What do we suggest children read which doesn't glorify conflict?  These are some of my favorites.

The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss - The Butter Battle Book was first published during the cold war.  The humorously presented tale of the Zooks and the Yooks is a parody of the one-upmanship of U.S.-Soviet days and still has a lot to teach about intolerance and how tit-for-tat violence can quickly get out of hand.

Stories of the Underground Railroad by Anna L. Curtis - When Rufus Jones spoke to a group in Boston during the second world war, he recommended this book for children.  Although the terminology is dated, the stories are still great lessons in courage and integrity.

The Friendly Persuasion  and Except for Me and Thee by Jessamyn West - These are collections of short stories about a quaker family living in Indiana at the time of the Civil War.  Although aimed at an adult audience, I thoroughly enjoyed them in high school. The themes dealt with are mostly minor, though the difficulty of remaining pacifist in the midst of war is treated.

 Listing of winners of the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards - This award was established as part of The Jane Addams Peace Association goal "to foster a better understanding between the people of the world toward the end that wars may be avoided and a more lasting peace enjoyed."  Each year a picture book and a longer book receive recognition.

 

Just for fun

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