Suggested Heroic Book List
GEARup2READ Book Drive: Heroic Readers become Heroic Leaders
Have a suggestion? Send us the title and author via our contact page:
How to Join the Mission in March
*Make sure to let them know you are donating to the GEARup2READ Book Drive.
You may purchase the book(s) online by clicking on the title within the description of the heroic books and drop the books off at one of our drop off centers in Genesee County.
Drop Off Centers (Click for Map)
- The Crim Fitness Foundation
- The Flint Public Library
- Barnes and Noble in Flint (Behind the cash registers)
- ELGA Credit Union (All branches)
- The Whiting (including the Flint Farmers Market Box Office)
*Can't drop them off? Use our address as the shipping address:
GEARup2LEAD 601 S. Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502
Want to donate money and let our heroic shoppers do the shopping?
Our List of Suggested Heroic Books
Featured book by Flintstones Kelvin Torbert and Kellon Brandon: KT & Radical Roundball
KT & The Radical Roundball is a colorful journey for all to share. This book teaches incredible lessons of the heart (humility, patience, service, hard work) while entertaining all who read it.
Don't miss the March 4th Kickoff at Barnes and Noble in Flint.
7 p.m. story time and book signing with author, Kellen Brandon and Kelvin Torbert!
Website: http://www.brandonpublishing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brandon-Publishing-110533812313487/?fref=ts
Twitter: @BrandonPublish
Henry's Freedom Box, Ellen Levine ($13.00)
Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom...Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday -- his first day of freedom.
Willy and Hugh, Anthony Browne ($6.00)
It’s not easy being a chimp in a world of oversized gorillas, and in WILLY AND HUGH, our scrawny hero is lonely for a pal. Hulking Hugh seems an unlikely candidate, but as Willy discovers, the oddest couples can make the best of friends.
Each Kindness, Jacqueline Woodson ($13.00)
This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they've put it down.
Pinduli, Janell Cannon ($15.00)
Pinduli's mama has always told her that she's the most beautiful hyena ever. But Dog, Lion, and Zebra don't think so. Poor Pinduli just wants to disappear—and she tries everything she can think of to make that happen. Yet nothing goes her way...this is a triumphant story about self-image, self-acceptance, and treating others with respect.
The Juice Box Bully, Bob Sornson & Maria Dismondy ($8.00)
Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete's new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When Pete begins to behave badly, his classmates teach him about "The Promise". Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make "The Promise"?
The Tale of Sir Dragon, Jean E. Pendziwol ($8.00)
Setting out from Camp Camelot in search of a noble quest, a girl and her dragon friend cross swords with a bully of a knight. The bully says the dragon is too big, tall and green to play knights. Suddenly, playtime is spoiled. The girl stands up for the dragon, but the other bystanders let the bully do as he pleases...
Big Mean Mike ($14.00)
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it!. . . a comical lesson about how keeping up your image is not nearly as fun as being your own quirky self.
Thank You, Mr. Falker, Patricia Polacco's ($8.00)
Thank You, Mr. Falker celebrates what a good teacher can be...When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but the letters just get jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they call her a dummy. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker changes everything. He sees through her sadness to the gifted artist she really is. And when he discovers that she can't read, he helps her prove to herself that she can - and will!
Ferdinand, Robert Lawson, Munro Leaf ($8.00)
Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lingren ($6.00-$30.00)
Matilda, Roald Dahl ($8.00)
...is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!
A Big Guy Took My Ball, Mo Willems ($10.00)
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In A Big Guy Took My Ball! Piggie is devastated when a big guy takes her ball! Gerald is big, too...but is he big enough to help his best friend?
Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Kate Di Camillo ($5.00)
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she’s a porcine wonder. And to the good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons’ bed. BOOM! CRACK!
Ben's Trumpet, Rachel Isadora ($7.00)
The story of Ben is fiction, but it could be the story of more than one jazz musician who grew up in the twenties. Using the art-deco style of the period, Rachel Isadora not only captures the poignancy and yearning of a youthful talent, but in page after page of striking art seems to convey the very sound of music.
Amos & Boris, William Steig ($8.00)
Amos the mouse and Boris the whale: a devoted pair of friends with nothing at all in common, except good hearts and a willingness to help their fellow mammal. They meet after Amos sets out to sail the sea and finds himself in extreme need of rescue. And there will come a day, long after Boris has gone back to a life at sea and Amos has gone back to life on dry land, when the tiny mouse must find a way to rescue the great whale.
Paperboy, Vince Vawter ($8.00)
Little Man throws the meanest fastball in town. But talking is a whole different ball game. He can barely say a word without stuttering—not even his own name. So when he takes over his best friend’s paper route for the month of July, he’s not exactly looking forward to interacting with the customers. But it’s the neighborhood junkman, a bully and thief, who stirs up real trouble in Little Man’s life.
Sophie the Hero, Lara Bergen ($5.00)
Meet Sophie, a little girl with a big goal: to find the perfect title for herself. Look out --- here's Sophie the Hero!
