Librarian Cynthia Graham Hurd spent 31 years with the Charleston County Public Library serving our community until she was murdered on June 17, 2015 inside the Mother Emanuel AME Church with eight others. Cynthia is remembered for her dedication to literacy and her kindness.
In her honor during the month of her birthday (June 21st), CCPL staff and librarians have curated a list of recommended titles centered on gratitude and inspired by Cynthia's kindness. All of these books are available in the library catalog for check out.
CHILDREN
Give Thanks: You Can Reach Out and Spread Joy! 50 Gratitude Activities Games
by Naomi Shulman (Author), Hsinping Pan (Illustrator)
Give Thanks offers simple ways kids can be aware of the gifts at hand in their lives - and reap the feel-good benefits.
[J] 179.9 SHULMAN
If You Plant a Seed
by Kadir Nelson
While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness.
[E] Nelson
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude
Edited by Miranda Paul, Illustrations by Marlena Myles
This poetry anthology, edited by Miranda Paul, explores a wide range of ways to be grateful (from gratitude for a puppy to gratitude for family to gratitude for the sky) with poems by a diverse group of contributors, including Joseph Bruchac, Margarita Engle, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Naomi Shihab Nye, Charles Waters, and Jane Yolen.
[J] 811 THANKU
The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
The President Sang Amazing Grace
by Zoe Mulford
The Thank You Book
by Mo Willems
Piggie is determined to thank everyone she knows, but Gerald thinks she will forget someone important.
*J WILLEMS
Thankful
by Elaine Vickers (Author), Samantha Cotterill, (Illustrations)
When the first snow falls, a girl writes on strips of paper what she is thankful for, from a safe and warm home to wishes come true, as her family makes a Thankful Chain.
[E] VICKERS
Tomorrow I'll Be Kind
by Jessica Hische
This book is a reminder to all readers, young and old, that the smallest kind gesture can make the biggest difference in the world--we just have to remember to be kind to one another.
[E] HISCHE
Última parada de la calle Market
by Matt de la Peña
Jackson y su abuela toman el autobus y juntos descubren la belleza y la magia de la vida cotidiana y del mundo que los rodea.
[Spanish E] DE LA PENA
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
by Traci Sorell (Author), Frané Lessac (Illustrator)
Otsaliheliga is a Cherokee word that is used to express gratitude. Journey through the year with a Cherokee family and their tribal nation as they express thanks for celebrations big and small.
[E] SORELL
YOUNG ADULTS/TEENS
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community
by Born This Way Foundation Reporters, with Lady Gaga
One small act of kindness can change the world. Lady Gaga has always believed in the importance of celebrating individuality, acting with empathy, and being kind to yourself and others.
Y 305.235 CHANNEL
Just Mercy (adapted for Young Adults)
By Bryan Stevenson
"In this young adult adaptation of the acclaimed bestselling Just Mercy, which the New York Times calls "as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so," Bryan Stevenson delves deep into the broken U.S. justice system, detailing from his personal experience his many challenges and efforts as a lawyer and social advocate, especially on behalf of America's most rejected and marginalized people.
Y 340.092
YB Stevenson
Together at Midnight
By Jennifer Castle
Teens Kendall and Max witness a tragic accident during the holidays and, racked with guilt, accept a dare to perform seven random acts of kindness to strangers by New Year's Eve.
Y Castle
ADULTS
I Want to Thank You: How a Year of Gratitude Can Bring Joy and Meaning in a Disconnected World
by Gina Hamadey Bergman
Why developing a lasting active gratitude practice can make you a happier person, heal complicated relationships, and reconnect you with the people you love.
179.9 HAMADEY
The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year of Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life
by Janice Kaplan
Relying on both amusing personal experiences and extensive research, Kaplan explores how gratitude can transform every aspect of life, including marriage and friendship, money and ambition, and health and fitness.
179.9 KAPLAN
The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire Our Brains for Resilience, Optimism, and the Greater Good
Edited by Jeremy Adam Smith, Kira M. Newman, Jason Marsh, Dacher Keltner
The Gratitude Project explores gratitude's deep roots in human psychology-how it evolved and how it affects our brain-as well as the transformative impact it has on creating a meaningful life and a better world.
179.9 GRATITUD
The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time
by Nancy Davis Kho
Who helped you become the person you are today? As Nancy Davis Kho approached a milestone birthday, she decided to answer that question by sending thank-you letters to the many people who had influenced her, helped her, and inspired her over the years: family, friends, mentors, teachers, co-workers, even a couple of former friends and exes.
158.1 KHO
Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted
by Kristi Nelson
With questions for reflection, daily exercises, and perspective prompts, this book promises profound personal change through the practice of taking nothing for granted.
179.9 NELSON