14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

This one brought tears to my eyes.  In simple, yet eloquent, prose, the author tells how Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah of the Masai brought news to his village of the September 11 attack on New York City.  He wished the elders' permission to give his one true possession, his cow, to America as a way to help them during their time of tragedy.  The response of his village, while seemingly insignificant in our technology-ruled lives, shines as an example of the great generosity and kindness of spirit that exists in the world.  This book serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, that it is not America vs the world, and that even the smallest of us can reach out a hand and offer to help.  Rather than dwelling on the destruction of that day, this book celebrates our connections.  An excellent read-aloud any time, but especially powerful on the anniversary of 9/11.

January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

Short enough for a one-day read-aloud, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a family of runaway slaves and the people who help them gain their freedom.  Having witnessed the brutal whipping of their friend, the Crosswhite family decides to risk everything and leave the plantation.  With the help of the Underground Railroad, they make it to safety, but the burden of their secret weighs heavily on them.  When they are eventually discovered, an entire town must take sides.  An excellent look at the effects of slavery on all of society, told with all the heartwarming eloquence we have come to expect of Ms. Polacco.  This is one worth sharing.