We cannot help but be affected by our life experiences — the actions of people we know or observe, the words we hear (and don't hear), the books we read, the friendships we forge, and so on. Each leaves an impression on us and often we imitate what we've been exposed to.

As with so many things we can think of, compassion and kindness are things that are cultivated by observing them in others who are important to us, those we may not know but have heard about, and a home environment that embodies those concepts.

Today's reviewed books touch on kindness and compassion in distinct ways. What a good use of time: Teaching children to be kind and generous of heart.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.“Joseph: 1861 — A Rumble of War” by Bonnie Pryor, illustrated by Bert Dodson; Morrow Junior Books, 170 pages; read aloud: ages 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.With the nation on the verge of the Civil War, Joseph Byers and his home-town in Kentucky seem caught in the middle. Most people in his town favor the South. But Joseph's stepfather is against slavery, and that causes problems for the whole family, especially with Joseph's classmates in school.Joseph's father had owned slaves when he was alive, and Joseph was raised believing slavery was right.Now Joseph begins to question his own views, wondering if his stepfather is right and if people have forgotten how bad it really is.As the events unfold, Joseph finds that he, too, must decide what he truly believes, for several lives depend on him.A genuine page-turner, this fast-paced historical novel is rich with important life lessons.

Librarian's ChoiceLibrary: Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans CityLibrary Director: Judith PfeiferChildren's Librarian: Patricia PflugChoices this week: “All the Places to Love” by Patricia MacLachlan; “The Higher Power of Lucky” by Susan Powers; “Kira-Kira” by Cynthia Kadohata

Books to BuyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.“My Heart Will Not Sit Down” by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Ann Tanksley, Alfred A. Knopf, 2012, 36 pages, $18 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8.Young Kedi lives in a small village in Cameroon, Africa. One day at school, Kedi's teacher tells his students of bad news in America — the Great Depression is getting worse and many people, including children, have nothing to eat.Teacher comes from a very big village in America called New York City, and this news troubles him greatly.The news of children starving troubles Kedi, as well. Life in her own village is hard, and she knows what it is like to be hungry, but the thought of having no food at all seems overwhelming. Kedi's heart will not sit down until she finds a way to help.Inspired by a true event, this beautifully written story with its lovely, colorful illustrations demonstrates the generosity of people.Make certain to read the “Author's Note” at the back of the book for further information and inspiration regarding the goodness of humanity.“Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story” by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia, Putnam, 2013, 36 pages, $17 hardcover; read aloud: 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8.Like so many fathers, Mickey's dad left home to fight far over the Atlantic during World War I.Mickey had wanted to go with him, and since that wasn't possible, he wanted to do something important to help his dad and other soldiers.When Mickey's teacher suggested that her students enter the Central Park Knitting Bee to benefit the soldiers, Mickey and the boys scoffed at the idea; boys don't knit! But when the girls dared them to enter, the competition was on.“Knit Your Bit” is a fun and heartfelt story based on the real three-day event that took place in Central Park in the summer of 1918.This slice of history is both fascinating and provides a look at the compassion of those across our nation, young and old, male and female, (see the Author's Note at the back of the book) who knit their bit to help soldiers during wartime.