Media Matters

 Book by Linda Sue Park This is such a fabulous book! Although it tells the heartbreaking story of one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan, it is also filled with hope, determination, and examples of compassion. It makes me feel gratitude for all the things I normally take for granted: safety, a home, a family, an education, opportunities, and clean readily available water. It also makes me want to make a difference in the world. This would be a great book to read for Thanksgiving, then afterwards earn money to donate to a charity that helps provide clean water to people. Note: It does briefly mention several deaths: one by gunshot, several by wild animal, and several by thirst. It is not at all gratuitous, but could affect younger or more sensitive readers. Highly recommended for ages 10+

Book by Stephanie Burgis. Charming story of a young dragon who is turned into a human girl and discovers a passion for chocolate. This would be perfect for 7-10 year olds, and would be even more fun paired with a gourmet chocolate tasting to celebrate the completion of the book. Or read it aloud while sipping hot chocolate!

 Book by Laurie Halse Anderson. This is an excellent historical fiction novel set during the Revolutionary War that is told from the perspective of a young slave girl. It felt slow to me at the beginning, but by the time I reached the halfway point, I couldn’t put it down. The content is appropriate for ages 11+, with some violence/gore portrayed (beatings, a branding, and diseased bodies/wounds).

 Book by Holly Goldberg Sloan. This is an engaging book that is at times heartbreaking, but also hopeful. Several of the plot points strain plausibility, so if you are looking for an ultra realistic book, this is not it. But if you are willing to gloss over the less than realistic aspects and take this story as a metaphor about life and family, grief and moving on, planting and belonging, I would recommend it for ages 10-adult. It would also be a meaningful extension to plant some sort of garden after reading this book with your kids.

This is a movie about the teenage sister of Sherlock, and it is so much fun! Although I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children, as there is a bit of violence, I would feel very comfortable with ages 11-adult enjoying this movie together. There is a sequel (Enola Holmes 2) that is equally charming! Both movies are based off of a book series by Nancy Springer. Although I haven’t read them yet, I am under the impression they are enjoyable mysteries geared to a similar age range.