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Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories
Here is a family guide to classic novels, contemporary fiction, myths and legends, science fiction and fantasy, folktales, Bible stories, picture books, biographies, holiday stories, and many other books that celebrate virtues and values.
There are more than 300 titles to choose from, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral ground and the difference between what is right and what is wrong. These books will capture your child's imagination, and conscience as well-whether it is Beauty pondering her promise to Beast, mischievous Max in Where the Wild Things Are , the troubled boys of Lord of the Flies , generous Mr. Badger in The Wind in the Willows , or the courageous struggles of such real-life characters as Frederick Douglass and Anne Frank.
With entries arranged by category and reading level, there is something here for all readers-from preschoolers to teenagers-whatever their tastes may be. Each entry features a complete plot summary and publisher information so that you can find the book with ease in your local library or bookstore. It's not always easy to teach a child the difference between right and wrong, but stories-whether they are based on fantasy or rooted in real life-can speak to children more eloquently than any list of dos or don'ts and can impart moral values as they nurture a child's imagination.
There are more than 300 titles to choose from, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral ground and the difference between what is right and what is wrong. These books will capture your child's imagination, and conscience as well-whether it is Beauty pondering her promise to Beast, mischievous Max in Where the Wild Things Are , the troubled boys of Lord of the Flies , generous Mr. Badger in The Wind in the Willows , or the courageous struggles of such real-life characters as Frederick Douglass and Anne Frank.
With entries arranged by category and reading level, there is something here for all readers-from preschoolers to teenagers-whatever their tastes may be. Each entry features a complete plot summary and publisher information so that you can find the book with ease in your local library or bookstore. It's not always easy to teach a child the difference between right and wrong, but stories-whether they are based on fantasy or rooted in real life-can speak to children more eloquently than any list of dos or don'ts and can impart moral values as they nurture a child's imagination.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1994
16 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
William Kilpatrick
22 books16 followersWilliam Kilpatrick is the author of several books, including Psychological Seduction and Why Johnny Can't Tell Right from Wrong. His articles on Islam have appeared in Investor's Business Daily, FrontPage Magazine, Jihad Watch, Catholic World Report, the National Catholic Register, World, and other publications. Professor Kilpatrick, who taught for many years at Boston College, lectures frequently to audiences in the US and abroad.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 30, 2009
As another reviewer pointed out, the title and subtitle of this book may put people off. But this isn't a book that applies a preachy sort of moralism to the task of building a child's character through literature. Far from it. It's a very valuable guide to books that have, and will, stand the test of time as classics. I discovered many wonderful books through this guide and had a great time reading them to my children. The best children's literature is as satisfying on an adult level as it is for the child.
This book is valuable not only for the lists and summaries of good books for children (grouped by age level and category) that takes up most of its pages. The first 60 pages contain five short chapters on the importance of reading for children and of selecting the sort of books that will build their character and intellect. It explains why it does matter what your child reads (not just that they read). Don't skip this reading. No matter how convinced you are of the importance of good literature for a child's development, your conviction and understanding will deepen by reading what the authors have to say in this introductory material.
The fifth chapter has some especially useful guidelines on selecting and sharing good books. Distinguish between issues and virtues: "Having enlightened opinions is no substitute for having character". "Good books are people centered, not problem centered." Context of behavior portrayed in a book is crucial. "Character building books are not simply about good people doing good things. ... The question is not whether unethical behavior is present, but how it is presented". Look for stories that "open up new possibilities and stretch the imagination. ... be wary of stories that focus exclusively on narrow teen or preteen preoccupations, or those that offer nothing more than the therapeutic reassurance that everything is okay". "Look for books in which the main character grows". There is an education here to help you discern for yourself the quality of children's literature. There is also some good advice on how to read to your children; a good list of "do's and don't's" that make reading aloud more productive an fun. It won't be long before your kids are turning off the TV and asking you to read to them. You will have plenty of good material to draw from with this book as your guide.
This book is valuable not only for the lists and summaries of good books for children (grouped by age level and category) that takes up most of its pages. The first 60 pages contain five short chapters on the importance of reading for children and of selecting the sort of books that will build their character and intellect. It explains why it does matter what your child reads (not just that they read). Don't skip this reading. No matter how convinced you are of the importance of good literature for a child's development, your conviction and understanding will deepen by reading what the authors have to say in this introductory material.
