Terrific books for boosting kids' confidence
Few people can honestly say they are fearless warriors. In truth, everyone is afraid of something.
It's not at all uncommon for people to be afraid to speak in public, to attend a social function as the newcomer, to be left out, to be the victim of hurtful gossip. The list goes on and on. Humans want to fit in somewhere, to love and be loved, and to have someone to lean on when they feel frightened or alone. This applies to children every bit as much as adults.
Books can often be instrumental is opening up lines of communication with children about issues that either concern them or issues you want the child be more aware of. Today's reviewed books offer just that. Ask your local librarian to direct you to others.
Kids are counting on you for help, protection, guidance, and lots of love and patience. Books can help you achieve those goals. Start today.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"eleven"</B> by Patricia Reilly Giff, Wendy Lamb Books, 165 pages; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.On the eve of his 11th birthday, Sam McKenzie scours the house looking for his hidden gifts. When his search leads him to the attic, what he finds shocks and disturbs him greatly. A locked box with a newspaper hanging halfway out of the lid reveals a picture of Sam as a little boy. Sam wants to know what the article says, but Sam can't read. The only words he can make out are "missing" and his first name, Sam, but a different last name — Bell.What does this mean? Has Sam's life been a lie? Is his gentle, loving grandfather, Mack, really his grandfather? Sam needs the help of someone he can trust to read the article to him. Caroline, the new girl at school, agrees to help Sam unravel his past, and as they work together, they forge a friendship that neither one had ever had before nor believed could happen.Rich and satisfying on multiple levels, "eleven" is certain to capture the attention of readers beginning to end.
<B>Library:</B> Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., Prospect<B>Library director:</B> Jeanne Sarnese<B>Children's librarian:</B> Jill HambleyChoices this week: <B>"Bear Feels Sick"</B> by Karma Wilson; <B>"Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy"</B> by Jane O'Connor; <B>"Help for Dear Dragon"</B> by Margaret Hillert
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Willow's Whispers"</B> by Lana Button, illustrated by Tania Howells, Kids Can Press, 2010, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Willow's words came out in whispers that were so soft, most people couldn't hear what she said. This created problems for Willow, especially in school when someone spoke to her; Willow replied, but they thought she said nothing because her voice was so very tiny.One evening, Willow's dad tells her she has a big, strong voice, but that it just got stuck way inside her. He assures her that such things happen sometimes, and that one day her voice will "wiggle its way out."A reassuring story for anyone who has ever suffered from being shy, "Willow's Whispers" also provides an empathetic glimpse for children who aren't shy to understand how difficult it is for timid people to feel included and be an active part of a group.<B>"Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big"</B> by Chris Paul, illustrated by Frank Morrison, Simon & Schuster, 2009, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 to 8; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Chris Paul loved basketball, and more than anything, he wanted to be on his school's team. But Chris was small; much smaller than any of the other boys trying out. Despite how fast and agile Chris was on the court, he was only 4 feet 1 inch tall. Surely the coach wouldn't give him a second look once he saw what a squirt he was.Encouraged by his family to practice and do his best in tryouts, Chris did exactly that. The coach saw Chris had talent, and he made the team that year. Turns out the coach had a good eye — Chris made it all the way to the NBA, where he has emerged as a star player for the New Orleans Hornets.A true story marked with important messages about family, belief in oneself, courage and the determination to overcome difficult odds, this selection is loaded with good stuff.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: Kendal@sunlink.net.
