There’s no better time than the start of the year to think big and act boldly, to find confidence to be true to oneself and the courage to live it out. Margaret Leonard of Dotters Books in Eau Claire shares six fantastic book picks to inspire kids both young and older.
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
In the face of great adversity, Frida Kahlo used her pain and suffering to create art. Monica Brown does a wonderful job telling Frida’s story in a way that is accessible to kids, focusing on her many pets and the joy, comfort and inspiration they brought to her life. Frida’s willingness to bravely use her chronic pain and personal trials to inspire honest and vulnerable artistic exploration show children that painful experiences do not have to stop you from doing the things you love — they only make you stronger.
Jabari Jumps, written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
This is a simple story about a little boy working up the courage to jump off the diving board for the first time. Jabari is eager to jump, but apprehensive about climbing the tall ladder to the diving board, so his dad shares a technique that he uses when he gets nervous. This sweet story shows kids that sharing your fear with someone you love only makes you stronger and more confident.
Julián is a Mermaid, written and illustrated by Jessica Love
Julián is an imaginative little boy who wants to be a mermaid. While his abuela is in the shower, he puts on her makeup and fashions a mermaid tail out of curtains. When his abuela catches him, he is certain he will be in trouble; instead she gives him a necklace to wear and takes him to a parade full of beautiful sea creatures. She shows him that he is beautiful just the way he is, and his confidence radiates from the page.
Saffron Ice Cream, written and illustrated by Rashin
Rashin has just moved from Iran to New York City and she and her family are going on their first trip to the beach at Coney Island. Along the way, Rashin remembers the time that she spent with her family and friends at the Caspian Sea, swimming and eating delicious saffron ice cream. When they arrive at Coney Island, she sees an ice cream merchant and hopes to enjoy the same flavor, but when she is disappointed a new friend steps in to help her choose a new delicious flavor. It takes courage to move to a new place and make new friends, but Rashin bravely makes herself vulnerable and tries something new.
The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
This series of books for middle-grade children is one of my favorites. The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won are historical fiction; they take place during World War II. Ada and her brother Jamie live in London where Ada has been neglected and abused by her mother because she has a club foot. She is not allowed to walk, leave the house or talk to anyone except her little brother. Defiantly, Ada teaches herself to walk and when children are evacuated from London to keep them safe from air raids, she and Jamie are taken in by Susan, a reluctant caregiver who lives in the English countryside. Over the course of the two books, Ada learns to ride a horse, read and, most importantly, feel secure and confident that she is loved — things she was never able to learn living with her abusive mother. These are beautiful books about a courageous girl who never gives up in the face of unimaginable adversity.
– Margaret Leonard
Margaret Leonard is the owner, along with Jill Heinke Moen, of Dotters Books, an independent bookstore in Eau Claire. The shop, which specializes in books by a diverse range of authors, began as a book club and opened its doors in the fall of 2018. Follow Dotters Books on Instagram and Facebook.