Here's a list of known fairy tales with information about dates, languages, and authors.

This beautiful picture book from Pamela Munoz Ryan describes the life of Marian Anderson, one of this century's most celebrated singers. This book could be inspirational for a child who may have obstacles to success, whether the obstacles be racism, sexism, or classism. Because Marian is recognized for her talent and because she is willing to work hard and take risks, she finds many opportunities to share her talents with others. Because she is strong enough to stand firm against racism, she finds a larger audience than she could have ever imagined.

Thank you Mr. Falker is an autobiography by Patricia Polacco. For those who know and love the books of Patricia Polacco, you might be surprised to read this book and find out how difficult it was for her to learn to read as a child. Because of her wonderful teacher, Mr. Falker, who never gave up on her, she began to feel smart and capable as she learned to read.

Danitra and her friend Zuri are persevering characters. When life gets hard for one of these friends, the other one helps her keep going.

Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, by Judith Viorst, provides a funny yet thought-provoking look, through the eyes of a child, at how some days can just go all wrong. Alexander is a plain-spoken, somewhat emotional narrator who tells the story of his bad day. Some of the humor of the book comes from irony, as the reader comes to see that much of Alexander's bad day is self-inflicted. However, the emotions are very real, and it seems a very universal human story that shows us how events and attitudes can affect one another. As a teacher, this is the perfect book to pull out on a difficult day so that the children can release their pent-up emotions by bridging their own feelings with Alexander's.

Willie has decided that hugging is for sissies because that's what his friend Jo Jo always says. But his family likes to hug, and it's hard for Willie to be hug-free. This book is a wonderful children's story about families who love each other and don't mind showing it. Willie's sadness about giving up hugs becomes apparent to the reader even before Willie understand it himself. The sister who teases with love is also a very kind and sweet character for children to relate to. As a teacher, I can see this book being useful in community development; while students like Jo Jo need to be allowed to keep their personal space, students like Willie should be allowed to show their affection for their loved ones: at home and at school.