Does it feel sometimes like we live in a world where words are shared without much thought to their consequence?

Educators have the opportunity to teach students just how powerful their words can be. Now more than ever we want our children to know that words matter. Words can build up or tear down, and every speaker has the means to make the world a better place. Our PB10for10 list includes a few of our favorite books to help children find their voice and begin to learn the power of their words.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words  by Karen Leggett Abouraya
Malala uses her voice to speak up for what she believes, even when it means risking her safety.

Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu
Desmond learns early in life that two wrongs don’t make a right, especially when it comes to hurtful words.

The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by Patricia C. McKissack
Telling the truth doesn’t mean sharing all of your thinking, especially if it might hurt feelings.

Little Bird’s Bad Word  by Jacob Grant
It’s important to learn that some words shouldn’t be repeated.

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss
“I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an elephant’s faithful one-hundred percent.” Horton’s mantra reminds us that giving our word is meaningful, and that our promises matter.

Andrew’s Angry Words by Dorthea Lachner
When Andrew’s sister knocks over his pile of toys, he lets loose a stream of angry words that he immediately regrets… but it’s too late. His words are out there, and their effect is much bigger than Andrew ever imagined.

Max’s Words by Kate Banks
Max wants to keep up with his older siblings who collect things. Max collects words and soon discover that he doesn’t just have a lot of words, he has the ingredients for a story.

Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
A few encouraging words from a kind teacher make all the difference for a girl who struggles to learn to read.

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
If anyone knows the power of words, it’s Martin Luther King.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
A tiny cricket shares encouraging words with a clumsy giraffe who thinks he can’t dance.

This list was created in collaboration with Lisa Keeler, St. Anne’s-Belfield School Dean of Faculty Development. Learn more about Lisa and see the post on her blog, Reading, Writing, and Learning, here. 

PB10for10 is a Google community where educators share resources for inspiring readers. See more PB10for10 lists here or follow along on Twitter at #PB10for10.