It’s August. Back to school. Hotter days. Shorter days. Autumn is on the horizon but still plenty of summer days left—what a great month! Before jumping into book recommendations I have to mention my fantastic night in July when I visited the Faulkner County Library in Conway, AR for a book signing by Patti Callahan Henry.
Obvious from my post on Novel Pairings, I’m a big Patti Callahan Henry fan! Her author visit did not disappoint. Truth be told, I’ve only been to a few author events. I prefer to read about them from my couch rather than leave my living room. I was determined to see Patti –so off I went accompanied by a stack of her novels and my best friend. Sporting my Friends and Fiction t-shirt, Patti noticed it immediately and kindly introduced herself and chatted with my friend and me. Is this how Taylor Swift fans feel when she acknowledges them in the crowd?
Before launching into her book, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, her speech started with acknowledging the power of the words “let me tell you a story.” It’s so true, isn’t it? An audience captivated as soon as she spoke the words proved her point. Stories are so powerful. You can learn about different worlds, time periods, people, animals, plants, universes—all without going anywhere. Reading can teach, but also give your brain a healthy break—reducing stress and improving your physical health.
Are our kids experiencing these enjoyable benefits? If not, what can we do? August book recommendations include some nonfiction picks for adults—one focusing on the issue of kids spending too much time on electronics and the other focusing on doing good in a world of seemingly endless chaos. Children’s books are also included this month if recreational reading is part of your children’s school-year routine. If it’s not—maybe this is the year the routine is changed. This has been a struggle in my house and is a goal for the year.
August Book Recommendations
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—if you haven’t read it yet put it on your list. Also a great audio book if you prefer to listen. This book goes into details about the rewiring of the childhood brain and includes practical tips and motivation to change course. This book is great for parents, caregivers, teachers, school board officials—anyone who has a child in their life they care about or is invested in the future. Okay—that was broad—I’m enthusiastic about the book. Check this book out and decide if it’s for you or someone you know.
Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn is another nonfiction pick for August. This is timely for the current political climate and tumultuous world landscape. Tightrope goes into rural America, people’s lives and their struggles, government failures, yet still has optimism and a practical outlook. It’s a lovely balance of the painful portrayal of life that many in our country face, what role we play, and where to go. Stay tuned for another post on books co-authored Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn—they are one of my favorite nonfiction duos.
Books for kids—the fun part! Historical World War II fiction and nonfiction seem to be taking the world by storm—for adults and children. Let’s embrace it. For middle schoolers, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose is an energic true story about teenager resilience in Denmark. This book is a great pick if you child has any interest in learning about World War II but struggles to stay interested in books past page 1. Similarly, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a historical fiction regaining popularity in elementary grades. This is a 2-book series so if you find success with book 1 try the next book, The War I Finally Won.
Stay tuned for more fiction recommendations—happy reading!
