Diligence+(March)

March's theme is Diligence, an appropriate theme for the only month of the year without a single day off from school.


 * Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big** by Chris Paul

Based on his real-life story, at age eight, Chris dreams of being selected for the basketball team. The problem is that he is the smallest kid who tries out. In order to give it his best shot, he practices diligently before the day of the tryout and then works extra hard on the court to prove himself. He also knows that his entire extended family is there supporting him in his efforts to reach his dream of playing on the team.


 * Wilma Unlimited** by Kathleen Krull

Despite being nearly paralyzed by polio and being told that she would never be able to walk, Wilma Rudolph became one of the most successful female athletes ever.

**Art from her Heart: Folk Artist, Clementine Hunter** by Kathy Whitehead

Even though she didn't have training or typical materials, Clementine Hunter worked hard in her free time to produce works of great beauty depicting her memories of life on a Louisiana plantation.

**John Henry** by Julius Lester

Gifted with incredible physical ability from birth, this tall tale brings John Henry to life through descriptive language and beautiful illustrations. The text can be used to analyze character as well as to find many examples of figurative language such as similes and alliteration. Though John loses his life as a result, his diligence results in the magnificent feat of beating a steam engine in drilling through the impenetrable mountain range to make way for the new railroad.

**Bonyo Bonyo: The True Story of a Brave Boy from Kenya** by Vanita Oelschlager

A truly inspiring story of Bonyo Bonyo, who as a small boy in rural Kenya, decided to become a doctor when his sister died as a result of lack of access to medical care. In order to reach his goal, he had to leave his family and walk for two days to reach a school where he was offered a scholarship. He excelled in school and went on to attend college and medical school in the United States.

This title would fit well with February's "Lives to Learn From" and with April's "Courage" themes.

**Ant and the Grasshopper**

A new version of the traditional story. Ant's diligence pays off during the winter, but it wouldn't be as much fun without Grasshopper's creativity.


 * Arthur's Teacher Trouble** by Marc Brown

Arthur's teacher Mr. Ratburn has high expectations which Arthur doesn't appreciate at first. Even though he complains and D.W. teases him, Arthur's diligent preparation for the spelling bee proves worthwhile. This book might work if you're looking for some lighter perspectives on diligence.