Books About Responsibility for Kids
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Hopefully by now you are familiar with the character development series I have been creating for the last few years. These books about responsibility for kids are the next addition to the variety of lessons you will find on responsibility. This year I’m adding literature to my lessons, crafts and activities for kids focused on character. If you want to see all of the words we are working on this years, please hover over my character development tab. We are focusing on 52 different traits to line up with every week of the year. In my book series, I have tried to review loads and loads of books. It has been a bit overbearing of a task. Therefore, I have decided to begin reviewing a manageable handful but include the resources to find other books on the topic.
Responsibility (Learn about Values) – Here’s a great book that gives direct teaching about responsibility. Although I love literature that is story based, I think books like this are great for some direct instruction. Some kids’ brains are more wired to this kind of teaching too. This book clearly defines the term and then gives all kind of examples for what responsibility looks like in real life. This book is one of many in the “Learn About Values” series by Cynthia Roberts.
Saving Shadow (Read-It! Readers: Character Education) – This is a cute book about a little girl who finds a lost kitten. Although the mom says she does not want the family pet, her mind is changed as her daughter shows full responsibility or caring for it until the owner is found. The owner is never found, despite their efforts, so the little girl is able to keep the kitten she loves. This book is good for beginning readers.
Pip’s Picnic: A Lesson on Responsibility (Problem Solved! Readers) – This book is part of a series called “Problem Solved! Readers.” I thought this book was just OK. The books in this series are decent but have felt a little disjointed to me. In this story, Pip is hosting a picnic but gets his friend Tab to help. However, Tab is not on top of his job of gathering the food. He lets go of his responsibilities and Pip is left to gather the pieces and make the picnic work. Tab eventually learns to help in the process, but the majority of it falls on Pip’s shoulders. What I do like about this book is that the end of the story is filled with a lot of teaching guides. It includes big questions, big words with definitions, discuss opportunities and activities. These books are intended to present real-world problems that will be familiar to young children. I do like the bright illustrations too.
My Choices Make Me Who I Am – I really enjoyed this book. The artwork was unique. This book is less of a story and more of a challenge for kids to rise up and take responsibility in their lives. It talks about a variety of the character qualities I’m trying to develop in my kids through the character development series. One line says, “It’s MY responsibility to care for, maintain and guide my feelings. The trick is to catch them before they catch YOU off guard. Life’s journey is a smoother ride when I don’t lose control.” Each page is filled with words of wisdom to help kids treat others well, listen to wise advice, think things though, develop plans, have faith, be creative, be respectful, show self control, guide thoughts, make wise choices, not be confined be other people’s judgement, , be honest, set goals and a variety of other charges to kids. I love it. It calls kids to a plan of action to be purposeful about life. Out of all the books here, this is the one that stands out as my favorite.
Stanley and the Class Pet – This book is about a boy who is in charge of his class pet for the weekend. The problem is he does not show responsibility and ends up losing the class bird. Luckily, he is met with grace for what he has done. The book shows the bad that can happen when we decide to follow pressures from others rather than stand up for what we feel in our gut to be right. He learns a hard lesson in needing to take responsibility for his actions.
William and the Guinea Pig: A Book About Responsibility (Making Good Choices (Picture Window))
Let’s Save Energy! (Caring for the Earth) – I wanted to include the concept of being responsible about caring for our planet too. For a better book list, please visit No Time for Flash Cards and her Earth Day Book collection. The book I’m looking at today is a simple direct instruction book about how to save energy. It gives clear cut definitions and ideas that will help guide kids to take more responsibility in helping our earth and valuing its resources.
If You Made a Million – This is an interesting book. It explores the ins and outs of money at a children’s level. It talks about saving, earning and spending. I chose this book for responsibility because earning money and deciding what do do with it does take a lot of responsibility. There are a lot of choices to make as you earn money. I think this was a fun book to help explore the concept of money with kids.
Do I Have To?: Kids Talk About Responsibility
The Berenstain Bears’ New Pup (I Can Read Book 1)
I Just Forgot (A Little Critter Book)
The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game – We own this book, and we love having a big collection of the Berenstain Bear books. They always give a good moral lesson that is relatable to kids and real life families. In this book, the bears learn the importance of taking responsibility for the things they have done wrong rather than playing the blame game.
You could also try “Otto the Otter Takes a Bath,” by Lauren PIchon. Really cute book!
Thanks for the recommendation!!