Well, our traditional Parents’ Days have passed, at least in the United States, and I thought I would take the time to write-up a short post on some books that fall into categories that are not often addressed directly in Children’s Literature; but, are essential, nonetheless.
We’ve scoured our sources, and have come up with a list you may want to use as part of either your summer reading (some of these books are heavy), and/or include it in your child’s rotation. In any event, here are some great choices:
Abuse
The Big Bad Wolf in My House
Not for the faint of heart, it tells the story of what happens when a mom’s friend starts off nice and ends up, well, not so nice. Our protagonist, picks up on it right away, as most children do. A difficult, but necessary read.
Groundwood Books (2021)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore
Disability
All the Way to the Top
The true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl, is a brisk, exciting picture book biography. Included is a snapshot-timeline of Milestones of the Disability Rights Movement.
Sourcebooks (2020)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore
Growth
A Thousand No’s
I recommend this one to anyone, at any age, that is struggling with hearing the word “no,” in response to an endeavor–creative or otherwise. A story of “what could have a been a death by a thousand cuts” results in a tale of determination and “yes.” Simple, encouraging and fun.
Sourcebooks (2020)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore
I Feel Anxious
Recognizing the feeling of anxiety and knowing how to cope with it is an essential part of mindfulness and a growth mindset. Children can feel anxiety before they can put a label on it. This elegant, charmingly illustrated book, helps children (and their adults) learn small, mighty important lessons on how to deal.
Sourcebooks (2021)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore
LGBTQ+
Love is Love
A child wears a simple t-shirt, and of course, the world has something to say about it. A book that starts out as a child exploring the meaning behind the rainbow-patterned heart on his t-shirt, turns into a book that explores the meaning of family, shame, and love. And important, easy to love, read.
Little Pickle Press (2018)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore
War
Soldiers have arrived in town. They take your brother and father away. Curfew is imposed. What’s left? Your imagination. Simply a haunting book with an unflinching perspective.
Groundwood Books (2021)
Get it here: Amazon, Independent Bookstore