“JFK”

An unknown sage once wrote: “Learn from the mistakes of others. You don't have time to make them all yourself.” How very wise and true that is.

On a different note, we can and should learn from other people's success, how they handled adversity and learn from their courage and determination.

Each of us can benefit greatly from the advice or knowledge of those who have achieved what they set out to do, and that's what you'll find in the books reviewed below.

What a great way to inspire children (and you as well).

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.“The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain” written and illustrated by Peter Sis, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 52 pages; read aloud: age 9 to adult; read yourself: age 10 to adult.In 1948, Peter Sis was born in Czechoslovakia. That same year the Soviets took control of his country and closed the borders.“I was born at the beginning of it all, on the Red side — the Communist side — of the Iron Curtain.”In school and outside of his home, young artist Peter was told what to draw and what to think.At first he didn't question what he was being told, but later “he found out there were things he wasn't told. This was the time of brainwashing.”Throughout, there were many people who wanted to be free from Communism, and as Peter grew, he was one of them.A deeply personal memoir of the author/artist's life in Communist Czechoslovakia and his ultimate defection is brought forward through his rich, complex art and never-before-seen private photographs and journal entries. A cautionary tale, “The Wall” provides deep reflection on freedom and subtly teaches what transpires when freedom is compromised.Perhaps now more than ever, “The Wall” is a critically important book for Americans of all ages.

Librarian's ChoiceLibrary: Zelienople Public Library, 227 S. High St.Library Director: Jan LawrenceChildren's Services Coordinator: Staci BurrChoices this week: “It's OK to be Different” by Todd Parr; “America's White Table” by Margot Theis Raven; “Far North” by Will Hobbs

Books to BuyThe following books are available from favorite bookstores.“Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me” by Daniel Beaty, illustrated by Bryan Collier, Little, Brown, 2013, 40 pages, $18 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.“Every morning I play a game with my father. He goes knock knock on my door. And I pretend to be asleep till he gets right next to my bed. And my papa, he tells me, 'I love you.'”Then one day, the knock doesn't come. The boy waits, and morning after morning after morning — no more knocking.The boy doesn't understand, and he misses his papa and worries what life will be like without his papa making his special scrambled eggs, teaching him how shave and drive a car.And then the boy finds a letter from his father filled with just the right advice the boy needs to grow up and become a man, despite the fact his papa can't be there with him.A powerful, sensitive story that is uplifting and inspiring, this story is based on the author's own personal experience. Sensitive illustrations perfectly complement this lovely book, making the net result of words with pictures a true gem.“JFK” by Jonah Winter, illustrated by AG Ford, Katherine Tegen Books, 2014, 32 pages, $18 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 8; read yourself: age 7 and older.This biography begins with the author's recollection of the day President John F. Kennedy was shot.But rather than focus on that sadness, author Jonah Winter shares the inspiring story of John F. Kennedy's life, beginning with his love of words and books as a boy and how, with his hard work and determination and how he became President of the United States, inspiring people of this nation and people around the world.A wonderful tribute to Kennedy, this book gently encourages readers to find their own courage to follow their dreams.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website www.greatestbooksforkids.com or kendal@sunlink.net.