November Theme: Resilience & Courage
At Liberty Woodland School, we believe courage isn’t just about bold action — it’s also about inner strength, quiet perseverance, and showing up with heart when things are hard. As we move into November, a time when the days grow shorter and life asks more of us all, this theme helps us reflect on the many forms resilience can take.
Whether facing change, navigating fears, or standing up for others, this month’s books celebrate characters — real and imagined — who show determination and bravery in all its guises. These stories remind us that courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers, “try again tomorrow.”
Each title was chosen to reflect Liberty Woodland School’s values of inclusivity, emotional literacy, and deep thinking — and to support our mission of raising thoughtful, resilient humans.
We’ve chosen books for each age range that include:
- A core recommendation
- A challenge read
- A dyslexia-friendly title
- A non-fiction pick
- And one for parents too
Reading at Liberty Woodland is never just about ticking a box — it’s about opening doors.
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright & Jim Field | This story shows children that courage isn’t about being the biggest or loudest — it’s about finding the confidence to be heard, even when your voice feels small. A joyful and empowering read that encourages emotional strength. |
| Stretch Book: Brave Molly by Brooke Boynton-Hughes (wordless) | Helps young children explore the feelings of others with sensitivity and patience.This beautifully illustrated, wordless story invites children to interpret Molly’s journey as she confronts her fears and finds quiet strength. We chose it because it encourages emotional bravery and self-expression, even without words. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: The Hug by Eoin McLaughlin & Polly Dunbar | This dual-sided picture book gently explores rejection, sadness, and the resilience it takes to keep hoping. We love it for its emotional clarity and the way it helps children understand that kindness and bravery often go hand in hand. |
| Non-Fiction: The Power of Yet by Maryann Cocca-Leffler | We chose this title because it teaches children that mistakes are part of learning, and that “not yet” doesn’t mean “never.” An early introduction to growth mindset and emotional resilience. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: The Explorer by Katherine Rundell | We chose this because it shows that resilience isn’t just about surviving danger, but about trusting each other and finding strength in unlikely places. readers see the world through someone else’s eyes and explore what it means to stand up for kindness. |
| Stretch Book: The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook | We chose this story because it offers a fast-paced, adventurous take on courage. Chaya’s story challenges readers to think about moral strength, loyalty, and what it really means to be a leader, even when you're scared. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: Defenders: Dark Arena by Tom Palmer (Barrington Stoke) | We chose this book because it’s accessible, gripping, and models the quiet kind of bravery it takes to stand up and face fear. |
| Non-Fiction: Greta Thunberg (Little People, Big Dreams series) | We chose this because Greta’s story shows how real-life resilience begins with a single voice and grows through persistence. It’s empowering, hopeful, and reminds children that age doesn’t define courage. children that empathy can drive meaningful action. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
| Core Book: A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry | We chose this emotionally rich animal adventure to reflect endurance, instinct, and the loneliness that often accompanies courage. |
| Stretch Book: Tyger by SF Said | Resistance, bravery, and deep questions about justice. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly: Resist by Tom Palmer | A valuable way to connect real-world courage with age-appropriate narrative style. |
| Non-Fiction: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba | We chose this for its powerful message of invention, hope, and doing what’s needed, not what’s expected. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
Core Book: White Fang by Jack London | A raw and gripping classic that shows the harshness of survival and the journey from instinct to empathy. Full of challenge, symbolism, and strength.. |
Stretch Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Explores moral courage, sacrifice, and survival with thought-provoking depth and high appeal for teens. |
Dyslexia-Friendly: Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer (Barrington Stoke) | We chose this for its intergenerational strength and quiet determination — linking past and present through personal and historical adversity. |
Non-Fiction: Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama | Encourages empathy, resilience, and belief in oneself. Exploring emotional strength, ambition, and integrity through Michelle’s own journey. |
| Book Picks | Why we chose this book |
|---|---|
Core Book: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds | This book demands readers think deeply about courage, consequence, and the strength it takes to break cycles — a raw, urgent exploration of resilience. |
Stretch Book: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater | This text reflects the quiet, persistent kind of courage — the bravery to stay, to endure, and to act when you're afraid. It’s subtle, atmospheric and emotionally complex, demanding reflection rather than easy answers. |
| Dyslexia-Friendly Book: Letting Go by Cat Clarke (Barrington Stoke) | We selected this for its accessible format and emotional depth — it’s a reminder that courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it looks like grief, vulnerability and the quiet act of choosing to keep going. |
Non-Fiction: Educated by Tara Westover (Young Adult edition) | This memoir was chosen because it captures the radical courage required to break free from the narratives others write for you. It’s about reclaiming voice, agency and truth through education. This book includes mature themes, so is recommended for older teens ready to engage thoughtfully with complex material. begins with awareness — this non-fiction selection helps students better understand their emotions and those of others with honesty and heart. |
| The Book | Why we chose it |
|---|---|
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer | We know we’ve already recommended this title for our older pupils — and that’s exactly why we’re also offering it as a parent read. William’s story of perseverance, ingenuity and belief in possibility isn’t just inspiring for young people — it offers a powerful reminder to us as adults, too. This memoir, written with warmth and honesty, speaks to the kind of courage we work hard to nurture in our children at LWS: quiet, determined and deeply hopeful. It’s a story about the power of education, resilience in the face of adversity, and the difference one person can make when they hold onto vision and purpose. offers calm, compassionate tools to help parents build connection, self-regulation and empathy — at home and at school. |