Kids Books about Courage

We are one month into our school year. The thrill of a new year has well-worn off and the “this-is-my-life-for-the-next-9-months” doldrums have swept in like a thick fog affecting my kids’ motivations. I’m glad we have a schedule and I’m looking forward to a few days off in mid-October. I’ve had to re-think some of our approaches to certain subjects, adjust, purchase different curriculums, and drop some other books altogether. Being flexible and changing up what’s not working one month in is one of the benefits of homeschooling. But man, homeschooling takes a lot of courage.

Part of me knows that I’m doing more than enough, that homeschooling is right for our family, and that our kids are learning and thriving. But then another part of me constantly questions if I’m doing the right thing. What if the friends they have leave them behind because they aren’t in school together? What if they end up behind their peers academically? What if they grow up to resent my homeschooling efforts and blame me for everything that is wrong in their lives? What if I fail miserably at this gargantuan task of teaching my kids? It takes courage to quiet the self-doubt and to wake up every morning with a calm, confident smile.

Defining courage…

Courage is being brave when you feel scared. Sometimes we have to do things, even when they are scary or hard. Like getting a vaccine to prevent you from getting sick. Many kids find shots scary. Staying calm and getting the shot, even though you are scared, is to be courageous. Sometimes things are really hard and we want to give up. Being courageous means not quitting even when something is really hard. Sometimes, we are pressured into doing something dangerous or against the rules. Some people think it is brave to do silly, risky things, but it is not brave to put yourself or others in danger. It is courageous to stand strong and say no to stay safe and do what’s right. It takes courage to try new things, to try again when you make a mistake, and to stand up for what is right, even when others make fun of you for it. Courage grows when we feel loved and supported by others, or when we love and feel confident in what we believe and in our abilities.

I am thankful that I have my husband’s support and encouragement on my darkest days of homeschooling. He helps me remember that I’m not completely failing our children!

I feel like the last five years my kids have had to be exceptionally courageous for their ages. Going through a global pandemic, wearing masks, getting vaccines, being around scared and anxious people all the time, and then losing their grandma – it’s been an uncertain time full of all the normal “new” experiences kids have and then an awful lot of “abnormal” new experiences as well.

Talking with my kids about courage and reading about courageous characters helps a lot in building their confidence to take on new experiences. Here are some stories we read featuring courageous characters:

Jabari Jumps – Gaia Cornwall

In Jabari Jumps, Jabari is nervous about jumping off the diving board but he finds an inner courage to take that first step!

The Subway Mouse by Barbara Reid

In The Subway Mouse, two mice decide to go to where the subway tunnel ends – where no mouse has ever gone before. It takes courage to go off on their own in search of a better life above ground.

Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel

Sometimes it takes courage to tell people something they don’t want to hear and speak up when you’re scared. In this story, a little boy speaks up to save his brother’s life.

Brave Irene by William Steig

Irene bravely delivers a dress through a winter storm to help her mother. With this book, I like asking my kids whether they think Irene should have delivered the dress or if it was too risky with the snowstorm. It has sparked an interesting conversation!

Stickeen by John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay

If you like stories about courageous animals, meet Stickeen, John Muir’s little dog who overcame many scary obstacles while exploring glaciers with John.

I hope these books inspire some courageous conversations with your kids!

Warmly,

-Heather

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