friday's five, let's get serious

Happy new year! With a whole new set of twelve months ahead of us, it's the time of goal-making, and all too often those goals are a bit more ambitious than realistic. But when it comes to reading, I'm all for sky-high, lofty goals because even if you don't completely reach the goal, you surely end up having a fantastic experience trying. With that said, another of my goals this year is to keep up with this tradition-- everything old is new again, right?

Let's start the year with a friday's five that's a little different than most-- a bit more serious. This collection of books are intended for children on the older spectrum of the typical picture book audience and could most definitely go beyond that, as well. These books are thought-provoking and encourage extended discussion, so be prepared to answer some questions and share your own opinions with the young readers in your life.

1. The Old Man written by Sarah V. and illustrated by Claude K. Dubois

This book isn't easy to write about, and it won't be easy to share with young children, either. But, it's important, nevertheless. This small-sized picture book introduces a homeless man and presents a day in his life from an outside, objective perspective. His struggles are presented straightforwardly and simply, focusing on the basic needs of shelter, food, and companionship not being met. A young girl's act of kindness brings a smile to the man's face and a moment of happiness, but clearly, his overwhelming issue is not solved by the end of the book. Homelessness is a difficult concept for children to understand, but this book may help to give context to what many children already observe in their worlds.

2. Islandborn written by Junot Díaz and illustrated by Leo Espinosa

Wow. Each time I've read this book, with its words just as vivid as its incredible illustrations, I've been overwhelmed by its beauty. Lola is a young girl tasked with drawing a picture of her native country, and while her classmates can all remember the places where they were born and lived before moving to what appears to be New York City, Lola left "The Island" as a baby and has no firsthand memories. She reaches out to family and community members to share their memories and impressions, and she delights in their joyous and celebratory memories, while also learning of the difficult past of her homeland. Though never named, the story is about the Dominican Republic and its time of dictatorship rule is presented as living under "a monster." There are subtle references to the Mirabal sisters who died fighting the dictator Rafael Trujillo, which I only understood because of the Googling I was inspired to do after reading the book! This book is a lovely and sensitive ode to embracing and celebrating one's culture.
(I included this book even as I'm aware of the accusations of sexual harassment and mistreatment made against Junot Díaz. Weighing it all, I was left feeling that the book was worthy of being shared with children even if its author has much to contend with.)

3. Marwan's Journey written by Patricia de Arias and illustrated by Laura Borràs

War, displacement, and a refugee experience aren't typical topics of children's storybooks, but sadly, they are realities for many children, and older children who don't have firsthand experience still may be aware of news around the world. This touching picture book addresses one child's experience of losing his home and family and being part of a large group of refugees walking toward what they hope will be safety. Details are spare, but it's made clear just how much this child has lost. His hope for a future of security and a return to his homeland is uplifting and helpful for aiding a discussion with children.

4. Let the Children March written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison

The Birmingham Children's Crusade of 1963 is portrayed in this deeply moving and emotional picture book, showing how two young siblings participated in the march even though they were frightened and overwhelmed. Seeing this experience through the eyes of children-- listening to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's speeches and encouragement, being painfully sprayed with fire hoses, being jailed and mistreated but still holding each other up-- is absolutely heartbreaking and a reminder of both the worst and the best in humanity. This history is important for children to learn, and also gives context for the activism of today's youth, inspired by those who came before them and aware of all the work that's left to be tackled.

5. What Can a Citizen Do? written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris

Of the books in this roundup, this is the most appropriate for the youngest audience, starting in preschool. The concept of being a citizen is described in basic terms and a group of children are shown working in ways that help each other and their shared community. The idea of being part of a world bigger than ourselves is presented, and this is an important idea to be shared, again and again, with young children, who are starting to develop that understanding of the world beyond their own experiences. Even the youngest children can be encouraged to participate in activities and experiences that benefit their community and others.


A new year, and a new chance to commit to sharing quality literature with the children in your life. Happy reading!