- Share This Post
- Pin It
- 9
-
Sparkle (0)
Have you been to a bookstore or library with your kids lately? Young adult fiction (and non-fiction) is a growing genre (with genres within the genre, even). Especially for the parent who likes to be involved in kids' book choices, the sheer quantity of books available can be overwhelming to the discerning parent.
Thankfully, many parents are using the blogosphere as a tool for helping kids--and their parents--make informed book choices.
Family Reads "dependably delightful reads for kids" is written by a entire family. Mom Lori explained to me that they post reviews of toddler books all the way through young adults, as well as ideas and inspiration for making reading a wonderful part of your family's life:
We're here to maximize your time. We'll supply you with reliable reads so that when you find yourself confronted with a sea of bookshelves in the library or bookstore, you don't have to resort to a random grab of closeby titles or the latest, but not-so-greatest, releases. So check back several times a week and we'll serve up a hearty helping of reading encouragement just for you and your family!
Similarly, Shelf Elf is written by a middle school teacher, with reviews and recommendations, including wonderfully specific ones like this post for searchers looking for books to ring in the Chinese New Year.
BooksForKidsBlog is written by a retired elementary librarian with 32 years experience helping kids choose books. I was amazed by the thoroughness of her reviews--for a perfect example was this post:
Schools have traditionally sought to beat the mid-winter blahs with school-wide science fairs, and the deadline for those outlines sets off the annual search for do-able projects that don't require a parental graduate degree.
Janice VanCleave's Great Science Project Ideas from Real Kids (Janice VanCleave Presents) (Wiley and Son, 2007) is an example of a book which meets the criteria for a good science project guide.
Just One More Book is a podcast on the subject of children's books. It airs several times a week and has been recommended by the American Library Association. They even air interviews with children's book authors and illustrators on a regular basis.
Jen Robinson blogs at Jen Robinson's Book Page. She offers parents an excellent piece of advice on the subject of reading what your kids read:
If you read the books that your children read, the books will naturally lead to discussions about things that are going on in your kids' own lives. This is especially true if you read aloud with your kids even after they are old enough to read on their own. For example, you could ask "What do you think about the fact that Simone doesn't smoke pot, even though her friends do?" or "Would you want to the surgery to be Pretty, if you knew that it would make you look like everyone else, or would you rather be unique?" (bonus points for anyone who recognizes these references). I'm not saying that you should force these discussions, by any means, but it seems like the books could open certain conversational doors, if you let them.
There is even, I learned, a special award for juvenile fiction, hosted by a blogging Dad. It's called CYBILS, and it's an excellent resource for a excellent books for kids. See their list of 2007 finalists here.
I never cease to be amazed at the endless ways the internet (and specifically the blogosphere) offers such useful tools to parents, on a variety of subjects. It's especially helpful to know that my kids and I can take my laptop with us to the library and, thanks to all these blogs, have a brilliant place to start.
Shannon is a Contributing Editor (Mommy and Family) at BlogHer, and she also blogs at Rocks In My Dryer and Bloggy Giveaways. She especially thanks Lori at Family Reads for providing so many great resources for this article!
