Welcome to Writeful! The blog that reminds you of your right to write your story and inspire others to do the same!

Jeesh! The holiday season is in full effect, and so is the gift-giving season! Now is when we are in the streets trying to make our children happy by checking off all the items on their Christmas lists. Sometimes in the quest to find the hottest toys, the fanciest electronics, and the coolest sneakers, we forget to fill their stockings with things that are invaluable…like books! And in doing so, we miss the incredible opportunity to seize the magic of this season!

As 2020 comes to a close, I invite you to introduce or re-introduce the children in your family and your village to the magic, the wonder, and the adventure of reading by purchasing the following types of books to add to their libraries. They don’t have a library? Well, now is a great time to create one for them!

A book featuring characters that look like them

Children at a young age must see themselves represented in the books they read. It validates their existence and their experiences. It lets them know that they are seen and that their lives matter. Their culture and way of life are confirmed, and they are reminded of their worth. Seeing an image that looks like you in books, magazines, movies, etc., screams, “I see your skin. I see your illness. I see your hair. I see your family structure. I see your disability. I see YOU.” This gives them the freedom to show up unequivocally and authentically.

A book featuring characters that don’t look like them

Introducing young children to stories that feature characters that don’t look like them is an awesome way to build your child’s empathy muscle. It gives them the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes and gives them a greater understanding of who they are in the world. The International Literacy Association says it best, “There is a reciprocal relationship between knowledge of others and self-knowledge where knowledge of others deepens self-knowledge, and self-knowledge in turn fosters a desire to know more about others.”

A book about a topic they enjoy

I imagine that there is nothing more boring for a child than reading a book about a topic they have no interest in. How do they develop a love for reading if every book they read is about something they have no interest in? It’s been said that people who don’t like to read haven’t found the right book. I believe that wholeheartedly. Reading books about things that interest them inspires them to read and makes them better at it.

I hope this simple list helps you build a diverse library for your children that represents the world they live in. These types of books promote literacy, self-love, and a love for others! These are the types of books that I vow to create for the little ones globally, whose village I’m honored to be a part of! 

I pray that you and your families are safe and continue to be well. Have a joyous holiday season!

I pray for those who have suffered a loss this year. May peace like you’ve never known fill your hearts and strengthen you as we move forward into a new year.