Books with good morals to them

[Ashlinn]

My 1st grader is in need of books to read with good morals to them. His reading level is 1st-2nd grade but I am willing to read chapter books to him. I already have Charlotte's Web in mind but am struggling to think of others.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Stuart Little
Little House on the Prairie
Homer Price
Caddie Woodlawn

[Anna]

Perhaps you should check out David Walliams? He has written several books for younger readers and the ones I've read had some good message. For exampleGrandpa's Great Escape, Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink

[Pamela]

Blue Willow by Doris Gates Blue Willow

[Rainbowheart]

Pollyanna
Farmer Boy
Henry Huggins
Number the Stars
All-of-a-Kind Family
The Children's Book of Virtues
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

[Beth]

Thank You, Omu! (about generosity and community)
Do Unto Otters (manners)

Also with some older books you might want to watch for things such as the chapter I recall from Caddie Woodlawn that ended with Caddie being punished (with a spanking or switching I think) for something her brothers also did and weren't punished for because "she is a girl and has to learn to act like a lady even out in the wilderness." I doubt you want your son learning sexism. Also the Little House books have some subtle racism against Native Americans and Black people you probably want to discuss with your kid--e.g. Pa's attitude toward Native Americans is more accurate than Ma's, and some Natives come in and take food from the house--but the Ingalls family is living on Native land that was offered illegally to settlers (they eventually have to leave).

[Ashlinn]

Thank you for the suggestions. I’ll be heading to the library to start finding some of these.

[Andria]

Christina, talk to the Children’s librarian while you’re
there about what, exactly, you mean by “good morals.” That means different things to different people and whether you mean books that teach empathy and compassion, or books that don’t contain certain things (whether that be violence, sexuality, swear words, rude behavior whatever - it’s your right as parent to filter what your kid reads) a good librarian can help you find books that are on their shelves and that meet your needs.

I hope you have a good children’s librarian. If not, and if you still want more suggestions, come back and tell us a bit more what you mean by “good morals” - there are so many great contemporary books that aren’t as problematic as some of the “classics” for you to share with your son.

[Paige]

Walt Disney's: The Grasshopper and the AntsLesson: be responsible for yourself
The Story Of George Washington Carver if you don't mind mentions of his Christian faith. Lesson: you can start out at the absolute lowest rung of society, and through your own faith, perseverance, resiliency, and education, you can succeed and help others and leave a lasting legacy.
My Dog Is a Hero
The Boy Who Cried WolfLesson: if you're in the habit of lying, there may come a time when you need people to believe you and they don't. So don't lie.
The Little Engine That CouldLesson: believe in yourself and try.
Bobbie Had a NickelLesson: think carefully about how you spend your money. Consider all your options. Plan. Spend with intention.
Something from NothingLesson: don't simply throw something out as soon as it is a little old/worn. Consider whether it might have another use. Be grateful for the gifts you receive.
The Snow RoseLesson: true love is worth more than any kingdom, and you should be with someone who loves you and puts as much effort into the relationship as you do.
The SneetchesLesson: Be proud of who you are. Don't be afraid to be different. Don't be afraid of others who are different, because we're all Sneetches- with stars or without them. Nobody should have to change their appearance to be accepted as a fellow Sneetch.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
The Emperor's New ClothesLesson: if you see something, say something
The Emperor And The NightingaleLesson: technology should not be used as a substitute for reality
What Does It Mean To Be Present?Lesson: don't just exist. Pay attention, help when you see a need, learn.
The Berenstain Bears and the Truth
Miss RumphiusLesson: leave a little kindness and beauty in your wake as you pass through this world
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs-Lesson: there are two sides to every story and consider the source of any story you hear. Is it the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Is something left out or some choice descriptive words used?
The Boy Who Held Back the SeaLesson: one small person doing one tiny thing can make a big difference. It may not be easy and it might not be comfortable, but it's still worth doing.
Strega NonaLesson: don't show off and don't touch things that don't belong to you.

[Paige]

Kindness and Generosity: It Starts with Me!

[Ashlinn]

Thanks for more suggestions. The librarian did help too.

[AS]

All of a Kind Family
The children and parents work together as a team : )

[Leah]

Definitely consider books with fables i.e. Aesop's fables. They feature animals and are interesting, easy to remember and get the moral of the story. Also Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. And also fun things to read when he can on his own, age 7-10 get him Astrid Lindgren's works. My favourites of hers were "Karlson from the rooftop", "Pipi the Longstockings" and "The children from Noisy village"