I listed it as a K-5 book, but I could see it having its uses among older students as well.  It is a Jewish folktale about a ruler who dresses as a servant to go see if the people of his land are happy.  After enjoying the hospitality of poor man who is very happy and generous despite his poverty, the ruler decides to test the faith of this man:  he keeps making declarations that put an end to the man’s ability to earn his evening meal, but the man keeps finding a new line of work.  When he makes him a soldier, who will not receive his pay until the end of the month, the man sells his silver sword for money to tide him over, and carves a wooden one to carry in his scabbard.  When the man is asked to execute a thief he prays aloud in he square that if the thief deserves his fate that his sword be sharp, but if the thief deserves mercy that his sword turn to wood, and so the thief is spared, the ruler is impressed with the man’s steadfastness and wisdom, and rewards him with a position as a royal advisor. In the end, everything worked out as it should.