Laurel Singleton, Center for Education in Law and Democracy

Conflict Resolution


Picture Books

Alley Oops, by Janice Levy (Chicago: Flashlight Press, 2005). When he learns of the negative consequences of bullying and being bullied, J.J. decides to make friends with the boy he has previously victimized.

Clara and the Bossy, by Ruth Ohi
(Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2006). When Clara becomes friends with the bossy Madison, she gives up many of her favorite things to be more like her friend. When she returns to being her true self, she recognizes that she is a better friend when she is herself. A theme similar to that of Lionel and Amelia, described below.

The Eagle and the Wren: A Fable, retold by Jane Goodall, illustrated by Alexander Reichstein (New York: North-South Books, 2000). The birds have a contest to see who can fly highest, and the eagle seems to have won—but a surprise rests among his feathers. The fable’s moral is that cooperation makes it possible for us to do more than we can alone.

Henry and the Kite Dragon, by Bruce Edward Hall, illustrated by William Low (New York: Philomel Books, 2004). Set in 1920s Chinatown in New York, this book tells the story of two groups of boys—one Chinese and one Italian—in conflict until they discover the root of the problem and develop a solution that works for all.

Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, by Karen English, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe (New York: Clarion, 2004). Best friends Kishi and Renee are on the outs, having a “never-going-to-be-best-friends-again” day, but ice cream and a game of double-dutch bring them back together.

Horace, Morris but Mostly Delores, by James Howe, illustrated by Amy Walrod (New York:Atheneum, 1999). Three friends experience conflict when the boys join a boys-only club. Delores tries a club for girls, but it’s not to her liking. When she creates a new club, the conflict is resolved.

Hunter’s Best Friend at School, by Laura Malone Elliott, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (New York: Harper Collins, 2002). Hunter and Stripe are best friends. One day, Stripe is “in a mischief-making mood” and ruins the day for Hunter. The next day, Hunter decides not to follow Stripe’s lead and instead distracts his friend into better behavior.

It’s My School, by Sally Grindley, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain (New York: Walker Books, 2006). Big brother Tom is not happy that kindergartener Alice is joining him at school but keeps his eye on his sister and mediates a conflict when another child takes her beloved teddy bear.

Jamaica and Brianna, by Juanita Havill, illustrated by Ann S. O’Brien (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1993). Best friends Jamaica and Brianna nevertheless experience jealousy and conflict when it comes to their boots! When they are honest with each other, they are able to leave the conflict behind them.

Lionel and Amelia, by Leone Peguero, illustrated by Adrian and Gerard Peguero (New York: Mondo Publishers, 1996). One friend is messy, the other neat. While they find that adopting each other’s approach doesn’t work, they learn to live with their differences.

Mary Marony and the Snake, by Suzy Kline, illustrated by Blanche Sims (New York: Putnam’s, 1992). Mary Marony stutters, and her classmates—especially the obnoxious Marvin—tease her about it, causing her anxiety. When a snake is lost in the classroom, Marvin is surprised and impressed by Mary’s courage.

Matthew and Tilly, by Rebecca C. Jones, illustrated by Beth Peck (New York: Dutton, 1991). Matthew and Tilly are best friends. While they sometimes fight, the strength of their friendship allows them to get beyond the conflict.

Old Henry, by Joan W. Blos, illustrated by Stephen Gammell (New York: William Morrow, 1987). Old Henry is not like his neighbors, who often criticize the way he lives. Only when he moves away do they realize that his individuality made their neighborhood special.

Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-off, by Ann Martin, illustrated by Nancy Poydar (New York: Holiday, 1992). Two friends compete over everything. When the competition leads to conflict, their teacher devises a situation in which they must cooperate to succeed.

The Recess Queen, by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith (New York: Scholastic, 2002). The schoolyard bully rules at recess until a new girl refuses to be intimidated and makes friends with the bully, changing the playground dynamics.

Rosie’s Story, by Martine Gogoll, illustrated by Noela Young (New York: Mondo Publishers, 1995). Rosie feels she is not accepted by her classmates because of her red hair. When an assignment allows her to express her feelings, her classmates share their own experiences of feeling like outsiders.

Say Something, by Peggy Moss, illustrated by Lea Lyon (Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House, 2004). Bullying looks at this book, which suggests to victims of bullies that they must speak up.
Six Crows, by Leo Lionni (New York: Knopf, 1988). An owl mediates the growing conflict between a farmer and the six crows that are eating his crops.

Snail Started It, by Katya Reider, translated by Rosemary Lanning (New York: North-South Books, 1997). This charming story about animals who insult each other when their feelings are hurt illustrates how mean words can start a cycle of conflict, while kind words can restore good feelings.

The Three Wishes, retold by Celenia Chevere, illustrated by David Melendex (Greenvale, NY: Mondo Publishers, 1988; out of print, core resource for Unit III, Lesson 4). Many other versions of the classic tale are also available.

The War, by Anais Vaugelade (Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 2001). A powerful allegory about perceived difference and conflict.