Image: CC BY-ND 2.0, creative endings via Flickr
Children’s inner lives may not seem all that complicated. But they are, even if kids may not fully be fully aware of the complexities they’re dealing with until they’re much older. That’s one reason it’s hard for them to talk with their parents about ways they are gaining strength, inspiration, and a strong sense of self.
Their favorite books offer a clue.
Kids are drawn to stories that resonate with challenges they’re facing. Authors know that kids seek out tales that present certain compelling themes. Speaking one’s truth, overcoming adversity, enduring tragedy, relying on wit or cleverness, making a sacrifice, finding a kindred spirit, gaining new powers or knowledge—this is the stuff that translates into purposeful meaning for the young reader.
To understand what our kids are going through as they grow up, it helps to look back at the pivotal books that made a difference during our own formative years. We here at GeekMom have been discussing exactly that.
[Read the rest of Laura’s post at GeekMom!]
