As citizens, we have many responsibilities to our country. Help kids learn about the important character traits of citizenship and responsibility with the book titles on this list.
“Ask not what your country can do for you…Ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy
Here is a sneak peek at what you’ll find in this post.
- Favorite books that focus on the theme of CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY including a FREE printable book list.
- A list of discussion questions/conversation starters about the character strength- CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY which you can also print.
- Resources for families to hold a Family Dinner Book Club on the CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY theme including menu ideas, activities, and a family service project.
BOOKS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY
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Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies is a beautiful book with a powerful reminder to take care of what we have on earth.
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers encourages us to think and act like a citizen.
A Castle on Viola Street by DyAnne Disalvo takes us into a community where volunteers are helping to build homes for deserving families and rebuilding communities.
On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole is the story of a little girl who lives on Meadowview street but there is no meadow around. As she starts to let the wildflowers grow, she discovers all sorts of life and her beautiful meadow spreads from house to house.
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel may not at first strike you as a book about citizenship and responsibility. But when you encounter the last few pages of the book in the note from the author, you learn that many of the creatures on earth are in trouble. There is a list of animals found in the book along with their designation as vulnerable, threatened or endangered. There is a call and reminder to do what we can to protect the animals of the world.
Kids Can Press has a series called CitizenKid filled with books about being better global citizens. It’s a wonderful collection. One of my favorites is The Red Bicycle by Jude Isabella. It starts with a boy wanting to give his old bike to someone who could use it, and the powerful impact of that donation is told throughout the story. At the end of the book are ideas of how you can help send a bike to someone in need. For other books in this series check out One Hen and Ryan and Jimmy.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney is the story of one woman’s desire to make the world a beautiful place to live. She planted lupine seeds up and down the coast of Maine. Proof that one person can make a difference.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers is a story about the meaning of one small but powerful detail on the Statue of Liberty. Of course, you can’t help but think of becoming a citizen when you think about the Statue of Liberty. It’s a good reminder of our responsibility as a citizen of the United States.
Voting is a civic duty, but it hasn’t always been a right for all people. Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy is a touching story of one family who struggles for their voting rights during civil rights movement.
Speaking of voting, we all have a right and a duty to do just that. Travel through the alphabet to see how your vote matters in V is for Voting by Kate Farrell. Perfect for children and adults of all ages.
For a story about becoming a citizen of the United States, read A Very Important Day by Maggie Rugg Herold. Some of us are born citizens of a country and many others have a long journey to become citizens of countries they love. This is a book about the special meaning behind becoming a citizen of the USA.
If you are looking for a chapter book option, try Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. There is so much to talk about in each short chapter story. We learn about different characters through their struggles and beliefs as they work together in the same garden area.
Get your downloadable printable list of all the books on this list below. Take it to the library or copy it for families.
CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY DISCUSSION STARTERS
Whether you pick one book to read on the list or many, you can use these conversation starters to talk about the character strength of CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY. You can also print the list out below.
-Do you think you are a good citizen? Why?
-Think about a problem in your community that needs to be fixed. How can it be fixed?
-What would happen if there were no rules or laws?
-What are some examples of showing responsibility and citizenship?
-Can you name some people who demonstrate strong citizenship?
-Why is citizenship important?
PRINT THE CITIZENSHIP BOOK LIST AND DISCUSSION STARTERS
Print out the book list and discussion starters. Take it to the library or copy it for families.
CITIZENSHIP FAMILY DINNER BOOK CLUB
This book list and theme make a great start for families to hold their own Family Dinner Book Club.
What is a Family Dinner Book Club?
Each month:
- On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
- Sarah from Chef Sarah Elizabeth shares a themed menu to compliment the theme for the month.
- Laura from Sunny Day Family shares an activity and a family service project.
- And, I share a book list that compliments the themes plus conversation starters.
For our theme of CITIZENSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY you have found the book list and discussion starters on this page.
Check out the themed menu from Chef Sarah Elizabeth.—> MENU
And, visit Sunny Day Family for a family service project idea and more activities.—> ACTIVITIES
For even more ideas, like our Family Dinner Book Club Facebook Page.
Laura says
I see some of our favorites and new ones I’d like to try! Thanks for this!