As the saying goes, books can be mirrors and books can be windows.
Sometimes, we see our own experiences reflected in what we read. We discover characters that have struggled in a way we have or achieved in a way we would like to. These books are mirrors. Feeling represented and seen in literature is a powerful experience. It lets us know we’re not alone. Other times, we encounter people, places, and events that are foreign to us. We can immerse ourselves in other cultures, families, challenges, joys. Books that give us this opportunity are windows. Seeing how other people live builds empathy, understanding, and respect. Whether the books on my list today are mirrors or windows for you or your child, they are all well worth the read.
SATURDAY
Words and pictures by Oge Mora
(ages 3-6)
Saturday is a special day for Ava and her mom. Saturday is Ava’s mom’s one day off of work per week, and they LOVE to spend it together. This Saturday they will visit the salon, swing by the park, and even see a special one-night-only puppet show…or that was the plan, anyway. One thing after the next goes wrong this Saturday. Poor Ava and her mom can’t catch a break! Ava feels her disappointment grow and grow, but when she sees her mom might be feeling a little blue herself, Ava knows just what to do. This brightly illustrated book will keep younger readers engaged while you explore the universal themes of hopes, dreams, and occasional disappointment. Sometimes all it takes to turn things around is a new perspective and a little ingenuity.
Grab your copy of SATURDAY on Amazon ->
CROWN: ODE TO THE FRESH CUT
Words by Derick Barnes, pictures by Gordon C. James
(ages 4-8)
An ode is a poem that pays tribute. This picture book delivers powerfully on that promise. Commemorating the event of visiting the barber shop, the lyrical tone and joyous mood of this book follows a young boy’s hair cut journey from start to finish. But this book isn’t just about the experience in the barber’s chair. It’s about the confidence a fresh cut can instill, spurring you on to academic success, grabbing some attention from the cute girl in the other class. Maybe you walked into the barber shop, but you’ll certainly strut out. The bold brushstrokes in the art perfectly communicate the rapturous text. You’ll want to visit this book again and again. Turning the last page will leave you as buoyant as the main character after his fresh cut.
Grab your copy of CROWN: ODE TO THE FRESH CUT on Amazon ->
MARY SEACOLE: BOUND FOR THE BATTLEFIELD
Words by Susan Goldman Rubin, pictures by Richie Pope
(ages 8-12)
I always enjoy learning about knew-to-me people from history. I had never heard of Mary Seacole before I picked up this book, but I’m delighted to have become acquainted with her. Growing up in Jamaica, Mary knew early on that she wanted to work in medicine. She learned home remedies from her mother and put her knowledge into practice when a yellow fever out break swept through British soldiers in Kingston. Later, visiting her brother in Panama, Mary tended to victims of cholera. When she heard of a war taking place in Crimea, she boarded a ship and crossed the sea. At times people treated Mary cruelly because of her Creole background, her skin color, or her lack of formal medical training. Even the famous Florence Nightingale looked askance at Mary. But the soldiers whom Mary tended (even the nephew of a Queen!) were grateful for her loving care. This book would be a great read for kids who love history, biography, or stories of overcoming adversity. Mary Seacole was truly a remarkable person.
If you like these reads – check out Katie’s other favorites for kids!
The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer . . .
Remember that kid in second grade who swore he had been to Antarctica…twice? Or the girl who had a pet unicorn at home, but no one else could see it because it turned invisible every time the doorbell rang? Maybe you have a little one with a big imagination.
THE TRUTH ABOUT MY UNBELIEVABLE SUMMER is chock full of tall tales and topsy turvy turns. The cartoonish illustrations complement the often sparse text, providing loads of laughs. You and your young reader (ages 4-8) will giggle your way through the narrator’s recounting of his summertime shenanigans. Giant squid attacks? You bet. Space travel? Obviously. Yetis? I thought you’d never ask.
And I bet you’ll never see the surprise ending coming!
