This is a beautiful story by Hans Christian Andersen. An egg is found in the nest amid the others. This one is quite different than the others. When hatched it is quite strange. Away from the others he is ostracized. Diving into the deep, freezing cold, alone and freezing, caught in the ice death seems near. But even though he did not have enough to eat, slowly the earth became more soft and tender. In front of him were a flock of birds, very much like him, ever so slowly, he gained strength and began to stretch himself down into the water he began to fly, and those who saw him believed he was the most beautiful of all. ( )

The greatest fairy tale ever. It was published in 1843, and even today, it sounds so relevant! In this story, I found comfort, support, and inspiration in the most challenging periods of my life, and I am convinced that for nearly 160 years, countless people have drawn strength from Hans Christian Andersen’s masterpieces. And this is called eternity. Writers like Andersen, who had stood the test of time, are geniuses, and their gift has nothing in common with some of today's bestselling authors. They sell millions of books, but they sound perfunctory, soulless, machine-like. We all know, however, that art is never about money. You carry it in your heart. Or you don’t. As Andersen says: “It does not matter that one has been born in the henyard as long as one has lain in a swan’s egg.” ( )

Individual Reading Level: Grades 3-5 ( )

Independent reading level: K-3rd grade
Awards: Caldecott Honor

The Ugly Duckling has a great lesson for students. It has been a childhood favorite for me growing up and can be incorporated into the classroom to teach emotion and teach perseverance.
Awards:
The Laura Ingalls Wilder
Coretta Scott King Virginia Hamilton Award ( )