Amber on the Mountain by Tony Johnston, paintings by Robert Duncan

Amber on the Mountain has such wonderful, warm, peaceful paintings as the illustrations that it is a visual treat as well as inspiring. Amber doesn't know how to read and lives up in the mountains where there is no school. A young girl, Anna, comes to live temporarily near her and takes on the challenge of teaching her to read. "Daddy says you can do almost anything you fix your mind on," Anna tells Amber. As their friendship grows, so does Amber's ability to read. This story is a great example of perseverance and service to peers. You also can find many extension activities available online for this story.