The Principled Academy: 7 Stories About Courage for Children

This month, we’re focusing on Courage. But is courage something people are born with, or is it something we learn? Like all virtues, courage can be taught, practiced, and modeled over time.

Courage is the willingness to move beyond fear in order to face a healthy (not reckless) challenge, even when it may involve risk, discomfort, or possible failure. Simply put, it means choosing to do what is right and trying your best—even when you feel afraid.

There are several wonderful books that help bring this idea to life for children. In Free as a Bird, young readers learn about Malala Yousafzai, who courageously stood up for her right to education despite great personal risk. Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco tells the moving story of a child who overcomes reading challenges with the help of a caring teacher, while The Lion Inside reminds younger readers that even the smallest among us can discover great bravery within themselves.

Activities and discussions can further support children in developing courage. When children see that both well-known figures and everyday individuals achieve meaningful things by facing their fears, they begin to understand that courage is something they can practice in their own lives.

In conclusion, Courage can indeed be taught and strengthened. With the right guidance, children can learn to manage their fears by talking with someone they trust, gathering information about what worries them, and, when it is safe, taking small, brave steps forward.

Please feel free to explore our selection of stories on Courage below, and if you’d like more options, I invite you visit our website.

Wishing you health, happiness, always,

Isaac Durst Isaac Durst Director

7 Books on Courage

Free as a Bird Written and Illustrated by Lina Maslo

Grade level: 5th & 6th graders Genre: Biography

Malala Yousafzai’s inspiring story follows a brave girl who, with the support of her father, stands up for every child’s right to education. Despite attempts to silence her, Malala raises her voice for equality and becomes a global advocate for change. Free as a Bird is a powerful story of courage, resilience, and the special See Story bond between a father and daughter, showing young readers the power of using their voice to make a difference.

The Koala who could Susan B. Anthony by Rachel Bright by Deborah Hopkinson Illustrated by Jim Field Illustrated by Amy Bates

Grade level: Pre K/K Grade level: 5th & 6th Genre: Fiction Genre: Biography

High in his tree, Kevin the koala feels Unlike most girls of her time, Susan safe and prefers everything to stay B. Anthony received an education. the same, while the busy world And besides reading and writing, her below seems overwhelming. When education taught her that women change comes, he must choose should have the same rights as men, between staying comfortable or above all the right to vote. So from being brave. the time she was a young woman The Koala Who Could by Rachel until the day she died, Susan worked Bright, illustrated by Jim Field, is a very hard to change America and charming rhyming story about make her dream reality. courage and embracing new experiences. See Story

One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh Illustrated by Mike Wimmer Thank you, Mr. Falker Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco Grade level: 5th & 6th Genre: Biography Grade level: 3rd & 4th Genre: Biography On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on Thank You, Mr. Falker shares the true the moon, alongside Buzz Aldrin. One story of Patricia Polacco as a young Giant Leap brings this historic moment girl named Trisha who struggled with to life by taking young readers on the reading due to dyslexia. While she was incredible journey of Apollo 11—from talented in art, words on a page felt liftoff to the moon landing. With vivid confusing and out of reach, leaving her illustrations and engaging storytelling, frustrated and discouraged. Everything the book captures the excitement, changed when a compassionate courage, and wonder of space teacher, Mr. Falker, recognized her exploration, while sharing an inspiring difficulties and gave her the support message that anything is possible with and confidence she needed to learn. determination and curiosity.. This moving story highlights perseverance, self-belief, and the

powerful difference a dedicated See Story teacher can make in a child’s life.

The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright Illustrated by Jim Field

Grade level: Pre K/K Genre: Fiction

The Lion Inside is a heartwarming story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. Tired of being ignored, Mouse wishes he could be brave and powerful like Lion, but along the way he discovers that even the biggest and boldest can be afraid sometimes. Through this charming adventure, Mouse learns that courage comes in all sizes, and that even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion. This beloved modern classic delivers an uplifting message about bravery, friendship, and believing in See Story yourself.

Thunder Cake Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco

Grade level: 1st & 2nd Genre: Picture Book

As thunder rumbles outside Grandma’s old farmhouse, Grandma and her granddaughter rush to gather ingredients and bake a Thunder Cake before the storm arrives. Along the way, the approaching storm turns into an adventure, helping the little girl face her fear of thunder. Drawing from her childhood memories, Patricia Polacco weaves a heartwarming story about courage, family, and the comforting wisdom of a grandmother, while vivid illustrations bring the excitement and magic of a thunderstorm to life.

Thanks for reading

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