Paths to Peace: Building Understanding with Books

Joy Fleishhacker, Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 9/13/2007

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On September 21, 2007, designated as an International Day of Peace by the United Nations, people around the world will celebrate peace by attending ceremonies, engaging in peace-building activities, and contemplating the possibilities of a strife-free existence.

For younger elementary children, the multifaceted concept of peace can be difficult to comprehend. Peace can be interpreted in many ways: personal safety and tranquility; political and spiritual freedom; treating others in a positive manner; harmony among peoples and governments; helping those in need; caring for the environment; accepting and appreciating cultural diversity; feeling connected to the world community. With straightforward language, childlike acuity, and attention-grabbing illustrations, the following picture books put these far-reaching ideas into kid-friendly terms and foster compassion and empathy. 

Todd Parr’s The Peace Book (Little, Brown, 2004) offers concrete examples that speak to kids: “Peace is thinking about someone you love,” “…saying sorry when you hurt someone,” “…helping your neighbor,” “…planting a tree.” Eye-dazzling cartoons bring these phrases home with warmhearted depictions of specific situations. In What Does Peace Feel Like? (S & S, 2004), Vladimir Radunsky encourages children to explore the concept by utilizing their senses and imaginations. The text quotes kids from around the globe: peace smells like “flowers in a happy family’s living room,” looks like “new babies,” sounds like “raindrops falling,” tastes like “your favorite food times two,” feels like “hugs.” Vivacious gouache paintings illustrate the descriptive metaphors. Read these books aloud to initiate discussion, compile a “Peace is….” list for your classroom, or inspire creative art and writing projects. 


With vibrant folk-art paintings, Karen Katz’s Can You Say Peace? (Holt, 2006) showcases children from various nations along with the word “peace” in their native tongues. Charismatic close-ups of smiling youngsters are paired with detailed scenes depicting their homelands: “Sadiki lives in Ghana. Sadiki says goom-jigi (goom-jee-jee).” This book celebrates diversity while emphasizing that all kids want the same things—to go to school, play, and feel safe—providing an opportunity to explore different cultures and underscore human commonalities.   

Addressing children directly, B. G. Hennessy’s Because of You (Candlewick, 2005) describes the many things that they can do (helping others, sharing feelings, nurturing friendships) to make the world a better place. Hiroe Nakata’s cozy watercolors reflect the text’s intimate tone. Barbara Kerley expresses a similar idea, pointing out that a small act of kindness—a smile, a helping hand—can spread A Little Peace (National Geographic, 2007). This handsome photo-essay pairs concise, lyrical text with captivating photographs of people across the globe engaging in varied activities, from quiet moments to celebrations. In Eddie’s Kingdom (Houghton, 2005), a self-motivated boy shows readers how to put peacemaking precepts into practice by settling disputes between neighbors in his apartment building and cultivating a sense of community. D. B. Johnson’s can-do narrative and charmingly chunky artwork highlight the value of communication and creative expression. These empowering books can stimulate ideas for building peace in families, schools, communities, and beyond. 

Older students will be fascinated by Peace One Day (Putnam, 2005), Jeremy Gilley’s account of his efforts to create a day of global cease-fire and nonviolence, a labor of love that involved winning over world leaders, visiting sites of violent conflict, and spearheading a United Nations resolution. Illustrated with Karen Blessen’s colorful collages of drawings and photos, this real-life story proves that one individual can make a difference. For more inspiring true tales, Jane Breskin Zalben’s Paths to Peace (Dutton, 2006), profiles 16 influential peacemakers from widely varied backgrounds and professions who improved the lives of others. The elegantly illustrated, eloquently written one-page essays make wonderful read-alouds and will encourage further research. 

Visit the International Day of Peace Web site (http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/kids.htm) for tips on getting your school involved, ideas for projects and activities, and educational resources.

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