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Books by Theme
Books with Strong Portrayals of Older Characters for Kids 6–9 Years Old
Books introduce children to people they might not otherwise encounter. Readers will meet older individuals, many of them grandparents, in these books. They are sure to discover interesting, lively, and knowledgeable characters who share many emotions, experiences, and ideas with readers.
This list was adapted and updated from an earlier list developed by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. This effort of the ALSC initially was part of a collaborative project with the SEA Change Program of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at The George Washington University, founded by Gene Cohen, MD, PhD.
See more: Books with Strong Portrayals of Older Characters for Kids 3-6 Years Old
Tony is not looking forward to his family's annual picnic at Liberty Island in October. Nevertheless, his grandmother insists that they maintain the tradition of celebrating her birthday with Lady Liberty. At first it doesn't seem like much fun — until Tony finally begins to understand why the Statue of Liberty means so much to his grandmother. Lovely colorful acrylic paintings bring this special tribute to life.
Product description: When Marta ruins her homework and breaks her glasses, Grandmother soothes her with an ancient story and one of her delicious tortillas. Set on the Papago reservation in southern Arizona, watercolor illustrations bring the desert setting and characters to life.
Aging animals thrown out by their masters form a band and get the better of a band of robbers.
When a small, fat and bald old man announces he is a dragon, offering to defend the city of Wu against impending attack, everyone laughs at him but one young boy.
The artist recalls growing up in south Texas in this celebration of family and cultural traditions presented in vivid paintings and short prose in Spanish and English. Garza's pride in her Mexican-American heritage is evident and celebrated in this handsome book.
A young man relives the pleasure of his childhood experiences while on a fishing trip with his son and father.
A young man travels from his native Japan to the vast country called America before returning to visit his home with his bride. The exquisite watercolors give the appearance of a family photo album as it relates this autobiographical but universal story of immigration.
Country of origin: Japan
Tamika sees her beloved grandfather making a mean face while he rehearses for one of his plays and becomes afraid that someday he will make that face at her.
Set in Zimbabwe, Kukamba leaves the city to visit her grandmother, Gugu, in her small village.
Gus despairs of coming up with something interesting and impressive for his second grade class' show-and-tell, until he gets a great idea while visiting his Grandpa. Gus and his wise grandfather share each other's company and experiences in other books including basketball jitters and Halloween fears.
After her husband's death, an old woman finds friendship when she rents an older cat via the Internet.
Miss Rumphius leaves the world more beautiful with an unusual legacy. This gentle story can relate to not only the language arts, but to dreams, legacies, and the environment.
Miz Berlin tells wonderful stories as she and young Mary Alice walk together around the block.
Mr. Putter's neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds — for them or their pets. Mr. Putter’s everyday adventures continue In other books in the series such as Mr. Putter & Tabby Paints the Porch; here the help Mr. Putter gets from his animal friends makes painting his front porch a challenge.
In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendship through their mutual concern for an abandoned cat named Tush. Together they explore the common themes of suffering and triumph in each of their cultures.
Arizona Houston Hughes, an Appalachian girl who dreams of seeing the world, grows up to become a teacher who inspires generations of schoolchildren.
A map from a mysterious bottle magically transports a Brooklyn boy to share tea and talk with his grandfather in the Middle East.
The author recalls childhood visits to Orani, her father's island homeland, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea where old and young alike enjoy Sardinia’s beauty and activities.
Though he practiced medicine, William Carlos Williams became a recognized poet continuing well into his sixties.
Tanya helps Grandma make a beautiful quilt which tells the story of their family.
A young girl's love for music leads her to a job in the home of an older woman who teaches her not only to play the piano but also to care for others.
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