The fifth chapter has some especially useful guidelines on selecting and sharing good books. Distinguish between issues and virtues: "Having enlightened opinions is no substitute for having character". "Good books are people centered, not problem centered." Context of behavior portrayed in a book is crucial. "Character building books are not simply about good people doing good things. ... The question is not whether unethical behavior is present, but how it is presented". Look for stories that "open up new possibilities and stretch the imagination. ... be wary of stories that focus exclusively on narrow teen or preteen preoccupations, or those that offer nothing more than the therapeutic reassurance that everything is okay". "Look for books in which the main character grows". There is an education here to help you discern for yourself the quality of children's literature. There is also some good advice on how to read to your children; a good list of "do's and don't's" that make reading aloud more productive an fun. It won't be long before your kids are turning off the TV and asking you to read to them. You will have plenty of good material to draw from with this book as your guide.
April 30, 2008
Great reference book to have of many wonderful books that children can read with their parents or as a family throughout their time in our homes. After sixty pages of solid reasoning for what and why in the moral story arena, there are wonderful, detailed summaries of each book as well as being separated into themes and then relisted at the end for easier perusal without any summaries. I used to think I was doing just fine as the children are growing, in teaching them morals and truths, but as this author says, "Stories present us not only with memorable pictures, but with dramas...We literally "identify" ourselves with our favorite characters, and thus their actions become our actions. In a story we meet characters who have something to learn; otherwise we would not be interested in them."
He quotes Flannery O'Connor, "A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way....You tell a story because a statement would be inadequate."
As I have really dug into these stories with my children, I feel almost overwhelmed at what they would be missing without this steady layering of moral teaching through these entertaining and meaningful messages.
He quotes Flannery O'Connor, "A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way....You tell a story because a statement would be inadequate."
As I have really dug into these stories with my children, I feel almost overwhelmed at what they would be missing without this steady layering of moral teaching through these entertaining and meaningful messages.
June 27, 2020
Read this book a couple of years ago. Re-read/skimmed my highlights. Great reference book!...2/1/16
Taking a free course online from Hillsdale College and they referenced this book. I had forgotten about it and was so excited that I owned it. Reread this book in a day (most of it out loud to my son) then had fun checking all the books listed in there that we have read and looking forward to all the others yet to read!...krb 6/26/20
Taking a free course online from Hillsdale College and they referenced this book. I had forgotten about it and was so excited that I owned it. Reread this book in a day (most of it out loud to my son) then had fun checking all the books listed in there that we have read and looking forward to all the others yet to read!...krb 6/26/20
November 10, 2011
This is my favorite of all the 'what to read to your children books.' I'm eager to get it circulating for my grandchildren. I made me a book list from recommendations. That will be my next personal reading list. C.S. Lewis believed that "no book worth reading at age ten is not equally worth reading at age fifty." I'll reserve some of the shorter, younger reader books for reading to my grandchildren. The first part of the book talked about the value of good books. There was excellent information. Flannery O'Connor: "A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way...You tell a story because a statement would be inadequate." A good reminder of why Jesus used so many parables. William Bennett says there are two good things good stories provide: "codes of conduct (honesty, courage, kindness) and good examples (Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc). I liked this: "The great authors understood that people are brought low by common problems more often than by extra-ordinary ones. Likewise, the best of children's literature is concerned not with the latest ethical quandaries but with the perennial problems of growing up." Also: "In literature we get to meet people of different types. One result is that we become better judges of character."
I especially liked this: "One of the most satisfying of all story genres if the mystery or detective story. W.H. Auden says, 'Murder mysteries satisfy because they are about order. First you have an ordered and peaceful community. Then you have the crime tht disrupts order. And finally, through the intervention of the detective, the restoration of order.'" He mentions that 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' bothers children because there is no order. Things are too random and disconnected. That would explain why none of us like that story.
I especially liked this: "One of the most satisfying of all story genres if the mystery or detective story. W.H. Auden says, 'Murder mysteries satisfy because they are about order. First you have an ordered and peaceful community. Then you have the crime tht disrupts order. And finally, through the intervention of the detective, the restoration of order.'" He mentions that 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' bothers children because there is no order. Things are too random and disconnected. That would explain why none of us like that story.
November 17, 2019
I was surprised by how wonderful this little book is. Despite the title, it does not recommend "moralistic" literature. Rather, Kilpatrick and company help us understand the deep ways in which stories form the human soul. Complete with a wonderful list of books to help you fill your shelves with stories that will nourish everyone in the family.
March 13, 2012
Very helpful and enjoyable!