It's a bird . . . it's a plane . . . it's Sophie the Hero!
Sophie has discovered the perfect name this time, for sure: Sophie the Hero! After all, when little Ella ran out into the street in front of a car, Sophie swooped in to save the day. If that's not heroic, what is?
But being a hero might be tougher than this third-grader expected. She's supposed to save the day --- not cause more trouble! Could Sophie's latest name be a heroic flop?
Sophie the Awesome, Lara Bergen ($5.00)
Meet Sophie, a little girl with a big goal: to find the perfect title for herself. Look out --- here's Sophie the Awesome!
Sophie Miller's life is boring. Average. Blah. She's not the oldest or the youngest, the tallest or the shortest. She's not even the only Sophie in her third-grade class!
Sophie knows she's special. And she's come up with the perfect name to show it: Sophie the Awesome! But living up to her new name won't be easy --- especially if super-annoying Toby Myers has anything to say about it.
Can Sophie prove her awesomeness . . . and prove everyone wrong?
A Boy and a Jacquar, Alan Rabinowitz ($15.00)
Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion—their voice—but he stutters uncontrollably.
Except when he talks to animals…
Then he is fluent.
Follow the life of the man Time Magazine calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation"as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word.
Half a Chance, Cynthia Lord ($12.00)
When Lucy's family moves to an old house on a lake, Lucy tries to see her new home through her camera's lens, as her father has taught her -- he's a famous photographer, away on a shoot. Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he's judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special -- or only good enough.
As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn't want to see: his grandmother's memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives...including her own.
The Children's Book of Heroes, William Bennett ($24.00)
...a beautifully illustrated celebration of heroic deeds, both real and fictional, that will delight and inspire millions of young children and their parents.
Jackie Robinson stands fast on the playing field — and his strength of character inspires a nation. David slays Goliath — and his faith and bravery give hope to underdogs everywhere. A little boy goes in search of an angel — and finds one who guards him day and night: his own mother. From Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa to warriors on the battlefield, real moms and dads, and even young girls and boys, here are worthy and heroic figures all kids can look up to and emulate.
Radio Rescue, Lynn Barasch ($4.00-$30.00)
Back in 1923, a long-distance telephone call took hours to place, and overseas calls weren't possible at all. But a new invention, called wireless radio, permitted instant communication over long distances. A young boy, itching to get involved, buys a secondhand receiver and earphones, and studies hard to learn Morse code so that he can pass the test to qualify as an amateur radio operator and get his own station: 2AZK. Its fun talking with people all over the world just by tapping on his telegraph key (and readers can tap along - there's Morse code to follow in the pictures). Then one night he picks up a distress signal from Florida -- family stranded in flood -- and uses his skill for something more important. Based on the author's father's experiences as a young ham operator in the 1920s, Radio Rescue is an exciting story of a moment in technological history.
The New Girl and Me, Jacque Robbins ($17.00)
On her first day of school, who will be her friend? Raise your hand if it's you. You'll meet someone — and something — surprising.
The Recess Queen, Alexis O'Neill ($14.00)
A fresh & original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, & parents & teachers will appreciate the story's deft handling of conflict resolution (which happens w/o adult intervention)
Mean Jean was Recess Queen and nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she'd push 'em and smoosh 'em lollapaloosh 'em, hammer 'em, slammer 'em kitz and kajammer 'em. Until a new kid came to school!
With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.
The Worst Best Friend, Alexis O'Neill ($10.00)
Mike and Conrad, Conrad and Mike are best, best friends. That is until Victor, a new boy, a big boy, a cool boy, arrives at school. Suddenly, Conrad turns into the WORST best friend and forgets all about his pal, Mike. But when Victor's need to win leaves Conrad crushed, it's Mike who steps up to the plate and shows how to be a real friend, a true-blue friend, a best, BEST friend.
Exuberant illustrations and rhythmic text bounce off the pages in this frank and funny look at the challenges and rewards of friendship. A perfect read-aloud to share with all friends again and again.
Enemy Pie, Derek Munson($10.00)
It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy!
In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipes for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.
Stop Picking on Me, Pat Thomas ($8.00)
Barron's A First Look At books explore the dynamics in relationships among children of preschool through early school age, and encourage kids to understand personal and social problems as a first step toward solving them. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counselor, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The language in each book is simple and direct--easy for younger children to understand. Full-color illustrations on every page. This approachable picture book explores the difficult issue of bullying among children. It helps kids accept the normal fears and worries that accompany bullying, and suggests ways to resolve this upsetting experience.
Bully BEANS, Julia Cook ($10.00)
The latest story from hit author Julia Cook, Bully B.E.A.N.S. is a fun story that teaches people of all ages to become proactive when it comes to bullying. This book can help children and adults understand why bullying happens and what they can do to stop it. Finally, a bullying book that speaks to the bystander!
Tease Monster, Julia Cook ($8.00)
Is the Tease Monster a friend or a foe? That's what "One of a Kind" has to figure out in this quirky tale that teaches young readers the difference between nice teasing and mean teasing.
One-of-a-Kind is truly unique. Made up of multiple colors, One has big feet and loves eating popsicles while standing upside down. But when Purple laughs at One for being weird and Green playfully calls One a "klutz" after tripping on the stairs, One feels rotten and vows never to go back to school.
With words of wisdom from Mom about the Tease Monster, however, One discovers that teasing is part of life. And not all teasing is the same. One learns that laughing at someone (mean teasing) has a hurtful bite, but laughing with someone (nice teasing) is alright when it's not done out of spite!
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, Carol McCloud ($6.00-$14.00)
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
This heartwarming book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation and love by “filling buckets.” For more information on bucket filling and free downloadables and resources, visit bucketfillers101.com.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, Maria Dismondy ($10.00)
How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.
Do Unto Otters, Laurie Keller ($8.00)
Join Mr. Rabbit in exploring the Golden Rule: Do unto Otters as you would have Otters do unto you!
Howard B. Wigglebottom, Howard Binkow and Reverend Ana ($13.00)
My Secret Bully, Trudy Ludwig ($8.00)
When Monica's friend Katie begins to call her names and humiliate her in front of other kids at school, she feels betrayed and isolated. But with help from her mother, Monica reclaims her confidence from a bully disguised as her friend. This wonderful resource for children, parents, teachers, and counselors includes helpful tips, discussion questions, and additional information for any child who has experienced relational aggression.
Just Kidding, Trudy Ludwig ($12.00)
A rare look at emotional bullying among boys from the best-selling author of My Secret Bully.D.J.'s friend Vince has a habit of teasing D.J. and then saying, Just kidding!" as if it will make everything okay. It doesn't, but D.J. is afraid that if he protests, his friends will think he can't take a joke. With the help of his father, brother, and an understanding teacher, D.J. progresses from feeling helpless to taking positive action, undermining the power of two seemingly harmless words. Trudy Ludwig takes another look at relational aggression, the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others, this time from the boy's point of view.
Confessions of a Former Bully, Trudy Ludwig ($8.00)
After Katie gets caught teasing a schoolmate, she's told to meet with Mrs. Petrowski, the school counselor, so she can make right her wrong and learn to be a better friend. Bothered at first, it doesn't take long before Katie realizes that bullying has hurt not only the people around her, but her, too. Told from the unusual point of view of the bullier rather than the bullied,Confessions of a Former Bully provides kids with real life tools they can use to identify and stop relational aggression.
Gifts from the Enemy, Trudy Ludwig ($17.00)
...is the powerful and moving story based on From a Name to a Number: A Holocaust Survivor's Autobiography by Alter Wiener, in which Alter recalls his loss of family at the hands of the Nazis and his internment in five prison camps during World War II. This picture book tells one moving episode during Alter's imprisonment, when an unexpected person demonstrates moral courage in repeated acts of kindness to young Alter during his imprisonment. Gifts from the Enemy teaches children in age-appropriate language about the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and stereotyping and that there are good and bad in every group of people. The accompanying questions and activities for readers provide teachers and parents with helpful direction in presenting this history and the valuable story.
The Invisible Boy, Patrice Barton & Trudy Ludwig
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine...this story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.
Malla: A Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan, Jeanette Winter
Meet two heroes of Pakistan who stood up for the rights to freedom and education in these inspirational nonfiction tales from acclaimed author-illustrator Jeanette Winter. Two stories of bravery in one beautiful book—including the story of Malala Yousafzai, a winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize!
One country: Pakistan. Two children: Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai. Each was unafraid to speak out. He, against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade. She, for the right of girls to attend school. Both were shot by those who disagreed with them—he in 1995, she in 2012. Iqbal was killed instantly; Malala miraculously survived and continues to speak out around the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her work.
The stories of these two courageous children whose bravery transcended their youth, beautifully written and illustrated by celebrated author Jeanette Winter, are an inspiration to all.
The Junkyard Wonders, Patricia Polacco
When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them.
Out of My Mind, Sharon Draper
Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Sean Covey
Wonder, RJ Palacio
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face...begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Crossover, Kwame Alexander
He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander (He Said, She Said 2013).
Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.
Want to know the grade level of the book(s) you are purchasing for the GEARup2READ Book Drive?
GEARup2LEAD
Located in Flint, MI, and created by a group of dedicated people within the community of Genesee County, GEARup2LEAD understands the power of inspiring and educating others to be heroic leaders. GEARup2LEAD is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a social impact mission. Focused on developing a GROWTH MINDSET, building EMPATHY, taking ACTION and accepting RESPONSIBILITY, GEARup2LEAD aims at helping both youth and adults reach their fullest potential as leaders so we may all experience positive change.
Email: ajhartley@gearup2lead.org
Website: http://www.gearup2lead.org/
Location: 601 Saginaw St, Flint, MI, United States
Phone: 810) 207-5092
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GEARup2LEAD/?ref=hl
Twitter: @GEARup2LEAD