Riverside Library Literature

What Makes a Great Leader?
Do fifth grade students agree with experts from Harvard College?

Character Traits of a Good Leader According to Ms. Merkley’s Fifth Grade Students

Honest, Trustworthy
Loyal, Dependable
Intelligent, Wise
Brave, Courageous
Organized
Visionary
Kind, Caring, Compassionate
Decision maker

Integrity
Understanding
Giving
Determination
Sense of humor
Motivating
Includes everyone
On task
Believes in something

Of high morals
Be able to talk to people
Good intentions
Disciplined
Knows what she is doing
Good with people
Doesn’t goof off
Respectful
Helpful

Character Traits of a Good Leader According to President and Fellows of Harvard College

Honest, trustworthy, integrity
Forward looking, vision of the future, long term foresight
Competent, has expertise, knows what she is doing
Inspiring, dynamic, energetic, optimistic, positive about the future

" Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough for some people. Give the world your best anyway." Mother Teresa

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes

A sincere thank you goes to Ms. Merkley’s students and their families for taking their valuable time to talk about leadership and share their ideas with the rest of us. Their literature lists are on the reverse side and we’re anxious to read these recommendations! Some of these titles have been generously donated to the Riverside Library to initiate a “Literature for Leaders” section.

Fifth Grade Student List of Literature for Leaders

Fablehaven
Brandon Mull
It’s a great book for leadership.

Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan
Percy has to help his
friends get to L.A.

The Bible
Jesus
He is the greatest leader.

Warriors: Into the Wild
Erin Hunter
The story has a nice leader that listens to everyone.

kira-kira
Cynthia Kadohata
Courage, loyalty, love
and hope.

The Shadow Children Series
Margaret Peterson Haddix
This series shows that one
person can make a big difference
and if a lot of people get together
you can change your community.

Gregor the Overlander
Suzanne Collins
There are lots of situations
that need courage.

Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
Wilbur never gives up and
neither does Charlotte.

A Single Shard
Linda Sue Parker
Setting goals, perseverance
and courage.

A Child Called It
Dave Pelzer
Dave was badly abused
but he had the courage
to get free.

Frightful’s Mountain
Jean Craighead George
Sam is brave and smart.

Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner and
Quincy Troupe
This book shows great leadership and courage.

Weedflower
Cynthia Kadohata
Perseverance, strong family ties and loyalty.

Fifth Grade Parent/Teacher/Principal List of Literature for Leaders

Our Greatest Generation
Tom Brokaw
Good leadership under duress.

Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
Charlotte displays all the characteristics above!

To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
Atticuss Fitch was a strong
man who helped other people. The father shows all signs
of a good leader.

A Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
This is an autobiography by one of the great political and moral leaders of this generation.

Getting Past No
William Ury
Gives great tips for negotiating skills.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Jean Lee Latham
Mr. Bowditch leads by example to improve yourself even if you must do it alone.

Same Kind of Different as Me
Ron Hall, Denver Moore,
Lynn Vincent
Rich or poor, you make a
difference to someone.

Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
It showed a lot of hard tasks that the children had to overcome by being leaders when a leader was needed.

Between a Rock
and a Hard Place
Aron Ralston
He teaches you to not give up
and to believe in yourself.

The Greatest Game Ever Played
Mark Frost
Believe in your dreams and yourself. Doing the right thing is usually more difficult but the rewards are greater.

Leadership the Eleanor
Roosevelt Way
Robin Gerber
Practical advice learned
from real life experiences.

Curious Minds: How a Child Becomes a Scientist
John Brockman

Silent Spring
Rachel Carson

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey

Eight Habits of the Heart
Clifton Taulbert

Dream: A Tale of Wonder,
Wisdom, and Wishes
Susan V. Bosak
Describes the journey of
life and the importance
keeping hope.

The Power of One
Bryce Courtenay
Teaches the importance of setting goals and perseverance.

Slaying the Dragon:
How to Turn Your Small Steps into Great Feats
Michael Johnson
How to identify your own goals and fears and apply winning techniques
to achieve success

Dragons Live Here!
	Riverside Elementary School 2100 E. Victory Boise, ID 83706 PHONE ~ (208) 854-5980 FAX ~ (208) 854-5981

Boise School District
8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709

What Makes a Great Leader? Do fifth grade students agree with experts from Harvard College?

Dragons Live Here!

What Makes a Great Leader?
Do fifth grade students agree with experts from Harvard College?