2023 Author: Jessica James | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 03:31
In 2020, it is obvious: you can and should talk with children on topical topics. Why is it important to treat people of all nationalities with respect, how to talk about the problem of slavery with a child, how to learn not to hang bright, turn a blind eye to stereotypes and see the world in all its diversity? These answers can also be found in children's literature. Together with the My Book subscription book service, we have compiled a list of books that will be useful to read with children of all ages.
The Famous Walker & Down Catalog, Davide Morosinotto
In 2016, the book was first published in Italy - circulation sold out at lightning speed. It was then translated into six languages, and the author was awarded several prestigious European awards. If your child is delighted with Tom Sawyer, then he will also like the Famous Catalog. Four American teenagers from different families and different backgrounds, bound by strong friendships, set off on a big trip to Chicago, and along the way, all sorts of opportunities happen to them: there will be dangerous encounters, and chases, and riddles to be solved.
The age mark of the book is 12+. When to read it with your child, you decide. The Famous Catalog covers the events of 1904 in Louisiana - so don't be surprised if you read foul language or racist jokes on the pages. Feel free to choose a book if you are not afraid to show your child a real picture of the world that existed 100 years ago.
Courageous Princesses from Around the World, Natasha Farrant
“A long time ago, in a distant kingdom, the king and the queen had a daughter …” - this is how the story of a girl destined to become a princess begins. “But what qualities should a beautiful princess be endowed with? Diligent, neat, attentive and kind to animals - is that enough? " - thinks her fairy godmother and sets off on a journey to distant countries to learn about other girls who swim in the open sea, fight on a par with knights and are not afraid of wild animals. It turns out that the world outside the kingdom is incredibly different and every person in it is special. A book full of courage, determination and imbued with love for loved ones!
"Brontosaurus - new in class", Pierre Gemm
The book has no age restrictions, so it can be read by both toddlers and children who are going to school. For the first - bright large illustrations of dinosaurs, for the second - an important small text inside.
Dinosaur Bronto is a new student in the class that not everyone liked. For some it is too brown, for others it is too big. Without trying to get to know Bronto better, the classmates began to joke and mock him until they realized they were wrong. A good story to start talking about relationships with classmates and the differences between people to be accepted.
"Manyunya", Narine Abgaryan
“To Mom and Dad - with a feeling of endless love and gratitude” - Narine Abgaryan wrote instead of introducing and told a completely heartfelt story of her life in the tiny, then Soviet Armenian town of Berd, where there is a medieval fortress, stone bridges, steep gorges, and between neighboring children friendship for decades is born.
Don't expect perfect stories and children's plot - Narine is straightforward and frank in details, even if the cover says 7+ (which is why there are so many conflicting reviews of the book on the net). But be sure to read it and offer it to the children when you're ready.
“For children about important things. About Dima and others. How to talk about difficult topics ", Natalia Remish
Natasha Remish is a blogger, mother and author of the "About Peace and Gosha" project. At first, Natasha wrote poetry for her daughter, then they turned into a script for a cartoon, and then the book "Important things to children" was published - short stories on topics that few people dare to write about. “How to tell your child about special children?”, “People of a different nationality - what are they and why shouldn't they be avoided?” - every day little Mira and her mother find themselves in situations that need to be discussed and pronounced. The book will be useful for both children and adults who do not know how to approach "uncomfortable" topics.
"Food of the World", Elena Sereda
Elena Sereda made an understandable children's manual about the culinary traditions of different countries. How did our ancestors eat, and what will the food be like in 50 years? Why in ancient times they practically did not eat sugar, and where did the tradition of making tea come from? It is not recommended to read on an empty stomach. But seriously, Food of the World is another book that blurs the boundaries and delights the little gourmet and traveler, and also makes you think about the value of food now in different parts of the world.
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
It is believed that the publication of the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1852 was one of the reasons for the start of the American Civil War. Despite the fact that almost 170 years have passed since its first publication, the novel is still considered an example of anti-racist literature that has shed light on all the horrors of slavery in America.
However, there are also opposite opinions: in some states the book is still banned, as it repeatedly uses the word "Negro", on the other hand, some people consider the book offensive, as it indicates the excessive passivity of African Americans in the struggle for freedom. In short, the story is worth reading in order to draw your own conclusions with the child.
The book is recommended for middle school students.
