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A quotation from Henri-Dominique Lacordaire, a 19th-century preacher, journalist and French politician, may help you think further about forgiveness:
Do you want to be happy for a moment? Then seek revenge.
Do you want to be happy forever? Then grant forgiveness.
Children's Stories about Forgiveness
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Hawkes (Greenwillow Books, 1996). Lilly the mouse gets mad at her teacher and does a revengeful act. The teacher responds by lovingly demonstrating forgiveness.
Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco (Philomel Books, 2001). In this true story, a school principal named Mr. Lincoln helps a school bully who puts down other students and even the principal because of their race to appreciate that people of all races can live together by drawing on the boy's love for and knowledge of birds. A beautiful example of forgiveness and compassion.
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco (Aladdin, 1998). A little girl tries to be better than her big brother out of jealousy and he ends up helping her out of kindness.
"What if Nobody Forgave? The Story of Grudgeville" by Barbara Marshman in What if Nobody Forgave and Other Stories of Principle by Colleen M. McDonald ( Boston : Skinner House Books, 2003)
Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine (Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2002). Set in the Mexican countryside with Spanish words sprinkled throughout, this tale tells of a girl whose lemons are all stolen by a poor man who then sells them in the market. Using her resourcefulness and help from La Anciana, the girl heals her tree and the wounds of the crime with generosity and forgiveness.
Star Boy by Paul Goble (Aladdin, 1991). In this adapted Blackfoot Indian legend a boy bears a scar on his face given to him after his mother disobeyed the Sun and fell to earth. The boy travels to the Sun to seek forgiveness and healing and brings to his people the ceremony of the Sun Dance to give thanks for the Creator's Blessings.
Non-fiction B ooks about Forgiveness , for Children
Forgiveness by Lucia Raatma (Bridgestone Books, 2002). This book, part of a character education series written for children, describes many aspects of forgiveness including; asking for forgiveness, forgiving others including friends, family and strangers, expressing hurt feelings, and forgiving oneself.
Kids ' Random Acts of Kindness by Conari Press (RedWheel/Weiser, 1994). This book of stories, by and for kids, that demonstrate act of caring and kindness includes writing by Dawna Markova and Rosalynn Carter.
Caring by Robin Doak (Raintree, 2002). This book written for children has examples of types of caring including a short chapter on forgiveness. For each type of caring the author provides real life examples of things that people have done, including forgiveness.
Non-fiction B ooks about Forgiveness , for Adults
The Forgiveness Formula by Kathleen Griffin (Marlowe & Co., 2004)
Radical Forgiveness: A Bold Choice for a Peaceful Heart by Robin Casarjian (Bantam Books, 1992)
The Sacred Art of Forgiveness by Marcia Ford (Sky Light Paths Publishing, 2006). Adult.
Teachings on Love by Thich Nhat Han (Parallax Press, 1997)
W orldwide Forgiveness Alliance
The Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance is a non-denominational, international group that promotes forgiveness as a way to greater world peace. The site includes information about World Wide Forgiveness Day activities and awards famous and little known heroes of forgiveness. It tells the story of Kai Lee Harriot, a 3 year old girl who was paralyzed from the waist down by a bullet. When she was six years old Kai Lee faced the shooter in court and told him that, "What you done to me was wrong, but I still forgive him." The site includes many other examples of forgiveness, and they call for submissions annually. The group also sponsors actions such as writing letters of forgiveness and student essay contests.
Last updated on Friday, December 21, 2007.
