Thematic reading lists: Religious Freedom

The first amendment grants United States citizens the freedom of speech and religion. While this can be difficult to find in practice at times, the more people learn about the myriad belief systems in the world, the more easily they can coexist. This book list includes non-fiction titles for elementary school students that represent many of the religions represented in the United States.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni
 
 
 

	Buddhism By: Don Nardo Buddhism began in India 2,500 years ago and later spread throughout the world. Buddhists do not recognize an all-powerful god, but instead follow the teachings of the Buddha, a man, to find peace and contentment. Today courageous Buddhist monks are respected around the globe as moral leaders. Learn more about the rich history and traditions of Buddhism and how the religion fits into today’s world in Buddhism, part of the World Religions series.
	Celebrating Different Beliefs By: Steffi Cavell-Clarke Values are the things we feel are important, such as the freedom to express our beliefs or religion. No matter which religion people do or don’t practice, our values teach us to respect each other’s right to practice their religion. Young readers will learn that sharing values like this one helps us live and work together in a community.
	Faith: Five Religions and What They Share By: Dr. Richard Steckel and Michele Steckel An introduction to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism traces the historical origins, beliefs, and traditions of each while simultaneously exploring the values, customs, and symbols shared by all five faiths.
	The First Amendment: freedom of speech and religion By: John Micklos, Jr. The Bill of Rights was written more than 200 years ago, but it’s still just as relevant and important today as it was back then. Readers will take a look at what caused the First Amendment to be born and what effects the amendment has had through history and today.
	Freedom to Worship By: Bryon Cahill Explores freedom of worship, as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, along with its history and importance to the formation of the United States of America.
	Hinduism By: Natalie M. Rosinsky “Good luck and blessings in the new year!” This is how Hindus greet one another during Diwali, the Hindu New Year. Learn about Hinduism, the world’s oldest organized religion. Hindus acknowledge one god who has many names and is imagined in many forms. Discover the rich history and traditions of Hinduism and how this religion fits into today’s world.
	Islam By: Lucia Raatma The religion of Islam traces its beginnings to the 600s in what is present day Saudi Arabia. The angel Gabriel was said to have visited the prophet Muhammad, who then shared the word of Allah, or God, with the people. Today Islam has more than a billion followers. Learn more about the rich history and traditions of Islam and how the religion fits into today’s world in Islam, part of the World Religions series.
	The Lion Encyclopedia of World Religions By: David Self Provides information about the beliefs, texts, stories, prayers, and important people of the world’s major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and new age movements.
	My Religion, Your Religion By: Lisa Bullard Illustrated by: Holli Conger Lots of people practice a religion. What is similar about people’s religious beliefs? How are people’s religions different? A curious kid explores these questions within his/her family and among neighbors and friends.
	Native American Religions By: Rob Staeger While Native American religious beliefs vary from tribe to tribe, the one thing they have in common is a belief in a higher power. This power has many names: Manitou, Wakanda, Sila, or even just the Great Spirit. This book discusses the various beliefs held by tribes in each region of the Americas. It also describes some of the important rituals practiced in each religion.
	Religion in Colonial America By: George Capaccio Religion was a driving force in the founding of the United States. Learn how it affected each of the states and the development of the country.
	Winterberries and Apple Blossoms: Reflections and Flavors of a Mennonite Year By: Nan Forler Illustrated by: Peter Etril Snyder With an evocative poem for every month of the year, young Naomi introduces us to her family and hosts a journey through the seasonal rhythms of her rural Mennonite community.