Marvelous Cornelius

Reach for this book when your child is processing a community crisis or needs to see how individual acts of service can heal a wounded neighborhood. Based on the true story of Cornelius Washington, a real-life sanitation worker in New Orleans, this story follows a humble man who transforms his daily chores into a rhythmic, joyful performance. When Hurricane Katrina strikes, Cornelius leads the charge to restore the city through grit and collective action. It is a powerful exploration of resilience and optimism for children ages 4 to 8. This book helps children understand that while disasters can be frightening and heavy, the spirit of a community, led by everyday heroes, is even stronger. It is a beautiful choice for discussing how to find purpose in helping others and how to stay hopeful when things feel broken.