April 3, 2025
From my parents' bookshelf. There's essentially a 60 page essay on what constitutes a "book that builds character," aka a book that fosters the moral imagination, and then an extensive book list divided into different genre categories and age ranges. The booklist will be more useful later - my oldest is 2.5 and their youngest age group begins at 4, although my toddler is already enjoying having many of their suggested pictures books read to him. Their introduction was helpful as I search for great picture books that capture the imagination and communicate a moral framework without being preachy and dull.
This was written in the 1990s but much of the authors' criticism of contemporary literature feels just as relevant, and even prescient, considering the state of children's and young adult literature today. I'm often dismayed when I go to the library and see book after book in the children's section whose primary aim is to advance a trendy social agenda - "Feminism for Babies," "If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It," and "Granddad's Pride" being three real-life examples from my most recent trip to our local library. I have to hope that this is because all the good books - the "living books," the ones that cultivate timeless virtues and strengthen the moral imagination - are all checked out and being read in people's homes, and the twaddle is left on the shelves.
"The great authors understood that people are brought low by common problems more often than by extraordinary ones. Likewise, the best of children's literature is concerned not with the latest ethical quandaries but with the perennial problems of growing up." (p. 33)
In other words, children (and their parents) are not drawn to picture books exploring drag culture, but return again and again to stories like that of a little boy who misplaces his favorite stuffed dog and his sister who selflessly sacrifices to help him get it back.
This was written in the 1990s but much of the authors' criticism of contemporary literature feels just as relevant, and even prescient, considering the state of children's and young adult literature today. I'm often dismayed when I go to the library and see book after book in the children's section whose primary aim is to advance a trendy social agenda - "Feminism for Babies," "If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It," and "Granddad's Pride" being three real-life examples from my most recent trip to our local library. I have to hope that this is because all the good books - the "living books," the ones that cultivate timeless virtues and strengthen the moral imagination - are all checked out and being read in people's homes, and the twaddle is left on the shelves.
"The great authors understood that people are brought low by common problems more often than by extraordinary ones. Likewise, the best of children's literature is concerned not with the latest ethical quandaries but with the perennial problems of growing up." (p. 33)
In other words, children (and their parents) are not drawn to picture books exploring drag culture, but return again and again to stories like that of a little boy who misplaces his favorite stuffed dog and his sister who selflessly sacrifices to help him get it back.
Read
September 26, 2013From the Publisher
Here is a family guide to classic novels, contemporary fiction, myths and legends, science fiction and fantasy, folktales, Bible stories, picture books, biographies, holiday stories, and many other books that celebrate virtues and values.
There are more than 300 titles to choose from, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral ground and the difference between what is right and what is wrong. These books will capture your child's imagination, and conscience as well-whether it is Beauty pondering her promise to Beast, mischievous Max in Where the Wild Things Are, the troubled boys of Lord of the Flies, generous Mr. Badger in The Wind in the Willows, or the courageous struggles of such real-life characters as Frederick Douglass and Anne Frank.
With entries arranged by category and reading level, there is something here for all readers-from preschoolers to teenagers-whatever their tastes may be. Each entry features a complete plot summary and publisher information so that you can find the book with ease in your local library or bookstore. It's not always easy to teach a child the difference between right and wrong, but stories-whether they are based on fantasy or rooted in real life-can speak to children more eloquently than any list of dos or don'ts and can impart moral values as they nurture a child's imagination.
Here is a family guide to classic novels, contemporary fiction, myths and legends, science fiction and fantasy, folktales, Bible stories, picture books, biographies, holiday stories, and many other books that celebrate virtues and values.
There are more than 300 titles to choose from, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral ground and the difference between what is right and what is wrong. These books will capture your child's imagination, and conscience as well-whether it is Beauty pondering her promise to Beast, mischievous Max in Where the Wild Things Are, the troubled boys of Lord of the Flies, generous Mr. Badger in The Wind in the Willows, or the courageous struggles of such real-life characters as Frederick Douglass and Anne Frank.
With entries arranged by category and reading level, there is something here for all readers-from preschoolers to teenagers-whatever their tastes may be. Each entry features a complete plot summary and publisher information so that you can find the book with ease in your local library or bookstore. It's not always easy to teach a child the difference between right and wrong, but stories-whether they are based on fantasy or rooted in real life-can speak to children more eloquently than any list of dos or don'ts and can impart moral values as they nurture a child's imagination.
