Book Review

Books

By Kate Duggan Inspiring Children’s Books

This month we’re looking at children’s books that inspire, educate and open minds. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World The latest instalment in the popular Rebel Girls series reveals the stories of athletes, entertainers, business women, activists, creators, scientists, politicians and other inspiring women. Each one is an immigrant and many of them have had to overcome significant challenges to succeed. The mini-biographies only take a few minutes to read and each one is accompanied by an illustration, so it’s a good book for dipping in and out of.

Wonder By R. J. Palacio While some children want to be the centre of attention, Auggie is desperate just to fit in. But his facial disfigurement attracts stares, taunts and even screams. We meet Auggie as he’s about to start school for the first time, after years of being home-schooled. Above anything, Wonder is about friendship, families and acceptance.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Dr Seuss Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is a rousing, rhyming call to the reader to follow their ambitions, forge their own destiny and do it all with a spring in their step. While it’s very optimistic and upbeat, there are also a few reminders that life doesn’t always go according to plan and that sometimes you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try another path. Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf There’s a new boy in class. Ahmet is shy, scared and doesn’t speak much English, but the nine-year-old narrator is determined to make friends with him. And when it turns out that Ahmet could be forever separated from his family due to changes to the refugee laws, the narrator hatches a plan to help. A great book for both children and adults, The Boy at the Back of the Class gently introduces readers to subjects such as refugees, bullying, racism and fairness. My eleven-year-old and I loved it.

Spy Toys By Mark Powers and Tim Wesson The Raggy Dolls meets Toy Story in this action packed adventure. When three toys are rejected as not being fit for purpose, they’re soon recruited for a new mission – protecting the prime minister’s son. From a short-tempered doll to a less-than-cuddly teddy bear, these characters help to prove that differences can be strengths. My eight-year-old will find any excuse not to read, but he happily devoured all three books in the series.

Matilda By Roald Dahl Matilda has been pushed around and kept down her whole life. Her parents openly dislike her. Her headteacher is a sadistic bully. But what they don’t know is that Matilda is a genius, and has unlocked a part of her brain that allows her to do some pretty miraculous things. Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale has been entertaining and inspiring children for generations.

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