Role models—models of behavior, models of gender roles, and models of occupational roles (rovenger, 2000). For example, Mothers Can Do Anything (for preschoolers) by Joe lasker (1972) demonstrates the variety of jobs mothers can hold, including scientist, linesman, artist, and lion tamer. 2. Values (Bennett, 1993). For example, linda sue Park’s (2001) A Single Shard (for school-agers) was the 2002 winner of the Newbery Medal, an award presented yearly by the american library association (ala) for the most distinguished con-tribution to american literature for children. The book is about dedication to one’s dreams. The story takes place in 12th-century Korea, where Tree-ear, an orphan, becomes fascinated by the artistry and craft of some potters who live nearby. Despite great odds, Tree-ear’s courage, honor, and perseverance enable him to become an apprentice to the master potter, min. he achieves great happiness by fulfilling his dream of becoming an artist. Newbery Medal award given yearly for the most distinguishedcontribution to American literature for children 3. Cope with problems (Bettelheim, 1976; cashdan, 1999; rovenger, 2000). For example, some fairy tales and folk stories deal with aggressive and negative traits of human beings and indicate ways of coping with them. Folk and fairy tales are appealing to children because they explain things in terms children can relate to. Folk and fairy tales lie at the root of every culture and, despite geographical diferences,have many similarities in theme (campbell, 1968; norton & norton, 2010). common themes found in folktales include tribal history, local history, myth, legend, tricksters, and entertainment. 4. Understand feelings (rovenger, 2000). For example, in the 2010 newbury medal winner, When You Reach Me (for tweens) by rebecca stead (2009), the underlying theme is being able to see situations through other people’s eyes. miranda, the main character, also learns that giving or withholding small acts of kindness or meanness can have big consequences. miranda gains and loses friends and grapples with normal sixth-grade angst, but her worries take on a new twist when she discovers mysterious notes from someone who tries to convince her that things can be seen that have not happened yet