May 5, 2010
I love this book...it's a list of books, broken up into the categories of Picture Books, Fables and Fairy Tales, Myths Legends and Folktales, Sacred Texts, Books for Holidays and Holy Days, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Biography. Each of these sections is divided into "younger readers" and "middle readers". There is a brief synopsis for each book recommendation. While there are many books out there that provide lists of book recommendations for kids, I like that this one focuses on books that teach a good moral lesson, instead of just books that kids enjoy. I'll be buying this book as a reference for our read-aloud selections.
November 2, 2011
In spite of the heavy-handed sound of the book's title, this 1994 publication contains a handy annotated list of about 300 books and 20 videos suitable for children of various ages.
The titles are organized into the following categories: Picture Books; Fables and Fairy tales; Myths, Legends, and Folktales; Sacred Texts, Books for Holidays and Holy Days; Historical Fiction; Contemporary Fiction; Fantasy and Science Fiction; and Biography. The book has handy divisions of reading level: younger, middle, or older readers for each title.
The titles are organized into the following categories: Picture Books; Fables and Fairy tales; Myths, Legends, and Folktales; Sacred Texts, Books for Holidays and Holy Days; Historical Fiction; Contemporary Fiction; Fantasy and Science Fiction; and Biography. The book has handy divisions of reading level: younger, middle, or older readers for each title.
October 28, 2008
The author reviews more than 300 books, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral issues and the difference between right and wrong. Entries are arranged by category and reading level, and there is something for every age. When I really want to know what's in a book, this is the reference I use.
December 23, 2008
This book didn't add a whole lot to what I have already read in "The Read-Aloud Handbook" and "Honey for a Child's Heart." In fact, it quotes the other two. It was still a pleasure to read and includes books in its reading list not found in the other two. I also find it interesting when authors have different takes on a particular book (i.e Alice in Wonderland--for younger or older audience)
July 27, 2008
Fabulous book! As I read it I kept finding myself saying "Yes! Yes!" as if the author could hear me. Full of great principles and ideas for books for goods--a great reference book. I might have to buy myself a copy.
September 22, 2010
I loved looking through the list and have read a lot of them. The picture books were stories mostly for kids not necessarily of picture book age, but Ava (5) was able to appreciate them a lots of conversation. Definitely worth a look-through for good ideas, but not necessarily a must-own.
March 26, 2013
The authors give sound advice about how to avoid the narcissistic literature prevalent on today's bookshelves.
From pg 52: "It is far easier to be cynical about the facts of life than it is to invest them with the significance they deserve."
From pg 52: "It is far easier to be cynical about the facts of life than it is to invest them with the significance they deserve."
July 30, 2013
This book provides parents and teachers with a great resource to aid in assisting children with choosing books that will not only amuse them but also develop their characters and prepare them for the world around them.
March 27, 2009
This book has listings for great books for all ages. It lists many of my favorite books that influenced me growing up and lots of others that I'm going to try out now.
July 31, 2008
Booklists alphabetically, by age appropriateness, and genre.
Also has an appendix of good children's movies on video/dvd.
Also has an appendix of good children's movies on video/dvd.
November 6, 2008
Lots of good memories in the list here. Many I read to my kids when we were homeschooling.
July 8, 2009
Compelling introduction based on facts. Fantastic book list beginning with picture books for youngest readers (ages 4-8).
March 10, 2010
OK. Not thrilled with all the selections.
December 10, 2012
skimmed much of the book detail, but very good list of books to read.
May 22, 2024
Great resource. I think I read this in the late '90s but maybe as late as 2005.
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October 17, 2011I like this book!
June 23, 2021
Finished to page 91. Up to page 64 is an introduction to reading moral books and an intro to the book list. The rest of the book is a reference of books broken down by category then age group. I read through the picture book recommendation list (page 91) and will pick up the recommendation list again once we have finished those books.
March 28, 2024
Indispensable for parents, educators, and lovers of children's and young adult literature. Wonderful! A fundamental reference book to nourish our children and students with good books and fine literature, providing good reasons and explanations for reading quality books and not just anything.
November 1, 2017
Close to my heart. I love the message of bonding as a family through reading great literature. I am still working my way through the book list, but the narrative was inspiring in and of itself.
May 15, 2021
Great resource.
March 30, 2023
Good book recommendations for building character. Includes a small movie list in the back.
May 18, 2024
The best booklist I’ve ever read! 5 stars, except now many of the books published in the 80s, 90s, and 00s are not widely available.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews