons about depending on family while establishing independence. Grades 8-11.

3. Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney - Sherrie Douglas likes this book's theme of learning to give as modeled by a mentor and then taking what you learn out into the world. All ages.

4. 14 Cows for America, by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez - Linda Klein suggests this book for its pictures as well as its story about the Maasai people in Africa offering a gift to those grieving in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. First grade and up.

What are your family's favorite books about giving? Let us know in the comments below!