Media Matters

 Picture book by Andrea Wang. This is a lovely, wistful book about the power of memory and having a grateful heart. Recommended for older children.

Short chapter books by Gloria Whelan. This historical fiction series is part of the Stepping Stones series of books.  They tell the story of two families, one white settlers and the other Native Americans, who become friends and help each other in 1840s Michigan. These are well written and a good introduction to the historical fiction genre. They read more like short vignettes and leave things open-ended rather than a more traditional plotline with closure. The titles are: 1. Next Spring an Oriole 2. Night of the Full Moon 3. Shadow of the Wolf They are best read in order.

 This is an animated TV series that is very funny and good-hearted. Three things to notice: 1. Although Candace is obsessed with getting her brothers in trouble, at her core she still loves them. In fact, the whole family genuinely loves each other. Even the “villain” has a teenage daughter he loves. It is a very pro-family show. 2. The title characters include all the neighborhood kids in their fun, and often the whole town. It doesn’t matter if you’re an immigrant or even an occasional bully; if you want to play, you’re included. 3. These kids don’t spend their time staring at screens. They wake up each day ready to use their imaginations and hard work to create something awesome. Note: the bully character occasionally mentions giving someone a “wedgie”.

This is a fantastic series with interesting characters having small episodic adventures that contribute to an overarching plot. You will be moved by Ang’s goodness, Zuko’s redemption, and Uncle Iro’s wisdom. Note: there are some battles and war images that may be frightening to younger children.

This exquisite animated musical is top notch. It brings the story of Moses to life and reminds us that faith can bring miracles! I feel the Spirit every time I watch it. Note: there is a theater version, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the movie version, as it watered down the religious elements, thereby missing the point.

  This is the true story of Wilburforce abolishing slavery in England. Powerful stuff!

This is the true story of the King of England overcoming a stutter to lead a nation. Note: there is one scene of excessive profanity used as a speech exercise. An edited version may be available.

This is one of my favorite animated movies with some important life lessons: keep moving forward, don't hold onto grudges, failures lead to successes, take responsibility for your own life rather than blaming others, etc

  This unconventional sports movie helps prompt a discussion of priorities. Is your focus on winning or losing? Or is it on doing your best? It also helps teach the principle of perseverance in an unforgettable way.

This movie is a powerful portrayal of the principle that acting in anger or revenge can hurt you and the people around you. It’s also a good introduction to ideas such as loyalty and unity.

This animated movie would be a great springboard to a discussion of the dangers of stereotyping or judging based on outward appearance.

This darling cartoon has a surprising amount of depth and room for discussion of the various vignettes. Discuss compassion/selflessness/sacrifice as Charlie Brown helps his little sister. Discuss honesty/integrity as Charlie Brown turns down an award he didn’t earn.  Also discuss popularity, how we view others, what traits do you look for in a friend, etc.

The main theme of the movie is: “Have courage and be kind”. Other points to discuss: the fairy godmother reveals herself only after Cinderella shows kindness; Cinderella forgives her stepmother and pities her stepsisters; Contrast her mother vs. her stepmother (femininity and grace vs. coarseness and vulgarity, etc)

This is the true story of Dr. Ben Carson, and is a testament to the power of education, self discipline, and the power of a mother’s love. It is a book that has also been made into a movie. Both are excellent.

This drama is based on a true story, and is a great way to discuss staying true amidst pressures to compromise your values. Note: there is some profanity.

This true story celebrates an unlikely football player’s  hard work and perseverance. Note: there is some profanity.

This movie is based on the true story of three African American women who worked at NASA during the sixties. Discussion topics could include determination, assertiveness, taking the initiative to learn something new, smart women, the civil rights movement, and the history of NASA.

Important note: this is rated R for very realistic and disturbing war violence; however, if you can stomach that or can get an edited version, it is fantastic. It is the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who volunteers as an army medic, refuses to touch any weapon, but through sheer bravery and determination and divine help saves the lives of 75 men. You will be inspired by his repeated prayer: “Lord, help me save one more…”

This is a fantastic movie musical loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum. It is very entertaining, with wildly catchy songs and dance numbers, but it is also enlightening.  Barnum comes to realize that in the end, the thing that matters most is family, both his own and his circus "family". People and relationships should always come first, and when he lost sight of that, that's when he nearly lost them. The song the famous opera singer sings says "All the shine of a thousand spotlights, All the stars we steal from the night sky, Will never be enough. Towers of gold are still too little, These hands could hold the world but it'll Never be enough." In other words, when he is chasing fame and fortune and prestige, everything she represents, he will never find happiness, it will never be enough. And as a counterpoint to that, the song they sing at the very end both at the circus and while he watches his daughter's dance recital says "It's everythi...

This movie is based on a true story in LDS church history. So many great themes to discuss: Faith, following the prophet, miracles, gifts of the spirit, meekness, sacrifice, obedience, redemption, inspired callings that help us learn/grow/change our hearts, opportunities to serve…

This is a d arling wordless cartoon about being willing to ask for help when you need it, forgiveness when you mess up, and the power of a community coming together to help someone.

True story of a poor working class kid who ends up winning the US Open as an amateur against the best British professional golfer of all time. It addresses the class snobbery that surrounded golf and society in general in the early 1900’s. It’s also a great study in performance psychology. And you’ll fall in love with his spunky 10 year old caddy.

This animated movie c ould elicit interesting discussions about bullying, peer pressure, forgiveness, loyalty, the why of obedience, etc. And the historical nods are fun.

A funny, heartwarming story of a man who learns to enjoy the moment he’s in rather than dreaming of future moments. Note: there are a few mild cusses and one mention of the word “erection” as a language mishap. Thematically more appealing to teens and adults.