Summary: Using poetic descriptions, Hamanaka compares the rainbow of colors found in nature to the diversity of children in the world.

Summary: This exuberant, rap-like poem celebrates diversity among children on the playground and people in the world.

Summary: In this favorite Indian fable, six blind men each take a turn at describing an elephant, based on the way the animal feels to the touch. Unfortunately, each man only touches one small part of the vast elephant, and each man argues his idea of what an elephant really looks like. Once a seeing person settles the disagreement, the blind men realize the importance of Respecting others' interpretations.

Summary: Young African-American children celebrate the physical characteristics which make them both similar to and different from each other, from "bright eyes, brown skin" and "dimpled chin" down to "ticklish toes."

Summary: Children relate early to respect for animals. In this story a little girl saves a caterpillar from a hungry jaybird, and with her grandfather’s instruction, makes a house to keep it safe.

Summary: A collection of 21 poems by American poet Emily Dickinson reveals the writer’s respect for the environment and her natural surroundings. A brief introduction to her life is included.

Summary: A girl’s discovery of her rich biracial heritage will help all children see themselves with pride and self-respect. This heartening story demonstrates the value of faith, the strength of family, and the power of respect for elders.

Summary: Jamaica is less than thrilled when Mrs. Wirth asks her to share her markers with bratty and disruptive Russell. To make matters worse, Russell uses the blue marker to scribble all over Jamaica's art project. Jamaica holds a grudge until she learns that Russell is moving to another town. On Russell's last day of school Jamaica surprises him with an unusual going-away present. Both children recognize the importance of Respecting others' feelings--and belongings.

Summary: Naomi and Ruth worry that they have gone against their family's Amish beliefs when they take pleasure in an unusually fancy egg and the beautiful bird that hatches from it. Polacco's text serves up just the right tone of anxiety as the girls agonize over telling an elder that they've disobeyed. The reassuring conclusion sets both Ruth and Naomi, as well as readers, at ease. This book also offers a welcome glimpse into the daily life of the Amish, who Respect their religious laws despite the pressures of modern society.

Summary: A young girl who lives alone is taught lessons of respect and integrity. Rising early to go fishing, Grandpa lands a beautiful "keeper," but they decide they would rather return the fish to its ocean home.

Summary: Peter Chang is dreading spending the summer in Chinatown with his great aunt. But when he finds an old, faded ten-man dragon, he recruits a bunch of people to help him fix it up. In the process, he makes friends and learns more about his family's Chinese heritage.

Summary: An unlikely friendship develops between an eccentric, elderly white woman and a young African-American girl when they begin taking walks around the block together and sharing stories.

Summary: An elderly Jewish woman and a young African-American boy form a close friendship when they jointly care for a new kitten. They also learn much about each other's culture.

Summary: In poetic language, a mother describes how both she and Mother Earth welcome a new baby into the world. The text and illustrations depict our connectedness to the natural world and encourages respect for all life.

Summary: A fence built to separate blacks from whites is not high enough or strong enough to prevent Clover and Annie from respecting one another and becoming friends.

Summary: Pepito earns respect when the mayor's daughter becomes ill and his lovely, spirited dancing makes her feel better.

Summary: Rachel helps Gram prepare a special meal for one of her oldest and most special friends. The care and effort taken demonstrate deep love and respect.

Summary: The extreme behavior observed in senseless mob violence and the need for neighbors to become neighborly is deftly woven into a message that respect, justice, and peace begin at home.

Summary: A straight line longs to express his originality in this simple yet clever story. While his friends insist he stay in character, the rambunctious straight line twirls, whirls and coils, taking on all sorts of unusual shapes.

Summary: Little Osa learns from her Gran’ma the legend of why men live in square houses and women and children live in round houses. This unique tale of an African culture will help children appreciate the customs of others.

Summary: "Every day, everywhere, babies are born." This book explores how different cultures welcome newborns: from sending baby announcements, to planning religious ceremonies, to planting a tree.

Summary: A beautiful woman is feared by her fellow villagers who drive her away. But when she leaves, the nearby river, which has fallen in Love with her, leaves too, and the villagers suffer for their unkindness.

Summary: One and two word exchanges of two boys are enough to gain respect and a tentative offer of friendship, sealed as both boys jump high in the air and yell "Yow!" This book of surprisingly few words helps children to see that friendship has no color.