Integrity Read-Aloud Books

It is so great when I can bring character education pillars to life for my students. Read on to see my favorite read-aloud choices for integrity.

It’s so important to help students focus on the lesson and take advantage of the time to dive deep into character education. This post will focus on the character education month of integrity. I always kick off the year with kindness, which you can find here. 

Teach lessons about integrity with age-appropriate read-aloud books. 

This post covers my favorite read-aloud options for teaching integrity. You can read a new title over the course of several weeks, or you can make it part of your free-read time in class. Don’t forget to find the bundle of Integrity Character Education activities here to bring the whole pillar together.

Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds

In this book, Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, every day, has the chance to say something: with our actions, words, and voices. 

The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

This is a very lovely, wordless adaptation of an Aesop’s fable. An unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. 

If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover

This is a hilarious precautionary tale about what happens when we all, just, do our own thing. 

The Weasel, Puffin, Unicorn, Baboon, Pig, Lobster Race by James Thorp

This is a fun story that’s a cross between ‘Dr. Doolittle’ and ‘Sergeant Pepper’ that tells a funny story about a feverish race. 

Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

Walter does not appreciate the beauty of nature, or understand his role in keeping the planet healthy. But then a fantastic journey shows him the tragic fate that could befall Earth if humans like him are not more careful. 

Grrrrr! By Rob Biddulph

Fred the Bear is on a journey to be crowned the best bear in the wood, but maybe there is more to life than training. Fred has been the champion year after year, and it takes a lot of work to maintain. Then a new bear moves to town. 

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

A young girl and her box of magical yarn transform a community. This is a Caldecott Honor Book, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winer and a New York Times bestseller. 

The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy

The shepherd thinks nothing ever happens. The bored boy knows exactly what would be exciting, a fun trick on the town. 

The Colour Thief by Gabriel Alborozo

Zot lives in a world without color. There’s no green grass. No yellow sun. On his lonely mountaintop, he gazes at Earth and the amazing colors and knows it must be a very happy place. 

Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

Molly Lou Melon’s mother taught her to use her big voice for good. She speaks up for what’s right, for those who can’t, and even when it’s hard. When school starts and a bully begins teasing everyone, including a new student. Molly Lou Melon will show students how speaking up is always the right choice. 

Strega Nona: An Old Tale Retold by Tomie dePaola

Strega Nona is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially enchanting. Big Anthony, who is supposed to look after her house and tend the garden, decides to recite an incantation over the big pot while Strega Nona is gone. The results are not what he was expecting. 

The Empty Pot by Demi

A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. The Emperor loved flowers, too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom and proclaimed whoever could show him the best in a year’s time would succeed him. When a year is up, though, Ping only has an empty pot. 

One by Kathryn Otoshi

Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead. He likes to pick on Blue. The other colors don’t like what they see, but what can be done? Things get out of hand when no one decides to speak up. That is until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand together. 

Lying Up a STORM by Julia Cook

A storm is brewing. When Levi doesn’t like the truth, he sort of makes up other stuff instead. One day his mother explains that telling lies will damage the trust of his friends and make him sad. 

Are there any other read-aloud options you like to use when teaching integrity? What else would you add to your class library? I love adding to our stash of options. Feel free to comment your favorite books and activities here!

You can also find more great resources for teaching integrity with this bundle of activities. It equips you with tons of activities so you can help students engrain what they learn into habits they can use beyond your classroom. The comprehensive resources promotes character education and includes a variety of digital and print options. In addition to this list of books, you have access to bulletin boards, pacing guides, anchor charts, and more.