Books are an ever-popular present around our house. More than likely every member of our family will have a book or two in their stocking, as we are all big fans of new reading material.
I have my eye on this one (Love Warrior) and this one too, even thought I kinda have a love/hate with Brene Brown.
But for the girls I’ve been combing book lists, amazon favorites, and seeing what they are drawn to at the book store. These are a few that have made my short list!
We’ve began the slow dissent into chapter books, deeper topics, and growing our conversations. The girls are hungry for information, and using a book as the catalyst has been an amazing tool. It gives us the ability to talk about Big Topics that are current and important, but with the context from a book, instead of a news headline they heard or read at the store. As such, I’m working to find books that begin to introduce more sensitive topics in ways my, extremely privileged, daughters can relate to and begin to form some feelings about.
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This book, The Lions of Little Rock, is on my list for N. It talks about girl-friendship, the importance of standing up for our friends, and segregation. 
This book, The Other Side, is another book about childhood friendships, segregation, and girl’s connecting. This seems to be a little bit more age appropriate for our youngest (4.5) and I think she’d love the photos and the story.
This book, Molly’s Pilgrim, is one that I think will be educational for all of us, and really captivate the girls. They’re both really interested in understanding where words and holidays come from, and how so many of our great-grandparents came from entirely different countries. This story, about a Russian Jewish family, talks about the origins of Thanksgiving, how teasing and bullying can hurt and effect others, and provides a great perspective on immigration and why people come to America. 
Finally, this book struck a chord with me, and I am ordering it today. The Junkyard Wonders is about a dyslexic student who moves schools and begins new in a special education classroom. The classroom is called The Junkyard, and the new students feelings are hurt and angry at this naming, the story covers the gamut as she reconciles and reclaims the name, gets to know her fellow classmates, and weathers a huge loss.
Here are a few more books on my list that I’m going to read a bit more about!
As the girls grow up, and we see more and more the power of reading and having books that empower thought and new knowledge, I am picking thoughtfully what books I bring into our home. N is on the edge of being a fluent reader, and just like her Dad, once she’s reading she’ll never stop. I want to stock the home up with books she can devour, that will inspire, build up, and also help her begin to have a much wider world understanding than what fun fiction can bring (but lots of that too!).
Also, some of these “children’s” books are ones I am buying more for Charlie and I’s benefit. I often feel out of my depth to explain big problems, current events, or our kids hard questions. These will serve as a bit of a helpful cheat sheet for us!
I’ll be sharing a few more gift guides this coming week/next week, because there is still time to order before Christmas comes! So, get to clicking, soon you’ll be paying a billion dollars for shipping to get it under the tree in time!
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