Social Responsibility
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-- School Library Journal, 5/7/2008 7:23:00 AM
Social responsibility is purely voluntary. It is about going above and beyond what is required with the idea that it is better to be proactive toward a problem rather than reactive to a problem. The titles below demonstrate personal growth as a result of social responsibility and provide great discussion points–just start with, “What would you do?”
BIRNEY, Betty G. Trouble According to Humphrey. Putnam. 2007. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24505-3.
Gr 3-6–In this third book about Humphrey, our hamster pal steps on the slippery slope of the truth. When his cage is apparently left open during a community service project, one of his favorite humans is slated to take the rap. Then Humphrey is blamed for making some children sick and is banished from Room 26 until his name can be cleared. Lots of gentle lessons on caring, sharing, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
FLORES-GALBIS, Enrique. Raining Sardines. Roaring Brook/A Deborah Brodie Bk. 2007. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-166-9.
Gr 4-7–Set in pre-Castro Cuba, this book is a terrific introduction to magic realism for young readers. Enriquito and Ernestina start off their day with a bang—they meet the mystical Clara, known as the Divinadora, floating on a couch off the end of a pier. Initially puzzled by the visions and words she shares with them, the two friends quickly discover that her appearance is no coincidence—they are meant to keep a bullying, rich landowner from destroying their mountain, pillaging the tombs of the ancients, and exposing the secret herd of Paso Fino ponies.
GIVNER, Joan. Ellen Fremedon, Volunteer. Groundwood. 2007. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-88899-743-2.
Gr 4-7–When her best friend Jenny leaves for music camp, Ellen is sure that the summer is going to be long and boring. She takes on a volunteer job at Peacehaven, a nursing home, and begins to learn more about the elderly, tolerance, and, through her new friend Dimsie, family secrets. A mystery thread about Dimsie’s mother is almost secondary to the theme of caring about others more than oneself. If readers like this one, consider Ellen Fremedon (2004), and Ellen Fremedon, Journalist (2005, both Groundwood).
JACKSON, Melanie. The Summer of the Spotted Owl. Orca. 2005. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-55143-412-4.
Gr 4-7–Dinah doesn’t cause trouble—it just comes to her! What could have been a boring summer house-sitting with her sister in North Vancouver ends up being full of politicians, intrigue, hang gliders and one very funny bad guy named Itchy. In this fourth Dinah Galloway mystery, she is trying to uncover the plans of the local councilor to buy land in an area where the endangered spotted owl nests. Dinah’s smart-alecky self-deprecating personality will carry readers through to the satisfying conclusion.
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