Sometimes a bit of perspective goes a long way in teaching kids \u2014 especially tweens \u2014 about gratitude. Watching other kids work through adversity can be a powerful tool in cultivating an attitude of thankfulness. You can say the same of books that feature characters showing appreciation for the things they have (even when it\u2019s very little).<\/p>\n
These 10 middle grade books are a great place to start if you\u2019re looking to tackle the subject of gratitude with tweens. They feature protagonists working through feelings and challenges while recognizing the good in their lives.<\/p>\n
no no 9781984816061 Flight of the Puffin<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/611456\/flight-of-the-puffin-by-ann-braden\/9781984816061\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ann Braden <\/p>\n
When Libby decides she doesn\u2019t want to be a bully like the rest of her family, she writes \u201cYou are amazing\u201d on index cards and leaves them in various places. She doesn\u2019t know that this simple act will change lives. The book weaves together the stories of four kids from different backgrounds as they become encouraged by the cards and begin to accept themselves.<\/p>\n
9780525515142 Harbor Me<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/304852\/harbor-me-by-jacqueline-woodson\/9780525515142\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jacqueline Woodson <\/p>\n
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson delivers a powerful story about six kids who become each other\u2019s safe space. They meet every week \u2014 without grownups \u2014 to talk about the scary things happening in their lives and the world around them. Tackling big topics like race, incarceration, and immigration, the things that make these kids feel alone ultimately bring them together.<\/p>\n
9780147510488 The War That Saved My Life<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/314816\/the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly-brubaker-bradley\/9780147510488\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley <\/p>\n
When Ada\u2019s brother gets sent away from London to escape World War II, she sneaks off with him, fleeing not only the war but her abusive home. As she learns new things \u2014 including how to trust others \u2014 and works through challenges, Ada realizes there is more to the world than the one-room apartment where she used to live.<\/p>\n
9780425290453 Strange Birds<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/553181\/strange-birds-by-celia-c-perez\/9780425290453\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Celia C. P\u00e9rez <\/p>\n
When a stubborn Scout leader refuses to change an archaic tradition, four unique girls combine forces to create their own troop. Although they\u2019re not fond of each other at first, the girls bond over their shared mission and forge friendships they didn\u2019t know they needed.<\/p>\n
9780451479747 Each Tiny Spark<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/570364\/each-tiny-spark-by-pablo-cartaya\/9780451479747\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Pablo Cartaya <\/p>\n
This book centers on Emilia, an intelligent and curious girl, as she navigates significant changes in her family and community. Emilia\u2019s dad recently returned from deployment and now suffers from PTSD. Her abuela wants her to be more ladylike, and she finds unsettling information about how her community treats immigrants. While tackling big subjects, Emilia learns to stand up for herself and her community.<\/p>\n
9781984815163 Wink<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/609678\/wink-by-rob-harrell\/9781984815163\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Rob Harrell <\/p>\n
Based on the author\u2019s experiences, this book follows Ross, a seventh-grader who wants to fit in. But, when he\u2019s diagnosed with eye cancer, it\u2019s pretty clear that won\u2019t happen. With hilarious comics and art throughout, this novel is heartbreaking and uplifting as it explores friendship and survival in middle school.<\/p>\n
9780593108635 Closer to Nowhere<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/622438\/closer-to-nowhere-by-ellen-hopkins\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ellen Hopkins <\/p>\n
When Cal\u2019s mom dies, he moves in with his cousin Hannah and her family, and all their lives get turned upside down. Told in verse and through the perspectives of both kids, this story follows the family as they struggle to adjust and take care of each other.<\/p>\n
9781984814630 Maya and the Robot<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/608364\/maya-and-the-robot-by-eve-l-ewing-illustrated-by-christine-almeda\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Eve L. Ewing, illustrated by Christine Almeda <\/p>\n
When Maya gets placed in a different class than her best friends, she worries about starting fifth grade. She\u2019s shy and has trouble meeting new people. But when she finds a robot tucked away in a closet at the convenience store, she uses science to bring it to life. Soon, her curiosity and ingenuity open up a new world for Maya \u2014 robot pal included. <\/p>\n
9781984815347 Paper Heart<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/610485\/paper-heart-by-cat-patrick\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Cat Patrick <\/p>\n