Genocide (Groundwork Guides)

Some view the systematic killing, rape, and destruction of homes in Darfur as a grave humanitarian crisis. For others, it’s a clear example of the ultimate crime against humanity — genocide. Who is right? What is genocide? Who are the endangered human beings in today’s world? What is the impact on humanity of wiping out entire groups of people? This thoughtful book helps young readers understand these and other difficult questions. Providing an overview of the history of genocide worldwide, the book explores the paradox that while a person who murders another person can be tried and even executed for the crime, a person who murders hundreds or thousands of people usually goes free. Using case studies of acts of genocide throughout history, the book points out the unique character of each while at the same time establishing important links between them. Most importantly, the book answers the question, What can be done to prevent genocide from happening in the future?

Bertil and the Bathroom Elephants

It is not Bertil’s fault that the bathroom gets so wet when he takes a bath. It’s the fault of the elephants that are splashing and spraying. There’s no end to the mischief they cause! At first Bertil loves his funny new friends, but when he is not allowed any peace and quiet in the bathroom, he has a change of heart. The problem is, just how do you get rid of naughty bathroom elephants?

Auschwitz: The Story Of A Nazi Death Camp

Startling first-person narratives, rare photographs, and a well-researched history describe what happened at Auschwitz, a concentration camp in Poland used during World War II by the Nazis to gather and murder many people, mostly Jews.

Thunder Boy Jr.

Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that’s all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn’t mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he’s done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder. But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name…a name that is sure to light up the sky.

Today I Feel . . .

Beautifully illustrated by Madalena Moniz’s subtle watercolors, Today I Feel . . . follows a child through a whole range of emotions, from adored to curious to strong. Not all of the emotions are positive and not all of them are simple, but they are all honest and worthy of discussion with a young child.

The King’s Drum

What is the king’s drum made of? He who answerss that question correctly wins the princess’s hand in marrige. Ans so, a poor young man named Beto sets off for the castle to test his luck. However, he faces a long, tough road ahead of him. And just when he manages to overcome the obstacles before him, he finds three strangers who wish to lend him their hands. Will Beto be able to answer the question correectly? And where did the three strangers come from? Everyone has a chance to be happy. That is what this touching story teaches us all.

The Monkey King

Long ago, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Heavens, was so unhappy that China was in great turmoil that he even considered destroying its people. The Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, suggested another way find Lord Buddha’s scriptures in India and bring them back to China this would help the Chinese to become peaceful and kind