I think we can all agree that GRIT is a necessary characteristic right now. Between the challenges of 2020, the continued obstacles of 2021, and the unknown of the future, we all need determination to make it through.
What better way to model this for students than sharing stories? This post includes my 10 FAVORITE characters that embody GRIT (plus a few honorable mentions at the end!). These characters are very different and face very different challenges. But their determination and perseverance are worthy of our attention.
1. Refugee by: Alan Gratz
This book tells the story of three different refugee children. Josef (1930s Nazi Germany), Isabel (Cuba 1994), and Mahmoud (Syria 2015) all fight for survival in unimaginable ways. Their stories intertwine in an emotion yet hopeful way.
2. Esperanza Rising by: Pam Munoz Ryan
Esperanza is a young Mexican girl who loses everything: her family, her friends, her home, and her country. She becomes an immigrant worker and faces hardships for which she's not prepared. But as her name suggests, she grows and learns to have hope for the future.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
3. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by: Christopher Paul Curtis
Set in 1963, this story tells the struggle of an African American family in the American South. The main character, a young boy, is thrown into horrific, racist situations. You will have many discussion and community building opportunities as you read.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
4. A Night Divided by: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Gerta's family wakes up one morning to be divided by the Berlin Wall. For the next few years, the family risks their lives to find a way to reunite. This is an engaging historical fiction book about the Cold War.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
5. I Am Malala by: Malala Yousafzai
This memoir is the best-selling story of Malala Yousafzai. After the Taliban placed major limitations on women's rights, young Malala decided to fight back. This true story is personal and eye-opening for students.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
6. The War that Saved My Life by: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
This Newbery Honor book is set during the turbulent time of WWII. Young Ada is hidden away by her cruel mother because of a "twisted foot." Ada overcomes so much: a physical disability, parental abuse, moving and meeting new people, and war.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
7. Lyddie by: Katherine Patterson
Lyddie is a child laborer in 19th century New England. She is an indentured servant, textile mill worker, and plays a part in the labor movement. Lyddie is determined to bring her family back together and is the picture of perseverance.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
8. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by: Dan Gemeinhart
Coyote and her father travel the country in their bus-turned-home. But readers soon learn their travels are more than fun--they are healing from a tremendous loss. When Coyote learns of another potential loss she will stop at nothing to return home.
9. Holes by: Louis Sachar
A classic novel for middle grades, the main character of this book is Stanley Yelnats. He is mistakenly sent to a camp for troubled boys but learns that mystery surrounds their work.
10. The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins
In the ultimate story of survival Katniss Everdeen is thrown into "The Hunger Games". She lives in Panem, a dystopian world, in which children are chosen for these "games". Katniss is forced to weigh personal survival against humanity, friendship, and love.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
Honorable Mentions:
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