Character
In Print

Titles referenced by Books that Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories by William Kilpatrick and Gregory and Suzanne M. Wolfe, Simon & Schuster: New York (1994).

Onion John
Joseph Krumgold (Harper Trophy, 1984)
An unusual friendship develops between Andy Rusch and a man who spends his time going through the dump. Andy’s father extends control over his son’s future, including the friendship with the man. Andy has to do something if he wants to help them both.
Traits: courage, compassion, responsibility

The Dark is Rising
Susan Cooper (Aladdin, 1987)
Will Stanton discovers he has been chosen to stand against the great forces of the Dark. He is warned, “the Walker is abroad” and then given a mysterious iron ring to wear. Will  meets a wizard and becomes one of the greatest warriors of the Light.
Traits:  loyalty, truthfulness, courage

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry  
Mildred D. Taylor (Puffin, 1991)
Cassie Logan is a young girl growing up in Mississippi during the Depression and feels the pain of the inequality that exists for black people. It is the loving context of her tightly knit family that saves her from ultimate despair. Cassie’s parents teach her that it is the value of the human person that counts, and not the color of one’s skin.           
Traits:  honesty, integrity, perseverance, justice